Hamilton’s Arkells connect with fans, community ahead of The Rally concert

Hamilton’s Arkells were back in the city Friday promoting their Rally concert Saturday at Hamilton Stadium, meeting with hundreds of fans.

Saturday is shaping up to be the perfect day as the Arkells are set to host another much-anticipated edition of “The Rally” at the stadium.

Back where it all started, on the street they named their band after – which now has a new name: Arkells Alley.

This is where the band first met while going to McMaster University.

“I like that they are so connected with the community of Hamilton, and they do small things like this,” said one fan who was able to meet with the band Friday.

“I think they have really good roots with the Hamilton community, and I’m going to McMaster and I just love their music,” said another fan.

The Arkells were in town to promote their rally taking place Saturday.

They said it’s a day to celebrate all things Hamilton – the city that made them.

They also say it’s “a big rock ‘n roll show in a football stadium.”

“I think it’s going to be great,” said the band’s guitarist Mike DeAngelis. “I think we are going to get a beautiful day, we are going to roll with The Rally market, bike ride – we are excited, can’t wait.”

Max Kerman, the singer and ‘front dude’ for the band, said that their Hamilton fans are different from fans from other areas.

“They’ve been with us the longest – they know the old stuff from Jackson Square – I met someone here that saw us,” said Kerman. “They know the old stuff and they know the new stuff – it’s right at home.”

Friday afternoon, the band interacted with fans and played some games at the basketball court they helped pay for at Woodlands Park.

“Seeing everyone here as one, it’s amazing seeing how sports bring everyone together,” said one fan at the park.

Some fans said they liked the “very local” band’s music, and how much fun it was to be able to take a photo with members of the band.

When asked about how he felt about performing in front of their Hamilton fans Saturday, Kerman said the whole experience was “like a fever dream.”

“We are going to walk on stage and think ‘what is going on…wow’,” said Kerman.

The Rally will take place Saturday at the Hamilton Stadium, and at last check, there are still some tickets available for purchase.

WATCH MORE: Arkells announce return of ‘The Rally’ concert to Hamilton Stadium