01/31/07: Oshawa: General Motors Centre

[Over Opiated]

Absolutely amazing show! However, I was in section 103 and found it very surreal to be at a Hip concert (my 12th) and sitting down. I found that a lot of people in my section were there just because it was in Oshawa and that they weren't necessarily true hip fans - hence all the sitting.

That being said, the hip have never been tighter. This is probably one of the best shows I've seen (next to Fort York) and Gord has apparently become a huge fan of Riverdance. I was so impressed with the show that I went home and snapped up a ticket for Toronto. I was able to get Section 108 row 2 !!!!!

Can't wait for the show! 7 days seems too long to wait. It will be show lucky number 13.

Thank you all of you Oshawaaaaaaians ! (Gord D.)

[Locked6]

Sitting during the hip is unacceptable, doesn't matter if the crowd is old or young. One Security guard told me to sit down in Red Deer and I told him to ask the bands security to see if they wanted people to sit or stand. About 2 minutes latter when he came back he appologized and didn't bug me the rest of the night. So yes stand and if anyone complains to bad for them, becasue they are at a rock concert.

Im would love to see the meridian jam.

[Hard Canadian]

anyone catch the cons? i'm just looking for a small review and possibly a set lsit.

[edgoffin]

I've loved reading these reviews as the Hip roll across the country, getting excited for Ottawa. Good to see the "sitting vs. standing debate" exists elsewhere, it's down to a fine art in Ottawa. Bluesfest actually has a sitting and standing section.

[DisHarmony]

I loved the show, I was on my feet dancing as much as I could on the floor. Almost everyone was standing where I was (Robs side Floor) except for the random few. I saw the sitter sign being passed around, but I couldn't read what it said. I was disappointed when I looked up into the stands and saw so many sitters, but there were a few defiant ones who were standing and dancing during the show which made me happy. I can't accept the age excuse for sitting. I have taken my mother with me to 2 hip shows and she is up dancing with me the whole time, and she loves it.

As for the venue, I was very impressed it is a nice arena, the only issue I had was the chairs on the floor were mighty narrow which didn't allow much space, they really packed them in tight so even just standing you were basically touching shoulders with the people on either side which can hamper the dancing a bit.

100th was definately amazing, but the kicker for me was LTR. That was my first dance at my wedding so I will always have a soft spot for it. Loved Family Band. I know I said it after the phoenix show, but I will say it again - Why didn't they record the live version of In View? Dropping it down lower just makes the world of difference in that song.

My apologies to the people behind us. I know it sucks being behind tall tree people. When we sat down the woman beside us said she was happy that my buddy was beside her and not in front of her. I'm pretty sure I hit random people with my hair. Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

[pigography]

Ah they did not disappoint last night. I swear Gord's on speed - love him when he's like that.

Here are just a few photos I took last night. I'm at work so I may not get to finish uploading until tonight. Damnit work gets in the way.

Setlist


Massive projections


Family love - awwwwwwww


Lookout! He's got a gun!


Okay, back to work for me now.

[trevor]

Damnit work gets in the way.

I hear ya Sylvia!
Nice shots as usual!

trevor

[767F/O]

Was anyone able to film the show last night?

it was great being there but it sure is fun to be able to watch it all over again!

If it was taped...many thanks in advance for the hard work that is done for us all to enjoy!!

[chris]

There were at least four of us with video, and three with audio.

[GBV]

anyone catch the cons? i'm just looking for a small review and possibly a set lsit.

hey th420...i got the set list drunkenly scribbled. i'll post it this aft...(me and concert-going pal are still recapturing, drinking etc...

[chris]

The sitting/standing debate continues... and it was funny to see people complain that others were standing and dancing!

The show was a good one, from start to finish - with only a few low spots for me.

- Rink has closed in on Grace as my favourite opener.
- I've always enjoyed hearing MMAW but tonight it just didn't do it for me.
- Grace never disappoints.
- The twang of Rob's guitar brought people to their feet as he kicked into Boots, even though he messed it up.
- Family Band. All you have to do is stand!
- ABAC. "This one's for the girls. And the boys who think like girls."
- The 1, 2, 3, 4 fingers couting with the phone rings were noticeably absent tonight. It's a bit cheesy, but speaks to the catchy nature of the song.
- Nautical before Bobcaygeon??? What the heck is this about?
- As the final notes of Bobcaygeon rang out, Sinclair played the intro riff to Nautical. Must be out of habit.
- WC = World Container for me. Water Closet for many others as there was an exodus from the stands at this point.
- Springtime In Vienna lacked bite tonight - unless of course you are one of the girls in the box directly over Paul who danced harder than I thought possible.
- I think we're going to hear Walking On The Moon as a cover tune soon. They played a lot of it during this epic version of Meridian. And Gord's imitation of Peter "Man that dude's guitar is talking" Frampton is worth the price of admission alone. He even cracked himself up a few times...
- Even though the video for the song was shot Oshawa, Good Life didn't do much for the flow of the evening.
- Kids Don't Get It gets better everytime I see it.
- At the end of the arena, opposite to the stage, there is a large car dealership ad that reads, "The Best Wheels Around Since That Kid Named Orr." I thought that Gord would work that in at some point, but it was not to be.
- LTR is a sing-a-long song. But it seemed as though the crowd only half knew the words - and Gord changed the timing of his singing slightly a few times and really threw the crowd off.
- Early in its life, Yer Not The Ocean showed signs of being a lifer - keeping its position in the live set. Lately it's lustre has faded, and I fear that it may be dropped.
- I don't wanna help? New Orleans Is Sinking. Just a straight ahead version that brought the fans of the old Hip to their feet.
- Fire had an increadible fury that seemed lost on many. Or perhaps they were scared still by the freight train charging towards them!

