In a word, “Wow!”
The band was in fine form tonight and performed an amazing set of music. The highlight of the night was the appearance of 38 Years Old. According to the Setlist database at Hipbase.com the last time this song was performed was July 24, 1993 at Another Roadside Attraction in 1993!!
“How can I get a copy of you recording?”
I heard this question many times at the last two shows; so here’s the simple answer: Visit http://bt.hipfans.com and become a member. Make sure that you set your preferences to receive email notifications when new shows are uploaded. The Hip have asked that no 2006 shows be released until their new album comes out this fall. We are anticipating an October release which means that come October, you’ll be able to download any/all of the shows that were recorded.
“I recorded the show and want to share my recording; what do I do?”
I’m glad that you recorded it, and that you’ve asked for help sharing it. Send me an email and we’ll work out the details. In most cases it involves you sending me your tapes and then I’ll send a DVD back to you once edited.
The Lonely End of The Rink
Fully Completely
Twist My Arm
Gus
Poets
Lake Fever
Heaven is a Better Place Today
Ahead By A Century
Giftshop
Last Of The Unplucked Gems
Fly
New Orleans Is Sinking
Bobcaygeon
Fireworks
Escape Is At Hand For The Travellin’ Man
Grace, To
My Music At Work
——-
Lionized
Flamenco
Fire in The Hole
Thanks for the warm welcome Chris! I’m glad to be a part of it all. With this being my first post, I thought it would be a good chance to list some of the rarities The Boys have played so far through just seven of the scheduled 19 shows this summer.
On top of that, fans have been treated to previews of three stellar tracks from the forthcoming album due to be released in October. (Another new song debuted May 24 as part of a short acoustic set Das Hips put on when the ‘Royal Conservatory Of Music’ awarded them honourary fellowships.)
Some would include more cuts than I have – a degree of subjectivity does apply here. While the tracks listed are sure to appease the most experienced Hip concert-goers, the majority of fans still get to hear the staples they want, making for some of the most memorable experiences yet.
This weekend brings back-to-back gigs in Toronto, arguably the city that loves The Hip the most. That being said, those dynamics should produce even more rare live tunes from The Boys. Let’s hope so!
A great show at a cool venue with an awesome crowd (excusing the fact that most didn’t know the words to LTR)! The Empire Theatre is a classic old theatre with soft seats, and a simple decor. There is nothing in the venue to distract you from the action on stage – just the way it should be!
Gord was more talkative than I’ve seen; chatting with the crowd between songs in a different manner than his normally manic stage character. He told a couple of short “stories” about Belleville and Paul’s first show with the band, and that Titanic Terrarium was recorded durng the DFN Sessions at The River Mill in Kingston. I’ve been to the River Mill and it’s a place where the songs on DFN fit; especially on a cold and wet winter day… much like Gord described this evening.
It seemed like Gordie really enjoyed the intimate setting; on multiple occasions he came to the front of the stage and touched the fans in the front row… even posing for pictures with them… during the concert!
The band seemed really relaxed, and appeared to be having a great time on stage. I’ve never seen or heard Paul kick as much ass as he did last night. At various points he was sweating nealy as much as Gordie! Sinclair and Robby were grooving from start to finish.
That’s right fans, we’ve added another blogger to the fray! TLB joined us this morning and will start posting soon. His insight and west coast perspective will be a great addition to our site.
Hipbaser “duderoo” has posted pics from the show on Duderoo.com.
First Set
Don’t Wake Daddy
Courage
The Lonely Side of the Rink
Summer’s Killing Us
Bobcaygeon
Chagrin Falls
Nautical Disaster
It Can’t Be Nashville Every Night
Fly
Putting Down
At The Hundreth Meridian
Springtime in Vienna
No Threat
Blow at High Dough
Something On
The Wherewithal
Encore
We’ll Go To
Greasy Jungle
Ahead By a Century
This is the first of what I hope to be many “Hugh’s Review”‘s. Hugh is a dedicated fan from the Detroit area. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the Wasaga Beach show in 2004, and then attending the Detriot and Cleveland shows with him later that year. Hugh’s reviews of past shows have always been detailed and interesting to read. So here is the first of Hugh’s Reviews for your enjoyment:
Point State Park is located in downtown Pittsburgh. It is small and can be found where the “Three Rivers” meet. This gives the greenspace its pointed shape. On Friday, the park was bustling with people viewing the different displays of art. Downtown Pittsburgh was alive with workers commuting home and baseball fans making their way to the Pirates game.
