DEEP PURPLE
MOLSON CENTRE
MONTREAL, QUEBEC
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18th, 1998
Preshow
Well, things got off to a rocky start when I found out that Dave, one of my buddies from the band who was going to the concert, had injured himself and couldn’t make it to the show at the last minute. That was a bit of a downer. We had two vehicles heading down this time as there were 8 of us in the crew. In our vehicle were myself, John Nash, my son Jim, his friend Bernard (another convert :-)) and we were stopping in Maxville to pick up Bruce - a buddy of mine who played in the band with me and was yet another convert. The Purple message is still getting out there! The other vehicle included brother Dan, my wife Line, and other son Doug. There’s no underlying reason for this other than I wanted to get to Montreal a bit early to meet Glen, Carl and Nick, who were arriving earlier by train from the Quebec City show, and that my brother didn’t get off work till 3:30. I wanted to give him some decent company on the way down ;-).
We left about 12:45 and by the time we picked up Bernard and John it was roughly 1:30 by the time we got on Hwy 417 to head east to Montreal. We got to Maxville around 2:15 and Bruce was already warming the bar up for us. As the King George Hotel is the "official" after-practice haunt of the Glengarry Pipe Band, we had to stop for at least one pint :-)! Perhaps two... Then it was off to La Belle Province and Montreal. :-)
TRAFFIC! And lots of it! It took us longer to get from the city limits to our hotel, than it did to get from Maxville to Montreal! Arrived at the hotel and there was Glen Miller to meet us in the lobby - resplendent in his Guess Who T-shirt! Our timing was impeccable as they had just returned from a walk. We figured out the accommodation arrangements, dropped off our luggage, and had everyone change into the team "uniform". Thanks to Nick and his trip to Russia, we had DP T-shirts for all! (Sorry Bruce - that Guiness shirt was fine at O’Donohough’s in Dublin, but it don’t cut it when there’s a TBRO shirt available for a DP show!)
We had made arrangements to meet several amd-p e-mail acquaintances at Moe’s bar which was basically about a block away from the Molson Centre. We’d mentioned 4 pm as a target meeting time, but we were a tad late by now. It was close to the hotel, so we walked over. When we got there they stuck us in the basement, and of course, this would make it difficult for anyone to find us. I explained this to the staff, but I got the feeling that they could care less. You’d think that when the potential of having a big gang spend their hard-earned cash at your establishment, that they would give you an extra little bit of consideration. Not so, and I doubt I’ll be back. I did see three people sitting at a table upstairs with DP shirts, but it wasn’t anyone we were looking for. We ordered some refreshments and had just got them when Dan, Line and Doug arrived. We now had a grand party of 11. It should have been more.
After having our meal, we all lined up outside for the obligatory amd-p picture. I hope it turns out. It was now about 6:15 and certain people were getting edgy already about getting to the venue. As we all had reserved seats, I saw no reason for the panic. I spend most of my days rushing around after people and I like to lay back when I can. I also had "stuff" ;-) to pick up back at the hotel. Some of us returned to the hotel, then walked over to the Molson Centre. We arrived in plenty of time and even had a pint or two before taking our seats.
The Show
Firstly, our seats were not the best in the house by any imagination. The view was good but not spectacular. We ended up in Row "W" which was the top of the first section, stage right, and not in the middle of it as was pointed out at the time of the ticket purchase. The people selling these things should really know what they are talking about. If I had known exactly where we were going to be, I’m sure I would have opted for the floor, or to split the tickets up. The fact the we ordered 11 together probably didn’t help matters. Regardless, my wife Line did us a big favor getting them, as I was stranded at work the day they went on sale. It was the person at the ticket outlet that didn’t have a clue what was happening and it took 45 minutes to get these things. You don’t get front row centre with a delay like that! :-(
Dream Theater took to the stage 8 minutes early and I was quite surprised at the talent of this band. I had never heard any of their music prior to now and they were more than equal to the task of being on this bill. I’m sure we’re going to hear more from them as time goes on. I didn’t know the names of any tunes but recognized quotes from Pink Floyd and Metallica. Mike Portnoy is an excellent drummer and has lots of chops, but he really doesn’t have to flog those drums like that. A little finesse would go a long way and who knows, it may even increase his speed a bit ;-)
As everyone has mentioned, the changeover between bands was very quick and efficient. 15 minutes max. I wish every concert was like this. We managed to go for another beer (you got to love Montreal for this), and picked up an Abandon tour program and T-shirt. $35.00 for a hat?? Get real!
BTW, GREAT job on the program, Rog. :-)!
