30 Years of Our Lady Peace: Why This Band Deserves More Love

One of my all-time favorite Our Lady Peace music videos - will the future blame us

When you think about Canadian alternative rock, you might think of big names like The Tragically Hip or Arcade Fire. But here’s the thing: Our Lady Peace? Criminally underrated. Yeah, I said it. And you know what? 2025 marks their official anniversary as a band, and they've been flying under the radar for too long.

These guys Raine Maida (vocals), Duncan Coutts (bass), Jason Pierce (drums), and Steve Mazur (guitar), gave us not just one, but a handful of albums that are nothing short of genius—the kind of stuff that hits deep in your gut and doesn’t let go.

The Start of Something Special

Formed in 1992 in Toronto, Our Lady Peace wasn’t just another alternative rock band—they were a game changer. The group quickly made a name for themselves with their intense and emotive music that combined alt-rock grit with raw vulnerability.

Their debut album, Naveed, released in 1994, shook the Canadian music scene. The album’s raw intensity, poetic lyrics, and infectious melodies introduced listeners to a band with something serious to say. But it wasn’t just about the album—it was the song “The Birdman” that really made people sit up and pay attention. This track was the spark that launched OLP into the limelight, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the alt-rock scene.

But OLP wasn’t just about hits and chart success. Their music tapped into something deeper, often exploring themes of love, loss, hope, and the human condition. Their music was cathartic. It was that album you turned to when you needed to feel understood. And it still is today.

Meet the Band: The Faces Behind the Sound

Like any band with longevity, Our Lady Peace has gone through a few lineup changes over the years. But one thing has stayed constant: Raine Maida. His unmistakable voice and introspective lyrics are the heart of OLP’s sound

Today the band consists of Raine Maida , Duncan Coutts , Steve Mazur and Jason Pierce Each member has brought their own flavor to OLP’s sound, evolving it while keeping their core identity intact.

A Song You NEED to Hear: “Will the Future Blame Us

(As you can see in the video attached to this review, this one is a must-listen.)

Okay, let’s talk about this song. If you haven’t heard “Will the Future Blame Us”, we need to have a serious conversation. Go listen to it. Right now. Then come back.

This track? It’s a whole damn vibe. The raw energy, the guitar riffs, the lyrics that demand you feel something—it’s everything I love about OLP wrapped into one song. It gets stuck in your head in the best way possible, and honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

It’s proof that after 30 years, OLP still has that magic. They’re not just living off nostalgia—they’re still making relevant, fresh, hard-hitting music.

My Personal Journey With Our Lady Peace

Now, here’s the thing: I grew up listening to Our Lady Peace. Here in Newfoundland, we have the radio stations like 97.5 K-Rock and OZFM that were always playing their hits. But even though I heard their music constantly, I never fully connected with it until I was older—in my twenties, to be exact (the age I am now well 22 ).

But boy, once I finally gave their catalog the attention it deserved, I couldn’t stop. There was something about their music that I had completely missed as a kid. Maybe it was the depth of the lyrics or the way the band’s sound evolved over the years, but I became hooked.

And who would’ve thought that a few years later, I would be in the photo pit, shooting them up close?

I’ll never forget the first time I heard the opening of “Clumsy” live. I couldn’t believe it—I was actually witnessing Our Lady Peace perform live, right in front of me. It was surreal, a full-circle moment that I still can’t quite wrap my head around.

And the best part? Raine Maida actually saw my pictures. Not only did he notice them, but he said, “I love the technique you’ve done on these pics!”

I mean… RAINE MAIDA SAID THAT?! It’s not every day you get that attention from one of the most talented lead singers in Canadian music

And To make it even better, I’ve shown him reviews of their music, and he’s responded with, “Thanks, appreciate you Alyssa.”

Like… Raine knows my name! That’s just next-level stuff for a fan like me.

The OLP30 Anniversary Tour

Here’s the big news: 2025 marks 30 years since the band’s inception, and they’re celebrating with their OLP30 Tour.

The tour kicks off February 19 in Calgary and will hit cities like Edmonton, Victoria, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Moncton, Halifax, and more. And guess what? Collective Soul will be joining them on select dates. As if that wasn’t awesome enough, Wintersleep and Ash Molloy will be opening for them in Eastern Canada—and get this, Hotel Mira (one of my absolute favorites) will also be opening for them! And more guests

The tour is going to be an absolute celebration of everything OLP has done over the last 30 years. The energy is going to be unreal.

Oh, and did I mention? OLP just got inducted into the Canada Walk of Fame. If there’s any band that deserves this honor, it’s Our Lady Peace.

But Wait… Where’s St. John’s on the tour dates ?

As excited as I am for this tour, I can’t help but feel a little disappointed. Where is the St. John’s date?

In my opinion I think Our Lady Peace needs to come to St. John’s on this anniversary tour. I know they’ve been here for music festivals before, but come on—they have to do a dedicated show in this city The energy of St. John’s OLP fans is unmatched, As of now, there’s no official date for here in the province but fingers crossed, because I will be front and center for that show if it happens

New Music: OLP Vol 30

Speaking of the incredible impact Our Lady Peace continues to have, let’s talk about their recent work. In celebration of their 30th anniversary, they’ve been releasing a series of EPs titled OLP Vol 30. The first two volumes have already dropped, and let me tell you—these EPs are a mix of some classic OLP sounds with fresh new tracks that make you sit up and take notice. Sound the Alarm (from OLP30 Vol. 1) and I Wanna Be Your Drug (from OLP30 Vol. 2) are standouts that capture the spirit of what OLP has always been about: powerful lyrics, killer riffs, and that unmistakable energy.

But there’s more—OLP Vol 3 is out now! , and it’s got a brand-new song, No Angels in This Town, (which I’ll definitely be reviewing soon) . The fact that they’re still pumping out music that resonates with both new and old fans shows just how much of a powerhouse this band really is. And with a new album on the horizon, I can’t wait to see where they go next.

The Walk of Fame: A Well-Deserved Honor

To add even more reason to celebrate, Our Lady Peace was inducted into the Canadian Walk of Fame, which is such a huge honor and a testament to their incredible legacy. These guys have been at the forefront of Canadian rock for decades, and to see them recognized in this way is so well deserved.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—Our Lady Peace, a band that has been criminally underrated for far too long, is finally getting the recognition they deserve. From their incredible catalog of music to their unwavering dedication to their craft, this band has more than earned its place as one of the best in Canadian rock history. Here’s to 30 years, and here’s to many more.