Back in 2003, former N’SYNC member, Justin Timberlake performed at the Toronto SARS Benefit Show.
In one of his talk show appearances, he recounted and reflected about the poor reception given to him by his Canadian audience during the charity concert.
In the same interview, he jokingly said he is still traumatized by the events that transpired that night. Despite being a generally peaceful nation, his memories of Canada will always go back to that unfortunate evening.
Toronto incident has not changed Justin’s love for Canada and Canadians
Despite the event, the singer’s affection towards Canadians has not decreased at all. He has no ill feelings about the treatment he received and was aware of the demographic he was performing to that night.
In the Graham Norton show, he recalls the incident fondly, even saying how impressed he was of himself that night, especially in the way he handled the unexpected behavior. He continued his performance despite that 2003 fiasco because that was what he came there to do. He wasn’t just about ready to let a few urine-filled bottles stop him from entertaining those in the audience that appreciated his music.
It’s been almost two decades but moments from that concert still haunts him. Justin admitted that managing the situation professionally does not mean that he is not disappointed. Timberlake told Graham that he adored Canada and Canadians and the incident has not changed anything in his mind. Justin still loves Canada because he had many concerts there since 2003. He had US and Canada tours many times. Timberlake performed on the stadium and big halls of Ontario, Toronto, and Vancouver. The popular artist is also a fan of visiting Canada just for gambling. Canada is very popular because of the casino resorts. The country has big casino resorts in every major city. Unlike Las Vegas, Justin Timberlake was spotted in many casino resorts of Canada. He has been even praised and recognized as the greatest singer by casino billionaires of Canada. Local casino resorts have arranged special nights for him. Paparazzi have spotted him many times in Toronto, especially with the same route. He loves attending VIP nights at casino resorts followed by playing favorite roulette games. His love of casino games is not limited by real-life. Justin played a leading role in a movie called “runner, runner”. Timberlake played a character that loves casino games as much as he does in real-life.
Justin Timberlake’s Worst Memories from Toronto concert
During a guesting at the Graham Norton show, he went on to tell the story of how he found himself doing a benefit concert in Canada. According to him, Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones invited him to perform at the Toronto fundraiser. Still fresh from his “Justified” album debut, he agreed to make an appearance in front of an estimated 450,000 audience.
In those days, Timberlake’s music circulated the charts and channels like MuchMusic and MTV. However, his fame status did not even make a dent, compared to the acts and artists set to perform that night. Amid music legends like the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, and Guss Who, he couldn’t help but feel like an outlier in a lineup that featured music greats. He says he had an inkling that things must end up as a disaster, and it did.
He didn’t remember much except that it was all a blur. Looking back, he was astounded at how bad things went for him during the show. As soon as he opened his set, he recalled, bottles of urine started flying towards him from the crowd. He was only able to take temporary shelter against the nasty projectiles when he sat behind the keyboard to sing one of his hit songs, Senorita. But despite the untoward experience, he says he still had good fun that night.
Toronto’s Incident Still Haunts Justin
Although the incident happened 17 years ago, the Senorita singer still carries a bit of trauma when looking back at that infamous SARS benefit. He may be able to joke about his experience now. But a scenario like that truly sticks. That night is now an interestingly epic story about how he was pelted with bottles by impatient baby boomers.
At least when that kind of situation happens to him again, the slight trauma he carries will transform into a superpower that’ll allow him to take on any audience in his future shows.
