Dwayne Gretzky Launches Dwayne’s World: A Joyful New Era of Covers Online

For over a decade, Dwayne Gretzky has been igniting packed venues across Canada with joyfully explosive live performances that celebrate the greatest songs of the last 50 years. From intimate clubs to festival main stages, the Toronto-based collective has become one of the country’s most beloved live acts, renowned for transforming classics into unforgettable communal experiences. Now, after more than 14 years, 1000+ gigs, and a repertoire that spans hundreds of songs, the band is channeling that same energy into a new space: YouTube.

Enter Dwayne’s World, a monthly live cover video series that reimagines the band’s rehearsal space as a performance hub. For Dwayne Gretzky, the project is both a natural evolution and a bold leap into the digital landscape. “We’ve always thought about doing something like this,” the band shares, “but now felt like the right moment. Once we had the idea of transforming our rehearsal space into Dwayne’s World, it just unlocked everything.”

The set itself has become a character in the series. Filmed inside a lovingly constructed DIY backdrop, the performance space looks like the basement of your coolest friend’s older brother – all ‘70s wood paneling, vintage knickknacks, and shag carpet charm. In reality, though, it’s far from a basement: the band has been headquartered on the second floor of a warehouse in Toronto’s industrial west end since 2019. When a rent spike last fall threatened their stay, they decided not to leave but to lean in, literally building their world from scratch. “The set has rejuvenated the space and given it more purpose,” they say. “It fits what we’re doing perfectly – celebrating iconic songs from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s with our own spin.”

That DIY approach mirrors the ethos that has carried the band for more than a decade. Known for their exuberant, tight-knit performances, Dwayne Gretzky has always prioritized joy and connection above perfection. Dwayne’s World continues this tradition by capturing the band’s raw, unfiltered chemistry on screen. “Songs are magical, transportive things,” the band says. “Whether it’s a specific memory or just a broader wave of shared nostalgia, we’re always chasing that feeling and bringing people along for the ride.”

The videos themselves reflect that sense of spontaneity. Filmed and edited by Thom Varey with camera support from Brittany Farhat and Matt Wong, and recorded live by Nathan Vanderweilen, each session is entirely free of overdubs. Mixing duties fall to guitarist Ian Docherty, who ensures the final sound reflects the energy in the room. Staying true to their live ethos, the band also maintains their long-standing “no iPad policy,” relying entirely on memory. “It’s more fun and freeing that way,” they explain. “We put in the work so we can perform without a safety net.”

While their renditions are often faithful to the spirit of the originals, impersonation is never the goal. “We always perform as ourselves,” they say. “The trick is to capture the spirit of the song and channel it through your own lens.” That philosophy makes Dwayne’s World more than a nostalgia trip – it’s a reinterpretation that balances reverence with reinvention.

The atmosphere in the room is just as crucial as the sound. “Even without an audience, playing together in that room always feels purposeful. We benefit from the music just as much as the people watching. It’s basically therapy,” they share. That intimacy carries through the screen, allowing fans at home to feel the same rush of community that has defined Dwayne Gretzky shows for years.

With over 850 songs already in rotation – and many more on the horizon – the possibilities for Dwayne’s World are virtually endless. “We’ve only scratched the surface,” the band says. “There are so many great songs out there, and we want to celebrate as many as we can. Plus, we’re always open to suggestions. Drop a note in the comments and let us know what you want to hear!”

And what’s at the top of their personal wish list? “At this exact moment? ‘Telephone Line’ by ELO,” they offer with a grin.

For fans who’ve long associated Dwayne Gretzky with sweat-soaked dance floors and euphoric singalongs, Dwayne’s World offers a new way to engage with the band’s ever-evolving universe. By bringing their performances to YouTube, they’re expanding beyond their Southern Ontario stronghold while holding onto the community spirit that has always set them apart.

Fans can expect a new cover video each month – a fresh chance to rediscover the joy of songs that have shaped generations, filtered through the unmistakable energy of Dwayne Gretzky. Subscribe, comment, and join the ride: the world of Dwayne has never been bigger, or more inviting.