- I still have no idea what song they were covering, despite the fact I've been told it was “Hang On To Yourself” by David Bowie.
- Escape was perfect.
- Blow got the fans of the old Hip back on their feet, and told them the night was over.

Gord was much more appreciative of the crowd tonight than he was in Barrie. He even thanked most of us by name, pointing to people and saying a name... He closed the main set with, "You make this easy; thank you!"

The encore was closed with him blowing kisses to the crowd, wishing us a "Nightie, night!" and then he drove the microphone into the stage with a thud, and walked away.

[applecakes]

I was in 104 with Dreyfuss, Trevor and Chris. We were apparently in the sitting section. If you did get up and dance you would be yealled at and almost beaten up by those behind you. That was one of two fights taht we saw. You know your in Oshawa when. It is a great new venue though.

The band was very tight. A day off (probably at home) did them well. I can't get enought of the WC songs. Meridian was great. The cover tune I didn't know, but now I see that it was another Bowie tune. Do I smell a torrent of all the covers onece the tour is over?

All in all it was a good set and a solid show.

Dreyfuss it was good to meet you. Chris and Trevor, a pleasure as usual.

Johnny Applecakes

[emperor penguin]

great summation of the night Chris. Last night was one of the best shows I've ever seen, I don't really know why, maybe it was because I had the best seats I've ever had at an arena gig 5th row on Paul's side.

Gord was on fire last night. Not much more I can add that hasn't been mentioned already. Funny you bring up that Bobby Orr sign Chris, me and Adam were talking about how we figured there would have been cheer during Fireworks when the Bobby Orr part was mentioned. That might have been a good opportunity for Gord to work that sign in somehow.

Highlight for me was finally getting to see Esacpe is at Hand played at a show. The version last night was incredible.

It was nice to see a bunch of basers again, and it was nice to meet BIGVDOGG. Pigography, I met you too, I think it was you who took a picture of my setlist, it was nice to briefly meet you. See ya in Hamilton and London.

[Mr. Lahey]

So about my all-time worst Hip experience.

Unfortunately my great seats landed in the sitting room only section aka anal retentive 104!

What a joke that was. Everyone on my side of the arena sitting and happy to do so, and yelling at those who got up and blocked their view "whaaaaaaa". It's a fucking rock concert for god sakes! So BobC starts and I've had enough of being a cardboard cutout so as soon as I stand up this tool with a pony tail yells at me to sit down. Long story short we have a yelling match and then he picks up his beer and goes to throw it on me so I give up. Then his buddy goes and picks a fight with a guy in the front row twice. Even the ushers were telling ppl to sit down. Are you kidding me? Nobody has the right to tell people to do anything at a ROCK CONCERT.

Then Mr. Pony Tail leans over to tell me later, "I'm not being a prick, we'll stand during the encore don't worry, then you and your friends can stand too." I'm like oh wow thanks for your permission sir! Like who is this guy? I just couldn't believe the entire night. The band was in top shape and the songs were performed perfectly yet I either missed songs to deal with crap or I wasn't having fun at all. Waste of 60 bucks for sure! It's a shame.

There was also a brawl to my front and left on the floors about 25 rows back. An entire two rows were into it for a minute or so.

Chris and Trevor what row were you guys in? We were in 6 on the isle. Did you see all this garbage go on too? Stupid idiots walking down to people's seats to challenge them should not happen at a Hip show. This isn't ballet!!
So upset!

[trevor]

Chris and Trevor what row were you guys in? We were in 6 on the isle. Did you see all this garbage go on too? Stupid idiots walking down to people's seats to challenge them should not happen at a Hip show. This isn't ballet!!

Yeah, we saw all that garbage too. We were in row four, on the aisle as well but it sounds like at the opposite end from you.

I can't remember the last time that I didn't stand at a hip concert but I wasn't really in the mood to complain to anyone...not like they would have listened!

- At the end of the arena, opposite to the stage, there is a large car dealership ad that reads, "The Best Wheels Around Since That Kid Named Orr." I thought that Gord would work that in at some point, but it was not to be.

So that's what you were filming. The 2 girls standing (satanists) beside you thought you were trying to get a shot of them! Maybe if the jeans had only fit properly...