This was my second time to see a show at this outdoor venue - the first being the Voices of Rock show July 2001. Rideau Carleton Raceway has a huge circus tent which they set up at one end of their parking lot. The stage is located at one end with rows of plastic chairs tied together for seating. I have to say that this is one of the most pleasant venues I have seen the band play at as far as how the audience is treated. Sure, it is not the greatest for sound - and there WERE sound problems - which someone has already mentioned on the official site. However, by the middle of the show that was well repaired and really... does this band ever sound bad?? Not as far as I am concerned!!
Back to the venue...the stage is just at a perfect level visually - so nice to be able to see Mattie without standing on tiptoe!! Great for pictures (see the updated photo section for proof - thanks for the awesome shots Julie, Sandra and Wendi!!) The security guards allow the fans to have fun and only step in when really needed! Your ticket includes BBQ (really great burgers) and beverage (bottled pop...not that fountain crap!!) and the staff really makes an effort to have everyone enjoy the show. Three Cheers to Rideau Carleton Raceway for a job well done!!
That said about the venue...what can I say other than "What an AWESOME show??"
The guys took the stage punctually for 7:30 pm, starting the set off with a rockin' version of "Kid." As mentioned before, there were sound problems and Paul's equipment chose to be a little disagreeable, but they appeared to be having such a great time on stage - you couldn't help but ignore the problems and enjoy the vibe!
They played pretty well the same songs as the June show in Verona, NY although I believe the order was shaken up a little bit and I have to admit I missed hearing "Teenage Overdose" and "It's Your Life" but everything else was great! "Heaven In Your Eyes" sticks out again as a high point, simply because it is such a pleasure to hear it live. Although Paul's guitar solo was cut short due to the previously-mentioned disagreeable equipment, Matt and Spider put on a spectacular display of their talents and how in sync they are. I was finally able to drag my hubby, Greg (also a bassist), out to a show. My mum (aka Sandra) and I have been raving about Spider for over a year now and Greg (who graciously puts up with my LOVERBOY addiction - as long as I don't make him eat Kraft dinner to finance my trip/show fixes!!) finally agreed to attend a concert with us. At first, he tried to hide what a good time he was having and how much Spider's bass playing impressed him, but seeing as how he was on his feet applauding before Mattie and Spider even finished, it proves that Mum and I weren't exaggerating and that this guy has an incredible talent!
In closing, I have nothing but good things to say about this show and I urge every one of you to attend any LOVERBOY show you can get to because like fine wine, this band continues to age to perfection!!