04/13/07: Detroit: State Theater

Been to a show and would like to give a review?

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spottrax
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Post by spottrax »

Wow, what a whirlwind of a two day Hipfest for us Detroiters! Great reviews by Hugh by the way. I won't detail the sets because it's pretty much been covered but I want to share my meet and greet soundcheck experience...

My buddy won a "meet and greet...attend the soundcheck" pass for two from 93.9 the River. We are both huge Hip fans and were geeked way beyond what any mid-aged guy should be for this event. Going to both shows were going to be fun enough but a meet and greet...cool stuff.

We met the gal from the radio station at the doors of the State on Thursday around 3:00pm. Along with one other couple (from Toledo) the tour manager from the Hip ushered us in shortly there after. The house lights were on and with only about 20 people total in the theater the band was making noise on stage!

They launched into In View, Thugs, Ocean then a shortend version of ABAC. Then we were treated to the guys figuring out what would work for a cover tune. As Tristen went to the laptop to get lyrics for songs, the band would jam the instrumental parts. "Black Day in July" was tested out but although it didn't derail, it didn't seem like they were happy with it. "Cold Metal" was next and worked out much better. They only ran through it once and I figured that would be what we would get on Thursday night. Then they started to play through "Panic in Detroit" by Bowie. The song is a bit more complicated and they struggled.

It was great to see this process in action. Each band member helping each other out with parts and formula. Robbie was singing the melody line for Gord D and showing Gord S the sequence... Paul was sharing his imput also.

During the show as has been noted, the band absolutely NAILED "Black Day". Let me tell ya, the work they put into the song in souncheck was well worth it!

Anyway, the band put down their equipment and walked off stage only to re-appear, meet us and sign whatever we had.

I can stress enough that these guys appeiciate their fans and are truly greatful for the band success. They were up for conversation about anything. I asked Robbie who he was pulling for to win the cup and he tossed out Vancouver" with a long explanation.

Gord D got a chuckle when I said something about middle aged guys meeting rock stars (I'm 43). Paul confessed the one week break went by too fast but he was happy to be back playing for the fans.

A terrific experience and two awesome concerts.

Great reviews from both nights by Hugh, but I want to toss this in...

These were shows 13 and 14 for me and there is truly something different that's going on with this band. IMO they have really turned it up a notch. Maybe I'm the only one who senses it but they are on FIRE right now. Both shows in Detroit were easily top 5 that I've seen or better!
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scottitude
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Post by scottitude »

spottrax wrote:...there is truly something different that's going on with this band. IMO they have really turned it up a notch. Maybe I'm the only one who senses it but they are on FIRE right now...
You're not the only one :thumb:

And indeed they are on FI-YAAAAAH!
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direwolf74
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Post by direwolf74 »

Nice to see them mixing it up again. I thought they were getting a little repetitive during the west coast shows (the first 7 songs were the same every night for about 4 straight shows). Thank you Gord Sinclair!
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Detroit April 13 State Theater

Post by leej1 »

I was at the show last night and it totally blew me away. Although I have been a fan for a few years and have most of their albums, I have never seen the band live before. This is one kick ass rock and roll band! I will count this among one of the best shows I've seen for sound and visual, but I don't need to tell any of you...you already knew. The Hip is one of Canada's (and Michigan's) best kept secrets. I look forward to seeing them again.
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kulardenu
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Post by kulardenu »

What a great show!

Luv (sic) was sooo intense...

The crowd was so into it and this bands energy is phenomenal! Their on a higher ground now...

Should be on everyones top list of tours to see this year!
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Bookhead
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Post by Bookhead »

Wow, wish I could have made both of the Detroit shows (unfortunately, there's that sticky subject of money and finding a babysitter!). Sounds like it was a great time.
bruins4
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Post by bruins4 »

I was at both nights and WOW am I whipped! The 12th I was first in line and went straight to the front of the stage just to Gord's left. The crowd was wild and lots of pushing/couple of moshers. At the end Johnny gave me his drumsticks which I preceded to give to the 17 year old drummer I had met in line a few hours earlier. Spencer I hope you use those sticks at least once! I forgot but earlier in the day I got both Gords autograph and Robbies. The guys are sooo cool but I was worried as Mr. Downey did not look so good but thank goodness he was his usual self when he took the stage.

Friday night I went with my wife and we were in mezzanine. Unbelievable show but the floor crowd was tamer. Had the setlist for Fridays show been Thursday I think the barricade up front would have been gone! Anyways I am so glad to have attended both and I give the nod to Friday night far as setlists go :)
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Post by sean.bonner »

Love the Jumpin' Jack Flash tease in Poets :thumb:
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