GO. NOW. MAKE YOUR PLANS, BUY YOUR TICKETS, TELL YOUR BOSS, TELL YOUR PARTNER WHO "JUST DOESN'T GET THIS BAND". You will be elsewhere that night, several nights if the budget allows. Who needs to eat anyways? If reducing to one meal a day gets you an extra ticket (and maybe some weight loss to boot) then it's win-win.
It's 2:30 a.m. and I'm back in Toronto, still excited. I almost made the drive to Cleveland, but couldn't leave work. I had a feeling that maybe the earth would pull back into it's proper orbit. Fluke or science? Chicago proved the truth - this is one of the best bands out there, with a varied catalogue to please everyone, no matter when you came on board.
When So Hard Done By came on, you could tell they were working it out. And you know what? That's great. As long as the vocals come in on time, I love the raw feel of the thing. Perfect is what albums are for.
Everyone has their favourites, but yer fav's might not be mine. That said, this is as close to perfect as I think we'll get without each of us getting to write the setlist ourselves. (I call dibs on Kingston by the way. Get Back Again > Blonde Solid > Another Midnight, and I won't have to see another show ever. But I will, I will. Sorry bank account, I'll cut back on the morning coffees. I promise.)
When they play Escape, one of my all-time fav's, a show becomes redeemable no matter what. Tonight it was followed by Morning Moon, a cut from an unheralded and underappreciated album. Then Daddy and I stood there with a smile. Later Pistols and I made my way down front. Long Time Running brought back memories of the "Phantom Zone" or whatever they called it in 2000. We called it "The Zone". Up front with Paul playing a quiet lick and Gord relaxing, easing into the vocals. "Drop A Caribou", even in the U.S. of A. Nice. Then Verge and it's not the last song. What??? A longer first set. Keep 'em coming.
I was in the back and had access to the setlist, but I never looked. Based on the first two shows, I wanted to be surprised. The encore, however, was typed on a second sheet of paper. When it was brought out, even though I never looked, could it be? 8-10 letters, starting with a capital "D"? I had to be sure. I leaned in for certainty. Then I got a stupid grin on my face that still hasn't gone away. I went over to these guys who were clapping and singing only for the old songs (not just the hits) and said "guess what's next guys?" I wanted to tell the whole room. I wanted to shout it out, seriously. (I wanted to call my Hip friends back home, but the roaming charges would have been as much as the ticket.) The old style mellow-jam intro began the tune, and everyone kept talking except the hardcores who knew what was coming and all started smiling at each other. Shared experiences, that's why we go to shows. They are meant to be seen in large groups, which is why movie theaters will never die off.
Back to the double-D. Daredevil. Gord had to break up the intro by saying (I paraphrase) "this is called Daredevil", but then said "It's Niagara Falls, SUCKER!" and thus redeemed himself.
Two yahoos showed up at the back towards the end during Fully. One of them yelled out for "Locked" and then I think he left. The other (larger) guy stayed and when Locked was the last song, he had a fit right near me. He was screaming and throwing his arms all around and even danced a little bit. It's nice to get what we want, isn't it?
Loved the older stuff, the Day For Night material, the variation and songs from many albums, not just three or four. Given the last two years, Daddy would have been worth the drive for me. Pistols and I'm buying the beers. Verge and dinner's on me too. Daredevil and we might as well stay the night, 'cause I'm spent. Done.
Final thoughts: Gord was right where he should be. Probably because he doesn't have all the words down yet, but he didn't stray too far afield tonight. Stayed near the middle of the stage, not too much dancing, not too much chatter. Also very little guitar to distract him. Only played on three songs by my count. Came out in jacket (jean jacket?) and white t-shirt, shed the jacket first song in. Kept the black hat on throughout the night. Bobby wailed tonight, really great playing. I saw Paul watching him a few times, making sure he had enough room to roam.
While I didn't notice Billy Ray as mentioned by someone else above, Ricky Wellington was smiling and laughing with the side-stage monitor guy, and that never happens. Even when not working he's total pro, but tonight he cracked a smile. The band is definitely fit, happy, and ready for the road.
I taped, but from the board area and thus way under the balcony where the sound is deadened. There was an old-school taper near the center of the room, but unless you have a DAT for trade, that one might not see daylight. 1-2 other guys were also rolling, but I cannot verify the details. If it sounds passable I will get my copy to the tracker in due time.
LAST WORDS: GET TO A SHOW THIS TOUR. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.
Go on already. Why are you still here?
-Matt
