REVIEW BY: Kevin Vowles
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, ON
Saturday, December 23, 2000

The floor literally shook, and so did my body as I tried to hold the camera during songs such as Three Pistols, Pigeon Camera, Emperor Penguin, and Locked in the Trunk of a Car. The music echoed the Air Canada Center and my eardrums began to pound in sheer pleasure. I looked around and watched as people sang the words to each song, each person in perfect harmony with themselves (including me.)

I could go through all the basics, as others did. Such as Ross and his warm welcome, bumping into Gord Downie in the hallway (him saying-just get the shots boys-get the shots!), the all access passes and the thumbing of security agents who in previous concerts refused admittance. But I won't. It was beautiful and a very Merry Hip-Mas.

Rather, I will tell the world what the Hip are to so many, including me. They are Fifty Mission Cap in Maple Leaf Gardens, ACC, and the Memorial Center in Kingston. They are continuity where other bands are mere one hit wonders. They are inspiration when the world lacks it. Susan and Nautical Disasters run across the oceans of our souls and offer meaning. They are in essence everything we all strive to be in our most perfect and shattering moments.

The two Gords, Rob, Paul and Johnny Fay-all pounded furiously away at what each do best. Kate and Chris have joined the crew to add a certain Completeness and Fullness if you will. All of you make up the Tragically Hip. A beautifully basic, Canadian, Ontario, Kingston entity - something that has been a part of so many moments for myself, and my assistant Stephen Bowes.

I remember riding in a truck across the plains of Kenya, Africa. I had in my Walkman, an old tape of Maple Leaf Gardens '93, back on the Day for Night tour. I sat looking out onto the Savannah as a Giraffe wandered by. A fabulous rendition of Pigeon Camera soothed my thoughts, as I thought to myself, if only all of these people could hear the beautiful echoes that I was listening to right then, they would feel the certain peace and happiness I felt. Oh soon. Soon they will, as word spreads, everyone will know.

Thank-you all for this most beautiful experience!

Kevin Vowles

I have been a Hip fan for the last ten years beginning when I saw them at The Fort, and Richardson. I once had a brief encounter with Rob outside of the library, but other than that I have never met any of the Hip.

Why should I be a videographer?

I recently visited Africa, Kenya to be specific. During my stay there, I met a Maasai man (the Maasai are a fierce tribe), who I was determined should be a Hip fan. He lived with his family out on the Mara, a dry and desert like plain, not unlike where the great plains begin here in Canada. Of course, I gave him Trouble, and a little live at Maple leaf Gardens in 93. Needless to say, he fell in love. I left him my walkman, the Trouble, and the bootleg from MLG. It touched my heart that a fierce Maasai man might stand up and dance with such passion to the Hip. Music can cross barriers, and the Hip united us.

I would like to bring him here to a concert, but he is deeply dedicated to his wife and cattle. He wished me well, and made me promise that I would try and see as many Hip shows as possible. Portland will be 14, Vancouver 15, and Toronto 16.

I love the Hip. More than anyone I know. It would be a dream to see the Hip that close, record part of the show, and write on it.

For bringing the Hip to the Maasai, Africa, please.

-- Kevin Vowles