Category: Events

Richard Beland Marks 40 Years Behind the Lens with Our Immortal Stars at Toronto’s Liss Gallery

Exhibition Dates: October 17 – November 29 | Artist Appearance: October 25 | VIP Preview: 1:00 PM–3:00 PM | Public Opening: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM ET


For nearly four decades, Richard Beland has transformed the power of live music into timeless visual art. The acclaimed Canadian photographer — known for his unmatched ability to translate sound into image — unveils his latest exhibition, Our Immortal Stars, opening October 17 at Liss Gallery in Toronto. Running through November 29, this collection stands as both a retrospective and a celebration of the enduring spirit of music.

Beland’s photographs have long served as the visual memory of modern music — spanning explosive live shows and intimate studio portraits alike. His new exhibition highlights the depth and diversity of his career, featuring work that captures everyone from global icons to homegrown Canadian legends. Each image is a study in emotion, precision, and the invisible thread that connects performer and audience.

Since first stepping into the photo pit in 1986, Beland has built a career defined by patience, instinct, and an unerring eye for the decisive moment. His lens has immortalized acts such as Coldplay, The Tragically Hip, and countless others, resulting in an archive that bridges genres, decades, and generations.

Beland’s photography has appeared in leading publications including Rolling Stone, SPIN, Mojo, Kerrang!, People, and Maclean’s. His artistry has earned accolades such as a Juno Award nomination for Album Design of the Year and Canadian Country Music Award honours for his collaborations with Jason McCoy and Johnny Reid.

With more than 3,000 concerts captured — including over 100 shows by The Tragically Hip — Beland’s images have become part of the collective memory of live performance. He’s photographed 11 Glastonbury Festivals, 2 Woodstocks, and a long list of Lollapaloozas and Edgefests, cementing his place among the world’s foremost chroniclers of rock and popular music.

In a world dominated by smartphone snapshots and fleeting social posts, Beland’s work remains a masterclass in authenticity and technical excellence. His photographs don’t just document performances — they reveal the emotion and energy that define them. Each frame invites viewers to experience what it feels like to stand in the light, in the noise, in the moment.

Since 2007, Beland has also served as the official photographer for Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, where more than 200 of his prints line the backstage hallways and theatre lobby. This permanent collection stands as a living tribute to live music and Beland’s relentless pursuit of artistic truth.

Outside the photo pit, Beland continues to shape the future of visual storytelling as Program Coordinator of the Digital Photography Program at Lambton College, which he developed and designed. His teaching philosophy mirrors his craft: a blend of technical mastery, creative intuition, and total presence in the moment.

“When the lights go down, I’m completely in the music,” says Beland. “Every image should feel as alive as the sound — not just what it looks like, but what it feels like.”

Our Immortal Stars is more than an exhibition — it’s a living archive of sound, light, and emotion. Through Richard Beland’s lens, audiences are reminded that while songs may fade from the stage, their spirit remains immortal.

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NorthStar Bets Presents: A Celebration of The Hip for ALS

Friday, October 4th, 2025 | The Rec Room Roundhouse, Toronto | 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Toronto is about to host one of the most unforgettable nights of the year: A Celebration of The Hip for ALS, a night dedicated to the music of The Tragically Hip and the community that continues to carry their legacy forward.

Hosted by jD, creator of The Tragically Hip Top 40 Countdown podcast, the event brings together 400 passionate Hip fans under one roof for a cause that matters deeply — raising funds for the ALS Society of Canada in memory of Matthew Rona, a beloved friend whose resilience echoes Gord Downie’s own fight. The goal: raise $15,000 for ALS research, awareness, and support services.


What to Expect

🎶 The Strictly Hip, Live
Widely regarded as modern masters of The Tragically Hip’s music, The Strictly Hip will headline the night, giving fans the closest experience to seeing the original band live.

🏆 The Top 40 Countdown Finale
Months of voting and debate all come down to this moment: the reveal of the #1 Tragically Hip song of all time. Which track will top the list? Be there to find out.

🎤 Special Guests: Tara Slone & Richard Beland
This year’s lineup goes beyond the music. Tara Slone — beloved Canadian broadcaster, musician, and advocate — joins the evening to connect with fans and celebrate the enduring spirit of the band.
In addition, acclaimed rock photographer Richard Beland will present a stunning showcase from his decades spent photographing The Tragically Hip, sharing rare stories and behind-the-lens insights that capture the band’s legacy like never before.

🖼️ Silent Auction
An online and in-person auction will feature incredible items — from Blue Jays and Raptors memorabilia to Tragically Hip collectibles, art, wine, and more. The auction opens October 1st and runs until 11:30 PM ET on October 4th, meaning you can take part whether you’re in the room or supporting from home.

A Few Surprises
We’ll keep some things under wraps — but expect a night filled with music, memory, and unexpected magic.


Why ALS?

ALS has left a mark on this community, taking lives but never silencing voices. This event channels the passion of Hip fans into something meaningful: funding research, providing support, and raising awareness. Together, we’ll turn grief into action.


Be Part of It

Tickets are moving fast, and with just 400 available, this intimate night is set to sell out. Don’t miss your chance to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow fans, experience The Hip’s music live, and be part of a cause that matters.

👉 Grab your tickets now

Join us Friday, October 4th, at The Rec Room Roundhouse. Together, we’ll celebrate the music we love, honour the memories we share, and raise our voices for those who can’t.

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