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Alan's From The Road

Tour Diary - July 8, 2008 - Home

Big weekend ahead.  This would be a terrible time for me to get the flu or break my fingers in a bar fight.  Three of the biggest gigs in a long time fall within the 72 Hours between Thursday and Saturday.  Add to that, a potential recording session and a video shoot and that makes for a pretty full three days, I figure.

On Thursday, we play La Festival D’ete in Quebec City.  As I’m sure I’ve mentioned here before, Quebec City could very well be the prettiest town in North America.  I love the old walled city and the distinct European vibe.  If I had to live somewhere other than St. John’s, Quebec city would be tops on my list of places to hang.  This year marks Quebec City’s 400th Anniversary and I’m grateful to be part of the grand celebrations. 

I think the Dubs (Young Dubiner’s from LA) are in town as well.  Love to hook up with the lads for a pint.  They and us along with Seven Nations had a Summer to end all Summers when we crisscrossed the US on a three band bill called Uprooted.  The foolish nights we spent…

We overnight on the bus to Ottawa and perform at the Bluesfest.  I understand the venue has moved from the ugly parking lot we played a few years back and is now located down by the river on a lovely patch of grass.  Ottawa has always been kind to us.  Really looking forward to a big night.

We overnight again to Toronto for a gig at the Premier concert venue in the country, the Molson Amphitheatre.  There is no other stage in Canada that so clearly says that you are in the big leagues.  The line up for this year’s concert series includes, RUSH, James Taylor, Allison Krause, and Robert Plant, just to name a few.  And right in the middle of the same batch of International Talent this weekend is Great Big Sea. 

I’m not sure how many Canadian acts can headline the Molson Amphitheatre.  Certainly, the Internationally Signed acts like Nickelback, Avril, BNL, The Hip, Simple Plan, Sara M, and a few others could all sell the Amphitheatre.  Of the Domestic Canadian Bands, there are probably only a handful of acts that could handle the sheer capacity of this place. Ourselves, Blue Rodeo, Jann Arden, come to mind.   All tolled, probably less than twenty Canadian bands could get this gig.  I believe this will be our fourth time headlining this venue.  Forgive me for patting myself on the back, but that’s f@#$ng cool.

We’ll be attempting to shoot a couple of Live music videos on Saturday as well.  Hoping to capture images for Love me Tonight and Here and Now over the course of the weekend and especially at the venue on Saturday.  So if you plan to be at the Amphitheatre, please wear your best tops and slacks as you might end up on TV.

Might be recording a thingy in a studio in Toronto as early Saturday morning as well.  It would be a contribution to a Compilation CD, but I’ll say more about that somewhere down the road.

Should be a good laugh this weekend as videographer Darcy, who shot the making of the FF CD is along for the ride.  Brother Bern is coming to take some snaps.  And there should be a large crowd on hand for pints following the T.O. show.   Our bus rolls from the venue late night for Pearson Airport and an early morning flight to St. John’s.

All that in one weekend.  Jaysus.  Amazing, considering I can still put H to bed on Wednesday night and get him up from his nap on Sunday.

Might get over 30 Celsius today in St. John’s.  Summertime.

Cheers,
Alan

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Published Tuesday, July 08, 2008 2:21 PM by nicopop
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Comments

 

DoyleLover said:

Alan, looking forward to saturday and I will for sure where my best tops and slacks:) - looking forward to it can't wait!
Paige
July 8, 2008 3:38 PM
 

WG said:

You are going to be amazing - and you are going to have a wonderful time!
July 8, 2008 3:46 PM
 

TinaMack said:

I'm wishing aloud that I could be at any one of those stops along the way. ...looking at the list of upcoming tour dates & not feeling too cheery.

Ah well. Have fun folks. By "dress code in effect" I think Alan meant "please show up naked." :D
July 8, 2008 3:52 PM
 

WG said:

Make that "naked and chaotic," TinaMack.  :D
July 8, 2008 5:55 PM
 

Seuss13 said:

The first time I saw Great Big Sea was on during the Uprooted tour, at the Minnesota Zoo of all the crazy places.  It was so fun to see you in sucha  small close up venue (with tigers roaring in the background none the less) and then we saw you the second time that summer at the MN State fair, at the Leinie Lodge.  Such fun, hope we will get to see you again at one of those fun outdoor venues in the future.  

