Show Reviews

Wanatchee show

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:37:24 GMT

Really enjoyed the show last night. Small venue and very intimate, but the boys were, as usual, wonderful!!!!

Olympia, WA

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:27:37 GMT

I haven't posted in ages but had to after last night~~

~FANTASTIC~

The Center for Performing Arts in Olympia, WA doesn't allow people to stand and enjoy themselves, only along the sides (of which that held 20 or 30 folks!) After the 1st break, Alan, true to his word had us standing up....better to enjoy yourself, at least I did. I brought 2 novices with me (not that I'm a veteran having only been to one concert before), my friends are now true believers!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for coming to Olympia~we loved you, you were GREAT!!!

tele

Edmonds, WA Show

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:27:36 GMT

The boys were fantastic last night and the Edmonds Center for the Arts is a great venue for a Great Big Sea Concert. All the songs were the songs I hoped we would hear and the new song was great. Keep up the good work and hope to see you back here after the release of your new album next year, can't hardly wait.

You just can't lose... in Santa Cruz...

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:04:50 GMT

... as the boys sang in their "localized" little ditty! What a great experience... the always beautiful harmonies, the sing-alongs and shout-alongs, the jumping around... I got a kick out of Alan's ongoing fascination with those friggin' agile seals, and Séan's hilarious stories about Californians wanting to turn him on to medical marijuana (this from a native Californian). And what can you say about Bob? He shines on every musical instrument ever invented on this planet (and probably several others). I have trouble keeping time to a 4/4, so Kris' percussion skills boggle my mind. And Murray! That true, strong bass voice in songs like Old Brown's Daughter and Captain Kidd! I seriously hope they come back to Santa Cruz, the sooner the better... the word is out now, and next time folks'll be beatin' down the doors to get in. BTW, I still miss the Professor, Darrell.

I "discovered" GBS while channel-surfing after a job layoff several years ago, when I was very low... the very first song I heard was "Ordinary Day," and what an incredible lift the music gave me. Now I've had another job layoff; my sister's family is also going through very hard times (as are so many people) in this friggin' economy. Well, she and I had been getting on each others' nerves from the strain... and we figured a good dose of GBS would help. By the time they got a few notes into Donkey Riding, we were already feeling better. Halfway into Ordinary Day we hugged and said, "We'll be alright, it's not so bad." OK, that's kind of corny. But true, lest any of us forget the power of these guys' music!

Thank you, thank you, thank you Great Big Sea!

Petaluma loves GBS 11/14

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:31:11 GMT

This was my first live GBS experience and I've never written a show review before, so all I can do is rave rave rave. The venue was perfect - the Mystic has an open area right in front of the stage, and some seats further back on the sides and some cafe tables mid-back and a balcony with more seats. But most of the "good people" were standing, well, actually, dancing/singing/jumping/screaming right up front. There is a bar, so it has to be over 21 only, and from the lobby you look thru the bar at the stage. Jeremy Fisher opened - kind of like Bob Dylan, if I can say that, and after a few songs the audience really warmed up to him and he to us. When he had to go off I think he was surprised at the warm reception we gave him. GBS came out shortly, and things went from rev'ed up to prodigiously stellar (had to use the thesaurus to try and find something approaching a description). I think the Gents ( I just can't call them boys) really enjoyed it. The audience sure did. And for anyone following Tosh's tales - the new songs are great!

San Diego... Nov. 11

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:26:10 GMT

Anthology was a cool venue to see the guys (although it was strange that some people continued to eat during the show) and I was happy to have the chance to get up and jump around by the end. Thought the voices were strong and fresh and felt like they played a TON of songs (loved MBD at the end) . I have never heard the one about the coal miners, but felt the true emotion and passion in Allan's voice. Can't wait to hear the new album, but I really don't think you can get better than seeing them live.

LA November 11th

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:07:38 GMT

The El Rey has added "temporary seats" to the venue. I saw GBS there a few years ago and the only seats were against the wall on either side. There are seats everywhere now.

The crowd didn't let that stop them , as bouncing was evident from the first notes of "Donkey Riding" .

Great, high energy set as always. BUT, it was only one set, they didn't do two sets, it was one long one.

LOTS of talk about medical marijuana and In-N-Out Burger - Alan brought up a good point in tying them together, never thought of that!

