BILLY TALENT celebrate the 20th anniversary of their landmark album ‘Billy Talent II’ with special Germany shows. This June marks the 20th anniversary of one of the defining albums of the 2000s Rock era: ‘Billy Talent II’, the second studio album by one of Canada’s most successful and influential Rock bands.
Originally formed in 1993 in their hometown of Mississauga, Ontario under the name PEZZ, Benjamin Kowalewicz (vocals), Ian D’Sa (guitar), Jonathan Gallant (bass) and Aaron Solowoniuk (drums) adopted the name BILLY TALENT six years later. Following the name change, the band released their debut EP ‘Try Honesty’, setting them on a path towards international recognition. Their self-titled debut album ‘Billy Talent’ firmly established them as one of the leading forces in Alternative Rock, earning them a rapidly growing fanbase not only in Canada but particularly in Germany, where the band quickly became a major success.
Their second album, ‘Billy Talent II’, shares a special connection with Germany. On the day of its release, the band performed at Hurricane Festival in Scheeßel, celebrating the album’s arrival live on stage. Twenty years later, that milestone will be honoured in fitting fashion, with BILLY TALENT returning to Hurricane Festival for a special headline performance featuring the iconic album alongside a selection of their greatest hits.
‘Billy Talent II’ reached No. 1 on the German album charts and earned the Canadian quartet two Echo Awards, winning in the categories “Best International Newcomer” and “Best International Rock / Alternative Act”. The same year, the band revealed that founding drummer Aaron Solowoniuk had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Despite the challenges of the illness, he continued performing with the band for many years before stepping back in 2016 following a relapse, with Jordan Hastings taking over behind the drum kit.
Following his diagnosis, Solowoniuk founded the initiative F.U.MS. - short for “Fuck You Multiple Sclerosis” - which supports young people affected by MS through benefit concerts, art events and fundraising campaigns. BILLY TALENT have remained closely involved with the organisation, regularly participating in charity events and supporting its work through donations and awareness campaigns.
German fans will soon have a unique opportunity to support the initiative themselves. Ahead of their headline appearances at Hurricane and Southside Festival, BILLY TALENT will perform two intimate underplay club shows in Berlin and Cologne to celebrate the anniversary of ‘Billy Talent II’. Half of the ticket price from each show will be donated directly to F.U.MS. Germany.
Following their German dates, the band will head straight back into the studio to continue work on their next album.
Billy Talent with special guests Hollerado
16 June 2026 - Berlin, Columbia Theater
17 June 2026 - Cologne, Kantine
Tickets will be available from Wednesday, 10 June at 12:00 pm, priced at €20.00 plus booking fees, with an additional €20.00 donation to F.U.MS. Germany included. Tickets will be available through all official CTS ticket outlets, via the hotline +49 (0) 1806 - 570070 (€0.20 per call incl. VAT from all German networks), and online at fkpscorpio.de and Eventim.
