Am I really the first to post about this? I was hoping to see everyone else's pictures that are probably a lot better than mine! Well, for those of you who couldn't make it to the show and wanted to, you probably won't be surprised to learn it was fantastic. I'm not a big concert-goer so I don't have a great deal of past experiences to compare it to, but my socks left my feet by the end of the first tune. John Jones = wow.

Hugh's Room is a pretty small venue (with surprisingly good food), so there were really no bad seats. We booked pretty late and got a table at the very back of the room, and I still had no complaints. Especially when my hubby tapped my shoulder and pointed behind me-- there was Alan, mere feet away, leaning casually against a wall taking in the show! My first close encounter with the b'ys! Be still my heart!

Since this is a GBS board and not an Oysterband board I'll just skip to the part the majority of you are probably most interested in, heh. After two encores (including a lovely completely acoustic version of "Put Out the Light") Oysterband announced their special guests, and Alan, Sean, Bob, and Murray joined them up on the stage. They all performed a rip-rousing version of "When I'm Up", and after that a beautiful and powerful version of the a capella "Bright Morning Star". All those voices together in harmony...! Ahhhhhhh.

 

The best part for me was this: although the Oysterband crew disappeared into their dressing room pretty quickly after leaving the stage (going right past our table-- yay for the back of the room!), the b'ys seemed inclined to hang around the bar and mingle. I guess because they weren't the main act and were just there for a good time. So I grabbed the opportunity to say hi and snap a picture with Alan, Bob and Sean! Woot! I'm still floating on air. July can't come fast enough!

So, who else wants to share pictures?
 

 

There wasn't enough light for my little camera. I did video the 2 last songs. If nothing else I can post audio for it when I get a chance.

---

"I see you in the front row, bouncing up and down, you're ripped and ready for a night downtown." ~ Margarita
What's wrong with a little flirtation?

Monster Tee

I must say Kudos to Alan for recommending Oysterband.

To be honest, while I listened to them on-line they didn't really peak my interest. I was going simply to hang out with the girls who were all coming into my town for the night.  But by the first song live I was completely hooked! 

The acapella "put out the light" at the end was simply breathtaking to listen to.

They were brilliant, strong vocals, and the performance was solid in a way that can only come from so many years together.

I think my only disappointment was that for so many of the songs I was itchin to be up on my feet dancing, but didn't want to block others seated at tables behind me. So spent most of the second half up at the back where I could move to the music. 

The boys from the band did come out and hung out in the bar area awhile later. Alan was gracious enough to introduce me to a couple of them. Very down to earth, easy to talk to.

In short - they've aquired at least one new fan.

Just hope they will be back Toronto way before they head back o'er the ocean!

For those of you east of here... if they are in your city, you've definitely GOT to see them.

---

JennyB

~ At the end of the day, you've just got to say it's alright ~

Mircles do happen. As dark as it was, my video is actually watchable. Can't make out the features on their faces but good enough!

http://www.kaesye.com/fran/Oysterband-GBS.mov

 

---

"I see you in the front row, bouncing up and down, you're ripped and ready for a night downtown." ~ Margarita
What's wrong with a little flirtation?

Monster Tee

Thanks, Fran!

That was very nice! I do like the Oysters.

Anne

---

And when the winds of change begin to blow,
I'll whisper, "You're my lighthouse" in case you didn't know.

Sons of Maxwell

visit my website!:
Anne's Philly Phan Site at http://www.gbsfanatic.com

Oooh! Thanks for posting this! "Bright Morning Star" live is just... exquisite. I get goosebumps!

 

Fran.  Thank you.
Love, Columbine

---

The Oysters are one of the best bands in the world (I like GBS a lot too!).  If we ever show enough interest here in the USA, they might tour here too. The CD's are great but nothing beats an Oyster show. I was lucky enough to be stationed in Germany for two years so we got to see them all the time, I wanted so bad to go to these Canada shows Curse work!!  

 I found more videos including GBS and pictures onlne, a set list too!

(Ii'm sorry I don't see how to format a link here)
 

Meet You Here is the newest CD but their all good.  Oysterband rocks!  GBS too!   

 Will
 

GREAT video, Fran, thank you so much for sharing ! It's sooo long ago that that happens in Germany ... the last time 1998 ?! I'm on the next Oyster show here in Germany, that's a fact ! Will, where have you been stationed here in Germany ? Where did you see the Oysters ? That's right - we have them here very often ! My fav CD's the "Shouting End of Life" !

---

Learn from the past, live now, see the future !

Thanks for the video Fran ... although I have wait until tonight when I come home to watch it ... nice to know that a little delight is waiting for me after my working day!

Welcome to the OKP, Will ! Since I live in Germany, I'm as curious as Kati about your time over here! Hope to here from you soon!

ttallan ... wow, that sounds like great night! Thanks for the review. I absolutely love concerts in small venues! I've seen the Oysterband a couple of time in places like that. Saw GBS only once so far, in London (UK) in a little club as well - and John Jones was in the audience. They seem to have quite a connection. Do you have more pics to post?

Great to hear that there are some Oysterband lovers here on board!

Cheers ... Christina

 

---

... today is a gift - that's why we call it present ...
Carus

You're all very welcome!

I had never heard one single Oysterband song before this and really enjoyed the show (especially Put Out The Lights). bzjennyb and I were flying later that night when we got our own little concert from Alan as he sang us his favourite Oysterband song (Oysterband was great but I don't think I'd think the original was all that hot after hearing Alan sing it he could sing Happy Birthday and I'd fly :) On a separate note, I actually got to hear Sean sing Happy Birthday to a bartenderess).

---

"I see you in the front row, bouncing up and down, you're ripped and ready for a night downtown." ~ Margarita
What's wrong with a little flirtation?

Monster Tee

Fran, thanks again! That's awesome - finally got to watch your video! Alan seemed to have a hard time singing his verse so slow ... 

What a grand night you had, apparently! Just curious: do you remember, what Alans favourite O-song was?

Cheers ... Christina 

---

... today is a gift - that's why we call it present ...
Carus

Christina - you'd think we'd remember eh?

It was a really awesome moment... hearing him do an acapella serenade for just us.

However... not being that familiar with Oysterband songs, I can't seem to remember.

I believe Howard might have been standing with us  though so will ask him.

---

JennyB

~ At the end of the day, you've just got to say it's alright ~

I had never heard Oysterband version before but I knew from the opening notes the B'ys were going to have problems keeping from speeding it up.

 Perhaps someone can help us with this. Jenny and I were so lost in the moment we don't remember.

I think it was from Deep Dark Ocean. It was about the songwriter moving from small Wales to big London. I t was heavenly.

---

"I see you in the front row, bouncing up and down, you're ripped and ready for a night downtown." ~ Margarita
What's wrong with a little flirtation?

Monster Tee

Oh yes, I do well understand that you guys were too excited to listen carefully to the lyrics ... silly question of mine, eh. But since I'm an Oysterband lover for so many years now I would of course like to know, which song Alan likes most ...

Anyways, I really love to hear (again) that the guys are so down to earth, just to mix up with the crowd. Guess that's one of the reasons that makes me a huge Great Big Sea fan.

 

---

... today is a gift - that's why we call it present ...
Carus