Highlights : General Taylor (as always), all the accappella songs, including the no mike "Old Brown's Daughter" at the end. Captain Kidd, When I am King, Scolding Wife etc.

I enjoyed the crowd shouting for an encore by chanting "Old Black Rum", "Old BlackRum!"

Wish they were a yearly even int LA, I guess I should feel lucky.

Portsmouth, NH - Oct. 9th, 2009

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 07:15:14 GMT

Wow, what a great show!! We drove 210 miles and sat in the worst seats in the house, but an awesome double-set from the guys made it all worth it. I just got home from the show now (3am) and I'm stilled pumped from the energy. Thank you!

Oct 6th great review

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:33:31 GMT

official review with good quotes by Bob --

http://www.27east.com/story_detail.cfm?id=237985

But I can't figure out why the guys are looking all scary in their glossy photo. It doesn't match what

they seem like in their live videos.

Westhampton Beach Photo Review - Finally Done

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:32:26 GMT

The GBS portion is done as well as my adventures after the show. I wanted to get it up tonight. SO here it is! Thanks to Michelle for the hospitality!

Anne's Westhampton Review!

Anne

SHOW IN JOPLIN MISSOURI EVERYONE READ THIS!!!

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:36:00 GMT

SO, IM ORIGINALLY FROM NOVA SCOTIA CANADA, VERY BUG FAN OF GBS, I LOVE THE SONG AND I USUALLY DANCE CELTIC WHEN I HEAR THE MUSIC! SO IMAGINE HOW I FELT WHEN ON TV I SAW THEY WERE COMING TO JOPLIN MISSOURI, ME JUST BEING AN HOUR AWAY, I CONVIENCED MY BF TO TAKE ME. HE IS A NEW LISTENER. I WANTED TO SHOW HIM SOEMTHIGN VERY CANADIAN AND SOMETHING I WAS PROUD OF. THE SHOW WAS EXCELLANT! I WAS FDANCINF AND HAVING A VERY GOOD TIME......UNTIL I TALK TO A FEW CREW MEMEBRS AND THEY SD I COULD MEET THEM IN PERSON AT THEIR BUS. IM NOT A CRAZY FAN BUT WAS VERY HAPPY TO GET TO MEET THEM. I WAS PROUD TO TELL THEM IM FROM NOVA SCOTIA. SOOOO AFTER THE SHOW I WENT TO THEIR BUS, WE WERE 4 GIRLS AND WELL MY BF TAGGED ALONG. WE WAITED FOR A WHILE. I DECIDED TO KNOCK ON THEIR BUS. THE DRUMMER(ALSO FROM NS) OPENED THE DOOR I ASKED IF WE COULD MEET THE BOYS FOR A SECOND TO TELL THEM WE LOVE THE SHOW. HE SD THEY WILL BE OUT IN A MINUTE, ABOUT 30 MINS LATER WE ASKED A GUY FROM THE TOUR IF THEY COULD COME OUT AND HE SD THEY WILL NEVER COME OUT OF THE BUS!!!!! I MEAN I KNOW THEY HAD TO RELAX, BUT WHEN IS IT WHEN A BAND THAT IS NTO VERY WELLL KNOWN BECOME A BAND THAT THEY ARE TOO HIP AND FAMOUS TO SAY HI TO SOMEINNOCENT GIRLS WHO LIKE THEIR MUSIC. WHEN THEY TALK ON STAGE IT SEEMS LIKE THEY WOULD SAY HI TO YOU. I EVEN HEARD A FEW OF THE AMERICANS SAY I THOUGHT MARITIMES WERE SUPPOSE TO BE NICEER. IM SORRY TO LET THE GBS KNOW THIS BUT THEY DONT JUST REPRESENT GBS THEY REPRESENT CANADA. IF WE WANT PEOPLE TO VISIT WE HAVE TO BE NICE. I COULD UNDERSTAND IF THEY WERE TOO TIRED BUT TO BE LIED TO BY A BAND MEMBER SAYING THEY WILL COME OUT SOON! THAT IS NOT RIGHT. i COULD ALSO UNDERSTAND IF IT WAS A BIGGER VENUE WHERE THERE WAS A MOB OF ADORING FANS. BUT NOOO. THEY WAS 3 20SOMETHING GIRLS AND AN OLDER LADY WHO IS A PROFESSOR AT A HUGE UNIVERSITY. THAT WAS IT! I WAS HIGHLY DISSAPPOINTED NOT TO BE ABLE TO MEET THEM. THIS IS NOT MY FIRST CONCERT I WAS ALSO AT THE PERFORMANCE IN MONTREAL QUEBEC CANADA A FEW YEARS BACK. MY ADVICE TO THE BAND IS TO BE HONEST AND NOT TO MAKE FANS ASSUME YOUR NICE AND WANT TO MEET PEOPLE WHO LIKE IT WHEN ALL U WANT IS TO SING MAKE MONEY AND LEAVE. HONESTLY IS THE BEST POLICY. IF I WAS HONESTLY TOLD NO I WOULD NOT BE WRITING THIS TODAY. I WAS UPSET LAST NIGHT THAT IT WAS A BAND MEMBER WHO LIED TO MY FACE! IM NOT SURE IF IM EVER GONNA BUY A CD OR ANYTHIGN OR GO TO A CONCERT OF A BAND WHOS MEMBERS LIE! I THOUGHT MARITIMERS WERE NICER. I GUESS POOR MARITIMER ARE THE ONLY NICE ONES. THE SHOW WAS GREAT DONT GET ME WRONG BUT THE ENDING OF MY NIGHT RUNINED EVERYTHING!

