Long Time Running
My Music At Work
Fire In The Hole

Grace, Too
Three Pistols

-TLB

Long story, so anyone wanting to read ONLY about the show, go to the bottom 8 to 10 paragraphs.

I see infamous fellow KWT member 'Tony the Lost Barilko' (TLB) beat me to the Vancouver # 2 setlist post, last Sunday. I've graciously sat on the sidelines for days now, waiting for Vancouver reviews. There must be at least a few Vancouver KWT Hipsters to pen a review? Well, since nobody else is stepping up, everyone just got stuck with my "Vancouver Vignette #2, mini-novella, Hip Story" regarding how I got lucky enough to even get there. Hopefully, later, Tony will treat us to another review along the lines of his Victoria experiences (since I happen to know he's now 'in tight' with the band).

This story has as much to do with all you TRULY HIP people I keep meeting, as with the show itself.Ý The very kind of people on this KWT list. The Hip, of course, know how to put on a SHOW, as only THEY can. This review, per usual, is LONG, but best of all (for me), really happened this way. Reminds me a lot of reading other KWT members stories and wondering "why do
these people seem to be so lucky"...well, I can now tell you. It's because Hip fans are truly the most generous people I know.ÝWhy? Read on...

Speaking of Tony, preface this story with the fact that my whole evening wouldn't have been possible without Tony's assistance.Ý Nothing spectacular (so says he), just the usual help you get from fellow GENUINE Hip fans from the KWT list. Tony and I met for the 1st time, I repeat, the first time, last month, at the August 24th Seattle Hip show, neither of us realizing/knowing that the other was a fellow KWT member. (we had even exchanged a couple short e-mails on the coolist, prior to Seattle, just doing like all of us do, searching out others that are smitten by the Hip, and wanting to make the experience a shared happening). The ironic thing was that we didn't meet until AFTER the show was over. (see my Seattle review of 2002).

Don't know about the rest of you, but I personally believe all things happen for a reason. And we've all read some wild "co-incidence/fate/karma" stories in regards to Hip shows. Well mine is no exception. Except that it actually happened to ME.Ý (No awesome back stage meeting the band, or getting invited for the rest of tour to ride with them on the bus stuff here). Just the sincere wish we all have, that we can all make more than one show per year. As you're all aware, being a card-carrying member of The Hip Club allows you 'first in line' ticketing advantages. (No big deal for Seattle, since it was General admission). Also doesn't mean squat if you DON'T have the date of the show availiable (which was my situation for Vancouver), and live in the U.S., have the border crossing to look foward to, and all the logistics that go along with real life (wife, small kids, daycare issues, money, work, etc).

Making a long story... longer (hence the nickname 'The wordy one'). After I did as some of us do, wish I had THAT day off (instead of having to watch my kids), lamented the passing of the '1st in line' ticketing deadline, then seeing the show sell out, all the while cursing my lot in life (did I mention the wife, kids, or the gruesome fact that I'm 43 years old, etc). Now don't get me wrong, I love my wife. She even went with, to my first 'Hip experience' during the UTH tour in 1988 (an early date thing).Ý A
little club in Seattle had the sense to have 'The Boys', and they closed out the evening doing a cover of "Train kept a Rolling".Ý But as the saying goes, that was then, this is now. My wife doesn't quite understand/appreciate the collective feeling some of us have for the band (sound familiar anyone?). So she just rolls her eyes when it is mentioned that "I'd sure like to go to Vancouver to see them". "Not possible" says she, you're married now, have kids, and don't have a life of your own anymore (enter sarcastic tone).

