There was a lot of screaming.
On Monday night, Justin Bieber performed a sold-out, acoustic benefit show at the Danforth Music Hall, located near Broadview and Danforth Avenues.
The concert was expected to begin at 8 p.m., but some ticket-holders lined up way before show time.Tickets for the show were primarily sold as general admission, meaning seating would be on a first-come, first-serve basis. For this reason, some fans, like 16-year-old Sirsly Etrue, began lining up as early as 24 hours before the concert began.
“I started waiting since 5:30 p.m. yesterday. I left in the morning because I had to go to (class) for a presentation — but I came back at 1 o’clock,” she said. “My two friends held my spot while I was gone.”
By 1 p.m., lines were stretched from the Music Hall to steps away from the Broadview and Danforth intersection.
Doors opened at 6:30.
During the concert, Bieber performed songs from his latest album, Purpose, as well as older hits, including Baby, One Time and One Less Lonely Girl. Other performances included a cover of fellow Canadian artist Drake, and his song Hotline Bling.
Bieber went on to thank all those who made the concert possible. He added that he hoped to inspire everyone listening.
This included the fans in the venue as well as those watching the live stream that was made available on the singer’s website.
“I want you coming with whatever you walked in here with and leaving with something amazing,” he said to the crowd.
He went on to admit to attendees that he is aware that he’s made mistakes, but thinks that’s something that is normal.
“I keep falling, but I’m gonna keep getting up,” he said. “It’s important to be yourself.”
All proceeds from the concert will go to the Stratford House of Blessing, a charity in Stratford, Ont. that supported Bieber’s mother in the past.
This act of giving back has become one of the many reasons fans love Bieber.
“I love Justin. He is an amazing artist,” Etrue said. “I think he’s always giving back. It’s kind of what his motto is. It’s amazing.”
Bieber is expected to return to Toronto on May 18, to perform at the ACC as a part of his Purpose World Tour.