Tarrytown Oct 10

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:47:40 GMT

What a great show could not have been better - Had front row center - this is the third time for me and this was the best show ever - cant wait till they come here again, better yet come to Connecticut again - Great Big Sea Rules

Louisville, KY October 7th, 2009

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:58:44 GMT

It's the 8th of october and i feel like time has stood still for me. The 7th shall live in my heart and mind as a moving, beautiful, fun and energetic night.

The show was perfect in all ways shapes and forms. The only thing that really hit me hard was the chairs. I think that in the rock and roll world, chairs kill the scene says I. Aside of that, the friendly and humorous vibe that pulsed through the air filled the room with a comfortable setting that allowed everyone who was at the show to have a fabulous time.
It was fantastic seeing everyone up out of the seats by the end of venue. Not only that, it was an amazing honor to be among the kings court when he unleashed one of the new songs that could possibly be on the next record (finger crossed) [which, by the way, Pictures and a video of Alans song can be found on my myspace www.myspace.com/karra , all the albums are named and can be found easily :D, if you'd like me to upload them someplace else than please let me know haha]
After the show, as we all headed out towards the lobby, a wonderful sing along of "General Taylor" was started and the entire lobby, full of Great Big Veterans (as well as some newbies like my Mum and my brothers grilfriend) raised their voices in song. It was a great treat and, like many have said, a GREAT way to end the night!
I hope all of you fellow concert goers were able to experience the show much like i did. Smiling along with the boys, taking photos, filling my soul with the music that captivates every aspect of my being is an experience that never loses it's luster. Hope you all had a safe trip back home (especially all you Canadian folk that made the trip this way, as well as a few of you far northeners) and i wish the boys more successful shows in the gigs to come and a safe way through.
Enjoy Enjoy Enjoy My Friends

Karra

Bloomington Oct. 2

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:46:43 GMT

I didn't see anyone post yet in this thread about the Bloomington, IL, show last Friday, so I guess I'll get the ball rolling.

Having seen GBS last year twice, once at the Chicago Celtic Fest and in Indianapolis, it was a bit of a change to be in more of a traditional theater. It was odd to have assigned seats, but it worked. With rain in Chicago and Indy being on a Sunday, this was the largest crowd I'd seen at a GBS show. Talking with the people near me though, there appeared to be a lot of new fans in the audience--I can only hope we'd sell out the place next time they come 'round.

Lots of my favorites on the setlist, some that I never thought I'd hear like Beat the Drum. They seemed to have a good pace as well, giving us a few fast jump around songs, and then a slower one to sit and catch our breath. Scolding Wife was probably my favorite, as I was stage Murray and admiring him all night, and Alan decided to...highlight...Murray's verse in an unusual manner. I'd be willing to pay for pictures of that moment if anyone had the brain power to snap one, but my mind just melted. Right after that moment, my brain decided to taunt me by changing the "if I get married again" line to "if I get Murrayed again!" I don't think any GBS fan would hang themselves after that. Sort of fitting that after the lovely Oh Donna detour there was a discussion about fitting Alan, Sean, and Murray into a song. Murray Mac? Oh Sean-a?

