So.

It was very nice to see a GBS show again. It's been a few years.

Saturday evening was to be a night of fun. A night out on the town for a gal who hadn't been out for an evening to herself since having a baby this past June.

My friend and I went out for dinner before hand - the lobster and crab dip and cold beer were decadent. We made the drive down to T.O. and arrived at the convention center where some nice people showed us how to follow the yellow brick road to the show. When we found the hall, a friendly security guy told us to go in through some doors to the show - which we thought we were late arriving to because we could hear GBS playing inside. It turned out to be a sound check, which we were told by another security guy I thought we'd better ask because nobody had taken our tickets yet -  so, we walked around the rest of the room, which had some cool stuff set up btw, I drooled a bit over the poker tables, because I'm addicted to poker, and then, we made our way to the line up forming outside the hall.

All was well and good. We spoke to a couple of really nice gals in front of us line and when they let us back in for the show, I nearly kissed the security guy who asked to see my I.D. because I consider it a compliment to be 10 years over the legal limit and be asked to prove it. Bless his heart.

Well, out comes SOTW, which went well. The explanation of "Venice is Sinking" was hilarious. All was well in the world. I was having a beer at a show again. I hadn't done that in a very long time.  

Then out marches some ladies in some very short and very black leather who gave us a few dances - interesting indeed. I began to feel a bit over dressed for the occasion.....

Next comes Lowest of the Low, who were good, I've never heard of them before, but they had a couple of good tunes and the one guy could play guitar pretty decent.

Next comes a real treat to look at. 

The "Miss Grey Cup" 07 contestant parade....

Now, defintiely feeling highly overdressed for the evening, I was quite ammused. I can honestly say that I felt weird clapping for hot women in bikini's. Can I just say - they were the perfect motivation for any gal whose been duking it out with post pregnant pounds....( there's just a hint of sarcasm there) and I was very disappointed none included world peace in their speech to the crowd.

I did however, get a kick out of the guy who, was not introduced as a judge but was back stage and saw the one empty chair on stage and took it - for the incredible view I'm assuming,  and spent the skin and bikini parade grinning ear to ear the entire time....

By now, I'm hoping that GBS is on the way and then, the magic blue curtain opened and out comes Great Big Sea.

And the show is great, as usual.  

And, overall, I had a great time over the course of the night.....

When I wasn't being harrased to move by just about every tom dick and harry because I'm tall.

When I wasn't being pushed into and kicked in the backs of my legs by the angry and just plain fowl drunk  women behind me.

Before I got hassled repeatedly by the gal who, becaue she was a member of great big sea's website, said that she was entitled to stand in front of me.

When the first brawl/shouting match broke out all around us after people tried to get security who sat on his butt and did nothing for the gal who needed assistance.

Before I got hassled repeatedly by the gal who, becaue she was a member of great big sea's website, said that she was entitled to stand in front of me...still.

Before I was asked to give a statement to the police about situation involving the creep who was after the gal.

Before I had some drunk chick wipe her red and white face paint down the back of my shirt because she was so corked she could barely hold herself up. Oh Canada indeed.

And, last but certainly not least before I got knocked arse over apple cart into the very nice people to the left of me who also went down when a final monster brawl involving some huge guy in a green jersey, some other guys and security  - broke out at the near end of the show. Nothing like a guy with a face full of blood to round out a great night.

All that, is the short list of events. Now I know what you're thinking. You're thinking I'd have to be nuts not to have fun with a night like that right?

Thanks to everyone in attendance who helped make my first evening out since baby such a memorable evening. I was really hoping I'd have the great time that I did; I haven't had as much fun being thrown around like that since playing the Detroit Dragons in a hockey tournament two years ago.

Now, a bit of humble advice for anyone thinking of attending a GBS show in the future.  Here's a few helpful hints to get you through....

