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It seems that the boys have been playing to large crouds and in big venues for a while. I think I read once that they occasionally like to play a small venue to get that feeling they had in the early years. I also really like the live recordings from small shows. Maybe they could come back to St. Louis, MO where only 300 people have heard of them, HAHA. I've been waiting since the PP tour
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Man, there's nothing better than drivin down to the States and seeing the Hip up close and personal in small venues. I've become addicted to it over the years, and not a tour goes by where I don't try to plan some sort of Hip trip down south. It's great!
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In 1999, I went down to visit my then girl-friend (now wife), in Los Angeles. It was my time ever in L.A.. I got a call from her about a week before I went down, and she said, "You won't believe who's playing here.....The Tragically Hip." They were booked to play at the Wiltern Theatre, I'd guess no more than 1000 seats. It also happened to be my last night in L.A.. I said get the tickets!
When we arrived that evening for the show, it was a little bit of Canadiana in the heart of Los Angeles. I couldn't count the number of Maple Leafs & Canadians Jerseys. At one point 5 Canadian flags were being waved (one guy even jumped on stage to wave his flag to the crowd.) I saw people wearing Queen's Jackets, and even bumped into an old friend from Toronto who I hadn't seen in about 5 years.
Our seats were about 14 rows from the stage, Robby side. I think this was probably the smallest venue I'd seen them, beating 3 shows at the Ontario Place Forum, and Massey Hall as my previous smallest venues.
While it is a treat to see the band perform in such small places, I enjoy the shows no matter where they play. :thumb:
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I have seen the Hip play 4 times in the States and I enjoyed everyone more than seeing then in a huge arena in Canada.
You cant beat a roadtrip with your buddies and seeing Gord play in a bar that holds a couple 100.
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Of the 40 shows I've been to, the first 25 or so were in large arenas or festival grounds (Copps, ACC, Molson Park) until 2002 and 2004 where I started seeing them in small clubs and there really is no comparison. Clubs rock hard core and the whole road trip thing is probably the greatest thing any Canadian fan can do. Get your butt down to the states the next time they go there. Tickets are way cheaper and it's usally always general admission so you can stand nice and close. You'll meet tons of people like Hugh and Carolyn and have tons of fun, lol.
I'm in for tons of road trips for the next US tour. Drop me a line if you live in the greater Toronto area and I'm there with ya.
Jamie
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Next tour I'm definitely planning a west coast Hip trip, and you're all welcome to join me. I think it would be fun to take 10 days off and follow the band all the way down (or up) the coast. I tried to do this last year, but the funds weren't there and I couldn't get enough time off work, so the Spokane show was the only one I was able to take in. I won't have the money next year either, but screw it-- I'm just gonna put the whole thing on my Visa. Sure, it'll put me further into debt, but who cares? Life is short and the Hip are worth it!
:mrgreen:
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This is my problem. I was so late in becoming a Hip fan that I will never ever get to see them in an imtimate environment. I have friends and coworkers who constantly offer me tickets to see them, but I can't stand large crowds and venues. For the american fans the Hip are one of Canada's best kept secrets. Long live the Hip.
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Astronaut Wrote:This is my problem. I was so late in becoming a Hip fan that I will never ever get to see them in an imtimate environment. .
You have plenty of time :thumb: , Unless your 105 years old and on your death bed...
I will not give up. My face is set,my gait is fast,my goal is heaven,my road is narrow,my way is rough,my companions are few,my guide is reliable,my mission is clear. I cannot be bought,compromised,detoured,lured away,turned back,diluted or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice,hesitate in the presence of adversity,negotiate at the table of the enemy,ponder at the pool of popularity,or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I will not give up,shut up or slow down....Blessed Be!
![[Image: hubba.jpg]](http://emilybidwell.com/picts/hubba.jpg)
got to the show in time to pound 2 beers back (to make up for the booze lost on the hamilton-toronto trip) and find our seats and them the show started.) Great show!
