I can't say I like the venue, The Engine Room. It's wayyy downtown, amongst all the construction and one-way streets, and pretty hard to find. My friend and I got straight-edged (I'm 18)...I think we were the only people in there with X's. I felt so young.
    Wayne opened. They were really talented. Some of their stuff made me kind of depressed, but I'm sure that was the intended effect. This was my first Hip show. I read that people usually chant "Hip! Hip! Hip!" during the opening band, but everyone was very kind. I guess that only happens in shows up north. I don't think most of the audience was even from Houston, there were lots of (sober) people after the show going home in cabs. (residents of Houston never take any form of public transportation).
    The Hip came out...and wow. They opened with Use It Up, and ended with Wherewithal. I really liked hearing Silver Jet live - it definitely comes to live onstage. I'm surprised they played NOIS and Blow at High Dough - I thought the only song they still play from UTH is NOIS. I got to meet Baker after the show, which was nice. If any of the people that took pictures are reading this, I'd really be interested in seeing them. Thanks.
    BTW - the subject comes from when Gord said something along the lines of "this song is called Springtime in Vienna...or rather, Fall in Houston." Well, I hoped The Hip liked the Bayou City. They haven't been here since 1996 (I think), so it was great to have them in my town.
-Eric Popelka
eric145@houston.rr.com

Hello Friends and Neighbours

Y'all know me by alvino@u.washington but I assure you it is me, long-time HipTripper Gina. Hope everyone is well.

First, let me say Thank you to Kelly Davies (I think that was the name on the post) for helping to create a positive vibe in our area in Houston. That was _my_ hair you were probably pissed at for most of the night. Sorry 'bout that but the humidity got me! I was more prepared in Dallas but, if you read on, you will see that is not the biggest story of my night there.

I was front and center for Houston with a right-on to Mr.Fay. To my Paul were TWO local minors (denoted by the big black X) who were supercool. Danielle, the person with whom I travelled, was to my right and she was talking with some Canadian transplants. There was some test going on regarding Hip lyrics and Canadian content. Wayne opened and opened well. I love watching these guys play. I've also spent some time on Rodney's words and they have a depth that I appreciate. Perhaps more a lyricist than a poet, he draws some evocative pictures. I look forward to more.

Houston was the second hottest show I've ever been to. The first was a Hip Wetlands show in July 98(?) where I thought my skin was going to melt off. Anyway, I thought Rob Baker sounded most excellent. Actually, I was entranced by him in Dallas, too, so it might be me. It was funny to see him saunter over to Paul with a big grin on his face. He looked good and played with power.

That brings us to Dallas. Unfortunately, my memories of the night are somewhat compromised. You see, I'm 5'4", 125# and I was standing front and center. I was second row and late in the night, the two in front of me peeled off. We took their spot but the guy to my friend's left was being a jerk. It was all very aggressive  She left and he immediately put his back to me and pushed. I held my ground and returned to vertical. He then put an elbow to my temple with a force that knocked me into the huge rugby player on my right. This was not a big guy (the rugby player was a big guy but the fucknut that hit me wasn't but a few inches taller then me) and so his motion was upward. I put my back to the stage and started wading out looking for Honey. Honey was back home in Seattle, though. I didn't know where I was and it was amazingly surreal as well as painful. I lost vision in my left eye and hearing in my ear. I couldn't get my balance and I was staggering like a drunken fool but my system was absolutely free of alcohol. I think I was lucky in that.

I met lots of great people and I can't remember a single name to be honest. Y'all know who you are. Thanks for helping to create a good vibe. I wish there were more of you.

Peace
Gina

The Hip put on an excellent show on a rainy Thursday night in Houston Texas. I had never seen so many Canadians gathered together in one place in all my life. To read more of my account of the concert and see lots of cool
pictures of the show go to
http://www.paulmcrae.com/Miscellany/Tragically_Hip/Tragically_Hip.htm
If you were there you might just see yourself.

~Paul

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