Greg Keelor pondered his thoughts on Donald Trump all evening. As Blue Rodeo geared up to perform “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” on Saturday at Toronto’s RBC Amphitheatre, Keelor, the band’s lead singer, knew the song’s significance had evolved with the lyric, “Out in the middle of Lake Ontario.”
Mulling over the idea of criticizing the U.S. president, who recently issued an executive order to rename the lake as “Lake America,” Keelor contemplated a different approach. He decided that letting the song speak for itself would suffice. “I didn’t have to say much. Just getting to that line was going to blow the roof off the place,” he shared.
During the performance, Keelor urged the audience of approximately 16,000 to chant “Lake Ontario” with conviction, as the actual lake served as a backdrop. The crowd enthusiastically echoed the line, emphasizing the lake’s significance in the song’s context.
A visual of Lake Ontario was displayed on screens behind the band, a request made by Keelor before the show. The moment went viral, capturing global attention as Trump’s attempt to rename the shared Great Lake stirred emotions internationally.
The audience’s passionate response surpassed Keelor’s expectations. He expressed surprise at the overwhelming emotional reaction, acknowledging the changed significance of the lyrics. He criticized Trump’s actions as “insulting” and reflective of the president’s behavior, labeling him as “ignorant” and likening him to a petulant child.
Despite the controversy, Keelor found a sense of unity in the situation, emphasizing Canadians’ resilience. To him, Lake Ontario holds a deep personal significance beyond a mere geographical feature, symbolizing unity and timelessness.
Reflecting on the lake’s historical and cultural significance, Keelor emphasized its importance beyond political boundaries. He condemned the American people for electing Trump and expressed disappointment in the current political climate, leading Blue Rodeo to scale back on U.S. tours.
As Google Maps adopted “Lake America” for U.S. users, Keelor criticized corporate compliance with Trump’s actions. He highlighted the significance of maps and the impact of political decisions on geographical identities.
Amid the political turmoil, Keelor hinted at potential smaller, impromptu performances by Blue Rodeo. The band has embraced its role in channeling Canadian sentiment against American policies, seeing their music as a rallying point for national unity and energy.