First off, don't ever try and attend a show with 10,000 other football fans smack dab in the middle of a three day bender. Better yet, don't ever attend a show with 10,000 other  football fans in the middle of a three day bender at the mercy of a full moon in a room where crowd security is non existent. Unless you're planning to join in on the bender yourself, if that's the case, you'll have no trouble fitting in. Drunk and stupid is the ticket. YEEEEEEE HAW!

Second, only go if you're short. If you're tall, either figure out a way to shave a foot or two off the top of yourself before you go. If your shorter you'll save yourself a wack of trouble. Of course, you could take a fold out chair to either give to the short person that will harrass you and, if you're fortunate enough not to have a short person after you, you'll have a boom stick for a bit of protection with you for when number four happens....

Third, make sure you are considerate of other people who are members of a bands web site that show up later than you and miss the chance to stand close to the stage. Also be aware that they are entitled to kick the backs of your legs and push and shove you out of the way so they can have a better view. They have imaginary reservations at the front of the stage. You should know better.

Fourth, if you play hockey, bring your mouth guard and helmet for when the brawl breaks out at the end of the evening. Also, see part two of number two...kidding. As the super nanny says" violence is wrong, use your words..." 

Five, buy yourself a DVD, 50 inch television and surround sound stereo and stay home.  You'll enjoy the same show with none of the hassle....

Once again, a great big thanks to all who made the evening so fun and memrable. Sunday dinner conversation hasn't been that entertaining in a long time.

In the future, I think I'll reserve my GA adventures to bands like Metallica and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers where I know I won't run the risk of having my arse handed to me seven different ways....

Cheers, :o)

Lori

Wow!  Reading other people's posts made me glad that I didn't remain up close to the stage and instead moved further back where the sound was better, and the crowd was definitely more controlled.  Thankfully the friends that I knew up front didn't get involved in any fights.  Some exuberant celebratory folks pushed down front prior to Great Big Sea hitting the stage (I received this cute text asking me to come protect them ), but those people had their fun and then moved along.

I am glad that I went and was part of the Grey Cup Festivities.  I had a blast, caught up with some friends, made some new ones, and enjoyed the excitement of a city alive and united in the quest for the Cup.

And Lori, although I shouldn't be speaking for people that consider themselves "entitled," not all who are members of this message board are among the vein of thinking they can stand up front because they're a member of this message board.  Most folks are decent and adhere to the first-come, first-served/closer to the front, unfortunately there are a few misguided ones in every bunch.  Welcome to the OKP.  Glad that you shared your thoughts of Saturday's event.

Hi Cathie,

I think I just had the unfortunate luck of being in the wrong place on the wrong night.

I'm well aware that no everyone associated with this place is bad. I've been a member of the OKP for many years. I stopped posting in here a long time ago, I just thought, with what went on, that I needed to stop by and say a quick hello. The OKP has always been an interesting spot that, in the past ha's gotten quite colourful at times, but on the flip side, I've met some very decent people, three of which have become very close. That's in part why I found it hilarious that this gal had the cookies to use this place as an excuse for entitlement.

Things change over the years I guess....

Cheers, :)

Lori

Lori,

I agree with you since I was standing right in front of you (We even had a few laughs).  I have seen GBS several times and have never seen the kind of atmosphere like it was on Saturday night.   The security was terrible.  I myself was trying to call the security guy over to assist in the situation.  They didn't want to get involved for some reason.  Not to mention the fight that broke out behind us during Mari Mac.  I thought the venue was a little strange.  I would have put the country western band on first then Lowest of the Low, SOTW, then GBS.  I wished Spirt would have played more than 5 songs.  GBS was still awesome as usual.  It made great conversation all the way back to Buffalo.  

 Chris
 

Hello there!

Quite the night wasn't it! LOL!

I find it hilarious that, at a number of small shows I've been to in the past, there have been at least 3-4 security guys lined up along the stage - why in a room that full, with the bulk of the crowd pickled as farts -  the folks in charge opted for the low security option....

I'll never understand.

But you're right, it did make for an interesting conversation on the drive home. My friend and I did the same as you! LOL!

