Hi everyone! I just had to share the experience of my first Tori "live" experience that I'm sure I'll never do justice by using mere words. I went with my boyfriend Yves, who took me as a birthday present (which was September 3rd, if you care!). The day was overcast and somewhat warm.
We arrived in Toronto quite early, at about 4:15. I thought we could spend the afternoon in Ontario Place, but it was completly deserted. We could still walk around inside, so I gave Yves the tour since he's never been there. We were down by the harbour when I could hear some familiar piano and then I heard Tori. It was fantastically clear, and I got really excited by hearing her so close, yet still not being able to see her. She played the following songs, (although she usually stopped in the middle a lot and began again):
iieee - the line "i know we're dying, and there's no sign of a parachute," was done at least six or seven times
hotel - twice
cloud on my tongue - I really hoped she'd play it later!
northern lad - twice, in it's entirety. I was psyched to hear this one later!
suede - didn't know that was it at the time, but later on at the show, I recognized it.
After that, we had a lot of time to kill until we were finally allowed into the theatre. We were in the 100's, which is spitting distance to the stage, and I was sitting right at the divide between the Bosey and her keyboards. I was just blown away!
After a rather dull opening act (never heard them say their name) of two guys with a guitar, there was a long wait for the goddess. The crew unveiled the many lava lamps scattered around the stage. There were huge rectangular boards hanging up, that looked to be tinfolied, decorating the stage as well. Waiting was difficult...
She finally ran out after the first few lines of God, and she was wearing a silky red robe/dress with pants underneath. She looked happy and relaxed throughout the hour and twenty minutes she played. Here's the set list:
God
Sugar
iieee
Cornflake Girl
Bliss
Northern Lad
Quiet Time:
China
Famous Blue Raincoat - she thinks Leonard Cohen is sexy!
Suede
Blood Roses
Hotel
Waitress
Encore:
Precious Things
Her band was totally in synch with her music, for she typically tours with just her piano. The last three songs were just rocking--and with the lights going crazy around us, I saw quite a few Alanis junkies dancing along. I was disappointed that she didn't talk more with the audience, for there was rarely a pause between songs. It worked really well dramatically though, and her music has taken on a whole new dimension for me now that I've seen her live it. I think I've converted Yves to a fan now too, as I'm sure many others at the concert will too.
Alanis Morrissette had quite the young following at the concert as well, but we felt things couldn't get much better after the fantastic performance Tori gave. We left about four songs into her set.
On the way out, while crossing the bridge, a couple of people were looking down at the tour busses. I looked, and had a perfect view into Tori's bus. She still had on the red dress, and she was bouncing up and down the aisle, undoubtedly buzzing on some great red wine and yet another devastatingly beautiful performance!
By Katharine Lewis, September 8, 1999.
If you have any comments or questions, or you were there(!), drop me a line at [email protected]!
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