Our seats were great (2nd row), the show was great (see the review),I swear that Gord was posing for some of my attempts at concert photography (photos should be online Thursday), and both Jacks and I got set-lists at the end. The show renewed my faith in the Hip.

Not that you care but here is my Hip concert review (written for the Henhouse):

Great show!

The idea of a show at the concert hall in Winnipeg intrigued me so much that I just had to make the trip in (from Waterloo) to see the Hip play at a venue generally reserved for the ballet and the symphony (I grew up in Winnipeg). Unfortunately due to school circumstances I was only able to catch the show tonight.. But it was still one great show.

Our seats were 2nd row on the left side which is the side to be on because Gord always seems to favor the left (or I guess it'd be stage right?). I was really wondering if we'd spend the show sitting but Sam Roberts was able to get the crowd on our feet twice so of course almost everyone stood for the whole Hip show. And while I'm always glad to see a diverse crowd it pained me to see so many older people sitting (i.e. not standing) in the centre of the first 2 rows for the majority of the songs. But what can you do (I of course wonder how they got the best seats in the house.. ) (but of course them sitting meant a better view so I'm not really complaining :) )

The ranting tonight was very audible or maybe that's because we were pressed up against the speaker. Gord seemed to be on the ball, more so during the first half than the second half.. He did lots of pre-song talking. At one point he had to get Mr.Cowboy hat out (what's his name?) to remove some gum? from the stage.

No surprises in the song department.. But I really enjoy the Unplucked gems lead into Dire Wolf.. And I have a feeling we'll be hearing a 'life is just forgetting' song on the next album.

I guess I should add that after the Walkerton show (which was my 4th show this tour) I was feeling a little worn out and I really struggled with the idea of going to more Hip shows this year (blasphemy, I know). But tonight's show (even though there were no song surprises) has changed my mind (it was all the quality ranting) and I'm really excited for the upcoming Hummingbird shows.

And I also must add that I loved the venue switch up. I *hate* seeing the Hip at venues like the ACC or the Winnipeg Arena and this switch to a smaller venue is a vast improvement over those arena shows. I also prefer it to the outdoor shows because with guaranteed seating you have some elbow room and there's no drunks pushing to get past you. You're really able to focus and enjoy the show.

So my vote, is pull the plug on arenas and keep doing the small theatre venues!

Notes:

• I think Johnny heard you guys about the glove because I saw no sign of a glove tonight.
• During one of the first three songs Gord turns to Paul and starts singing 'touch me Paul' and of course Paul doesn't even break a smile

1. Use
2. Music
3. New O (a little laminar flow)
4. Grace
5. Darkest
6. Fever
7. Jet
8. Courage (lots of ranting about his friend courage)
9. DD
10. Good Life ('we're playing this one for ronnie hawkins and the queen!')
11. Poets (good extended ranting here)
12. Beauty
13. Meridian (w/life is forgetting bit)
14. ABAC
15. Wolf (w/Unplucked Gems lead in)
16. Gift
17. Bones

Encore: Ready
Wheat (w/ranting at the end about compensation and DNA)
Blow (was Fire on the set-list)

12:48:47 AM   []