I think the headline spot was offered to Emmerson Drive because they've hit it big on country radio in the states (I believe they got invited to the CMA's and had a number one hit down south?). Or, maybe perhaps they offered Emmerson Drive the headline because they knew the bulk of the crowd would fan out after GBS? And,tThank God GBS went on when they did. Between the hooplah in the crowd and it being as late as it was, I was completely done by the time they finished their set. Like, I'm on baby time now. I'm not used to being out that late anymore! LOL!

Anywho, it's good to hear that you made it out in one piece too-  :o)

Cheers, :o)

Lori

For all that assisted the woman that had to deal with an unpleasant situation, she appreciates your kindness and concern.  At this time, it is requested that the discussion of that specific matter be stopped as it is being dealt with by the affected parties.

Thanks to all for sharing your highs and lows from a crazy night.

Lets end this with a good  note. The guys were great, we got a great bob dance, and a Rant and Roar.

GBSgirl24 said OKPeeps pushed and kicked her and said they should be in the front row because they were entitled. I'm kinda curious who those OKPeeps were.

Nice pics, btw. If the first band shots are from the same show you  gopt way closer when GBS came on. Did you happen to see any pushing or kicking happening? 

lyndzchick:

Lets end this with a good  note. The guys were great, we got a great bob dance, and a Rant and Roar.

Where have I seen that look before?...

Cathie, 

Please make sure you let that gal know that I'm glad to hear she's okay and that things are being dealt with. Nobody deserves to be treated like that and, to have their time wrecked so badly. Also let her know that when I made mention in my first post, I wasn't trying to post blame or offend her in particular or the general the population here. Those who may remember me, may remember my sarcastic sense of humour and I apologize if my mentions have come off wrong and caused offense.

I wasn't trying to bring down the high, I just found it so bizarre that so many crap things went down like that, all in one night, at a GBS show of all things. I mean, usually when you go to a show, and not just a GBS show, like, any show, there's always an incident that leaves a person scratching their head -

On Saturday it just seemed to go on and on, worse and worse to the point some of us began to wonder what on earth could possibly happen next. LOL!

As far as the naming names goes - first off, I never said OKP'ers in plural form. I said it was one specific person. I never asked her who she was because my intention was not to come in here and point fingers or call her out. Quite frankly, I know not one of the people I've met from the OKP would ever try a stunt like that and it really ticked me off, what she was saying and doing, that's why I felt the need to come in here and say my piece.  

It's supposed to be fun - and it was, in between the kaos.

On a good note, I saw that some were impressed they did rant and roar. I myself was quite excited to hear Jack Hinks - I haven't heard that one in a long time. I have now just one more song I'd like to hear live and that's Charlie Horse. When I get lucky enough to hear that one, my GBS concert experiences will be complete and the torch can be passed down to the next ones - LOL! :o)

Nice chatting briefly again, :o)

Cheers,

Lori  

Over the years, there have been some people and postings that have stuck with me.  If by chance you are the "Life with Lori" I think you are, then girl, I remember and loved your sense of humour!  If not, I'm sure that you're funny and witty in your own right.

HA HA! I knew I knew you! :D

Life with Lori - yes indeed. I remember telling the story of Tsunami in our loft created by the front pane of my 50 gallon aquarium letting go...all over the hard wood floors just days before I was hosting a group of OKP folks overnight. That was special. Goldfish living happily in your bathtub until you can find a replacement aquarium...

I remember telling a couple tales about my dogs on occasion too...

It's nice to confirm a familiar face, so to speak!  :)

Lori

I just found out from a source at the radio station who put on the event that it was actually GBS who requested to go on before Emerson Drive because they thought that people wouldn't want to stay past 12:00.  Well I guess they were right as the show cleared after them but knowning GBS fans I am sure we would have stayed all night just to hear them, at least I would.

I also want to thank the band for a great show.  I know playing in that crazy environment with all the drunks and fights and everything else would not have been easy, but it was a great show with great fun and great music.  And a special thanks to Alan, who made my entire year and the standing for 7 hours worth it when he winked at me!!