At Transformation
NOIS
Thompson Girl
Don't Wake Daddy
Modern Spirit
Courage
So Hard Done By
Streets Ahead
ABAC
Nashville
Springtime In Vienna
We Want To Be It
Take Forever
Blow At High Dough
Bobcaygeon
Nautical Disaster
Goodnight Attawapiskat
Man Machine Poem
Grace Too
An Inch An Hour
Fiddlers Green
Music @ Work
Little Bones
"I try my best to chug, stomp, weep, whisper, moan, wheeze, scat, blurt, rage, whine, and seduce. With my voice I can sound like a girl, the boogieman, a Theremin, a cherry bomb, a clown, a doctor, a murderer. I can be tribal. Ironic. Or disturbed. My voice is really my instrument."
At Transformation
Grace, Too
Escape is at Hand...
Kids Don't Get It
Man Machine Poem
100th Meridian
Flamenco
Poets
Streets Ahead
About This Map
Daredevil
Springtime in Vienna
We Want To Be It
Fully Completely
Blow at High Dough
Fire In The Hole
Goodnight Attawapiskat
Bobcaygeon
Nautical Disaster
Fiddler's Green
Courage
Little Bones
"I try my best to chug, stomp, weep, whisper, moan, wheeze, scat, blurt, rage, whine, and seduce. With my voice I can sound like a girl, the boogieman, a Theremin, a cherry bomb, a clown, a doctor, a murderer. I can be tribal. Ironic. Or disturbed. My voice is really my instrument."
At Transformation
New Orleans
Gus
Man Machine
Love is a First
Coffee Girl
Streets Ahead
Gift Shop
Greasy Jungle
The Rules
Ahead by a Century
We Want to Be It
Nashville
The Lookahead
100th meridian
Bobcaygeon
Attawapiskat
Music@Work
Grace Too
Inch an Hour
Plan A
Courage
Blow
"I try my best to chug, stomp, weep, whisper, moan, wheeze, scat, blurt, rage, whine, and seduce. With my voice I can sound like a girl, the boogieman, a Theremin, a cherry bomb, a clown, a doctor, a murderer. I can be tribal. Ironic. Or disturbed. My voice is really my instrument."
Transformation
Grace, Too
Escape
In View
ABAC
Man Machine
Unplucked Gems
Gift Shop
Modern Spirit
Poets
Flamenco
Streets Ahead
Bobcaygeon
We Want To Be It
Fully
Fire in the Hole
Attawapiskat
Blow
Lionized
Fiddler's
Spingtime
Courage
Little Bones
"I try my best to chug, stomp, weep, whisper, moan, wheeze, scat, blurt, rage, whine, and seduce. With my voice I can sound like a girl, the boogieman, a Theremin, a cherry bomb, a clown, a doctor, a murderer. I can be tribal. Ironic. Or disturbed. My voice is really my instrument."
Transformation
Grace, Too
Escape
In View
ABAC
Man Machine
Unplucked Gems
Gift Shop
Modern Spirit
Poets
Flamenco
Streets Ahead
Bobcaygeon
We Want To Be It
Fully
Fire in the Hole
Attawapiskat
Blow
Lionized
Fiddler's
Spingtime
Courage
Little Bones
Thanks for the post Dire! My friend flew to Vegas from Ontario for the show and about all she told me was that they played "Fiddler's Green" Haven't seen any setlist posts anywhere regarding their west coast stops, but really surprised to see that they have NOT been playing anything off of "We Are the Same"...debating whether or not to make the trek for shows here at home, will have to wait and see...its hard to top seeing them at the smaller venues in the U.S.