Meanwhile, best of luck witht he weekend, hope all goes as planned and I will look forward to seeing you in September.  Util then I will have to be happy with listening to the FABULOUS new CD in my soon to be purchased minivan (ugh, so soccer momish, but with 2 rugrats, necessary!).

Cheers!
July 8, 2008 7:46 PM
 

Wendy said:

You have every right to pat yourselves on the back, you should
be soooooooo proud of all you've done, I certainly am. Just don't
forget all of us "little people" who helped you become the huge
success you now are!! Well done.
July 8, 2008 7:52 PM
 

nova said:

15+ are assembling from near and far to see the Molson extravaganza...couldn't miss it! sheesh, from a pub tour to a 16,000 seat venue..you rock! (and you deserve to feel proud)

Thanks for the heads up -- will have to look thru the closet for a suitable and rockin' top...incentive to celebrate on the downside of the show this time, not straight on thru it!

I, too remember the Uprooted tour -- caught it at Wolftrap.  And on a tangent, looks like Gaelic Storm will be in NYC the same night that GBS is in town in September -- are ya up for Pied Pipering it across town to close down the show in Tell Me Ma style!
July 8, 2008 8:27 PM
 

Will said:

I think more than "15+" are going to be assembling. Or do only some count? :P
July 8, 2008 9:41 PM
 

haleyja said:

Hey caught your show at that Ottawa pub, its great to see you in a small venue having fun. I already had tickets to the Molson Amp show on July 12 so it was amazing when my girl friend won those tickets. My first live show was at the Molson Amp and it was trully the most energenic concert i've been too. You guys rock.
So where can we join you for some pints. ;)

James and Joanne
July 8, 2008 9:53 PM
 

Helenwheels said:

Sharing a stage with Robert Plant, eh?  Any thoughts on doing a little Gallow's Pole jam with him?  

July 8, 2008 10:28 PM
 

Helenwheels said:

p.s. Here's (another) pat on your back - this really is pretty f^@*!ng cool.  
Go B'ys, Go!
July 8, 2008 10:44 PM
 

walshie said:

Soemday, I will tour everywhere with you guys.

Also looking forward to the 30 degrees today! Should be a good day in Newfoundland.
July 9, 2008 8:05 AM
 

filleduroi said:

See you in Ottawa. Enjoy Quebec.
Sur le bord de l'eau nous irons jouer dans l'île!
July 9, 2008 11:03 AM
 

CharlesGBS said:

Alan this is going to be the best partied weekend for sure, I am looking forward to Bluesfest, I hope to see others there too! Shots of rum all around!
July 9, 2008 12:19 PM
 

TinaMack said:

Still wish I were one of the 15,985 "plus"es rockin out with you, nova.
Next time! Or the next... Hahaha. Shag it. How about Februray 1st '09 at the latest!

It's a date. :D

July 9, 2008 2:03 PM
 

TinaMack said:

WG,

Intra-FTR-references. Nice. I'm quite certain Alan intended to say, "Please show up naked." (chaos certainly implied) So, I've been spreading the word. I try to be helpful that way. Hahaha.
July 9, 2008 2:12 PM
 

sarah said:

I can not wait to see you guys at blues Fest in Ottawa on Friday.  It will be the highlight of my summer!  Rock on Babe!
July 9, 2008 2:16 PM
 

Doodle said:

Can;t wait or saturday!!! my friend and i will have a huge poster so hpefuly you spot up :P well we might we're not sure what the people behind us might think !! SO MUCH MORE EXCITED NOW!!!:):):D
July 9, 2008 3:19 PM
 

estellefm said:

Can't wait for Saturday either!!!!
We're making a whole weekend out of the show, for us, michiganders.

We love GBS and are very proud of your accomplishments!

Rock on and see you Saturday!!!!!
July 9, 2008 5:24 PM
 

tripletmom said:

I'm wishing aloud that I could be at the Molson Amphitheatre show. I am not feeling to cheery to much going on out this way. But that's another story. Hope the shows go well and wishing you fellows all the best.

Have fun folks.

Cheers.
July 9, 2008 5:58 PM
 

Fran said:

Can't wait for Friday and Saturday (wish I could add Thursday to that). Hoping to hear Belong, Gallows Pole, Compnay of Fools & England. (I'll stop holding my breath for Widow in the Window and French Shore, I'm starting to black out.)