There was a lovely solo by Sean-- a new song that apparently no one had ever heard before. It seemed really heartfelt, but I do have a feeling it will be polished up a bit. Perhaps we'll hear it on the next album?

Before Old Black Rum there was some fun banter, ending up with trying to rhyme with Nostradamus. Alan's "famous" was good, but I think I prefer the hippopotamus line from Sean. It could work into a future children's album! Old Brown's Daughter closed the show, and then we went out into the drips.

My friends had to drag me out on Saturday to keep me from driving up to Glen Ellyn. I would have in a heartbeat.

Westhampton Beach PAC

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:24:26 GMT

No review yet, although I did take notes on this one. Had a balcony seat. It was a night of forgotten words and chords...Bob sang the last verse of Excursion for Alan. We joined the b'ys in their "End of the Tour Party." I think they'd started well before the show. We were treated to Let It Go, "Bob and Alan were feeling gay" and Bob sauntered over to the mic and smooched it while looking at ALan, Murray's "performance enhancing drug" is bourbon, "England is where people ended up when they couldn't make it to Westhampton Beach," lots of banter, the most I'd ever heard. I think they are truly ready to go home. 21 days on the road was way too long this time. Bob was very dancey, Kris was very drummy, Alan very giggly. And the oddest description of GBS I've ever read on the poster at the PAC-

Harrisburg, PA. Whitaker Center, Oct 8th

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:03:13 GMT

Awesome show last night! Drove three hours from Binghamton , NY and just recovering this morning. Sorry I'm not a setlist keeper, although I do appreciate those that do it for us. This was my first GBS show and I certainly hope not the last. I took my 14 yr. old son and I haven't seen him grin that huge in a while. He knows the words to the songs better than I, and I was pretty good at keeping up with everything except Sean's obscene speed on Meri Mac, my lips just can't keep up, even if I do know the words. Thanks for the show boys and come back soon.

Kentucky Woman

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:56:26 GMT

Greetings All,

Wonderful show in Louisville last evening! We also missed the first few songs due to traffic, but what a great time in a great venue. Our first GBS concert and hopefully not our last! Loved the "aftershow" in the lobby! Would love to hear from the three ladies who sat next to us who I shall refer to as "Canuck", "Braids" and "Amaretto Sour", sorry we missed a late meal on 4th st, but we lost ya....get in touch if ya can...

Thanks to all who made this a magical evening.....

Dave and Sean

10/5/2009 Joplin, MO Setlist

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:22:57 GMT

Set 1

Donkey Riding
Captain Kidd
Love Me Tonight
The Night Paddy Murphy Died
When I'm Up
Jack Hinks
England
Gideon Brown
I'm A Rover
The RIver Driver
Captain Wedderburn
Run Runaway

Set 2

Tunes
Lukey
The Chemical Workers Song (Process Man)
When I Am King
General Taylor
Scolding Wife
Helmethead
John Barbour
Consequence Free
Mari Mac
Ordinary Day

Encore

Excursion Around the Bay
Fortune Set
Old Brown's Daughter

Great time had by all!!!!

Joplin, Missouri - Free Show!

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:18:19 GMT

In short, I'm a new fan! Missouri Southern brought GBS to campus as part of the Canada Semester. This was the largest attendance for any themed-semester event I've been to. There was a contingent from Springfield (about 70 miles away) who were long-time fans. This was great, because most of us didn't know the songs, but those in the front rows did and provided energy to get the crowd into the music! I can't believe we got to see this show for free! There is a story posted on a local online newspaper here: http://www.joplinindependent.com/display_article.php/mariwinn1254873342

I wish I had a set list from the show. I bought the newest CD but would like to know which songs I heard...

And as for the previous poster who was disappointed not to meet the band, I will say that Alan made it a point several times during the show to say that tomorrow was their day off, they had "no business obligations," so there was no reason to hold back, etc. He mentioned more than once going out to the pub after the show, and asked if someone in the audience would show them around or meet them there. Apparently it was just stage talk, but he seemed real enough. I certainly believed him, so if all the band members retired to the bus right after the show and didn't even sign autographs or anything, I can imagine people being a bit disillusioned.

