This may not be the place to admit this, but I will be attending my very first Hip show on April 12 at the State Theater in Detroit. (I have to admit that I've only been listening to the Hip for a little over a year, but have been completely obsessed with them during that span and am doing everything I can to make up for lost time). Anyway, having admitted that, I'm asking the experienced Hip fans what I should expect at my first Hip show. (Let me also say that I'm an American--I live in Lansing, Michigan). I'll be going to the show with my wife (I'm kind of dragging her along hoping that she'll become a convert). I'm also 38 years old and feeling like an old fogie when it comes to attending rock concerts (I tend to get much easier annoyed by crowds than I did as a younger lad). Anyway, any advice, suggestions, or insight you more experience Hip fans can provide would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Believe it or not, yes I have! (And I have never spent any time in, nor tried to escape from, Millhaven Maximum Security!--By the way "38 years Old" is one of my favorite Hip songs). Seriously though, I don't want to commit any faux pas as a Hip newbie.
I dunno, you're going to hear a bunch of people speak to their personal experiences, and that's fine, but my advice is to go in and try not to have any preconceived notions. Just lose yourself in the moment and soak up the entire experience as best you can.
I'm excited to hear a full report after the concert because a Hip deflowering is always a special occasion and one we don't hear about that often around here.
Thanks much, Billy. I'll definitely post my observations on the show afterwards.
Just enjoy yourself! And give us a full report
I'll be seeing my first real Hip show in 7 days
(Not counting their performance on The Hour last fall, which I was lucky enough to get tickets to!)
Pssshh. This 40 year old(but not a virgin) will be seeing the Hip at least 3 times in the next couple months. Come on in, the water's fine.
Howdy Bookhead, welcome to the world of the Hip. My name is Negative Phil and I have been a Hip addict for over 18 years. I am also an American and will turn 37 this Thursday. Do not worry you are safe here and have come to the right place to learn the way of the hip. Now in regards to your first experience with a live Tragically Hip concert, I must warn you that once you enter The State Theater on April 12 your life will never be the same. Do not be scared by the large number of polite people, they are called "Canadians" and they will soon become your soul brothers and sisters. You and your wife may notice a pungent aroma wafting thru the theater, that in only the smell of the "kind green bud" that your new friends the "Canadians" have imported from the great white north. I recommend you prepare yourself with some mild alcoholic beverages in-order to lubricate you ageing body for the rigorous activity you about to engage in. Once you have secured a mild "buzz" make your way to your predetermined seating and relax. The entertainment will begin on time as the "Canadians" tend to be prompt as well as polite. I must warn you that as soon as the music begins you will feel a strange urge to initiate a series of rhythmic movements. Surrender to the urge fully and completely for resistance is futile. The men upon the stage are trained professionals who will guide you through an evening of ecstatic rapture punctuated by moments of tenderness that may cause you to release a small stream of saline fluid from your eyes. Be not afraid, these are tears of joy. You may also find yourself tempted to suddenly bursts out with primal vocalizations of satisfaction. Feel fee to do so, you will not upset the "Canadians". When the entertainment has come to a conclusion you may find it necessary to imbibe copious amounts of cold beverages and share your experience with others. I recommend you do so with other "Hipbasers" after the show for when you return to your normal life you may find it difficult to find others who "get it" in your immediate surroundings. I wish you luck!
Don't be fooled by the albums as great as they are the band evolves on stage to bring the best out of each other and feed off the crowd. If you have attended big rock concerts such as Kiss and Motley Crue, you will notice one big distiction the music. TTH live for the music and don't use gimics, other than a great light show.
Enjoy, I have been listening since day one and have seen the 9 times now (4 on this tour) and have never seen them better.
Hip shows are fun. But inside they smell like Otto's Jacket.
Hi Bookhead, Welcome aboard.
Congratulations on your first Hip show - I hope you enjoy it. As for what to expect, I'm with Billy. I'd try and go in there with no expectations other than to see five guys on a stage playing some fantastic tunes! That way the excitement and suprise will heightened more. In the past, before I've gone to see a band for the first time, I've downloaded a load of previous live stuff, and although it's great to listen to it does spoil the suprise a bit when you finally get there, especially if the stuff you download is hot off the press stuff from the current tour. (Case in point: Seeing Tool last year - I still had a great time, but I pretty much new the setlist before I went.) I attended my first (and so far only) Hip show last year. I went in there knowing a lot of songs, but I had no *real* idea what would be played/what the rarities and the regulars were and I think I enjoyed it more because of that. I still remember the tingle I got when they launched into Courage!
Just enjoy it, and soak up as much as you can as the first one is always special. :thumb: I look forward to reading your review.
Bookhead Wrote:I'm also 38 years old...
under_pressure Wrote:Ever kissed a girl?
I thought you were just dishing out random insults there - but when I caught up, that made me chuckle.
Thanks, everyone! All of you seem like really cool and genuine people. It's great to know that the Hip fanbase is comprised of such outstanding people. I'm really looking forward to the show on April 12 (particularly since, with two kids 2 and 5 yrs old, I haven't been to any concert since I saw Dylan in October 2001).
I'd say the Hip have become my favorite band over the last year--not just because the music is great, but because they seem like such great guys. Definitely not your typical ironic, jaded rock stars, but honest REAL guys you could have a beer with.
Like I said, I'll be giving everyone a full report after I "lose my virginity" on April 12!
Keep your eye out for a regular jerk at the show, the mic stand... They tend to bother Gord Downie a bit but he usually deals with the situation.
surferguy Wrote:Keep your eye out for a regular jerk at the show, the mic stand... They tend to bother Gord Downie a bit but he usually deals with the situation.
Yeah, bloody thing thinks he's a man... :roll:
Used to be the first drum kick of Grace would be enough to launch me somewhere else. Then for a bit it was the droning openings of Tiger The Lion... haven't seen the Hip since one of the New Years Eve bashes here in Hamilton, so not sure what would be punching my ticket to Hipnotics...I really need to get to a show soon...