The Sandlot

Lastnight, BF, box, santos, True story and myself journeyed to Arizona's in St Cathrines for the Thornley show. Much to our pleasant surprise, the opening act went on at 9pm. Given my history of terrible opening bands i wasn't expecting anything less than shit out of the first act, a band called Hurst. However the first song was very good and the lead singer sounded very familiar. The next song revealed what i had heard but then forgotten. The lead singer of Econoline Crush had a new band after Econline broke up. This was them, as evident by the second song, a great rendition of Sparkle and Shine, and old Econline standby. They played 2 other Econoline songs plus a bunch of the new bands stuff. Very good and a welcome addition to the show.

Thornley took the stage around 1030 amidst a huge swarm of insects, one of which got stuck in Ian's guitar strings during the second song and provided many comical outbursts and moments throughout the show. The set list was sweet, mostly off the Thornley cd with 4 Big Wreck songs tossed in the mix plus 2 covers (Nirvana and Led Zepplin). The band was very tight and energetic and the show was great, probably the 2nd best of the three times i've seen them. The drummer was on fire as was Ian. They played till about 12 including the 3 song encore. During the cover of the Immigrant song, 2 of the roadies came out on stage to rock out with the band. It was sweet and a fitting way to cap off a great performance.

The only downside to the night was the fact that we saw some of the same haggard fucks that we saw at the tea party show and other shows we've gone to in St. Cathrines. Like the old grandmas who think theyre still 20 and they get hammered and try to re-live their youth on our behalfs. Plus the die hards who still think Big Wreck exists and barge up to the front when The Oaf gets played and distract you from the show with their pushing and incessant hopping. Oh well, such is life at a rock show. Next up 54-40 on saturday.