ELP came out smoking with something I recognized (Tarkus?) but didn’t really know till they went into "Welcome Back My Friends to the Show that Never Ends". Ah yes - shades of the Big "O" in 1980 - (Big O for Stade Olympic - not the other big "O"). From there, I felt their show just started to degrade into a torrent of dinosaur clichés. I hate that word dinosaur, but with an act like this, I can see where the term came from. ELP have far too much talent among them to have to rely on stage antics like the ones we witnessed here. Pyrotechnics, blading keyboards, ripping off of shirts, dry humping pianos, macho poses? Leave the theatrics to Alice Cooper and Hulk Hogan. These boys CAN play and I felt a bit embarrassed for them. I enjoyed quite a bit of their music. I especially appreciated KE playing the keyboard backwards. That’s got to be confusing, although I’m sure it’s a learned tid-bit. We could have done without his Piano Concerto No. 3 in B (for boring) minor. It was amazing to see how many took this opportunity for a beer break or to go the facilities. That should tell them something. Greg Lake’s voice was right on the money though, and I enjoyed the rendition of Lucky Man, but they ended that far too short. Carl Palmer is a damn fine drummer, and has chops to spare. Fast, fluid, and technical, but again, he spoiled his solo with all this theatrical BS. This was more Buzby Berkeley than music. He has the talent of a Neil Peart, but at least Neil sticks to music during his solos. By the way, did anyone notice that when KE brought out the "expendable" organ at the end, that the improv between him and CP was almost identical to ST off MIJ? It almost seemed too close to be an innocent accident. Hmmmmm.
Time for what we all came to see. Another quick 15 minute changeover and...
...Out stroll the boys, Gillan to the front of the stage as if looking for recognizable faces (who knows, maybe he was ;-)) Very little time, a couple of keyboard noodles from Jon and right into Hush. After Camden, and reading all the reports about his flu, etc., we were a bit worried if 1.) this show would actually take place and, 2). how IG’s voice would sound. Well, he put those fears right to rest in short order. It was apparent that he was in very good shape, vocal-wise And the BAND was ON! He just nailed Bludsucker! I won’t type a setlist per se` as many have already done it. I too, found Jon’s Hammond a bit low in the mix during his rhythm parts, though he was fine and to the fore on his solo/lead bits. Granted we were high up on the opposite side of the stage, but he did seem a bit low in the mix never-the-less. Speaking of which, the sound was loud, but not *too* loud and nice and crisp and clear. The A BAND On backdrop was a nice touch. Love Paicey’s new silver sparkle kit ;-)! Even pretty sure about getting a little recognition from Roger as he seemed to acknowledge 11 crazy DP manics wildly jumping and waving at him from the top row. He pointed right at us, smiled and waved. However, one can never be sure... ;-) A good solid Ted was next and Steve owned this one. You can just tell this tune is his idea. Super.
SKOW was done well and sounded fresh with Steve throwing some grand tasty licks in there, with IP backing with a great swinging back beat. I was pleasantly surprised at the live version of Almost Human. Great chugging riff from Steve. The Lord of the keyboard as solid as usual. Lovely bottom end work from Rog and Paicey. These guys sure know how to propel A BAND alONg. Lookout! This was a freight train on autopilot! The Lord went manic for a few minutes here! Great stuff. Good POH, Rog’s bit right on.
Steve’s really ripping up the fretboard on this tour. Some have mentioned that they thought he was a little over-zealous, but it’s nice to have a guitarist that came to PLAY and is obviously having a great time doing it. You won’t get any complaints from this reviewer. :-)
Nice clean version of Woman from Tokyo, and here was the first indication of IG having any problem. He trailed off on the, "...just don’t beloooong...Oh no!" and shook his head, going into the bridge. Credit to him, he came right back with all the high parts, slipped in the key a tad for a sec and just soldiered on. Steve, sensing this, tried helping him out by playng lead notes with the high vocal parts. Nice piano from JL. This tune clearly got the best audience response up to this point in the set with the audience floods flashing in time to the chorus. IG’s "I get high"’s on the end were right on the money and he never looked back. Big Ian came to the front of the stage and said, "There’s a really good vibe going here tonight. We can all feel it and we just wanted you all to know that. A great vibe." Classy!
WTS was next and IG eluded to his vocal problems by saying, "This is a thing about being beside oneself, and I was a bit further away from myself on that one than usual". Good showcase for IG and SM. Again, another rock solid performance by the bottom end. Good light and shade here. I thought this was one of the weaker tunes from /-\, but it projects well live. Lovely solo from SM and he even interpolated Amazing Grace in Fools/volume control vein. Must have known there were a couple of "highlanders" in the audience ;-) Cascades crept in there after Paicey joined him for some on stage fun, and the rest thought this may be a good idea (or so it looked). No Vocals though. Smoke next. Well played. Crowd goes crazy. ‘Nuff said. And people wonder why they don’t drop it. They simply can’t. Rog has ditched the Rick on this tune now. I guess sound-wise it isn’t up to par, but it’s a great looking bass.
I found Paicey to be laying back a bit (for him), but I think it was because the band chose quite a few slower/shuffle tunes one right after another. No Fireball or HS to open up the eyes right away and show what he’s really capable of doing, early on, like previous tours.
