Live Nation Canada is challenging a $900 fine issued by the city for blowing past the noise curfew at Rogers Stadium.
The penalty stems from last summer when heavy metal act System of a Down performed well beyond the venue’s 11 p.m. noise exemption permit during their second Toronto date on Sept. 5, 2025. The concert promoter, which operates the stadium, says it was because of dangerous weather conditions.
City officials say System of a Down finished their set at 11:54 p.m.
“Live Nation is appealing the ticket and our understanding is that this matter is in the court system,” said City of Toronto spokesperson Mahreen Dasoo in an email to the Star.
Representatives for Live Nation declined to answer questions about the status of the appeal or the amount of the fine.
Nathalie Burri, vice-president of venues and operations for Live Nation Canada, said the decision for the band to continue playing wasn’t made lightly and was only due to “extenuating circumstances” involving weather and public safety.
Ahead of the concert, Environment Canada issued a warning of strong wind gusts up to 90 kilometres.
Burri said Live Nation will take a stricter approach this year, with no expectation of breaking the curfew.
“We have pretty stringent plans in place,” she said.
“The consequences of us going over are quite great, but more important than us facing a fine is … we’ve made a commitment to the community.”
Rogers Stadium reopens May 23 with Bruno Mars playing five nights.
The City of Toronto said it reviews noise complaints and operational issues after every show at the venue, part of a post-event debrief with Live Nation and police.
