Aighty I'm back. Jeez those 8 year olds are dirty little hockey players
First I'd like to comment on the merch? It's...fucking awesome? For the first time ever I've actually LIKED the merch, especially those zip-up hoodies. I got myself a hat. And I think before my next show I'll make a point to get a Hipbase shirt. It'd be way more awesomer to go to a show with one of those.
As per usual the anticipation nearly killed me before the show. The boys came out, and Gordie asked the crowd, "are you at the lonely end of the rink?" before busting into the song.
Gordie was just...fantastic. The show was so much more high-energy, and the boys conveyed much more emotion into their performance. They seemed almost...inspired by the new material they wrote, or something. Every song was on fire. Especially compared to the 2004 show I saw, which was kickass in it's own right, but Gordie especially...no, actually all of them, just seemed way more up on their game, they obviously thoroughly enjoyed every song and it showed.
And Gordie went guitar-less for...counting...EIGHT songs in a row before picking it up for Wheat Kings. It's always a pleasure to see them do a more acoustic song without the guitar, when you know very well he could pick it up. That stretch includes Fiddler's Green (...phenomenal..), World Container, Springtime, and Long Time Running, guitarless.
Highlight of the night? Idunno. For me, it's a tie. I'm sure all other Winnipeg hipbasers would also pick the tie

It's a toss up between the 100th meridian, and this incredible scream he belted out in Blow.
During the extended jam in 100th meridian, we got no ranting. What we did get, is all I can describe as Gordie playing "war" on stage. He pulled out his gun, then "ran for cover" behind Paul. He stayed there for about a minute, hiding, poking out, shoulder checking. Then he ducked, leapt across the stage, did a somersault, and finished rolling just behind Gord S, where he hid for awhile longer, pointing his gun over Gord S' shoulder, before ducking behind Robbie for awhile. Then, out of nowhere he books it all the way around the stage, and goes behind Johnny. We couldn't see him for probably 30 seconds. Then this frantic "FIND THE DRUMMER!!! FIND THE DRUMMER! Ladies and gentlemen, if you're ever in doubt, FIND THEEE DRUUUUMEEEEEEER", and he kept going with a little mini-rant about feeling secure behind the drummer. It looked like Paul had a hard time keeping his composure and not laughing at Gord's antics
And the second highlight...for me anyways...was during Blow, when Gordie decided to take a rest on his mic stand. He was laying on top of it, kinda leaning like you would lean back in a chair, the mic was at about a 45 with the stage, and he spun himself around slowly. Then, totally unexpected, he lets out this scream, and I swear, I have never heard Gordie scream like that, that well, ever, sitting down no less. It was the best effing way to end the set.
And 2000 light years? Man, look at the setlist! They couldnt have picked a better song to fit in with the high-energy rock singles they cranked out all night! AWESOME!
If there was any dissapointment, it came only in setlist diversity. There were no songs from my favourite, DFN, no songs from M@W, IVL, or IBE. I was really hoping for Grace, Lake Fever, and Gus, but no dice.
Gord didn't even look tired at the end of the concert. Even after playing what they did. In 2004 he looked exhausted. What can I say? He's in shape, vocally, the difference between 2004 and now is pretty staggering if you ask me. And of you guys who;s concerts are up and coming, you can expect a refreshed Gordie after 20 songs.
Anyway....bloody amazing, I always think, "maybe this time I'll walk away from the concert and be content, like I've seen it all before". But nope. The boys will never stop amazing or impressing me. Awesome show. Can't believe I have to wait another 2 years or so to see them again here in the 'Peg.
And ending on another happy note, I brought a friend of mine who had never seen a Hip concert...or a concert at all for that matter...and, I was a little scared at first (you know, for those who have never seen Gordie...do..what..he does) but, and I quote, "That was fucking amazing. Like the best night of my life! I HAVE to see another Hip show!!"
And ONE MORE HTING!!! For you Winnipegers who read the paper, did you read the Free Press review? Gah! Drives me nuts! "Gordie's beloved Maple Leafs" WTF is that?!!!
Ok, now I'm done, we can all sleep well tonight now