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Since the American shows have started now, thought I'd get some input on the difference between the big shows in Canada, Toronto and Hamilton, vs the bar shows they play in the States.
I've waited long enough for the hip to come play at a bar near me, so instead i'm going to them. Going to the Myrtle Beach show for sure, and maybe the Asheville NC show the next day. Just wondering how small these shows get. Is it unrealistic to be hoping for the intimate hip show of all of our dreams?
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I'm a Hip fan from Texas and I've seen them 3 times on this tour and 3 times each on the two previous tours (Music and IVL). I've never seen one of their shows in Canada so I can't really compare but the New York, Dallas, and Austin shows have been about 700 people at most.
I think you'll enjoy it immensely.
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Alright thanks guys. I was excited before. Now I'm pumped to no end. A 14 hour road trip with one hell of a happy ending.
Who said it's the journey not the destination. I hope they're wrong!!
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I'm more curious... do we have any US fans out here who are used to seeing them play small venues who have made the trip to see them in an arena? I think that some of it is just a 'change of pace'.... an opportunity to see them in a different setting than we're used to.
The smaller shows kick ass, but if you've only ever seen them performing in front of 500 people, I gotta imagine it's kinda wild to then seem them play in front of 20,000....
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I'm not from the US, but every Hip show I've been to has been in the company of thousands of others. I've been lucky enough to see them twice on this tour already. Both shows were in Canada with very large crowds. Ottawa Bluesfest and Kingston, respectively. There is always a vibe present that I find difficult to articulate. For some reason it's not like any of the other festival shows I've been to. (Monsters of Rock comes to mind). There's a current of energy. It starts as a low key hum but gains strength as time passes. Maybe it's because everyone is there for the same purpose. To see The Hip.
I've never been to the US for a Hip show. That is about to change, mind you. I look forward to Clifton Park, but with a certain "sedate anticipation". I don't know what to expect, so I'm trying not to expect anything at all. Does that make sense? I'm wishing for less than 1500 people, but I know that is unrealistic. In any event, I'm ready. I've yet to hear a review from anyone, Hip fan or otherwise, who said they were disappointed.
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I've seen the Hip play to 250 in a bar in Hamburg, Germany, and I've seen them play to 40,000 in Markham, Ontario, and everything in between (clubs, theaters, auditoriums, beer tents)...ALWAYS a great show and good time. But it is best when you can see Gord sweat.
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living in nc as a father of 3 w/not much cash or time to road trip ---ive only seen them when they get close,,,that means twice at ziggys in winston salem------1996 was like nobody---300 people ---and room to thrash around 35 feet from the stage.---2 years later,same venue---place was packed-wall to wall --still only held 800 people--but it was a far sweatier affair in 1998.-----everyone was super friendly but no room to move at all ----the guys didnt seem to care small show or big ---they probably can only see the first 10 rows,,. anyway .susan--as a result i'm probably spoiled---i'd be at least non-plussed to see them from the back of some crowd........i've only seen them twice but both times was like being at a private show.. --i will be at the orange peel like front row center two steps to the right!!!!------ if the young lady who took my hat and proceeded to grind against me for the rest of the night- in 1998 -wants to dance again---we'll see you in asheville!
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I have seen them in many venues in Canada, mostly very large. I was in Rochester last month, and it was the most intimate and amazing experience! I would travel far and wide to experience that again!
While the large arenas and the 20,000 people can be exciting, it just doesn't compare with the smaller venues. It is like a show right in your own (large) lviingroom!
I loved it! I will definitely be visiting the U.S the next time around!
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I got to see the boys in Myrtle Beach last two weeks ago on the 26th. Ended up second row, close enough grab the setlist off the stage (tried, but got busted with setlist in hand by the bouncer). The venue was phenominal, and Sam Roberts was great.
As was previously debated, the Hip played one of their more lack lustre shows, with less intensity than I've seen previously, but the intimacy experienced, with less than 500 people present, was unparalleled.
At the "American Show" i met Sam Roberts and his band while having a beer at the back of the bar. GREAT experience. I waited outside the HOB for half and hour and met Gord S., Robby and Jonny. GREAT experience. This would never be possible at a show in SW Ontario, nof would being able to hear every conversation Robby and Gord had with the 15 people waiting with me.
This experience will never be forgotten, and despite the nearly 20 hour drive from London to Myrtle Beach. I would jump at the opportunity to participate in such a concert again! Until this, my dream was to see The Hip at a bar, my new dream is to seen them at a bar, in a Hip town (Kingston?), and meet the rest of the band!
This should sum up the before and after feelings comparing the American/Canadian shows.
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Was anyone at the Wetlands shows in NYC '98 ? It was 5 nights in a place that couldn't have held more than 300 or so. The stage was only knee high with no barriars, my beer was on the stage in front of Gord for 4 straight nights. So close he was sweating on us. Just incredible. I've been to 37 shows and 21 were in bars in the states. There really is no comparison to the areana shows. The most important reason is the sound quality, there's nothing like being able to hear every word that comes out of Gords mouth. There is something really special about being in a small place with a bunch of rabid fans who travelled hours to see them.
Its also interesting to meet fans from places other than Canada or Buffalo. It always amazes me to meet someone from South Carolina or Texas.
