Low turnout but high energy for Billy Talent (44 photos)

"I know this is about a month late, but..." said Billy Talent front man Ben Kowalewicz as he proudly held up a Sydney Crosby Team Canada t-shirt.

"Best goal ever," Kowalewicz said, barely audible over the roar of the Essar Centre's audience last night.

A somewhat disappointing turnout of fans - only about 2,000 - took in Billy Talent's very first appearance in Sault Ste. Marie.

But the lack of attendees did nothing to diminish the intense energy delivered by all four bands on the bill.

While Billy Talent may have been ranked as the show's headliner, after speaking with random concertgoers throughout the performance, SooToday.com discovered that fan loyalties were evenly spread among the Cancer Bats, Against Me!, Alexisonfire and Billy Talent.

This can be expected when four very different acts bring four very different elements to the table.

However, no matter who your favourite was, no one could deny that each band delivered a stellar performance teeming with maturity, spirit and professionalism.

It's painfully obvious that they all love what they do, and the fans loved them right back for it.