Now this is where fate intervenes.Ý For those that have stayed with me, remember, we're very much talking real life/destiny stuff here.Ý Sometime in between the Seattle show and the Vancouver # 2 show (date not important), my wife and I are trying to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. We go to the horse racing track with friends, lose money, come out from there to find
her van has been "bombed" by hundreds of blackberry eating birds (a la Alfred Hitchcocks "The Birds" or more aptly, Mel Brooks "High Anxiety"). She goes to a car wash, and now the van, and WINDOWS, are CLEAN. This is important.Ý She therefore, has no excuse for not seeing the gigantic 'Do Not Enter" red and white signs at the restaurant, on both sides of the parking lot EXIT, boldy daring anyone to doubt that "severe tire damage from tire spikes" WILL indeed happen. (I'm in a different vehicle with my buddy, who turns into the ENTRANCE (go figure). MY wife, and my friends wife, are supposedly following us, so why exactly she chose the Exit is beyond me. I like to believe, this is where fate reached out and PUT THOSE TIRE SPIKES THERE. (what kind of place still uses those things, anyhow).

At this point, most of you should be literally screaming out loud, what the F@%K does any of this have to do with the Tragically Hip. Well, if those in the married ranks haven't already figured it out, when the wife runs over tire spikes, blows out 3 tires, and forever puts her mark on our 10th wedding anniversary to the tune of over 500 dollars (U.S. funds for those doing exchange rates), then believe me, the whole world of possibilities open up in front of a man. Now, a suddenly emboldened husband, without missing a beat, announces in a calm voice, "I don't know how I am going to do it, but one way or another, I will be visiting our Great neighbor to the North, and WILL be attending the Tragically Hip in Vancouver @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre". O.K. she says smiling, almost knowingly, as long as can you find day care, etc. No problem, I said. Do you have tickets she asks ? "No", I reply, somewhat bewildered that, even at this moment in time, an otherwise loving wife can still manage to try and cast a dark cloud of reality on a dreaming mans obvious window of opportunity.

This is where KWT member Tony enters the story. (I've sworn to Tony to divulge nothing specific). A short e-mail to Tony, relaying the now suddenly availiable day, also laments the Sold Out show status, and the fact that I can't afford, and in principle won't pay a scalper, but is there any chance in Hell he knows of anyone with not 1, but 2 extra tickets of ANY kind. Of course I'm picturing him laughing at us Americans, spoiled as we are, having tickets that are both availiable AND inexpensive for The Hip (notice Texas is only charging 17-dollars for each of 3 different shows, man wouldn't that be sweet). Tony replies he doesn't, but he'll keep a lookout. Not really expecting much, I continue on with my miserable existance, having only caught 1 show on this current tour.

Now, due to events I won't go into, I end up taking a week off work to attend to personal family issues, and I get a call from Tony, saying he knows of DEAD-CENTER row 4 tickets at a fair price, and did I want them. (kind of a stupid question to a dedicated Hip fan, eh). After striking the deal and having Tony act as my go between, since I've no e-mail connection at home, reality then returns to slap me upside the head. Even though I've managed to arrange every detail at home so that I can go, Tony calls back to inform me that the person that had the tickets was jacking up the price, way above and beyond the previously agreed one. Reluctantly, I gave Tony permission to tell the person to "Get F@#%ed ". One thing I can't stand is someone who not only goes back on their word, but does it at an innocent (well, kinda innocent) Hip lovers expense.

A week transpires, and by now, I'm convinced I'm not going to make the show, which is making me sick after all the planning and preparation I've put into trying, and I'm even wondering if I should have just paid the jacked price (although after the wifes tire incident, that's not possible). Then, out of the blue, Tony calls and says he found 2 tickets, at Face value, DEAD CENTER, in ROW 5, ORCHESTRA, ironically, just behind where the other person was scalping their 2 tickets. "NO WAY", I screamed, just like I know some of you have done themselves, having read all of your posts regarding this phenomena. "Just don't say how you got them at face" for a SOLD OUT show, asks Tony. "My lips are SEALED" I promised.

When a person is this fortunate, all sorts of things go through a persons head (well through my head anyhow). Such as, "it's too good to be true, something will happen like before, who is this Tony guy really, and why does he have beady eyes (I'm of course kidding, his eyes are actually sort of, well oval or something, ha, ha), and worst of all, the tickets might be fake, not arrive in time, etc.Ý Happily, none of these things materialized, my tickets arrived, and my destiny was sealed. THANKS TONY !!!