Have a wild time with Young Dubliners Thursday night but save some for the rest of us :)
July 9, 2008 9:47 PM
 

alphachic said:

Here is to a great show you b'ys will put on once again. Wish I could be there.
July 10, 2008 1:00 AM
 

Anne said:

Am I the only one going to the concert in Quebec tonight? Whatever, I'll get the best spot! :)

I am flying from Magdalen Islands just to see you guys perform tonight. I can't wait to see my very first GBS show!!!

See ya! :)
July 10, 2008 6:59 AM
 

Pixie16 said:

Ahhh!?! Alan we're going to miss you on this tour through Ottawa, me and a bunch of me newfoundland mates are off this weekend  should be ablast though...last time we saw you was winterlude 1996  when my "wee one"as 9 months old..he is now turning 13 okay so we're due to see you lads... HOw about for my birthday next year (October?) tell me when you are planning to come back that way we will get the "whole group" together.

Cheers Lads!
July 10, 2008 3:20 PM
 

OttawaGBSfan said:

You guys are gonna love the new "Bluesfest" venue in Ottawa!!  It's so much bigger & better than a few years ago.  I heard the show at the Heart & Crown was fantastic.  Wish I could've been there.
I'd love to treat you guys to a pint & a Beavertail.
July 10, 2008 4:33 PM
 

LyndaLord said:

I have seen GBS 11 times now and the show I saw at the Heart & Crown here at home in Ottawa was by far the best ever!!!  Thank you Alan, Sean, Murray and Chris who were all so kind to come out of the bus after the show to sign our CD covers & take pictures with us!!!!!It was one of our dreams to meet with you guys. Thank you.

My friend Trudy & I are very grateful. We are fellow Maritimers from New Brunswick after all!!  Looking forward to seeing you here at Bluesfest! You will love the venue.
We are very proud of your accomplishments too.  It has been a long hard road and well deserved praise!

Keep it goin' boys!  We love your new CD and your upbeat music!
July 10, 2008 8:20 PM
 

DoyleLover said:

tomorrow is the show, and I can't wait to hear this amazing new cd live alan!
July 11, 2008 10:10 AM
 

alan-rocks said:

I'm with everyone else on that Alan. Wish I could be there for the Toronto show, sounds like you guys are going to have an awesome time.

Two live videos eh? By the jaysus, ye are certainly keeping busy. shows, recordings, and videos...what the life it must be.

And it is pretty sweet that you can be home again on Sunday to spend time with your little guy. Especially with the f@#&king great weather we've been having lately.

Looking forward to Gander!
July 11, 2008 7:20 PM
 

tolstoy said:

ah "Narcissism" somehow doesn't come to mind!!!!! Go figure?
July 11, 2008 7:50 PM
 

Mimi05 said:

Just got home from the show at Bluesfest.... F*%@king amazing!!! I just wish there was no curfew... we could have stayed there all night!!
July 12, 2008 1:27 AM
 

TammyF said:

You don't know how refreshing it is to read "Maritime" as my praire friends call it.  As a (PE)Islander living on the flat plains, I've been waiting for a new GBS album and this one doesn't disappoint!  Looking forward to your concert in MN, as it is just a hop down from Winnipeg!

"Slacks"...love that word, people are more a "dress pant" variety around here.
July 12, 2008 8:24 AM
 

Jody said:

I loved your Ottawa concert at Bluesfest!!! It was my first time seeing Great Big Sea and I was not dissappointed! Thanks for the good time!!!
July 13, 2008 2:29 AM
 

Skifreak said:

Hey Alan,
Great show at BluesFest, Biggest crowd at the festival. Sold the most beer as well! I was actually at your first show in Ottawa. I was working at the fire Station next door to the Newfoundland Pub. The guys went over for a few pints after work, as sometimes happens, we stayed longer than we should have. You guys started playing,, and I've been a fan ever since!!
Cheers and keep up the Great tour
July 13, 2008 7:21 AM
 

Caroldohn said:

To Alan and the rest of the boys
Thank you for the show. It was awesome I've never been to the ampitheatre, never been to a concert where you could stand up and sing along.  We were in the third row!! My great big Steve bought us tickets for our anniversary (7th) and surprised me with them at dinner last night.
Thank you to your families as well. I often wonder if I could be as understanding.
Hope you get this!
Carol
July 13, 2008 9:37 AM
 

<3 GBS said:

Concert at the Amphitheatre last night was AWESOME!!!!!  Thanks guys!!!
July 13, 2008 9:49 AM
 

Martine said:

Hi Alan!