At the Hilton hotel, in an outdoor bar across from the park, a group of nine Hipbasers met. Along with our friends who were Hip fans too, our group numbered close to twenty people. We had fun socializing and talking about The Hip before heading over to the concert area. The stage was set in the back of the park near the river walk. It was a small area that made it intimate and cozy. The crowd was a diverse group of fans. Two fans in wheelchairs were front row center. Behind them were three young families all with young children ranging in ages from 1 to 6 years old. Surrounding these people were hundreds of hardcore Hip fans. I was worried the families would be pushed around during the show, but everyone was very respectful. I would estimate that 1000 people attended this free show.
I was expecting a short set since this was a free Festival show. Instead I was pleasantly suprised with a full 19 song set from the hard working Hip. The set was an excellent mix of new songs, fan favorites and three rarities. The band appeared relaxed and in control. Gord D. was very enjoyable to watch as he flailed about the stage singing, dancing and acting out. Paul’s smile beamed frequently as he played. Gord S. was bouncing to the beat of his bass in his own unique style. He was jamming with Johnnie who has streamlined his drum set. Johnnie played fiercely throughout the show. Robbie wore a pair of aviator glasses with a brown tint for the first half of the show. His solos were full of flair as he occasionally threw his long hair back and jammed out.
As I mentioned, Gord D. was very energetic and playful with the gathered fans. During Fully, Completely he pretended to drive a car while shifting gears. He screamed, “I’m too emotinal to drive”. During Poets he had a good dorsal fin/swimming rant as he paddled the stage with his mikestand. Before Lake Fever Gord spoke of a tall ship anchored in the harbor flying a yellow flag. He said it meant stay away, quarantined — as the band launched into the song. During the middle of the show Gord shouted, “This is a night like no other”! Everyone cheered in agreement. Near the end of the show Gord told the story of his fifth grade teacher who drove to school each day with the red canoe christened “Grace Too” lashed to the roof of his car. To end Grace Too, Gord made an emotional political statement. He ranted, “I’m your man! You man’s coming home! Bring them home! END THE WAR! He grabbed his mikestand and held it to his shoulder like a rifle. He became a soldier dodging bullets and shooting back. The final minutes of the encore Gord was in the zone. He walked along the stage monitors as if balancing on a perilous ledge. He jumped down and had a battle with his mikestand. Then Gord danced in his crazy way until the song ended with him struting like a peacock/rooster across the stage.
Soon after the show ended, an excellent fireworks display took place from a barge in the river behind the stage. We gathered near The Hip’s tour bus with quite a few other fans. All the band members came by and said hello to those who were there. Robbie and Gord D. signed autographs and took pictures with the fans. Gord was extremely patient and slightly overwhemled by the fans seeking to speak with him. He made sure to speak with the young fans who were in the front row during the show. Even though he appeared slightly tired, Gord did not leave until everyone got a minute with him.
I enjoyed this show for a number of reasons. First, because it was free. Second, because our Hipbase group watched the show together from the second row in front of Robbie. Finally, the set list was a great mixture of songs showing The Hip’s diverse ability and talent. I couldn’t have had a more enjoyable evening with my friends and The Hip.
Setlist (from thehip.com)
1: The Lonely End Of The Rink
2: Fully Completely
3: Gus: The Polar Bear From Central Park
4: Poets
5: Lake Fever
6: Heaven Is A Better Place Today
7: Ahead By A Century
8: Gift Shop
9: The Last Of The Unplucked Gems
10: Fly
11: At The Hundredth Meridian
12: Bobcaygeon
13: Fireworks
14: Escape Is At Hand For The Travellin’ Man
15: Grace, Too
16: My Music At Work
Encore
17: The Drop Off
18: Sherpa
19: Fire In The Hole
Sympatico / MSN Mobile have posted a bunch of Tragically Hip ringtones to their site. Has anyone downloaded a Hip ringtone? How do they sound? I just got a new phone (Samsung a920) and it has the option to add my own ringtones… so of course I want to get a Hip one!