What transpired, was an un-eventful road trip, (except for enjoying Hip music all the way), as my buddy (Kevin) and I blew out of Everett, Washington, and headed up past, "The Last American Exit" and on In "To The Promised Land". We arrived in Vancouver, and checked into a wonderful dive of a "Motor Inn, Soft Water and Colour TV" but 'THE LUXURY' that I was looking forward to, was a mere 6 blocks up and 5 blocks over walk, to the Q.E. Theatre, where destiny had us experiencing the Hip from what would be the BEST seats I've ever had the good fortune to occupy.

After walking through Chinatown, grabbing some food on the way, we arrived at the Q.E. @ about 8:30, which is when all the information I had read on the Theatre's web site, back of ticket, etc. said doors opened. We got in the lobby, and I was of course anxious to find Tony (he would be 2 rows back over my right shoulder) and thank him for the tickets in person. Excitedly, I headed for the inside doors to the Theatre, only to find those doors don't open until 9:00. No problem. I'll just get a drink, and hang out with people. People are filing in steadily, but most were hanging in the lobby. Since it was a comfortable September evening, I headed towards the doors that had a fenced-off outside smoking area. Was kind of suprised nobody was going there, as the lobby was getting crowded, and it was a little stuffy.

Once myself and a few others headed out into the smoking area, people started following, like, oh, we can go out there.Ý Met some very cool people. A guy named Ron, who had just dropped a huge sum of money for a scalped ticket for he and his date Pam (she said it was her first show, and I just smiled the smile we all do, thinking, you lucky, lucky, innocent thing, you have no idea how lucky you are, do you). Chatted with Ron and Pam for awhile, and admired Pams vivid red dress with a elegant flame job jumping upward, out of the partial opening at the top of the V on the front of her coat. Explained to Pam that I'm an old Harley biker (really, I am), and that her dress reminded me of a friend of mines paint job on his bike, so I discreetly asked if I could see the rest of her "paint job" as it was covered by her coat. Before you start thinking I'm hitting on this gal, remember, I'm happily married, with kids, and there's her large boyfriend standing there, laughing a little really, at my tactful asking of viewing
priviliges. She modestly complied, we all laughed, and I asked where they were sitting and such. We all parted ways, but ran into each other again later after opening act Sam Roberts.

Doors finally opened, and I went looking for 'Tony The Lost Barilko' but not seeing him, located our seats. Our SEATS. In the excitement of going in, I'd almost forgot about the fact the seats were, HOLY $H#T, Dead Center, ORCHESTRA, ROW 5. I'm aware lots of you out there have had seats way better, front rows, etc, but I'm telling you, there's nothing like seeing seats like these, in a theatre like the Q.E., for The TRAGICALLY HIP, knowing that YOU will be the person lucky enough to occupy them for the evening. What a great view of the stage. DEAD CENTER. I'm still amazed, even now as I write this, thinking back on it.Ý It's like a dream, really. And that's kind of how the rest of the evening progresses from here on out. After waking from the gazing stare of my good fortune, I look up just in time to see Tony and his buddy Terry (who also made Seattle) casually strolling down the aisle. Calling out to Tony and waving, he walks up and I blurt something out like, "man, if I knew you better, I'd be hugging you right now, these seats are SPECTACULAR". He just smiles at me and says, "I know, I still can't believe we got you those at FACE". We chat for a while, and then a guy walks up, leans over, talks to Tony briefly, then leaves. Tony is grinning REAL big at me now, and he says, "that was Jake Gold". Now if you all have read Tony's great Victoria reviews, you'll know that he met
Jake by coincidence @ Victoria # 1. So I'm now thinking, this stuff really does happen. Anyhow, no more chance meetings with the Hip or anyone, just that one fly-by from Jake (the manager).