JL’s spotlight now, keeping the Smoke theme going into a "Classical Smoke" then the Hammond comes alive, back to piano and then a little noodling and the Lazy intro. Yes! Forgot about this. Crowd lapped this up. Back into Smoke. Hmmmm. Will he or won’t he? Yep! The band charges into Lazy with a new found gusto. I really like SM’s version of this, and the big Hammond is sweating fire! IG sporting one of the "baddest" hats I’ve seen in some while. Must have got this thing from Bo Diddley...or Roger’s closet >:-> ! Ah, new lyrics, too. Anyone catch these? Couldn’t make them out but they sounded fine. I’m always up for something new. I guess the purists will be a bit irked by this, but what the hell, it’s a great big party (about 8,000 strong - not sold out but packed); he wrote the lyrics and can change them if he so desires. I’d just like to know what they are. Good blow on the "lung shrapner" (I’ll never forgive Mike Harding for calling it a "lunch wrapper" all those years ago, as it has unfortunately stuck). Tune finished strongly and the crowd is theirs!
Perfect Strangers! I wish Jon wouldn’t crescendo into this. Just a personal preference. This, IMHO has to be the most majestic tune in their catalogue. That organ intro never ceases to give me the chills and when Jon hammers into it double forte, it just magnifies the effect. No disappointment in the execution of the tune and the light show harkens back to the ‘85 tour. They really have improved the lighting immensely, but it’s still not overdone. The music is still the strong point of the show. PS ends and the crowd is going crazy.
"Something Scottish", (gotta love this!) Jon starts into Loch Lomond on the piano; "Which is also a lullaby, which I sort of rock my baby to sleep with. A little gentle kind of Scottish - Arabic (?) type of lullaby" and Jon is phasing out of Loch Lomond into something that is Speed King in a slow, different time signature. Full ahead. I wonder if they could do this without Paicey’s count in? Much better effect I would think. The band’s firing on all cylinders and alcohol is the fuel (the dragster kind, but who knows? ;-) ). Beautiful duet between Rog and IP and then it’s Da MAN! Paicey gets the spotlight, but those damn strobes make it quite difficult to watch him, but it’s still a feast for the ears. As always, the man is smoo-oo-oo-ooth and gives us just the right amount of "Hi, it’s me". Damn right it is - and NONE compare! IG and SM then into the vocal/guitar duel/duet and any hint of a bad Gillan throat have long disappeared. This was magic! Paicey in the back holding them to the mark as only he can, while all the tom-foolery occurs. The Lordy/Smiley fireworks were fabulous and, if anything, they’re just getting better and better, and faster and faster, with the trades being shorter and bantering back and forth almost too fast to comprehend. Wicked musicianship here. Anyone who says SM can’t play has got to have air for brains. Boy can this guy play. Different from the "Minstrel", yes, but can he PLAY!
Well that was it. Of course they came back but with HS. I was really hoping for AFKT and a two-tune encore, but it was not to be. :-( Actually, I was really hoping something would tell them to put 7th Heaven back in - love that tune - but HS was all we got. A great rendition with SM doing the engine/shift thing. I was hoping Lordy would do the sirens and air horns like he used to at times but he didn’t. Great way to end a concert and the crowd stayed and ranted, but to no avail. All in all one bitchin’ concert. Just wished we were a bit closer and it was a bit longer. Hopefully next time it will be a double bill or a stand-alone thing. That would be great! Hold that thought... :-)
Apres show
Big venues - BLAH! :-( Couldn’t find the stage entrance or where the guest list was posted, or even if some of us were on it. It was very possible we were, but we were stymied at every turn. It was the first time at this venue for all of us. It’s hard when you don’t know the lay of the land. We ended up going back to the garage entrance were the buses were. Security all over the place, but being the maniacs that we are, we opted to stay and see what may happen. About 6 others not related to our party stayed as well. As a matter of fact, they were the same ones that haunted the stage door with us at the St. Denis Theatre in Nov. ‘96. We were luckier there.
01:00 hit, and the Ottawa contingent that had to go to work ended up leaving without even a sniff of diesel fumes. They all had a great time in any event. We managed to see the guys trot down the stairs to the bus and it pulled out about 01:45. I guess we could have been a bit bolder and gone right into the other side, but we didn’t want to push our luck. Besides there was always tomorrow in Toronto. As the bus pulled out Jim, Glen and I got a big smile and wave from Paicey and we tried to mouth to him that we’d see him in Toronto. Colin was sitting with him. On the other side, Nick, Carl and John got a wave from Roger and Steve. That was the extent of our contact with the band this night. A bit of a letdown after the euphoria of the last tour and meetings, but hey, we got to see another Deep Purple concert and we were going to see another one (hopefully). I treat everyone as the last one, but 4 in two years is exceptional. (8 for one lucky guy ;-)
EEEEooooWWWW.
So, the band’s gone. Now what do we do? We’re in Montreal, man! The place never sleeps. Over to Hurley’s Irish Pub on Crescent St.for a night cap. Incredibly slow service and $7.00 for a pint!! Ouch! The "female interpretive ballet" would have been a better bet. Cheaper and better scenery. Hell, if Ted can do it, why can’t we? However, by this time we were fading fast and it was off to the hotel for much-needed sleep and an 08:30 breakfast meeting (that’s 07:30 on the JN watch - must be government time ;-) ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
To be continued...
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