Live in Hamilton: A Review of the Hedley Concert Featuring Canadian Idol 2’s Jacob Hoggard

I wasn't sure that I would make it, but I did! I made it to the Hedley concert in Hamilton this past weekend. My sister received her ticket confirmation about two and a half hours before the show. We weren't even all that sure we were going until about an hour and a half before it started and we had an hour drive ahead of us! I wasn't too impressed with the organizers not confirming the tickets until the last minute – she did ask for them over two weeks before that.

But we sorted out the fine details though and my sister and I headed down the highway listening to the Hedley CD all the way – which is great by the way! We found our way to The Underground (where the concert was being held) with little problem. When we walked up to the club – me in my lime green skirt and orange shirt; my sister in a purple shirt and nice shorts – we realized we were so out of place! We stood amidst a black t-shirt wearing, tattooed group of real life Harley-riding rock fans! I was somehow picturing a more subdued group of Canadian Idol fans. However, I did talk to a few people and they watched and voted for Jacob. I was secretly amused at this group of fans who I never would have guessed watched, let alone voted for contestants on CI!

As we found our spot amidst the crowd, everyone was getting really pumped up. The drums started up, the music went and it was so loud and so good! Then out popped a girl! I didn't know there was a warm-up band but let me tell you, they were AMAZING! The band’s name is The Weekend and I was seriously impressed. Andrea (the lead singer) is awesome and she really worked the crowd! I did speak to Ryan (guitar) a little bit and he let me know that they will be touring with Hedley around Ontario and for one show in Montreal.

They have also recently toured with Sloan; and, their new video "Temporary Insanity" is in rotation on MuchMusic. Their CD is also available in Australia and The United States as well as Canada. Warm-up band my butt! These guys rocked! You can check them out at their website www.rocktheweekend.com. They have music and videos available for download – plus it's just a really cool website and a band definitely worth checking out. If you like what you hear, their CD Beatbox My Heartbeat is also available for sale on their site.

After The Weekend finished their set, it was a bit of a wait before Hedley hit the stage. There were a lot of sound checks and "test, test, whoo whoo, ha has." It took a little longer than I would have expected but it's the beginning of the tour so I'm sure those little kinks will work themselves out.

Hedley drummer Chris Crippen (formerly of Bif Naked and Everything After), hit the stage first. Then out came guitarist Dave Rosin (formerly of Day Theory and Everything After). They started up and then it was time for bassist Tommy Mac (formerly of Flybanger and Everything After)! He didn't arrive alone though... Jacob was riding him like a horse! I kid you not. Jacob hit the stage like a bat out of hell and just exploded into the first song. It was clear Jacob Hoggard had not changed one little bit – in fact, he's gotten better.

By the end of the second song, I was sold as a diehard Hedley fan. All I could think of was what my incredibly smart colleague, Sting7, said about Jacob last year. He said, "He draws you in, and you are in his clutches until he decides you've had enough. He's too big for Canada, Canada. Prepare to lose him to the world, consider it a gift."

Seeing Jacob on stage with these incredible musicians behind him, performing their own music, those sentences came to mind. It was even more evident because it was Jacob being Jacob. Not in a theme week – this was pure, raw, insane freaking amazing talent! The energy he puts forth is unbelievable. The most incredible part is that as the show went on, the energy seemed even more intense. There was not one second during the entire show that I wasn't completely entertained.

The fans around were thrilled as well – singing, dancing, and at one point chanting "Hedley, Hedley!" Although, it wasn't as crazed a mob as I first thought it may be. There was no shoving or pushing and nothing got out of hand even though there was a crowd of about 200 sardined in at the front of the stage.

For the concert, Hedley sang all of the songs on their CD. My personal favourite is "Johnny Falls." At one point, Jacob stripped off his shirt for all the screaming girls and then he needed to have his pants taped, yes taped, up because he was losing them! What kind of tape? Masking tape. It was highly entertaining. Jacob also had great interaction with the audience as well as his fellow band members – often grabbing and licking or kissing them. He routinely threw water and/or his water bottle out into the crowd as well. His banter between sets was funny and like second nature to him; and, even with some technical difficulties in a few songs, he didn't miss a step – neither did his band mates.

As crazy as he is, Jacob Hoggard is a born entertainer that you really can't take your eyes off. I think people would show up to see this band purely for the his insanity. But, you know what? The music is great too! The band members are top notch! What can I say? I was thoroughly impressed with Hedley's high-energy entertainment.

After the show, I did get a chance to talk briefly with Tommy Mac and Jacob. I asked Tommy how the band was gelling and he said it's been great! I think it shows. Tommy told me that working with Jacob has been amazing. "Hands down, he's the best frontman I've ever worked with." As for Jacob, are all his dreams coming true? "They're starting to."

You can catch Hedley on tour over the next week in Ontario and Montreal. After that, they're heading out west for some more concert dates. You can check their official website for dates and places at www.hedleyonline.com. Their music is also available to listen to and you can order their self-titled CD! Don't worry if you're in the U.S. because you are able to order the CD from there as well (or simply click on the link below). And don't forget to look for their video "On My Own," which is in rotation on MuchMusic.

I had a great time at the show – as did my sister. It was kind of neat to see Hedley at the beginning of their first tour as well. You would never know it was the first week they'd ever toured together. If they are coming to a city near you, make sure you check out the show. There is no way you will be disappointed!

Paris has now been converted into a major Hedley fan! She loves it! You can e-mail her at pariscosby@hotmail.com.

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