One more trip out to the smoke area, talking with various people, and this time met a different Tony, this guy sadly for him, is on the tale end of a flu bug, which also happened to me about the same time last Augusts Hip show. I'm empathizing with him, regarding the sour stomach thing, and how it takes away the ability to stomach drinks, (or anything else for that matter), and is an obvious sign something is seriously wrong with you. So I'm amazed when a guy wanders by hawking programs for the show @ "only" 18 dollars, and I kind of mutter something under my breath like, is there anything in there I don't already know ? Probably not he replies, but THIS Tony just says "18 bucks, that's not bad, hands the guy a 20, says keep the change, proceeds to flick through the thing for all of 10 seconds, then turns to me and says "Here, it's yours". It was just that kind of night, with those kind of people, and all those weird kind of very REAL interactions. You people out there are so cool. Thanks Tony # 2. (sorry I
don't know your last name). Hope you feel better. Now on to the music.

Sam Roberts was a much better opener than Wayne was in Seattle. Lots of energy, and the music is very infectious. Do yourself a favor people. Get to the theatre on time, and see the opening act. I'm aware the Hip rule, and that's why were all there, but these musicians are putting it out for us, and the least we can do is enjoy them instead of being part of the background noise/visual distraction they have to overcome. The crowd got very into their music, and it's too bad that opening acts aren't allowed or
encouraged to do encores, because I think they deserved one.

Sam Roberts finished his set, and I went back and talked with TLB for a few minutes. He advised not to wander to far or for too long, as the previous shows had the Hip starting in about 15 minutes or so. Good advice, because the theatre was dark when I came back, except for the spotlights, and 'The Boys' as always, came on and started right into the Hip groove without wasting any time.

The show began with what seemed to be a shortened version of Silver Jet, and then launched into New O, with the usual 'Swim' reference of that song elaborated on with the 'other' swim theme that keeps emerging show to show. The boys are obviously on, with Johnny's drum work just precision to watch and hear. Gord S is doing his usual flawless work on the bottom end of the
musical spectrum, and the interplay between Rob and Paul on guitars is as usual, nothing short of bewildering sometimes. These musicians are so obviously happy and in tune with themselves and what each other is doing, that they are playing as if it was a natural body function. As you or I would do just to breathe each breath of air. It's really something to witness and experience.

The next triplet of songs started with the unmistakeable rhythms of Fully, which does it's usual build up of intensity, then segways nicely on the formers sustained final chord, on into the Darkest One, with Downie inviting us to "come in, come in, come in...from under these darling skys, come in, it's warm and it's safe here...(it sure is...this is one of my favorites off the new release). Fireworks takes us to that "goal that everyone remembers", and Lake Fever is introduced as "Let me tell you a little story
about...the Lake Fever", with Downie playing the acoustic, and here's something a little different, you can actually HEAR him strumming the guitar distinctively, where the keyboards are heard on the studio version. I've seen a boot video of Downie practicing his guitar portion, and he really seems to be enjoying his contributing that nuance.

Courage follows, and this classy old theatre is dancing and grooving, with Paul and Rob tearing it up on guitars, teasing us with guitar licks, on this, and the following Puttin' Down. The beautiful "Weaken" follows, and anybody complaining about the pace slowing down isn't doing so for long, because after the background mini-stars of the light show are washed away, the tempo of the show starts speeding up, with Hundreth Meridian kicking off the next section, with the wicked double-time speed rant in the mid-break. "Who's for The Dark Canuck" Downie asks, and we obviously all are by the response the boys get from the crowd. Audiences seem to now be aware that this is a deceptive song. At the intro, it begins with an obvious story-like quality that Gord D enjoys playing up, and most people now seem tuned into the fact that 3 minutes into this tune, the gyrations begin and the complex layers are revealed.

