Considering the fact most of us would have thought the chance to see Ride again had vanished years ago, the fact that I am typing this is a small miracle.
I worked for years in record shops filled with employees who loved the band but never got a chance to see them, they were far too young. Here was our chance, all together, many of us who have moved on from retail and have families and new jobs, all here at the Danforth Music Hall to see Ride!!
The last time they played here, it was 1992. That year they played the same venue (RPM) twice, first with Lush (the show that I attended but can remember very little other then it was very loud and Ride may have played a much shorter set!) and the second, a show I missed that they played with Slowdive
Years later there were rumours of a reunion show at our NXNE music festival but that was just a rumour and nothing came of it
So here we are, in my favourite venue in the city, hoping we get the show we have heard so much about. Reviews from friends and online video reveal the potential of a pretty special night but is it wise to anticipate the same? Setting myself up for a fall?
Not a chance!
The sold out crowd gets treated to a fantastic 2 hour set of what seemed like everyone's favourites. I stood at the back of the venue and watched as friends and strangers looked at each other with that astonished " I can't believe I am hearing/seeing this" look on their faces.
I sat back marvelling at how great they sound...I don't recall them ever sounding this great but from the opener "leave them all behind" into "like a daydream" into "polar bear" and "seagull" all coming at you with a sweet wave of harmonies and fantastic drumming and guitar. We are barely 20 minutes in and the place is going bonkers.
It's pretty tough to pick my favourites from the night, "OX4" or "Vapour Trail" or the blistering "Drive Blind" or "Chelsea Girl", just how does one choose?
It really was a very, very special night at the Danforth Music Hall and to top it off? They end with a fantastic version on Stooges " I Wanna Be your Dog"
Looking back at the set list it really is all a blur when you add in "Sennen" "Cool your Boots" "Black nite Crash" "Natural Grace" "Twisterella" "Dreams Burn Down" "Time of Her Time" "Chromeo Waves" "Paralysed" "Taste" " and “Mousetrap".
I have read a number of reviews of the same show and at least two reviewers were so overwhelmed by the show, they apologised to their readers and said they got so excited they forgot to write notes and take any photos
That pretty much sums up the show and thankfully in a post gig conversation, we heard of a possible return visit in the Fall. Perhaps then I may try to take a photo or two!
Jim @totolondon