'93 Toronto
'94 Detroit
'10 Columbus
'11 Detroit (Eddie solo), Toronto 1 and 2, Ottawa, Hamilton
'13 London, Pittsburgh, Buffalo
'14 Detroit
'16 Ottawa, Toronto 1 and 2, Chicago 1 and 2 '18 Chicago 1 and 2 '22 Hamilton, Toronto
Transformation
Grace, Too
Escape
In View
ABAC
Man Machine
Unplucked Gems
Gift Shop
Modern Spirit
Poets
Flamenco
Streets Ahead
Bobcaygeon
We Want To Be It
Fully
Fire in the Hole
Attawapiskat
Blow
Lionized
Fiddler's
Spingtime
Courage
Little Bones
Hey are you going to the Red Deer show on Tuesday?
Transformation
Grace, Too
Escape
In View
ABAC
Man Machine
Unplucked Gems
Gift Shop
Modern Spirit
Poets
Flamenco
Streets Ahead
Bobcaygeon
We Want To Be It
Fully
Fire in the Hole
Attawapiskat
Blow
Lionized
Fiddler's
Spingtime
Courage
Little Bones
Hey are you going to the Red Deer show on Tuesday?
Unfortunately no. I was annoyed that they didn't play Calgary on this tour and didn't end up getting tickets for any of the other shows. I've seen them well over 30 times, so for me it's no big deal if I miss them this time out. I'm holding out for a 2nd leg of U.S. dates (summer maybe?). There's nothing like seeing these guys in small venues. It's brilliant.
"I try my best to chug, stomp, weep, whisper, moan, wheeze, scat, blurt, rage, whine, and seduce. With my voice I can sound like a girl, the boogieman, a Theremin, a cherry bomb, a clown, a doctor, a murderer. I can be tribal. Ironic. Or disturbed. My voice is really my instrument."
Transformation
Grace, Too
Escape
In View
ABAC
Man Machine
Unplucked Gems
Gift Shop
Modern Spirit
Poets
Flamenco
Streets Ahead
Bobcaygeon
We Want To Be It
Fully
Fire in the Hole
Attawapiskat
Blow
Lionized
Fiddler's
Spingtime
Courage
Little Bones
Hey are you going to the Red Deer show on Tuesday?
Unfortunately no. I was annoyed that they didn't play Calgary on this tour and didn't end up getting tickets for any of the other shows. I've seen them well over 30 times, so for me it's no big deal if I miss them this time out. I'm holding out for a 2nd leg of U.S. dates (summer maybe?). There's nothing like seeing these guys in small venues. It's brilliant.
The Hip at a small venue is quite brilliant I agree. My wife and I were lucky enough to see the show at the Eric Harvie theatre in Banff in 2009. Best Hip show I've ever seen hands down and one of my all time favorite shows in general. Going to the Red Deer show on Tuesday and I can't wait, At Transformation is amazing, reminds me of Day for Night.
So pumped for the Red Deer show. My buddy got 6th row dead centre on the floor tix through the lottery. Hope they play some rare stuff off of Day For Night and Henhouse.
So pumped for the Red Deer show. My buddy got 6th row dead centre on the floor tix through the lottery. Hope they play some rare stuff off of Day For Night and Henhouse.
You're in luck. They played lots of rare gems on the U.S. tour, and it's very likely they'll do the same for the Canadian dates. From the reviews I've read, it's been an amazing tour so far. Also, the Arkells are opening for the Canadian tour. Awesome band.
"I try my best to chug, stomp, weep, whisper, moan, wheeze, scat, blurt, rage, whine, and seduce. With my voice I can sound like a girl, the boogieman, a Theremin, a cherry bomb, a clown, a doctor, a murderer. I can be tribal. Ironic. Or disturbed. My voice is really my instrument."
So pumped for the Red Deer show. My buddy got 6th row dead centre on the floor tix through the lottery. Hope they play some rare stuff off of Day For Night and Henhouse.
You're in luck. They played lots of rare gems on the U.S. tour, and it's very likely they'll do the same for the Canadian dates. From the reviews I've read, it's been an amazing tour so far. Also, the Arkells are opening for the Canadian tour. Awesome band.
Love the Arkells, I saw them in Edmonton a few times couple years ago. I live in Calgary now and they always seem to be playing here too.