Something On follows, and the often repeated line "It's true, it's true, it's you, and you, and you and YOU" Downie exclaims, grinning and pointing at fans the whole while.Ý He obviously likes repeating this mantra over and over, city to city, almost as if he's trying to thank everyone, the fans, for all their support, individually and collectively over the years, even if some of you may have just now discovered the journey we're all on. Locked makes what sadly seems to be one of it's less and less frequent appearances, so it is literally devoured by the fans, and Wheat Kings throws it's arms around us, (and the audience throws its arms around the song while singing along), to assure all, that the FC release has not been forgotten. Speaking of which, the repetition of the line "Life is all about forgetting, forgetting, forgetting" emerges again (and as if to put emphasis on this, I'm honestly unsure where in the show I heard it, I know it was there, but I forgot where I heard it appear).Ý

The question "Are You Ready, are you, are you ?" keeps things rolling at breakneck speed, followed by the cool intro they've been doing into Poets, which also gives us the often repeated "Swim, swim, not to me, not to him, just swim" ranting.Ý Downie adds the comical "I'M in the boat, and YOUR in the WATER, so that's why YOU have to do the SWIMMIMG" to this version, and we now head into one of the most energetic portions of the evening. Paul breaks out the bottle neck slide, which as suspected leads into Blow, with all the excellent guitars, drum, bass, and vocal energy that make this song so killer. That and the fact that it hails back to the early days of when a lot of us fell in love with this band.ÝThe main set ends with Blow, but you know they're coming back for an encore.

When the boys return on stage to a hearty love-fest of a welcome back, we are rewarded with Long Time Running. What a great night, and great setlist. There's always the ones you hope to hear, but when Long Time appears, It's just a smiling-happy moment. Music @ Work follows, and interestingly, this song seems to be getting better reception than on the MAW/Evening With tour.
It's like it's grown on fans over time. Coming out of MAW, Gord starts ranting like a mad-man about the drums "Do you HEAR that brand new set of DRUMS, made RIGHT HERE in beautiful VANCOUVER by Avotte" he bellows out, as Johnny is just pounding the crap out of them. Gord then screams out "It's the pounding on the DRUMS, but there's a power beyond control" and launches into a blistering FIRE in the Hole, and I don't think I've EVER seen Johnny play like that before. He was just punishing the drum kit, and there were beautiful explosions coming out of the kick drum, punctuated by powerfully controlled floor tom strikes and crash cymbals. I'm no drummer, but he was just all over the kit. Very exciting to watch. Meanwhile, just as I read
in a previous post, Paul's whammi bar indeed was doing loop de loops. And he was running back and forth on the stage. Fire seemed to go on forever, and the band was obvioulsy enjoying themselves. When it did end, with the deafening approval of the crowd, Gord D impishly saunters up to the mike and wags his finger at the fans smiling and cooing a teasing "Van...COOOOO...ver" and walks off grinning, and thanking everyone for coming out.

The theatre is roaring it's approval, and I turn to my buddy Kevin and yell to him what is my wildest dream going through my head in real time, "THEY'RE NOT DONE". You could just feel and sense it, just an electrically charged atmosphere. And sure enough, after 5 minutes or so, the boys come back on stage, beers in hand, and the tell tale drum snap and bass roll of Grace Too
caresses our ears. No Freakin' way, I'm thinking. The 'coveted' double-encore, with Grace Too leading the way. What else can possibly happen? After the ranting through Grace subsides, (something about tipping cows when they're asleep) I'm hanging on the edge of my seat with all the possibilities racing through my brain, and out of the speakers it comes. Can this really all be happening? Finally, finally, all the different shows and waiting are rewarded. 3 DAMN PISTOLS. My life is complete. What
a great way to end an incredible night, and I almost missed it.

As I'm heading south the next morning over the border, I'm thanking whoever the entity is that put those stupid tire spikes into my wife's van tires. Because without that freak incident, and all the others that align like the planets to make these poetic events possible, I would never have even been there. Happy 10th Anniversary honey, I now love you and your driving, as much as I love this band !

And Thank-you TONY! Whoever said stuff like this can't happen, just doesn't understand, that at any given Hip concert, it's the fans of a truly special band, those crazy, nutty 'we're all in this together' fans, that recognize a great band when they see one, and can and do, make anything, Happen for each other...

See everyone next time around! Thanks to all for the collective experience. And of course, A HUGE Thank-you to The Tragically Hip, the BEST and HARDEST working band in the world. Stay cool everybody !

-Steve (the EXTREMELY wordy one)