Toad the Wet Sprocket, Chicago

Venue: The Vik Theatre, Chicago IL. Cool and antiquey, kind of like the Opera House in Toronto. There are interesting fixtures and lots of intricate details on the walls, but I’m not sure how I feel about the huge disco ball. The best part of the show was the padded seating and unobstructed view from the balcony. I’m too old to stand and crane my neck for the duration of a concert, so sitting down and still being able to see is fantastic!

view from the balcony

Sound: The instruments were well balanced with Glen’s crisp and clear vocals. I was particularly impressed with the addition of the ukulele, keyboard and other random instruments played by Kingham; they really brightened the tunes – just lovely! Best of all, the overall volume was appropriate, so we didn’t need earplugs!

Set List: The band focused on a variety of hits from each album, with a number of new songs added sporadically.

Best songs of the night: Something’s Always Wrong, Crowing, Brother

Songs I could have lived without: Nightingale Song, Rare Bird

Best new songs: The Moment, California Wasted

Notable missing songs: Fly From Heaven, Throw It All Away 

The Bad: The worst, most unattractive venue “security” people I’ve ever seen or heard.

The Best: When asked by a fan “Is Glen coming out soon?”, the (worst) venue person saying “9 times out of 10 they say they are coming out and they never do”. Lady (if I can call you a lady)…you’re a jerk. Relax! He’s on his way and you’re clearly trying to deter fans from lingering and pushing them out of the venue. Shortly after that, the whole band came out. We were soon directed to form a queue UP a flight of stairs (why?) and we filtered down until we all got to meet each band memeber and get autographs and photos with them.

The Weird: Glen and Dean asking us about Rob Ford.

Can’t wait to catch these guys on their next tour. Maybe it will be in Toronto…and maybe they will be touring with the Gin Blossoms. Wee!

Vik Marquee