The All Inn Lounge is basically a large cinder block warehouse. There was a six foot stage set up at one end of the huge room. In front of the stage were 15 rows of folding chairs. This was the VIP area. A few barricades separated this area from the majority of fans in general admission. VIP tickets were only available through the bar and therefore this section was dominated by locals from the surrounding towns and people from the Akwesasne Mohawk reservation. The Hip concert was an exciting event for this area and the venue was jammed to capacity with fans. Doors to the show opened at 6:00pm. There was literally 2000 people standing at the door at that time.

The show began with Robbie Baker taking the stage minus the beard and moustache he had the night before in Rochester, NY. Gord D was his energetic self. Paul, Johnny and Gord S showed great energy too, as The Hip closed out their World Container tour.

Some of the highlights for me included Paul playing a new guitar during ABAC. I don’t know what kind it was, but it was a bright pumpkin orange color. As the band played the intro for Springtime in Vienna, Gord D was counting off steps to choreographed “rock star” moves. He did these moves a number of times before saying, “You too can learn to be a front man”. During 100th Meridian Gord danced about crazily and finished by humping Johnny’s drum kit. Then he tried to lean back and spin on his mikestand. It snapped in half and left him lying flat on the floor. He picked up the pieces and gave them to lucky fans. Unfazed, Gord grabbed another mikestand, leaned back on it and spun about the stage pretending to be a race car driver.

Robbie played a Rolling Stones riff before dropping into the familiar chords of Poets. During this song Gord’s mike was stuck in his chest like an arrow to his heart. He was trying to pull it out, but he couldn’t. Gord enlisted the help of a confused bouncer in front of him. The bouncer pulled and pulled until he dislodged the arrow, slightly embarassed that he was the center of attention. At the end of the main set Gord said good night and he was giving a special thank you to the road crew. Some ignorant fans began throwing items at Gord. He became quite upset and yelled it was not very civilized to throw things at performers because it showed no respect. With that, Gord threw his mike to the floor and stormed off the stage. I was positive Gord wouldn’t be back for an encore. Thankfully the band returned for three more songs.

After the show, we hung out by the tour bus waiting to meet the guys. About 20 people waited with us while the band was still inside the venue for an after show meet and greet. When the meet and greet was over The Hip told security to let us all back inside to meet them also. It was very fun to chat with the guys and get pictures and autographs. I’ve had some wonderful experiences following the band throughout North America. I love watching The Hip play their music.