You have to know something special is going to happen when you find out the 3 or 4 of people beside you have flown some 2000KM to watch a band from their hometown of Winnipeg, play 2 of what may turn out to maybe 6 reunion shows.
The last time I saw the Watchmen they were opening for the Tragically Hip on their Phantom Power Tour in 1998 at The Landmark Theatre in Syracuse NY. I guess I caught The Watchmen 3 or 4 times on that tour and really enjoyed them, so when I heard they were reuniting for a couple of shows at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern I knew I was going catch at least 1 of the shows. As it turned out I caught the 2nd night and man I am glad I did.
When you do the Horseshoe or catch a band that may or ever play again you have no choice but to get up close and really get the show into you. The Horseshoe has a nice low stage. The stage only comes up a meter or so maybe a bit higher. When you are up front leaning on it or against it you really know why this venue hasn’t changed much in 60 years, it didn’t have too!
We run into is 1 of 2 guys holding HD cameras who are recording the show(s) for a documentary on the band.
We ask some questions and learn the working title is All Uncovered (name of a great Watchmen tune), they have complete uncensored access to the band, access to the soundboard and mention the DVD should be ready for mass consumption by March 2009. I can’t help but think it will be a great piece of rock & roll Canadiana.
I have seen a few 1-off reunion shows (not to be confused with a full blown reunion tour) and it always seems like the band and crowd are having such an obviously great time that the mood / vibe quickly becomes so infectious the crowd just goes over the top. Another reunion show that comes to mind is the Junkhouse reunion show in a few years back at Club 279!
I am writing this as an addendum to a more in depth review done by a fan that attended both shows. I will send out a few highlights from my point of view….then let the hardcore fan ramble on. (more…)
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