The Hip at a small venue is quite brilliant I agree. My wife and I were lucky enough to see the show at the Eric Harvie theatre in Banff in 2009. Best Hip show I've ever seen hands down and one of my all time favorite shows in general. Going to the Red Deer show on Tuesday and I can't wait, At Transformation is amazing, reminds me of Day for Night.
The first time I ever saw the hip (despite being a Newfoundlander :oops:) was in Houston, Texas in 2007, at this little tiny shithole of a bar called Scout Bar.... the capacity of the venue couldn't have been more than 600 or 700 people... the whole room was filled with canadians... we got there early, had the whole front of the stage staked out (not that it would have mattered in a place that small)... it was amazing... I was an instant convert.
Since then I've seen them at a bunch of other small venue shows in Houston and New Orleans... actually one show I went to in New Orleans was probably one of my favorite concerts ever... me and 15 other newfies drove over and got to the venue early, staked out the whole rail... rocked out all night... at one point, Gord actually looked at us and told us to shut up so he could sing a song... at another point, he got in a tug of war over his microphone with one of the girls in our group... so much fun...
I've actually only ever seen the hip in Canada once - at Downsview in 2011 on Canada day... that was mind boggling as a bunch of my friends actually opened up for them early in the day - Hey Rosetta!...
Can't wait for Saturday at the Metro Center!!!!
Houston, Texas... Believe it or not, there are 7 million people here... must be a couple of fans who'd love to see you play.
First and only time I saw the Hip was when there were headlining at Another Roadside Attraction, and someone gave me some mushrooms in chocolate, and I tripped out so bad that I had to hide in a porta-potty for the first 45 minutes of their set. :fp: :fp: :fp:
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
Anyone going to see The Hip at the Halifax Metro Centre on February 2nd?
YES YES! and getting fucking excited as I'm sitting here at work listening!
And my gold circle's showed up last week.... row 5.
Needless to say, I am ready for some hip!!!!
Hey Shep - I'm originally from Newfoundland too and been living in Nova Scotia (The Valley) for about 13 years. I am shocked to hear that you haven't seen The Hip in Newfoundland! I must of seen them like 3+ times in Newfoundland.... they were one of the only few bands that would make the journey that far East. I am pumped and loven' that Live105 and playing tons of Hip in prep for Saturday Night. We have floor seats, but about 10 rows back from you!
Anyone going to see The Hip at the Halifax Metro Centre on February 2nd?
YES YES! and getting fucking excited as I'm sitting here at work listening!
And my gold circle's showed up last week.... row 5.
Needless to say, I am ready for some hip!!!!
Hey Shep - I'm originally from Newfoundland too and been living in Nova Scotia (The Valley) for about 13 years. I am shocked to hear that you haven't seen The Hip in Newfoundland! I must of seen them like 3+ times in Newfoundland.... they were one of the only few bands that would make the journey that far East. I am pumped and loven' that Live105 and playing tons of Hip in prep for Saturday Night. We have floor seats, but about 10 rows back from you!
Maybe we will see you at the concert!
I wonder why there is no Newfoundland stop on this tour, im bummed
St.John's 9/24/2005
St.John's 9/25/2005
Toronto 9/11/2011
Toronto 9/12/2011
Quebec City 5/5/2016
Ottawa 5/8/2016
They usually skip Newfoundland on the initial run on the tour and come back 6 months - a year later. When I seen them here in 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 and 2009 some of those dates weren't on Canada wide tours. For sure 2005 (Salmon Fest) wasn't. I've heard a rumor about the Hip on George Street for Canada Day, but I hope it's just a rumor. George Street blows as a concert venue.
I scored ten club tickets for London Ontario today, so looks like that's my concert trip this year.
St.John's 9/24/2005 St.John's 9/25/2005 Toronto 9/12/2011 Quebec 5/05/2016 Ottawa 5/08/2016
They usually skip Newfoundland on the initial run on the tour and come back 6 months - a year later. When I seen them here in 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 and 2009 some of those dates weren't on Canada wide tours. For sure 2005 (Salmon Fest) wasn't. I've heard a rumor about the Hip on George Street for Canada Day, but I hope it's just a rumor. George Street blows as a concert venue.
