With ‘No Exceptions’, this London band is about to Rock the Park

Local rockers No Exceptions are set to play Rock the Park this week – the first London band to take the stage in years. CTV’s Sean Irvine reports.

A rising local band is set to join big-name acts at this year’s edition of Rock the Park.

The annual music festival runs Tuesday through Saturday.

As preparations continue, a few members of the crew are focused not only on setting up the stage, but also on their performance on it.

They are members of the London and Mount Brydges-based metalcore band ‘No Exceptions.’

Beyond their stage duties, they have been chosen to open Friday’s heavy metal line-up.

Formed over a decade ago, ‘No Exceptions’ consists of four members, all of whom are focused on rock.

“We kind of started as like a punk rock, pop rock kind of band and kind of, you know, came to be a little bit on the heavier side of stuff,” said lead singer Tommy Brier.

The evolution of No Exceptions began with Brier and his brother Jaden on drums.

As they matured, so did the band and its sound.

But then, tragedy struck

“In 2022, my brother passed away,” Tommy explained with sadness.

Just 21, Jaden’s memory is captured in the song, ‘Kind Regards,’ featuring new drummer Jett Philip.

Since Jaden’s passing, the band has expanded its following in southern Ontario.

Their dedication has paid off with the chance to appear at Rock the Park in advance of the mega rock group Bad Omen.

No Exceptions will be the first London band to take to the Rock the Park stage in nearly a decade.

“I mean it is an opportunity for more of London to know our name and know who we are. And we like to represent London. So, it’s cool for that,” said bassist Drew Shewaga.

“Me and a bunch of people that I know have been going to this show, like, throughout the years. So, to be able to play on that stage right over there is like a dream come true, and I cannot wait,” added Philip.

The band hopes its hard-hitting, head-banging sound, including cuts like “Twisting the Knife,” gets them noticed.

“The dream would be to go from working the stage to being a headliner,” said Philip.

The first step on the path to that dream will be taken Friday night, as the crew members look to become stars on the Rock the Park stage.

As they do, they’ll pause to look up and toast their late bandmate, Jaden.

“It will be dedicated to him, and we hope we do him proud,” said Sam Deboer, the band’s lead guitarist.