The Strokes/The Most Serene Republic
Friday, May 12, 2006
The Burton Cummings Theatre
Winnipeg, Canada
Attendance: 1646 - sold out
I had second row seats on the "floor" and sat there for the opening act, Canadian band The Most Serene Republic, who were interesting with their orchestral, indie-pop sound that is not too far removed from The Arcade Fire. I have their one and only CD, Underwater Cinematographer, which is another gem from the Arts and Crafts label.
I really couldn't see very well, even from the second row, with the assortment of fans standing on the floor, right in front of the stage. I decided that I would rush the stage for The Strokes towards the end of the intermission. As the stagehands finished laying out the equipment, suddenly, a lineup formed down the aisle, to head to the stage. The security guy stood in their way and allowed those of us sitting in the first two rows to get to the front first. I ended up leaning on the stage, amidst the crush of fans, with Albert Hammond, Jr. right in front of me. The view was the best possible, with no one in front of me.
Julian Casablancas stumbled around and slapped hands during the first song. He made his way to my side and made contact with me and these two giddy teenage girls who were right beside me. One looked like Jessica Alba (no kidding) and she hopped on stage toward the end of the show but was scooped off right away by security. Naturally, her pixie blonde friend had to follow suit. Prior to The Strokes taking the stage, security warned us that they would clear the floor and make everyone sit in their seats if anyone jumped on the stage.
I have a theory that concerts tend to be better experiences the closer you are to the stage. While I recognized several of the Strokes songs, some of them sort of came and went without leaving much of an impression, but even so, it all sounded good. There's something about your senses being overwhelmed with lights and sound that helps to make the entire show really enjoyable. I think I will be heading for the stage more often.
Article comments
1 - okgo
they didn't play razorblade...which was quite disappointing,since personally I think that's the best song on the new cd
2 - Triniman
You could be right, but I thought I heard it.
3 - PIXIE BLOND
Hey Triniman - I don't know what a pixie is, but I'm the blond that was standing next to my friend "Jessica"...
Giddy teenage girls?? We are 22 year old university grads, who were just excited to rock out to our favourite band. Sorry for not just standing there and acting bored.
4 - Triniman
So sorry, it's hard to tell how old some people are these days. I had a GREAT time and I know you and "Jessica" did, too. You have a copy of the setlist...did they play Razorblade?
Any chance of posting some pics from the show on Flickr?
5 - Triniman
"Pixie" just means petite in this context. By the way, check out today's (Sunday) Free Press, page 2, for a photo of the show with a few of us in it. We only see the top of your head and your friend is mostly lost in the shadows.
6 - NYC Cops, they ain't too smart...
They didn't play Razorblade or On the Other Side, i was sad they didn't play Lou Reed's Walk on the Wild side because I heard they played it on other shows. Still great concert though. 5 star show.