[The Heron Outside]

35 for me, all since NYD 2000. I'd like to hit 50.

Chris said it's all about location, and while I agree, it's also about the company you keep as well. I know my girl can only handle so many trips to gigs (It'd be better for me if she didn't understand) but the fact that there's so many dedicated members on this board who've given rides, provided conversation on the road, etc. will boost numbers as well.

When I tell people that I've seen 35 gigs, I get looks like I've just told a dirty, un-necessarily racist joke. Most folks think you're crazy. Then I tell them about one of my favourite trips, when I hitched a ride with Chris, Trevor and Yvan from Guelph to Detroit and Cleveland, never having met them before. Music does some pretty strange things to people, especially letting an unknown greasy kid in a car (Was it a Honda?) for a few hundred kilometres.

Those same dudes provided ample conversation, laughs and esteem (And way too many buckets of Corona) for me when I was travelling through Europe in '06 and managed to catch the band a few times. I'm getting nostalgic, but I think most of the EuroHip crew would agree, it's all about the company you keep which makes a gig or a trip special.

Tear.

[rocketsan22]

Not as many as most of you...

First show was Carslisle, ON in 1990 or 1991...

Last show was a long time ago...Copps 2000..or 2001?

Many great shows in between like Bolton Valley, VT, M@W advance shows in Montreal... pre Christmas show at Copps in 1998..or 1999...maybe 2000...I can't remember. One that will always remain memorable is the Henhouse surprise gig at The Spectrum in Montreal with the wheelchair crowd surfer. This is by far the greatest Hip moment I've had.

[thebends]

First show was Carslisle, ON in 1990 or 1991...

I still can't believe they played in Carlisle ON ... I live right beside that field. Think it was the last "rock" show in this park.

Most memorable was easily Lee's Palace in Toronto in February 2002. Anyone who lived through the experience of both the leadup to the show (many hours standing in the pouring rain waiting for the doors to open) and the insane intimacy of such a venue will never forget that day.

Yep, I remember standing outside Massey Hall waiting for the venue announcement on the radio (this is where we thought the show would be). When Lee's was announced we hopped into two or three taxis and high tailed it for Lee's where we waited for hours in a driving cold rain for a chance at one of 600 wrist bands. Eventually Lee's management took pitty on us and let us into a large room with a couple of standup bars where we dried off and drank for a couple of hours before the show. What a great night!

[mcwslc]

I should have updated my list before last week, would have realized the 3rd show at the Troubador was my 50th. First was April 1993 in Tucson, AZ.

Hard to choose the best show but Vancouver on 11/9/96 was a highlight thanks to getting Twist my Arm, Luxury, Cordelia, Little Bones, and 3 Pistols in the same show.

[Marcus1970]

Thanks to everyone for their responses. The Hip sure have some amazing fans.

I had no idea the amount of shows some hipbasers have attended or I would have definitely included more options for 50+ and 75+. I can't believe my 15 shows actually puts me in the minority. Great job to all those who continue to attend shows and travel great distances to watch The Hip live. I am very impressed.

I actually thought there might be 1 or 2 fans on hipbase who still haven't seen the band live.

[thehip11]

I think i'm somewhere around 70. My wife is about 20.

[Tthip]

I think i'm somewhere around 70. My wife is about 20.

Wow, talk about robbing the cradle!

[rocketsan22]

First show was Carslisle, ON in 1990 or 1991...

I still can't believe they played in Carlisle ON ... I live right beside that field. Think it was the last "rock" show in this park.

Was a great show. Nice and close to home. For the life of me I can't remember who else played...Northern Pikes maybe?

[Hengelo]

Yep, I remember standing outside Massey Hall waiting for the venue announcement on the radio (this is where we thought the show would be). When Lee's was announced we hopped into two or three taxis and high tailed it for Lee's where we waited for hours in a driving cold rain for a chance at one of 600 wrist bands. Eventually Lee's management took pitty on us and let us into a large room with a couple of standup bars where we dried off and drank for a couple of hours before the show. What a great night!

I believe it was the US-Czech men's Olympic hockey matchup that was playing in the bar while we waited for the show to begin. Belarus had knocked off the Swedes while we stood in line outside (infamous goal off Salo's mask from the neutral zone), meaning that Team Canada avoided the mighty Swedes in the semis. I remember someone updating us on the score throughout the game and the chants of 'Belarus! Belarus!' when the game was over.

[SRK]

Wasn't sure how to answer. My total is 10, but one of those was the Grey Cup halftime show in 2004. Me and my old man were in the west side temporary bleachers, and we couldn't actually hear anything. At one point my dad asked me what they were playing, and I had to respond "well, I *think* it's courage, but don't quote me on that."

Of course, the question was how many times have you *seen* them, and we did see them, I guess.

[Tthip]

Does the movie theatre count?

[mastodonfarm]

Orlando 1
NYC 4
Albany 1
London 1
Hamilton 1
Toronto 1
Portland 1
Seattle 1


Here's to adding to that NYC tally in 09 or 10!

[spottrax]

Detroit Fillmore was 14 and 15.

First was Chene Park in Detroit 1993. A guy was killed in a scuffle near the front of the stage at that show (didn't know it until the next day).

Best show had to be the 7th house theater in Pontiac MI in 2000. They did a Q & A type show with 89X as a promo for M@W. The venue only held about 300. That crowd was so stoked! Band did several songs from M@W and then cut loose on requests and other oldies such as ABAC, Eldorado, Wheat Kings, Poets, Little Bones....etc.

And I agree with the guy who's wife is baffled about 15 shows...lol...... my wife has seen them 3 times...says thats enough for her....can't understand my fixation!....lol.... :thumb:

[fingernailsonhull]

Well, I've seen them in Toronto four times (SkyDome, Molson Amphitheatre, Air Canada Centre, and Fort York). I've also seen them once in Indianapolis (The Vogue).

Now I'm all hyped up to see them this fall in St. Louis (likely The Pageant).

[thompson girl]

I'm at 26 now.