Thursday night Joel Plaskett Emergency made there return to Edmonton to play the soft seat theatre The Winspear Centre. I went to this show with my friends Buzzard,Hurl,A-Bomb,Jay and my Sweetie Janis.
I wasn't crazy about seeing Joel Plaskett play this venue, as I would much rather see him play a club, but oh well, I wasn't going to miss this show, regardless of where he was going to play. Opening the show was Frank Turner from England.
This was my second time to see both acts, although the last time I saw Joel Plaskett, he wasn't touring with his back up band The Emergency, it was him and his father and friends. Joel with his band is a more rock n' roll show as last time it was more an acoustic show.
Unfortunately we missed Frank Turner which was a huge bummer. We were supposed to hook up with the drummer (Dave Marsh) of Joel's band to go backstage and meet the band before the show, but because of a communication mishap, that never happened, so we missed out on Frank. That sucked. Just before Joel Plaskett Emergency started, we got a text from Dave Marsh, saying to meet him in front of the stage after the show. So maybe things were going to work out.
When we finally did get to our seats, which were row four centre,sweet!!! We were ready for a rock n' roll show, at that is exactly what we got. Joel Plaskett Emergency are on tour for their latest album called "Scrappy Happiness" that came out in March and was recorded over a ten week period releasing a new song each week. A unique way to record and release an album. Joel and the band hit the stage opening with "Down At The Khyber" which worked real well considering the chorus in the song.
"Am I still alive where did I collapse?
In Edmonton Alberta or home in Halifax
Float me down the river to the Musquedobit harbor
Because I’m getting nowhere"
Joel Plaskett was sounding awesome, with his shuffle happening and his most excellent guitar playing, we were in for a great evening of music. For a three piece band they rocked the hell out of the Winspear. Joel and the band leaned heavy on the latest album playing the rocking "Lightning Bolt" probably my fave on the new album, also played was "Tough Love","North Star" and"You're Mine". He mixed it up pretty good playing some oldies as well, including an old Thrush Hermit song, which was Joel's band in the 90's. Joel did a short acoustic set where it was just him on stage, that too was cool. When they played the song "Love This Town" he had the whole crowd singing along with him. The show closed out with the song "Come On, Teacher" there wasn't a bad song through out the two hour set. Joel is quite the entertainer, very animated with facial expressions, his shuffle, and in between song
banter, he had the crowd howling at times, not to mention himself laughing his ass off as we telling a story about a show in Kamloops years ago. Chris and Dave sounded great too, keeping the beat and rhythm and awesome background vocals. You also had to love the rocking monkeys that he had wired through his pedal board. I know this show will be in my top ten for the year without a doubt and one of the best I have ever seen. Such an awesome concert.
The evening ended with us getting to go backstage after the show and meet Joel Plaskett and the band which included drummer Dave Marsh, whom is the one that invited us and bass player Chris Pennell. All the guys were super super
nice offering us drinks and spending time with us talking and hanging out. We were backstage with them for over an hour. The guys were great about signing autographs and having there pictures taken with us. A very amazing night was had by all. I want to give a "BIG" shout out to our friend Jean in Halifax whom is the one that lined up this meet and greet with the band through Dave Marsh. Thanks so much Jean you made a great night even better. Good times!!!
Some pictures from the show.
Bass player Chris Pennell of The Emergency.
Drummer Dave Marsh and bass player Chris Pennell.
More pics of Joel Plaskett.
Setlist for the Edmonton show.
Janis with Joel Plaskett backstage.
My friends Buzzard, Hurl and I backstage with Joel Plaskett.
At the merch booth at the show I picked up the Dave Marsh solo album called "The True Love Rules" that came out in 2008 on Joel Plaskett's label New Scotland Records. The album was also co-produced by Joel Plaskett, Joel also plays on some of the album.
Autographed CD.
Put that in your Joel and Plaskett!!!
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