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Detroit Show Review - Printable Version

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Detroit Show Review - Hugh23 - 07-12-2003

This is my first post to hipbase.com. Bare with me because I can't wipe the shit-eatting grin off my face. My cousin Sean, Suzie and my wife Carolyn couldn't wait for Gord Downie & TCOM to come to our hometown of Detroit, Michigan.

Carolyn took me to Gord's show as a present for my 41st birthday. I had to work my 24 hour shift on my actual birthday, July 10. (Sorry for the white lie to all the people around me who made it a birthday never to forget). I wouldn't let myself celebrate until I saw the show.

St. Andrew's Hall is very small and was built by Scottish immigrants in the 1920's. Both of my dad's parents emigrated to Detroit from Uddington, Scotland not knowing each other. They met and married here establishing my family's roots. My Grandmother told me she used to attend social events at this same place. How ironic I was here to rock out with G. D.

I wanted to be in the first row. We arrived early just as the band was doing their sound check inside. The tour bus was parked about 300 ft. down from the front entrance. The die hard few who were there early saw Gord walk in and out of the venue. He chatted with everyone as he passed by.

Again, St. Andrew's is very small. It has an elevated stage in front of a hardwood dance floor which holds 850 people. I expected a sold out show and felt disappointed only about 250 people came. But what an intense group. We were front row center, right in front of Gord. I felt like I was at a private concert. Gord & TCOM played fantastically.

During the first three songs my friends kept yelling 'Happy Birthday' to me over the music. Gord heard this. To introduce the next song he said, "Happy Bithday Hugh"! He also saw my beautiful wife Carolyn next to me and jokingly said, (I'm paraphrasing as Gord does), " If we were in Vancouver she would not be yours anymore". Everyone laughed and the band kicked into Vancouver Divorce.

A great highlight of the show was Roll Another Number during the first encore. Dale Morningstar sang an extra verse he made up about the Detroit Red Wings personnel dilemma. He mentioned the names of CuJo, the Dominator, and Sergie Federov in a hilarious rhyming verse. Did I mention Dale was wearing a cool t-shirt with Gordie Howe on it. To end the song Gord put his guitar pick in his mouth pretending to smoke it.

The final encore consisted of Insomniacs of the World, Goodnight. Dale played this tiny organ whick fit on his lap while the band played. Of course, this is mostly spoken word and Gord put a lot of emotion into it, pretending to fall asleep as he said the last line. The lights went out and the show was over. Julie, Josh, Dale, Dave and Dr. P. played great behind Gord.

Anthony from Port Huron, Michigan who was next to me scored a set list. He showed it to me and I thought he was very lucky. At this point the band members were breaking down there own instruments. Someone called my name from the stage. Dr. P. came over, wished me a happy birthday and gave me his set list. I couldn't believe it!

We went outside to stand by the tour bus and hopefully get Gord's autograph. Close to 75 other people had the same idea. The band came out without Gord and we all enjoyed talking to them.

With so many people waiting to speak with Gord, I thought he would sign a few and leave quickly. I was amazed! Gord spent close to an hour with his fans. I am not kidding when I say he personally spoke to everyone, signing autographs and taking pictures. At times he looked tired and overwhelmed, but he was very gracious. We spoke with Gord, then left for a bar around the corner.

Fifteen minutes later, I decided to go back and see if Gord had left. The crowd of 75 had dwindled to 5 people huddled around him. I started talking Red Wing hockey with Gord. The other fans told Gord how funny Dale's Red Wing verse was. One guy remembered it and started to sing it. Gord joined in and we all had a great laugh.

Thank you to all the people standing by me who cheered for my birthday during the show. It was very memorable! Gord, I'll remember what you said about partying and family life.

Best Wishes

1. Willow Logic 7. I Can Only Give You...
2. Pascel's Sub. 8. Figment
3. Chancellor 9. Yer Possesed
4. Vancouver Divorce 10. Into the Night
5. Trick Rider 11. Canada Geese
6. Going, going, gone...

Encore 1 Encore2
1. 11th Fret 1. Insomniacs of the World, Goodnight
2. Roll Another Number

... - Ryan2 - 07-15-2003

sounds like a great way to spend your birthday. Its pretty amazing that gord will do that but he has been at every show ive been at , goes to show how great of a guy he is to do that for his fans... I was looking at maplemusic and unfortunately they didnt record the Detroit show for some reason- blamed it on tech difficulties ...

Nice. - mats - 07-16-2003

Wow Hugh,
That sounds like a great time.
Well done.
Mats.
P.S. what did Gord actually say about partying and family life?

