Bringing Back The Beat
The ’90s were a time of electric energy, unforgettable music, and nights spent dancing to beats that still make us move today. So when I was asked to host the 90s Dance Mix Tour Live in Concert, I knew I was in for something special. What I didn’t expect was just how magical it would feel to bring these legendary artists back on stage and experience the nostalgia in a way that transcended time.
Touring across British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in January, I had the absolute privilege of introducing artists like Fab Morvan from Milli Vanilli, 2 Unlimited, Haddaway, Turbo B from Snap!, and Daisy Dee from Technotronic to arenas filled with fans who never stopped loving their music. These are the songs that packed dance floors in the ’90s, and today, they still have that same electrifying energy.
A Nostalgic Revival
From the moment the tour kicked off, it was clear that this wasn’t just a concert series—it was a time machine. Fans showed up in full force, decked out in their best ’90s gear, ready to sing every lyric and dance to every beat. What struck me most was the pure joy in the crowd. People weren’t just remembering the ’90s; they were reliving them.
And the artists? Absolute pros. For some, like Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli, it had been decades since their last Canadian performance. I was there when Milli Vanilli last played in Canada back in 1989 at the CNE Grandstand as part of the MTV Club Live Tour with Downtown Julie Brown. To see Fab back on stage, embraced by thousands of fans singing along to every word, was a powerful moment. His story of resilience—rising from the infamous lip-syncing scandal to continue making music and spreading joy—reminded us all that setbacks don’t define us; how we push forward does.
Backstage Camaraderie
One of the biggest surprises for me was how close I became with the artists. These were people I had danced to in clubs throughout the ’90s, and now here I was, not just introducing them on stage, but forming friendships. We bonded over our shared love of music, and before I knew it, we were keeping in touch regularly—texting, DMing, and planning for the next leg of the tour. It’s surreal to think that the artists who soundtracked my younger years are now part of my life in such a meaningful way.
And let’s talk about the fans—wow. The energy they brought was unbelievable. Meeting them backstage, hearing their stories, seeing the excitement on their faces—it was a reminder of just how deeply this music has impacted people’s lives. The ’90s weren’t just a decade; they were an era of memories, of moments that shaped who we are.
The Sound of an Era
The ’90s were a defining time for music. Every genre had its moment—grunge, rock, hip-hop—but dance music, in particular, created an undeniable movement. Clubs were packed every weekend, with people ready to lose themselves to the infectious beats of Eurodance and high-energy club anthems. If a club was playing Snap!, 2 Unlimited, Haddaway, or Technotronic, you knew it was going to be a good night.
I was always a music lover—rock, dance, alternative, you name it—but grunge had a major influence on me. Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Stone Temple Pilots were my go-to bands in the early ’90s. At the same time, I couldn’t resist the pull of the dance floor, whether it was in Toronto clubs or across the border in Niagara Falls, NY. Club Exit, anybody? Music was everything to me then, and that passion only grew when I joined MuchMusic in 1994. Working there was like living in the epicentre of music culture—I didn’t want to leave because I never wanted to miss a thing.
The ’90s Influence
Beyond the music, the ’90s shaped pop culture in so many ways. Fashion was bold and unapologetic—neon colours, cargo pants, oversized clothing. I embraced all of it. I still remember rocking bright neon shirts, baggy pants, wristbands, and sideways hats, feeling like I was at the heart of something exciting. The decade was about self-expression, about making statements through what we wore and how we carried ourselves.
Canada had its own thriving music scene at the time, too. MuchMusic gave us a front-row seat to it all. Rock bands like Our Lady Peace, I Mother Earth, The Tea Party, and The Watchmen were on fire, while dance artists like BKS, Love Inc, and Emjay were making their mark. The ’90s were a golden era for Canadian music, and it was an incredible time to be immersed in it.
The Party’s Just Beginning
If this tour has proven anything, it’s that the love for ’90s music is as strong as ever. Watching thousands of people come together, singing and dancing to songs they grew up with, is a feeling I can’t quite put into words. And the best part? This is just the beginning. We’re bringing the 90s Dance Mix Tour to central and eastern Canada next, and I can’t wait to see the energy and excitement continue.
For me, hosting this tour has been a dream come true. It’s a chance to celebrate the decade that shaped me, reconnect with the music and artists I’ve always loved, and, most importantly, share it all with fans who feel the same way. The ’90s never really left us—they just needed a stage to shine on again. And trust me, they’re shining brighter than ever.
For more information, visit 90sDanceMixTour.com