I scored ten club tickets for London Ontario today, so looks like that's my concert trip this year.
Ya george street does suck as a concert venue, way too crowded and everyones wasted
St.John's 9/24/2005
St.John's 9/25/2005
Toronto 9/11/2011
Toronto 9/12/2011
Quebec City 5/5/2016
Ottawa 5/8/2016
I wonder why there is no Newfoundland stop on this tour, im bummed
Unfortunately, it doesn't make any economical sense to have a show in NFLD.
It takes a full 24 hours to truck the gear in and another full 24 to get it back out - from Cape Breton. So when you factor in that you play halifax, go to St. John's, play a show, and then get all the way back to NB or Quebec to play another show, it's taken at least 4 days on your trip to play 1 show, with everyone they have to pay and transport during that timeframe, it's just not worth it to play a 7000 person stadium. Straight up.
I'm surprised St. John's has gotten as many bands as they have in the last few years for shows, given it's remoteness.
That being said, I traveled to see this show from Houston - As someone still living in Newfoundland - get your ass on that 90 minute flight to Halifax to see them if you need your fix. It's not that far, and would have cost you a 1/3rd of what i paid for my ticket.
The show on Saturday was fucking awesome... so much fun. The band slayed it. Only downside was the overzealous security and the ban on alcohol inside the stadium.... so stupid, but I've seen a lot of it lately. If you can take a beer into a hockey game, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to take a beer into a concert. Stupid policy....
it certainly didn't ruin my show though... row 5, dead center.... when they opened the encore with Grace, Too, I think I was the happiest man on the planet... such an awesome show.
Houston, Texas... Believe it or not, there are 7 million people here... must be a couple of fans who'd love to see you play.
This is awesome. Saw them in Red Deer and they were great. I could watch Gord Downie all day do his ridiculous stuff on stage. So entertaining and the band is so tight. Also got to hear Flamenco and Don't Wake Daddy that show, love those tracks.
Love her! Dare I say it, those two songs wouldn't be the same without her gorgeous vocal contributions. Her voice sounds great with Gord's.
"I try my best to chug, stomp, weep, whisper, moan, wheeze, scat, blurt, rage, whine, and seduce. With my voice I can sound like a girl, the boogieman, a Theremin, a cherry bomb, a clown, a doctor, a murderer. I can be tribal. Ironic. Or disturbed. My voice is really my instrument."
Love her! Dare I say it, those two songs wouldn't be the same without her gorgeous vocal contributions. Her voice sounds great with Gord's.
I saw The Hip last night in Toronto and it was fantastic, as always. Gord Downie was in true form! Sarah Harmer came out for Now For Plan A. The Arkells were an awesome opener.
Hey gang! I haven't posted here in the while, as the Hip have been off the road, so there hasn't been much to report. But the summer tour has officially begun, so let's get back at it! The boys are currently touring Europe, and they're playing a Canada Day show in London's Trafalgar Square tomorrow. It's being streamed live on CBC at the following link:
The Hip are on at 4 pm Eastern. (9:00 pm London time for anybody watching overseas).
Happy Canada Day weekend!
"I try my best to chug, stomp, weep, whisper, moan, wheeze, scat, blurt, rage, whine, and seduce. With my voice I can sound like a girl, the boogieman, a Theremin, a cherry bomb, a clown, a doctor, a murderer. I can be tribal. Ironic. Or disturbed. My voice is really my instrument."
As DW knows, my board name here is borrowed from my board name at the old Hipfans site for my favorite song "locked in the trunk of the car"'
I've been asked by non Hip savvy PJ people on this board whether "locked" meant I was messaging from a prison!
(Lmao!)
Anyway, been in love with / following this band since 1994 and had not missed a local Boston / Somerville show until this last tour. (I have never been to Canada but someday!)