            We met you in the street in Québec city on thursday july 10, after your sound check. Your guy took a picture of us with you (we were 5) It was fantastic for us to see you like this and we'd like a max to have this picture or a video of this moment To help you, it was about five o'clock. Oh please give me some news!

martineop2@yahoo.ca
July 13, 2008 4:07 PM
 

Nicole said:

Saw you guys live for the first time last night at the Ampitheatre.  The show was amazing.  I was up singing and dancing the whole night.  Which would probably explain the lack of voice I have today.  I'm definitely coming to your next show in the Toronto area.
July 13, 2008 5:33 PM
 

ErinR said:

Toronto show was AMAZING!!  I was so excited to start with, and then when I saw our seats were about 7 rows back, stage Bob....WOW.  I knew I'd love the show, but wasn't sure what my friend would think (I actually had to give her some cd's to listen to prior to the concert so she'd know the music if you can believe it!).  But you now have a brand new fan :-)  She was quite impressed, "they are all so talented" she said.  Loves Sean's voice she says, can't believe how many instruments Bob plays, and she thinks you, Alan, want to be the rockstar!  Anyway, great show, and crossing my fingers tickets to the Barrie show are as good.

Hope you enjoyed your afternoon at home today and were there in time to get the little man up from his nap :-)
July 13, 2008 6:49 PM
 

Mariko Hurst said:

Thank you for an AMAZING show in Toronto last night. It was nothing short of fantastic. It made my night to see you (Alan) wave at me from behind the theatre before your show, you made my night!! Even though my tickets were in the 300 section, you waving at me paid for my ticket!! We now have tickets for you show on Oct. 24th, 2008 in Boston, MA & will make the 8hr drive that morning to see you play at the Orpheum!! Thanks for the best show EVER!! <3
July 13, 2008 9:37 PM
 

UKCan said:

Loved you on Ships and dip 3. I was looking forward to seeing you in Ottawa (the closest you're coming towards Montreal )but I had to watch my friends drive away without me. My daughter is quite sick and Friday was a really bad day so I had to sacrifice the show....:(
But they got me a t-shirt! We hope to do the 3 hour drive to Kingston in November and of course there's the cruise! I'll get to see you again soon enough. Hopefully my daughter will be much better by then!
Love the CD!:)
see you on the cruiseeeee!
July 13, 2008 11:22 PM
 

DoyleLover said:

OMG Alan, what an amazing show, it was even better then last year!!!!! I can't believe how close I was I was soooo thrilled, you also have another new fan has well my Uncle:), can't wait to see you again! I was dancing all night long also thank you for playing Straight To Hell, that's a great tune and same with Company of Fools!
Stay Safe and Happy Travels! Lots of Love
Paige
July 14, 2008 1:10 AM
 

Ashlea said:

You guys blew us out of the water here in Ottawa- what an incredible show! All the songs I was sending out telekenetic vibes for you to sing- you sang!! I think you might be the only band in the world who sounds even better live than you do on an album! (And that is NOT to say anything bad for the album, which I am listening to as I write this).
  Great Big Sea is truly the ultimate Canadian band, and we hope you are around for a long, long time. Feel free to drop into my kitchen any time- the door is always open for you boys.

                    -Never trust a fella with a helmet on his head
                                           
                                               Ashlea
July 14, 2008 11:39 AM
 

Petunia said:

Although we always loved seeing GBS up close & personal at the bar gigs in Buffalo, we knew those small spaces couldn't contain you forever.  Sigh.  But we ARE happy that you're experiencing the success you deserve!  Every single person we've shared your music with over the years is now an addict as well.  [You're welcome. ; )]

Loving Fortune's Favour so much, I'm carrying it with me everywhere I go, just in case I need a fix.  You guys have some sort of subliminal message in there somewhere???

PleasePleasePlease do Dream to Live at the Buffalo show!!!
July 15, 2008 5:01 PM
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