My wife rarely wants to attend a concert, but because a group of friends were going to be there, she decided to opt-in for this one. Looking back at the evening, this is a concert you want to see with a group of friends, especially if you need a pick-me-up or simply had a bad week.
Having just returned from a European tour and a Grey Cup Festival Concert in Winnipeg, The Sheepdogs started their Canadian tour in our fine city. (See The Sheepdogs Interview with Montreal Rocks)
The evening was started with a set from Montreal’s Beat Cops. Formed from a pedigree of Montreal talent, Mickey Heppner (Priestess), Tim Fletcher (The Stills), Pat Bennett (Trigger Effect) and Max Hébert (The Breastfeeders) who formed Beat Cops in 2014. Although it wasn’t cold outside…it took a few songs to break the ice. They started with “Emotional” from their Mean Streets album who’s songs would fill the 9 song set. By the time “Just To Keep From Crying” came along, people were getting into the groove with some great rock-and-roll. The band were overjoyed to be there, beginning a 35 show tour with Sheepdogs. Beat Cops were a great choice to open up the evening and this tour will surely put these boys on the map as a band to see for a rocking good time.
Setlist:
Emotional
Hit It Again
Back In Time
Just To Keep From Crying
Next Time You See Me
Javitz
Theme From “Beat Cops” (instrumental)
Get Even
When You Left Home
Having heard how great The Sheepdogs were live, it’s hard to begin a show with an open mind and not expect too much. By now, the venue was filled, packed mostly with white long haired males forming a sea of plaid, along with a generous portion of female fans. This crowd wanted to go back in time to that 70’s vibe when CHOM (founded in 1969) played the hits that Ewan has on his Instagram Feed (a truly fascinating record collection).
From the first note of “Where I Can Roam”, the crowd was juiced and I knew this was going to be a great show. 70s rock isn’t my top choice for listening, but many of those bands influenced my own musical journey, especially Led Zeppelin which Ewan mentioned in our interview together. Being able to see and hear the Sheepdogs live was like being transported back to the era of bellbottoms and groovy flower shirts. Thankfully, the crowd and band were more stylish then that! The band was tight, energetic and fully engaged with the audience.
When “I’m Gonna Be Myself” from their latest album Future Nostalgia comes along, you just can’t help but feel good. The toes where tapping and a very respectful crowd enjoyed the performance. Listening to the music now, after the show, I picture myself in a muscle car, rolling down the highway on a warm sunny day, a large smile on my face as I soak in the scenery and sing at the top of my lungs. Thankfully, you don’t have to hear me…seriously…not a great singer.
Guitar riffs starts “Southern Dreaming” off Learn and Burn and everyone starts clapping along to get the song going. The Sheepdogs would play four more from this album, while delivering eight from the newest release as well as some from their self titled album, and Five Easy Pieces.
For “The One You Belong To”, the keyboards were instantly recognized by Shamus who would later play the Trombone while his brother Ewan would take command of the keyboards.
I loved the slide guitar from Jimmy Bowskill on “How Late, How Long.” Apparently…the answer to How Long would soon be answered as the set ended with “Feeling Good” and “I Don’t Know”. The answer…not long enough!
Towards the end of the set and the encore, the whole crowd formed a massive bromance as a fairly mild mosh pit erupted. That was also the time these two ladies decided to make their way to the front, holding full beers above their head. I noticed from their wet sleeves that they probably choose the wrong time to transport beverages. A few new fans were in the audience; kids being led down memory lane by the parents.
This party had to eventually end, but not before an encore of two cover songs. The first, “Whipping Post” from The Allman Brothers (not to be mistaken with The Almond Brothers who sell delicious nuts apparently) and a jamming rendition of “Down by the River” by Neil Young & Crazy Horse.
After the show, I caught up with the band who were looking forward to this Canadian tour. I wish I could have stayed longer, but I was pulling double duty that night…off to the next show!
Check them out at a city near you and carve out a little slice of good times!
http://www.thesheepdogs.com/tour.php
Setlist
Where I can Roam
I’m Gonna Be Myself
I Really Wanna Be Your Man
Who?
Bad Lieutenant
Southern Dreaming
The One You Belong To
The Way It Is
Plastic Man
Same Old Feeling
(Back on guitar) Back Down
Take a Trip
Help Us All
How Late, How Long
Feeling good
I Don’t Know
Encore
Whipping Post (The Allman Brothers Band Cover)
Down by the River (Neil Young & Crazy Horse Cover)
About the Author
Randal Wark is a Professional Speaker and Business coach with a passion for live music. You can follow him on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Photos – Jason Hughes
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