Show Report
Show Report: The Horsehsoe, Toronto
October 16, 1999
Special Guest Review by Sarah
You should be forwarned that this review was written while suffering in a fog of antihistamines. That, combined with a giant essay due all too soon, reading lists a kilometer long, learning German grammar and working...Basically my brain hurts. But you're not here to read about that, are you?
It was a triumphant return to the Horseshoe Tavern for Ron Hawkins and the Rusty Nails. The gathered crowd arrived en masse to witness the gig and were treated to a fantastic evening. I am always amazed by the energy the guys have, but then it's becoming somewhat expected by the veterans of Nails gigs. It is certainly an event to witness.
The long set with multiple encores went exceedingly well - at least for those who weren't pining for any Low covers. I, for one, was happy without....I was there to hear the new stuff, and I wasn't disappointed! The mix of songs played had a welcome focus on the new material, while some of the "older" favourites were justly included. I can't honestly remember the entire set, but the highlights that have remained with me through the antihistamine haze include "Crackstatic", "Terminal City", "Turpentine", "Euphoria" - a totally fabulous song! It's my favourite new one... - "Roja" with Chris on the smooth sax solo - "Beat Me Senseless", "Convenient", "Be My Alibi", "Taboo", "Ghostwriting", "Wrecking Wall", "Suffering In Mink" and various others, which I'll remember when I'm finished writing this....I think the most memorable moment of the evening was "Small Victories". Ron was joined by Julie Penner on violin and it was just plain beautiful. And Julie's amazing. She actually played a few songs with the guys - it was great!
All in all, the show flowed well. The slow songs were interspersed nicely with the high energy tunes. The only thing that bothered me was that it was very difficult to hear Lawrence properly. I've noticed this before, too. I don't know whether it's an issue of Lawrence being miked softer than Ron, but Ron was way more audible...And the saxes were a bit fuzzy. But that was it. There weren't any major string changes or technical difficulties - or at least none that I remember distinctly.
Clothing for the evening was a matter of personal choice. No rules at all....It was freakin' hot. Chris dressed accordingly in shorts, shirt complete with a bowtie, socks and shoes. A sight to behold... Everyone else paled in comparison, really. They were all in black, except Jason, who was wearing a white shirt. And Ron was wearing a hat (in addition to black clothing). Lawrence gets honourable mention for a fabulous, shiny black (and possibly highly flammable) shirt - if he'd been wearing matching pants, Chris wouldn't have had a chance! But it was a truly great shirt!! (It's amazing what you find in swimming pools these days. I only ever get leaves....My neighbourhood is boring!) Basically, for those of you who keep track of such things, the guys weren't in suits.
So, what else can I say? The show was great. That's it, really. My best friend was impressed - good thing, as she came home from Waterloo for the weekend and missed all kinds of midterm exam study-time to be whisked away to a Nails gig. Then again, there are definitely worse hostage experiences....I can't wait for the next show - and I wager my best friend will be there too!!
:)
Sarah
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