The 2006 concert season was officially kicked off last night at Lee’s Palace when The Sadies and their relentless barrage of guest artists set fire to the hollowed walls, and blew the roof clean off. We arrived around 10pm, just as the show was beginning. Having just seen The Sadies on New Years Eve I had an idea of what to expect: Alt-country with guest appearances by their parents and some dude from Blue Rodeo, as well as the co-billed Neko Case. What I wasn’t expecting was a show that could easily have been billed as a 2006 iteration of The Bands Last Waltz. “Come see The Sadies play their best songs as well as play back-up to other very talented, and potentially more famous, artists singing Sadies songs.”
The list of friends was exceptional. What started with, “We’d like to welcome to the stage some of our friends from Blue Rodeo,” ended with ALL the members of Blue Rodeo performing on stage (not just the aforementioned ‘dude’ Greg Keelor).The surprise highlight — amongst a flow of surprises — was when The Bands Garth Hudson joined The Sadies on stage to set fire to the keys. Neko Case didn’t seem to contribute as much to the show as her co-billing would have suggested, but none the less she added fantastic female vocals to many Sadies tracks.
I had to leave town for a little while / said you’d be good while I’m gone / But that look in your eyes, told me you told a lie / I know there’s been some carrying on.
The show (as well as the encore performance tonight) was being recorded for a live album they have in the works. The 2006 concert season continues this coming week with confirmed tickets for The Trews and Matt Pond PA, and plans to check out Controller.Controller.
(for another take on this show, read a review and see tons of photos here)
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