1985-07-18 - Gowan - Aardvark's Aattic

1985-07-18 – Gowan

Artist: Gowan
Venue: Ontario Place Forum, Toronto ON
Date: July 18, 1985
Tour: Strange Animal
Opening: None

Members Of The Band
Larry Gowan (Vocals and Keyboards)
Peter Nunn (Keyboards)
Bob McAlpine (Guitar and Vocals)
Terry Gowan (Bass and Vocals)
Phil Michaels (Drums)

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Comments:
My buddy Henry and I went to see Gowan, live at the old Ontario Place Forum two weeks before my wedding and one week prior to Live Aid. I only mention this for context sake. Henry and I went to the Forum early that wonderful summer day because there was no reserved seating. We found some pretty decent seats, about five rows up from the revolving stage and planted our fannies for a long wait (we’re talking six or seven hours odd). After others sat around us we struck up conversations. One of my favorite things to do at concerts is talk to those around me about music. The main benefit of doing this is, after a while, you can offer the folks to your left or right the opportunity to get up and walk around while you watch their seat. Then, when they return, they will more often than not offer you the same deal. And so it was on this July day.

The concert itself was a revelation of sorts. Gowan’s album Strange Animal was excellent and his show was heavily laced with tunes from his most recent release. The revelation came in several ways. First and foremost, he was an incredible showman, in constant motion, even when seated behind his keyboards. Second, he played three songs (Jet White, Keep Up the Fight and Victory) that I had never heard of before. Turns out the songs were from his quickly deleted first album. Third, he was a true student of music, trotting out Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer and Good Golly Miss Molly, Long Tall Sally and Tutti Fruity by Little Richard.

Since this was his first real successful album he had a limited number of songs to draw from and, as such, played Victory, (You’re A) Strange Animal and Gorilla Soldier a second time as encores. As he returned to play a fourth encore he was mobbed by a horde of adolescent girls forcing to beat a hasty retreat.

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