PunBB

Man, the summer has gone way too fast. From that May announcement, August 20th looked so far away.

In the spirit of celebration, I've been thinking about all the great things the band has brought. Lyrics have made me discover artists, authors, and other bands. Even the pre-show music for this tour has me looking for new music.

I made some unfathomable road trips -- no map, reservations, or tickets, but sure let's drive to NYC for a Saturday show. If we leave now we can get there. I've hung out in downtown Syracuse way too many times. My version of a "day trip" made no sense many. Stood in a snowstorm to get tickets. Been caked in mud after shows. I got kicked in the shin by a biker because my girlfriend/now wife was unhappy how he pushed her plowing through the crowd and punched him in the back of the head. Things that oddly now are great memories.

Show count is somewhere in the 50s -- one day I'll count them -- and never saw a bad one. Met great people who for that few minutes of conversation you share a bond. Even last night, a simple high five when they played Gus with a guy nearby. Little interactions that make us realize there are really good people around, despite overwhelming negative news.

Tomorrow is going to feel so good, and so heartbreakingly sad.

yeah, it is bittersweet

and nothing like this event will happen again in my lifetime, that is for sure

I just feel vey sad for good ol Gord, his family, bandmates and friends

Talk about a truly heartbreaking and joyous show tomorrow night will be

It surely will creep into my imagination and serve to inspire me - his grace, courage, intelligence and wit will encourage me to ask each day "am i trying to make a difference"

And lets just hope he beats odds and lives many more years....

Only joy for me right now. Drove 1000 miles round trip from Long Island to Ottawa , almost didn't get in ("why haven't you been here in 30 years and now you are trying to get in?"....me..."uh, the Hip always play NYC"). First time seeing them in a large venue. Getting to share the experience with Canadians. Huge bonus, IBE in the wildcard spot, plus full blocks of DFN and Trouble. Wow, an experience I will never forget. Thank you Hip!

I'm waiting for the tears to come, and I know they're there, buried underneath, but every time I listen to this band I'm so f@#king happy I can't let them out. It's more of a long slow exhale, a heartbreak moving at glacial speed. I guess I've become too good at insulating myself, perhaps.

I'm looking forward to the show. Watching with a few close pals at a house, and we've been to many a Hip show together. We'll see how I hold up.

stevewiebemusic Wrote:heartbreak moving at glacial speed.

that's a great way of putting it.

There's a great morning moon outside right now. Very apropos for today. Let's hope it's a good omen. Long live Gord Downie and long live The Tragically Hip.

I hope tonight is an end to a new beginning ... I feel like i'm losing a friend. my selfishness wants them to continue to record. and maybe the occasional one off show streaming on their website.

tears will be hitting my iPad tonight.
or my iPad will break when I find out this won't stream in the USA

already struggling here

hope all you basers attending tonight have a fantastic time !!!

I've been dreading this day. And all I feel so far is sadness.

Great photo and caption Moof_Milker.

redhill Wrote:already struggling here

hope all you basers attending tonight have a fantastic time !!!

You've got pretty things with your name on it if that is any consolation.

Saw 3 Toronto shows and Hamilton. Was so amazing and I shed many tears especially during Gift Shop,

Tonight will be similar. We are all lucky they did this tour and shared it with us.

God Bless. Thank you.

Just pure joy here so far.
Showtime's end? I am not sure.
But soaking it in brings a permanent smile to my face today.
Live it. Love it. And love it some more.