06-15-2018, 12:20 PM
I was glad to attend, it was an amazing experience and worth every $ for the atmosphere in the room and city, the emotion, Gord's determination (only later did I really appreciated how much it took for him to perform), and the band's support for him and each other. Oddly given the situation, a life affirming event when you realize people can come together on an emotional level.
But when I think of amazing performances, dozens come to mind of the numerous shows I saw. Any of the ARA shows were next level, in particular I recall Darian Lake was jaw dropping -- Gift Shop, with the line "and the pendulum swings" and the band kicked in, was like a rush of air.
Richardson Stadium in Kingston. Weather had been crappy but broke when the Hip hit the stage, but it was still chilly and wet. For me, I'd seen dozens of Hip shows by then, but they seemed to reach a new level on that night. I can still picture Gord in his baggy pants, navigating the stage monitors, mic stand as a harpoon.
Later years, I loved how fluid Gord became on stage -- his dancing, miming, painting the audience. I tear up a bit thinking about just how incredible a performer he was, truly one of a kind.
I'm hoping for at a minimum some archive audio shows that cover the different eras of the band. I'm also assuming lots of ARA was filmed for what became the documentary. CBC also seemed to film a number of earlier shows -- I recall there was a short special on one the Fort Henry show.
But when I think of amazing performances, dozens come to mind of the numerous shows I saw. Any of the ARA shows were next level, in particular I recall Darian Lake was jaw dropping -- Gift Shop, with the line "and the pendulum swings" and the band kicked in, was like a rush of air.
Richardson Stadium in Kingston. Weather had been crappy but broke when the Hip hit the stage, but it was still chilly and wet. For me, I'd seen dozens of Hip shows by then, but they seemed to reach a new level on that night. I can still picture Gord in his baggy pants, navigating the stage monitors, mic stand as a harpoon.
Later years, I loved how fluid Gord became on stage -- his dancing, miming, painting the audience. I tear up a bit thinking about just how incredible a performer he was, truly one of a kind.
I'm hoping for at a minimum some archive audio shows that cover the different eras of the band. I'm also assuming lots of ARA was filmed for what became the documentary. CBC also seemed to film a number of earlier shows -- I recall there was a short special on one the Fort Henry show.