I went to the University of Guelph in the early 90’s which meant a yearly tradition became a trip to Kitchener for some kind of Octoberfest celebration. I remember stumbling through Lulu’s begging for constant refills of watery draft using my commemorative plastic mug somehow thinking I was honouring the longstanding German tradition. Years later I rarely attend the festivities but a buddy of mine managed to score a couple of free tickets Kim Mitchell at Bingeman’s..the current hub of Octoberfest festivities in the area.
After a few pints and live music (including traditional German) on the smaller stages inside the beer tent, we headed outside for main event. It was a crisp but comfortable evening and there was plenty of space to have good view of the stage. Kim, who had just turned 70, hit the stage opening with Rockland Wonderland and proceeded to knock out a number of his solo hits as well as a Max Webster song or two. I don’t recall his exact playlist but it included Go for a Soda, Patio Lanterns, Rock and Roll Duty, the audience interactive I Am a Wild Party and the ballad All we Are which he performed alongside longtime collaborator Peter Fredette. At one point during the show he jokingly invited the crowd to hit the washroom while he performed a newer and much less recognized song…in this case the “Best I Never Had”. It was a humorous way to deal with the conundrum that faces all long standing artists; the balance between playing new music and what most of the fans want and expect to hear. The encore song, Lager and Ale, was an almost obvious fitting end to a concert celebrating the historic beer festival.
Kim Mitchell at Oktoberfest at Bingeman’s Park
In the end, Kim sounded great. Sure, the long, flowing mane and OPP hat is long gone but he still engaged the crowd with a greatest hits performance which brought me back to the days when I never went for a soda and was never the first to kiss under those patio lanterns.
The first time I saw the Eagles was during the “Hell Freezes Over” tour in 1994 at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto. The show was opened by a then relatively unknown Sheryl Crow who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame just this year. I remember two things about that concert; being on the much younger side of audience demographic and the constant and at the time illegal smell of weed wafting through the air for the duration of the show.
Twenty-eight years later a buddy of mine asked if I had any interest in joining him for their Hotel California tour since he had the ability to score a couple of box seats the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Needless to say, I agreed without hesitation. There is nothing over special about the venue; it’s a typical multifunctional arena hosting Senators games and larger indoor concerts. It’s biggest problem is the fact it’s located in Kanata which is a good jaunt outside downtown Ottawa making for an awkward commute especially if you plan to have a few drinks. Parking is also a pain in the ass and there is a surprising lack of entertainment infrastructure within proximity of the venue itself.
Of course, a few things have changed since 1994…most notably my progression up the age spectrum compared to 1994 and the passing of Glenn Frey in 2016 and the subsequent addition of Vince Gill as a honorable member of the band a year or so later. At times, they have also Glenn’s son Deacon join them on some tours. Over the years, the Eagles are known for producing a rather long show and their advanced age hasn’t changed that. The show began with a full revival of the Hotel California album, in order, complete with a orchestra and theatrical turntable vinyl flip by Don Henley after Wasted Time. I paid special attention to Joe Walsh during the Hotel California solo remembering that he once said it was the hardest he’s ever had to perform. One another note, tt’s hard to imagine that the working title of this song was once “Mexican Reggae”. Imagine the implications keeping it would have had on every aspect of the album including of the music’s most recognizable album cover which features a ominous picture of the famous Beverley Hills hotel at sunset.
The second set was a 17 song montage of songs celebrating the band’s greatest hits as well as Joe Walsh’s long and industrious career. It was great to see Joe, in his distinct voice, telling stories of his solo life plus his time with the James Gang and then busting into songs like Life’s Been Good and Funk #49 respectively. The aforementioned Deacon Frey, who has an oddly nervously shy stage presence, also hit the stage to perform a couple of Glenn heavy tunes including Take it Easy and Already Gone. The 4 song encore paid homage to Don Henley’s solo career featuring the band’s version of the perennial hit “Boys of Summer”.
Eagles with Supporting Orchestra
In the end, it was a celebration of an iconic band with a turnstile of controversial members who were one of the first to fuse country sounds with classic rock. It also paid respect to the illustrious careers of it’s remaining individual members. As for the venue, I can’t tell you why they built it where they did (it would be much better if this major hub of Ottawa entertainment was in the city) because although it was a great show, the trek to get there and back with parking was certainly a whole lot of wasted time.
Fare..Eat..Ales 