Toronto-based hard rock trio Danko Jones formed in 1996 and quickly built a dedicated following through relentless touring, a strategy that continues to define their career.
From Garage Shows to Global Stages
Table of Contents
The band’s commitment to live performance propelled them from local venues to opening for rock icons.
- Danko Jones initially focused on building a fanbase through live shows before recording.
- A pivotal moment came in 2002 when they opened for the Rolling Stones at Toronto’s Palais Royale.
- The band’s latest album, Leo Rising, released in November 2025, is described as a high-energy rock and roll offering.
- Their single “Full of Regret” achieved notable chart success and appeared in the NHL 11 video game.
- Despite numerous accolades, the band prioritizes connecting with fans through energetic live performances.
Initially, Danko Jones—comprised of vocalist and guitarist Danko Jones, bassist John “JC” Calabrese, and drummer Rich Knox—didn’t prioritize recording. Their focus was on honing their sound and connecting with audiences through energetic live shows. Their self-titled six-song EP, released through Sonic Unyon in 1998, marked their first official release, followed by the critically acclaimed, self-produced EP My Love Is Bold the following year, earning them a Juno Award nomination for best alternative album.
Opening for Legends
After a compilation release and a European tour in 2001, Danko Jones released their first full-length album, Born A Lion, in 2002. This breakthrough led to an unforgettable opportunity: opening for the Rolling Stones at the ‘40 Licks’ tour kickoff show at Toronto’s Palais Royale. “Sharing the stage with the Rolling Stones at the Palais Royale in 2002 is a standout memory,” Calabrese recalled. “Each member of the band had one guest allowed, and I had my dad come out to the show.”
Years of Touring and Accolades
The band continued to build momentum, touring extensively across Europe and the U.K. in 2008 with Motörhead and Saxon. Throughout their career, Danko Jones has received multiple Juno Award nominations, including a recent nod in 2024 for metal/hard music album of the year for Electric Sounds, marking their second nomination in the category. “Every time we release an album, it is a sense of accomplishment,” Calabrese reflected. “Being nominated for multiple Juno Awards is also a great recognition from the Canadian music industry.”
What truly defines success for Danko Jones, however, is the connection they forge with their audience. “As far as accolades go, the best accolade is to see people leave our show with a smile on their face after being entertained with our music,” Calabrese stated.
Leo Rising: A New Chapter
Since Born A Lion, Danko Jones has released 11 more studio albums, culminating in their most recent offering, Leo Rising, which arrived in November 2025. Produced by long-time collaborator Eric Ratz, the album has been described as potentially their “most uplifting and inspirational” record to date. “[Leo Rising] is indeed a high energy rock-and-roll album from us,” Calabrese explained. “[It has] no compromises and no holdbacks. It’s what you would expect from rock-and-roll veterans like us. It is filled with anthems and full-on rock-and-roll action.”
The album was preceded by the single “Everyday Is Saturday Night,” inspired by the band’s constant touring schedule. “Being on the road constantly touring tends to blend all days into one,” Calabrese explained. The song’s music video features a cinematic journey through the streets of Osaka, Japan, filmed by Italian cinematographer Giacomo Triglia, known for his work with artists like Brunori Sas, Jovanotti, Eros Ramazotti, Lucio Dalla, and Eurovision 2021 winners Måneskin. “Having [Triglia] involved in the project was great as he brought his vision and artistic approach to it,” Calabrese stated.
Other notable tracks on Leo Rising include the infectious “What You Need,” “Diamond In The Rough” featuring Marty Friedman on lead guitar, and Calabrese’s personal favorite, “I Love It Louder.”
The Rising Tour and Beyond
Danko Jones is currently supporting Leo Rising with their Rising tour. A sold-out leg in Germany from November to December 2025 proved a highlight. Upcoming tour dates include Canada and Europe, with a Canadian leg running in January and February across six cities, followed by Scandinavia and the U.K. from April through August, concluding with a final show in November. Fans can anticipate the band’s signature high-energy rock-and-roll performance.
Reflecting on their longevity, Calabrese emphasized the band’s unwavering dedication. “It means persistence,” he said. “It means never giving up. It means having faced adversity. It means [experiencing] many highs and many lows […] It is not a hobby or a pastime, it is our life and it is treated with the utmost detail, care and immediacy.”
Calabrese expressed optimism for the future, confident that Danko Jones remains true to its core principle: building a strong live reputation. “We played relentlessly around Toronto and the northeastern U.S., opening for whoever would have us, and that grind turned into the band people know now,” he stated. “The band has not lost the love for music that launched our venture into the world of music, and the passion for wanting to continue is still there.”
Danko Jones’s 12th album, Leo Rising, is now available across streaming platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify. The group’s 2026 Canadian tour, Rising, will come to Winnipeg on Feb. 4 at the Park Theatre (tickets are sold out).