- Sabina - 07-16-2003

HEY Hugh!
I was at the show too (only just now found this board). That was such an amazing show wasn't it?! I was the second person in line waiting for Gord afterwards. He signed my cd Big Grin Big Grin Big Grin but declined my request for the thread hanging from his visor. I now regret taking off right away for a beer (kinda wish I would have acted on my impulse to give him a kiss) and missing the little singalong. It really is too bad they don't have the MP3...I wonder if it's because there was such little turnout.
Anyway, that show rawked and it made me a huge fan Big Grin Bought Coke Machine Glow yesterday - have you all checked out the Chanecellor video at rollingstone.com- it's a gem :mrgreen: .
If anyone has any pictures from that night, even pictures w/Gord outside later, and you'd be kind enough to share please contact me <!-- e --><a href="mailto:AdoreSP10@yahoo.com">AdoreSP10@yahoo.com</a><!-- e -->.
Big Grin Sabina

- Hugh23 - 07-16-2003

To MATS,

At the beginning of Roll Another Number, Gord said something like, if we party in front of our kids, one day your son will come up to you and ask Dad, what should I do about drinking and drugs, and your kid won't listen to your answer because of your actions, so try to be more responsible and party less. Then he said under his breath " Yeah, like that will happen...". Then the song started.

To Sabina,

I will e-mail you my pictures, and you're right, the show really did rock! I wish the recording would have turned out. I was looking forward to it.

- dyersbay - 07-16-2003

Hey Hugh,

Great story!! I wish I could have been there!
Would have been a great chance to meet Gord, I have never met any of them! if you wouldn't mind would you email me the pictures too?
If you don't email is <!-- e --><a href="mailto:dyersbay@canada.com">dyersbay@canada.com</a><!-- e -->
Thanks!

- Sabina - 07-16-2003

HUGH! Thanks for the pictures! They turned out GREAT! :thumb: Love the shot outside with Gord...*kicking myself for not bringing camera and hanging out at the bar all night*...If you don't mind I'm gonna print out that picture and paste my face on your wife's and put it up at work. :mrgreen: just kidding...
*Sigh*
I've been experiencing post-concert depression since the show and I'm trying to think of reasons for work to send me to Chicago for next Saturday , but I've come up with nothing. Sad Probably a good thing....should give my Gord crush time to subside.
*SIGH*
Thanks again for the pictures - very nice of you. Smile
Do you guys plan on going to any more shows?

- dyersbay - 07-16-2003

Probably a good thing....should give my Gord crush time to subside.

AHhh Someone else with a Gord crush. Nice to see it's not just me!

O and why can't I figure out that Quote thing? Confusedcratch:

- Sabina - 07-16-2003

Yeah I'm totally smitten :wink: guess I have a thing for brilliant bald poetic rock stars (i like Billy Corgan 2) Have you checked out the Chancellor video? He's super adorable in it. I've played it like 6 times or so, and it'd be more if I didn't remind myself to get a grip. :mrgreen:

- dyersbay - 07-16-2003

Yes I have seen it! I really like it! Love the black and white.
Yes he is super cute in that. I like pascal's submarine too!
Love the outfit. So where you really nervous when you met him?

- Hugh23 - 07-16-2003

You guys are too funny. But I must admit that Gord is exceptionately cool! Also, I can't wait till Saturday. Our plans are set and we are storming the Windy City to see Gord one more time!

I saw TTH last year at HOB-Myrtle Beach. It was a very cool venue. I saw pictures of the HOB-Chicago on the web and they are both similar. The Hip have played there also. I think it will be very cool. I believe Gord will shine that night. Can someone be too excited?

- Sabina - 07-17-2003

AAAH! :o You guys are going again eh! I really would love to go to that - maybe I should check out flights. My boyfriend and I are supposed to be shoving off from Point Pelee to head up to the North Channel on our boat Sunday - but at this point they're calling for thunderstorms. When will I get another chance to see him in such a small venue again... right?! Help me rationalize this!!!

Dyersbay: yes I was nervous...I had to think about how to spell my own name when he asked me Confusedhock: .

- Kim - 07-17-2003

dyersbay Wrote:O and why can't I figure out that Quote thing? Confusedcratch:

Hey, just thought I would help Dyersbay out.
All you have to do to quote someone is click the "quote" button on the top right hand side of the person's message, its a piece of cake.

:thumb:

- dyersbay - 07-17-2003

Kim Wrote:
dyersbay Wrote:O and why can't I figure out that Quote thing? Confusedcratch:

Hey, just thought I would help Dyersbay out.
All you have to do to quote someone is click the "quote" button on the top right hand side of the person's message, its a piece of cake.

:thumb:

O.k. thanks, It finally worked. I have tried it before, and it has never worked.

- dyersbay - 07-17-2003

[quote="Hugh23"]You guys are too funny. But I must admit that Gord is exceptionately cool! Also, I can't wait till Saturday. Our plans are set and we are storming the Windy City to see Gord one more time!

Hugh you are so lucky!!! For me I have a three hour radius, I don't care what direction, but I can't drive for more than three hours 1 way!

Thanks also for the pictures, I haven't had a chance to see them yet. I was still downloading when I left for work! But I'm hoping to see them tonight!!! Have a great time on Sat, I'm so jealous.