I skipped out on last tour because the shows just stopped being good (frankly).
Just my perspective but Gords voice had become so hoarse and shreeded it seemed like he talked and grunted his way thru songs instead of singing with that amazingly unique voice.
And his tap dancing and handkerchief / microphone stand / I'm a man rants were getting too rehearsed.
No one loves The Hip more than me.
I used to film and post their shows.
I'm just waiting for the band that shocked the sh@t out of me ten years ago to make it back
(Get back again eh?)
Just my two cents..
"This here's a REQUEST!"
EV intro to Chloe Dancer / Crown of Thorns
10/25/13 Hartford
Just my perspective but Gords voice had become so hoarse and shreeded it seemed like he talked and grunted his way thru songs instead of singing with that amazingly unique voice
Hey Locked, good to hear from ya! And I completely agree with this statement...especially lately. It seems that ever since 2010 or so, Gord's live vocals have really suffered. Which is bizarre, because he still sounds incredible on the studio albums, and he sings really well when he performs solo acoustic shows. But for some strange reason when he plays live with the full band, he's really hit and miss these days. It's too bad, because the band behind him has never sounded better in my opinion. Gord can sound terrific one night, and then the very next show he's an absolute train wreck. Not sure if this is just from normal wear & tear, or age, or a combination of both. To be fair, the guy is pushing 50, and he's been singing and performing his ass off for almost 30 years. That's gotta take it's toll on his voice. It really pains me to admit this, as these guys have been my all-time favorite band for the majority of my adult life. And I still really enjoy their newer material. Their latest album is arguably the best thing they've done in 10 years.
That being said, I've got tickets to their Calgary show on Sept. 7th, so I've got my fingers crossed that I get Gord on one of his "on" nights. These guys still put on a killer show, and I have faith that Gord can find a way to get a more consistent performance out of his vocals. Maybe he needs to see a voice specialist?
"I try my best to chug, stomp, weep, whisper, moan, wheeze, scat, blurt, rage, whine, and seduce. With my voice I can sound like a girl, the boogieman, a Theremin, a cherry bomb, a clown, a doctor, a murderer. I can be tribal. Ironic. Or disturbed. My voice is really my instrument."
Comments
At Transformation
NOIS
Thompson Girl
Don't Wake Daddy
Modern Spirit
Courage
So Hard Done By
Streets Ahead
ABAC
Nashville
Springtime In Vienna
We Want To Be It
Take Forever
Blow At High Dough
Bobcaygeon
Nautical Disaster
Goodnight Attawapiskat
Man Machine Poem
Grace Too
An Inch An Hour
Fiddlers Green
Music @ Work
Little Bones
-Tom Waits
im waiting to recieve my tickets for kamploops and will be pissed if this happens to me.
the gold circle tickets were said to ensure that you were in rows 1-5. i thought that would mean the floor for the price we paid. unbelievable.
At Transformation
Grace, Too
Escape is at Hand...
Kids Don't Get It
Man Machine Poem
100th Meridian
Flamenco
Poets
Streets Ahead
About This Map
Daredevil
Springtime in Vienna
We Want To Be It
Fully Completely
Blow at High Dough
Fire In The Hole
Goodnight Attawapiskat
Bobcaygeon
Nautical Disaster
Fiddler's Green
Courage
Little Bones
-Tom Waits
At Transformation
New Orleans
Gus
Man Machine
Love is a First
Coffee Girl
Streets Ahead
Gift Shop
Greasy Jungle
The Rules
Ahead by a Century
We Want to Be It
Nashville
The Lookahead
100th meridian
Bobcaygeon
Attawapiskat
Music@Work
Grace Too
Inch an Hour
Plan A
Courage
Blow
-Tom Waits
Transformation
Grace, Too
Escape
In View
ABAC
Man Machine
Unplucked Gems
Gift Shop
Modern Spirit
Poets
Flamenco
Streets Ahead
Bobcaygeon
We Want To Be It
Fully
Fire in the Hole
Attawapiskat
Blow
Lionized
Fiddler's
Spingtime
Courage
Little Bones
-Tom Waits
Thanks for the post Dire! My friend flew to Vegas from Ontario for the show and about all she told me was that they played "Fiddler's Green"
'94 Detroit
'10 Columbus
'11 Detroit (Eddie solo), Toronto 1 and 2, Ottawa, Hamilton
'13 London, Pittsburgh, Buffalo
'14 Detroit
'16 Ottawa, Toronto 1 and 2, Chicago 1 and 2
'18 Chicago 1 and 2
'22 Hamilton, Toronto
Hey are you going to the Red Deer show on Tuesday?
