What makes a good concert is a question Kelly Alexander answers with a specific recent example. The show felt, she says, like being taken to church. Nothing about that had to do with the lighting cues.

 

The artist was genuinely present, talked to the crowd, chose an intimate venue over a larger arena, and made everyone feel connected. Alexander calls the current alternative a cookie cutter mentality and argues that is exactly why certain tours are being cancelled before they begin. Zayn Malik is her example of an artist whose team overshot the room.

 

COVID changed the live music habit for younger fans, Alexander says. They spent years falling in love with artists online and never built the urgency to see them live. The artists who maintain mystique by going away for a while, she says, are the ones who still fill rooms when they return.

 

Topics: what makes a good concert, concert connection, cookie cutter tours, Zayn Malik cancelled, COVID concert culture

 

GUEST: Kelly Alexander | virginradio.ca/montreal/shows/kelly-alexander.html


Originally aired on 2026-05-12

What makes a good concert is a question Kelly Alexander answers with a specific recent example. The show felt, she says, like being taken to church. Nothing about that had to do with the lighting cues.
&nbsp;
The artist was genuinely present, talked to the crowd, chose an intimate venue over a larger arena, and made everyone feel connected. Alexander calls the current alternative a cookie cutter mentality and argues that is exactly why certain tours are being cancelled before they begin. Zayn Malik is her example of an artist whose team overshot the room.
&nbsp;
COVID changed the live music habit for younger fans, Alexander says. They spent years falling in love with artists online and never built the urgency to see them live. The artists who maintain mystique by going away for a while, she says, are the ones who still fill rooms when they return.
&nbsp;
Topics: what makes a good concert, concert connection, cookie cutter tours, Zayn Malik cancelled, COVID concert culture
&nbsp;
GUEST: Kelly Alexander | virginradio.ca/montreal/shows/kelly-alexander.html
 Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-05-12

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.