Great Big Sea Show in Glen Ellyn Oct. 3 - Fantastic!

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:48:54 GMT

I had never heard of GBS before... just decided to buy a ticket, since the description of the band/music sounded intriguing. It was fantastic! I don't have an ounce of Celtic blood, but, that didn't lessen the enjoyment I got from the band's performance. The whole band are first-rate musicians, singers, and all-around entertainers. Kudos go out to the lights/sound board people - it was top-notch! I'm so glad I tried something new that was such a wonderful experience. I have already bought 3 GBS CDs and am looking forward to when they come to the Glen Ellyn area again. Just wonderful!

St. Louis @ The Pageant (10/4)

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:24:15 GMT

We just returned home after seeing Great Big Sea at the Pageant in St. Louis. Wow! This was my first time seeing them live and it exceeded even my lofty expectations. There are a lot of great bands, but to find a group that is as good live as they are in the studio is a rare treat.

I've only been listening to them for a year or so (after they turned up on a sea shanty channel I have on Pandora), but I'm trying to make up for lost time.

The only bad part of seeing them live is the realization that we probably won't get to see them live in our area again for a while. :( Maybe we can tempt them with some tickets to a Blues game.

St. Catharines show was fabulous!

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:30:08 GMT

Just got home from the show at Brock University's theatre. A small and intimate venue and the boys seemed relaxed. Loved so much of the older stuff and the final song a capella without any microphones summed up their talent. Really hope the "original" version of Sea of No Cares is on an upcoming album - have heard it here tonight and at the Molson Amphitheatre last month and can't get enough! Also enjoyed the new composition "Does the world really need another protest song". Has my vote for making it to the new album. I've been following the boys for the whole 17 years from a Frosh Week concert at McMaster University when I was just starting to 3 concerts in the last 8 months. Amazing how my life has changed in that time but still fabulous how much I can enjoy, remember and relax with their music. Thanks for sticking with us all through the years and thanks for a great evening. Safe travels!

Totally Awesome Show in Bloomington

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:42:00 GMT

I've been to St. Louis and Chicago to see GBS. Never thought I would see them in my own backyard. Knew it was going to be a great show when the opening song was Donkey Riding. As my son put it, you just haven't lived until you've heard Donkey Riding live. My family thought I came unglued when they sang my favorite song, General Taylor. And that last song just showed how truly talented this group is. They have sang and talked for the better part of three hours and then are able to sing accapella with no microphones. Absolutely Incredible !!! I hope they come back soon and maybe we can give them a sellout crowd !!!!

My Very Late Molson Photo Essay Review

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:48:33 GMT

Almost done! I am up to the encores but thought I'd put it out there for people to read before they forget all about it. I've been overwhelmed with website problems and have only been able to do a few pages a night. Hope you enjoy it!

Anne's Molson 2009 Review

Anne

MILWAUKEE OCT 1 PABST THEATRE

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:03:22 GMT

GBS kicked off the stateside portion of their tour in grand fashion last nite before a lively throng at the famous Pabst Theatre last nite in downtown Milwaukee. From the opener (Donkey Riding), the enthusiastic crowd leapt to its feet and stayed up all nite. Alan even commented early on that "this seems like a party"..."is it the weekend yet?"...the set list was pretty standard, but the version of the Violent Femmes' classic Blister in the Sun stole the show. Sean praised his lunch at REAL CHILI and joked that it was so good he was going to move to Milwaukee. The boys were very chatty and seemed genuinely pleased to be there, especially considering they probably wanted to keep one eye on the Leafs-Habs NHL opener. When the band announced that the Canadiens had indeed defeated Toronto 4-3, the audience gave a collective "Huh? So what!"....Plenty of stories about previous visits to the Brew City had the crowd laughing in between songs. Alan even laughed at Sheboygan,WI, asking, "that's a real place?...Sheboygan?"Awesome version of General Taylor! Sean's voice was tremendous. Alan did a solo ballad he claimed he'd never sang before live and it sounded terrific.
A great time was had by all (including all five band members)...Milwaukee got the ball rollin'...hope they keep the energy going in Illinois this weekend.