Unfortunately no. I was annoyed that they didn't play Calgary on this tour and didn't end up getting tickets for any of the other shows. I've seen them well over 30 times, so for me it's no big deal if I miss them this time out. I'm holding out for a 2nd leg of U.S. dates (summer maybe?). There's nothing like seeing these guys in small venues. It's brilliant.
-Tom Waits
The Hip at a small venue is quite brilliant I agree. My wife and I were lucky enough to see the show at the Eric Harvie theatre in Banff in 2009. Best Hip show I've ever seen hands down and one of my all time favorite shows in general. Going to the Red Deer show on Tuesday and I can't wait, At Transformation is amazing, reminds me of Day for Night.
You're in luck. They played lots of rare gems on the U.S. tour, and it's very likely they'll do the same for the Canadian dates. From the reviews I've read, it's been an amazing tour so far. Also, the Arkells are opening for the Canadian tour. Awesome band.
-Tom Waits
Love the Arkells, I saw them in Edmonton a few times couple years ago. I live in Calgary now and they always seem to be playing here too.
Little Bones and 50 Mission Cap to start encore was outstanding.
YES YES! and getting fucking excited as I'm sitting here at work listening!
And my gold circle's showed up last week.... row 5.
Needless to say, I am ready for some hip!!!!
The first time I ever saw the hip (despite being a Newfoundlander :oops:) was in Houston, Texas in 2007, at this little tiny shithole of a bar called Scout Bar.... the capacity of the venue couldn't have been more than 600 or 700 people... the whole room was filled with canadians... we got there early, had the whole front of the stage staked out (not that it would have mattered in a place that small)... it was amazing... I was an instant convert.
Since then I've seen them at a bunch of other small venue shows in Houston and New Orleans... actually one show I went to in New Orleans was probably one of my favorite concerts ever... me and 15 other newfies drove over and got to the venue early, staked out the whole rail... rocked out all night... at one point, Gord actually looked at us and told us to shut up so he could sing a song... at another point, he got in a tug of war over his microphone with one of the girls in our group... so much fun...
I've actually only ever seen the hip in Canada once - at Downsview in 2011 on Canada day... that was mind boggling as a bunch of my friends actually opened up for them early in the day - Hey Rosetta!...
Can't wait for Saturday at the Metro Center!!!!
Hey Shep - I'm originally from Newfoundland too and been living in Nova Scotia (The Valley) for about 13 years. I am shocked to hear that you haven't seen The Hip in Newfoundland! I must of seen them like 3+ times in Newfoundland.... they were one of the only few bands that would make the journey that far East.
Maybe we will see you at the concert!
The newest shirt is up for presale too.
http://tragicallyhiptour.blogspot.ca/20 ... -wins.html
I wonder why there is no Newfoundland stop on this tour, im bummed
St.John's 9/25/2005
Toronto 9/11/2011
Toronto 9/12/2011
Quebec City 5/5/2016
Ottawa 5/8/2016
I scored ten club tickets for London Ontario today, so looks like that's my concert trip this year.
St.John's 9/25/2005
Toronto 9/12/2011
Quebec 5/05/2016
Ottawa 5/08/2016
Ya george street does suck as a concert venue, way too crowded and everyones wasted
St.John's 9/25/2005
Toronto 9/11/2011
Toronto 9/12/2011
Quebec City 5/5/2016
Ottawa 5/8/2016
Unfortunately, it doesn't make any economical sense to have a show in NFLD.
