Great Big See...

I have always loved Great Big Sea. They are one of the few bands I have ever listened to where if I see a new album in the store I will buy it without hearing any of the songs simply because I know it will be a little slice of awesome with a lemon wedge. They have so many classic tunes and one of the best things about them is that they have a terrific amount of respect for their heritage and do an amazing job of bringing traditional eastern folk tunes out to us ignorant weenies on the West Coast. Their music, whether it is an upbeat danceable tune (try dancing when you are driving on the highway, not a good idea), or a lament (these guys have some of the best laments I have ever heard, so well done) their music shows an age beyond their years and a wisdom seldom found in the music industry these days. How often do you hear a song that works in the term “circumnavigate” and is a good tune? (Turn, from their album of the same name, and my personal favorite right now). So why am I telling you all this?

Well, they had a bus accident…. And they still put on the absolute hands down best concert I have ever been to. I had so much fun last night I didn’t want it to end! They could have played all night and I would have sat there and listened to every little bit. Every time I thought they had sung all the songs I knew they broke into another one and I remembered it and sang along. Singing along was a terrific part of the evening, at points it was almost like a singalong. In fact, my favorite part of the night (hard to pick one) was the sing-a-long in which the entire audience sang a medley of Summer of 69, Jessie’s girl, and Sweet Dreams, all before heading right into Run, Run Away.

It is hard to describe the joy that just flows out of these guys. Their freakin bus fell over on the highway only hours before and they came out on stage smilin and jokin and just plain glad to be there. They were funny and so enthusiastic which is what really made the night. What added to it is that my wife and I had the best seats we have ever had at a concert, 2nd row on the left. We were within spitting distance of the lads, although I’d never do such a thing to fine gentleman such as these.

I sat for most of the show. Oddly, the people around me did too, especially in the front row. Actually the front row sort of seemed as thought they were sedated. As hard as they tried the band couldn’t bring’em to their feet, and I wouldn’t say GBS failed at their attempts, it was like they were in the finals of the You Can’t Make Me Smile championships. I chose to sit because of issues with my legs. I get a good 10 or 15 minutes before they really start to bug me, and I was having so much fun I didn’t want to ruin it, so I did my best to show my enthusiasm by clapping, shouting, whooping, and singing. It was just an amazing experience.

One last thing, I asked my wife when we went to Van Halen what her dream concert would be and without hesitation she said, “Great Big Sea” and this was my Christmas present to her. It turned out to be a present for me too thought because she had such an amazing time. It was cool to see her so excited and smiling and having a ton of fun too. I don’t know if they will ever read this but it is the only chance I have…

Thanks you guys, hearing you play made me feel the joy of life, I haven’t enjoyed myself like that in a long time…. And hopefully everything works out with the bus thing.