REVIEW BY: Bob White
Memorial Stadium, St. John's, NF
Saturday, December 16, 2000

For me, and thank the gods for this, this evening with The Tragically Hip turned into a weekend with Canada's best band!!

After taking in Friday night's show with my wife Wendy (my assistant for this show as well), along with a house-load of friends, I got to see the Hip from another side on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Video-taping the show was a bit of work, and two nights in a row at a concert like this is enough to make any man tired, but that's for mere mortals like me. The Hip, on the other hand, were true to form. Their performance was as tight, energetic, and down-an-out awesome as Friday's show.

Probably even better - they played about six more songs!!

The crowd was maybe a little less "on-the-go" on this night, but they did hit the roof for the last song of the night - New Orleans is Sinking, a third encore song.

Considering it was their third show in three nights, the band was simply classic. I've seen the Hip every time they've been to this lovely city, and these two nights were by far the best. No minor achievement. I've gotten older, but I like to think the Hip kinda grew along with me. Or so it seems.

But back to the show, it was a perfect mix of new and old. The older tunes got a bigger reaction from the crowd, but then again, the new ones took care of business too!!

I'd list personal favourites from the show, but just look at the setlist on the bottom of the page - they're all there. I can't imagine a bad song from the Hip - they are the best live band. Period.

Two nights in a row will probably take its toll on me, but if the circumstances were right, I'd see them two more nights - even more.

Take a peek at On the Verge, it was deadly!!!

Winning this contest was a treat, and the fun isn't over yet. This aftershow party sounds really interesting. Thanks to Ross, the host with the most, and of course, the Hip for coming back to the Rock. And please remember guys, the trip across on the ferry is worth it every time. For us, and I hope, you.

Bob White

-News Flash-

Chris Brown and Kate Fenner and their Band are playing a New Year's Eve show in New York City at CB's Gallery (313 Bowery - next store to CBGB's). For tickets or concert details call 212 677 0455 or visit their website - http://www.chrisandkate.com. Tickets are $20.00 and includes a copy of their latest CD - Great Lakes Bootleg.

In a nutshell, I've seen The Hip every single time they've been in St. John's, from the late 80's to present, and I have tickets for both shows this tour.

To me, the band stands for whatever it means to be a Canadian (only the good though), plus they make beautiful music that has achieved a difficult goal in today's music world: they've gotten better and better at their craft and have remained faithful to their fans at the same time. (In addition, my two kids - ages 6 & 7 - genuinely enjoy listening to The Hip along with their parents, which is pleasing, to say the least).

The previous two tours to NF, my wife Wendy actually lined up all night to get us tickets (I had work commitments both times and couldn't make it). She's not as big a fan as I, although she does enjoy them, but she understands how important The Hip is to me. This time, I lined up all night, along with two friends, and got to experience a ritual for Hip fans. The anticipation was palpable and with good reason!!!

All fans, whether hardcore or casual, can rest assured the band is going to put off a killer show. I remember the first Hip concert at the TSC at Memorial University (1989??) and I was thrilled to meet all band members. A simple hand shake and thank you from all five members, plus an extended conversation post-show with Rob Baker for what seemed like an eternity was exciting and very memorable. To win this contest would be more than a dream come true for me!! It would be a blast!!!!!

On a more technical note, for the past 10 years I've been a reporter (mostly sports, some news and a few music reviews for good measure) in this lovely province of ours, so documenting a Hip show in St. John's would be something I'm quite capable of. And very proud to perform. (Currently, I'm in school completing a Webmaster/IT diploma). All that aside, just the thought of meeting the band in this kind of scenario is enough to make a 31-year-old man feel excited enough to "pee in his pants."

If lucky enough to be given the chance, I know I can make the Hip's St. John's show(s) a memorable experience for me (selfishly), plus everyone else connected with this contest.

-- Bob White