It takes a full 24 hours to truck the gear in and another full 24 to get it back out - from Cape Breton. So when you factor in that you play halifax, go to St. John's, play a show, and then get all the way back to NB or Quebec to play another show, it's taken at least 4 days on your trip to play 1 show, with everyone they have to pay and transport during that timeframe, it's just not worth it to play a 7000 person stadium. Straight up.
I'm surprised St. John's has gotten as many bands as they have in the last few years for shows, given it's remoteness.
That being said, I traveled to see this show from Houston - As someone still living in Newfoundland - get your ass on that 90 minute flight to Halifax to see them if you need your fix. It's not that far, and would have cost you a 1/3rd of what i paid for my ticket.
The show on Saturday was fucking awesome... so much fun. The band slayed it. Only downside was the overzealous security and the ban on alcohol inside the stadium.... so stupid, but I've seen a lot of it lately. If you can take a beer into a hockey game, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to take a beer into a concert. Stupid policy....
it certainly didn't ruin my show though... row 5, dead center.... when they opened the encore with Grace, Too, I think I was the happiest man on the planet... such an awesome show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3vu5lGdmvc
:shock:
This is awesome. Saw them in Red Deer and they were great. I could watch Gord Downie all day do his ridiculous stuff on stage. So entertaining and the band is so tight. Also got to hear Flamenco and Don't Wake Daddy that show, love those tracks.
Love her! Dare I say it, those two songs wouldn't be the same without her gorgeous vocal contributions. Her voice sounds great with Gord's.
-Tom Waits
I saw The Hip last night in Toronto and it was fantastic, as always. Gord Downie was in true form!
http://www.cbc.ca/player/Live/ID/2327565065/
The Hip are on at 4 pm Eastern. (9:00 pm London time for anybody watching overseas).
Happy Canada Day weekend!
-Tom Waits
I've been asked by non Hip savvy PJ people on this board whether "locked" meant I was messaging from a prison!
(Lmao!)
Anyway, been in love with / following this band since 1994 and had not missed a local Boston / Somerville show until this last tour. (I have never been to Canada but someday!)
I skipped out on last tour because the shows just stopped being good (frankly).
Just my perspective but Gords voice had become so hoarse and shreeded it seemed like he talked and grunted his way thru songs instead of singing with that amazingly unique voice.
And his tap dancing and handkerchief / microphone stand / I'm a man rants were getting too rehearsed.
No one loves The Hip more than me.
I used to film and post their shows.
I'm just waiting for the band that shocked the sh@t out of me ten years ago to make it back
(Get back again eh?)
Just my two cents..
EV intro to Chloe Dancer / Crown of Thorns
10/25/13 Hartford
Hey Locked, good to hear from ya! And I completely agree with this statement...especially lately. It seems that ever since 2010 or so, Gord's live vocals have really suffered. Which is bizarre, because he still sounds incredible on the studio albums, and he sings really well when he performs solo acoustic shows. But for some strange reason when he plays live with the full band, he's really hit and miss these days. It's too bad, because the band behind him has never sounded better in my opinion. Gord can sound terrific one night, and then the very next show he's an absolute train wreck. Not sure if this is just from normal wear & tear, or age, or a combination of both. To be fair, the guy is pushing 50, and he's been singing and performing his ass off for almost 30 years. That's gotta take it's toll on his voice. It really pains me to admit this, as these guys have been my all-time favorite band for the majority of my adult life. And I still really enjoy their newer material. Their latest album is arguably the best thing they've done in 10 years.
That being said, I've got tickets to their Calgary show on Sept. 7th, so I've got my fingers crossed that I get Gord on one of his "on" nights. These guys still put on a killer show, and I have faith that Gord can find a way to get a more consistent performance out of his vocals. Maybe he needs to see a voice specialist?
-Tom Waits