Review x2: Hedley

I can honestly say that I've never really had a bad experience when it comes to seeing this band. For every show I've been too there have always had some awesome memories to go along with it. From every show starting from a small dinky theatre in Brampton back in 2005 to a sold out crowd at the Barrie Molson Center on Tuesday and again at the Sleeman Centre in Guelph last night, they have always made my night.

I know I may be a little biased seeing as Hedley is considered to be one of my all-time favourite bands. From the moment I listened to their first single I was in love. I loved their music, the lyrics were catchy and different and I loved lead singer Jacob Hoggard's energy. The band in general  have an appeal to them that allows people of all ages to just get up, let loose and have fun. They're music is catchy, creative and cleverly disguised ("Don't do all the thinking with your little head" - Don't talk to strangers) and most importantly, they are about the fans. After meeting them so often (more so back when they were smaller as opposed to now) they would put aside what they were doing and just talk to their fans. That's probably one of the best things I admire about them.

Okay. So on with the show(s). For both nights the openers were Hamilton born San Sebastian. Sound familiar? They most recently came out from winning Much Music's "Discovered: Disband" show a few months back and ever since then they've been touring constantly and singing their hearts out. Although I don't know any of their music - well, except their song "Wake Up" - they were so catchy and fun to listen too. They have that beat that just makes you want to get up and dance. I couldn't really hear the lyrics, mainly because the lead singer had the mic right up to his mouth...but you could probably blame my lack of hearing as well...but we won't mention that again!

Next up to bat was Toronto born LIGHTS. This cute little lady may be small in size (herself and her "band") but her voice makes up for it. Her music itself doesn't really appeal to me, but I can't ignore the fact that this girl has amazing vocal range. Her voice is so powerful for somebody who is tiny in nature and seems so quiet. She was great talking to the crowds and keeping everybody energized for the final act...Hedley!

 As I said before, I may be biased because Hedley has been a favourite of mine since forever ago, but not one person can ignore that these guys are through-and-through performers. They know how to entertain and please people of ALL ages. At both shows i witnessed more than one parent getting on their feet and dancing (and singing!) along to the music as well as kids as young as four or five singing their little hearts out. Being one of those "fans" from the begining, it's amazing to see a band grow and expand to allow more than one generation to enjoy their music. It's almost a "proud mama" feeling knowing they're going somewhere and giving others the chance to hear what they've produced.

The mixture of songs from all three albums was well done and not too obvious (the first time around...when you go to more than one of their shows in a tour, you know what's going to happen next, obviously). Being able to listen to old favourites and new singles, just brings back all the great memories this band has produced. I for one was singing every song and dancing to every beat without a care in the world. For anybody who knows me, I don't dance and sing because I can't do either. I'm not exactly talented on that front. With songs like "Trip", "On My Own" and "321" from their first album, to "She's So Sorry", "For the Nights I Can't Remember" and "Never too Late" from their second and then "Cha-ching", "Amazing", "The Sweater Song" and "Don't Talk to Strangers" among many others, everybody was having a blast and singing along.

They played for a good hour and forty-five minutes and had everybody pleased by the end of the night. The most moving thing of these nights though was the speech Jacob Hoggard (lead singer) gave to the crowd while playing a beautiful piece on the piano. He went on about how Hedley fans are "the best in the world" and that they'd be nowhere without them. He also mentioned "...If we come back? Will you?" This made me tear up to no end because it's incredible at how humble they still are. I know a lot of bands that become well-known (not to mention any names...) that dismiss their fans once they've made it big. Now I know Hedley is still in the process of becoming known in the States (proof: Canadian tickets cost approx $50 if you don't do the VIP route, while American tickets (they're touring the States right now) are going for $12 approx), they're still rooted in their Canadian style and as good-natured and humble as ever. I mean who else would stand outside for fans after the show (non VIP fans) and sign autographs, take pictures and talk?

I may be "growing old" for this kind of stuff, but I'll be one of those fans enjoying their music until the end. I