Arkells – The Rally

“And I never thought that this would happen”
– Arkells, Never thought that this would happen

I didn’t think it was possible.

But it has finally happened:

I’m emotionally invested in a band that didn’t exist before the year 2000.

I know, right!

My friend Andy & I seem to have started a summer concert tradition (AC/DC in 2015, GNR in 2017); “The Rally” @ Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton was a perfect way to kick off the summer of 2018.

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promo poster

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pre-show @ Merit Brewery downtown

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Souvenir!

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The Setlist (courtesy of setlist.fm)

1. Knocking at the Door – the horn section, stellar

2. Private School – A fan had a sign saying something like, “D, G, Em are the chords you’re looking for,” Max approved & brought her up on stage to play said chords

3. A Little Rain (A Song for Pete) – the harmonies from the backup singers, exemplary

4. Ballad of Hugo Chavez – my gateway Arkells tune, I went bananas when the opening keyboard quarter notes started!

5. Michigan Left – beauty vocal overlap at the end

6. Never Thought That This Would Happen – first High Noon selection of the night

7. 11:11 – love the handclaps

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8. Kiss Cam (acoustic) – nice shout-out to the fans in the nosebleeds/cheap seats

9. Fake Money (first half acoustic) – solid delayed band entry

10. People’s Champ – my guitar class played People’s Champ this semester, it was a treat to hear my grade 10s doing the chorus callback “I’m looking for the people’s champ!” Hearing 24,000 fans doing the callback was OK too!

11. Systematic – both Andy & I had this on our wish lists, so pleased they played it!

12. Come to Light – enjoying the High Noon mid-set emphasis

13. And Then Some – beauty ballad

14. Book Club (first half acoustic) – Hamilton name-check for Andy!

15. Pullin’ Punches (with Great Balls of Fire interlude by Tony) – Kingston name-check for me!

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16. Drake’s Dad (Max started in the crowd) – maybe the best album opener in their catalogue

17. Oh, the Boss Is Coming! (Hard Days Night intro) – “Oh, you better not be sittin’!” I imagine there was very little sittin’ at Ivor Wynne that night

18. Dirty Blonde – they’re fantastic at audience participation choruses, here with lots of “whoas”

19. Whistleblower – when they played in Kingston, this was a powerful acoustic number. In Hamilton, it was equally powerful in its electric form

20. Leather Jacket – fabulous set closer

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Encore:

21. Ticats are Hummin’ – the song played during Hamilton Tiger Cats home games

22. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Arkells + Whitney = can’t miss!

23. My Heart’s Always Yours – see photo above, yet another stellar Arkells show!

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Verbalize the Positive

Fantastic annual summer tradition AZ!

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