Doc Walker took the stage next. This Winnipeg group was welcomed enthusiastically by the Canadian crowd and the lead singer Chris Thorsteinson remarked that it was good to be "home" after playing several shows in the U.S. They may not be well known in the States, but for Canadian country listeners Doc Walker have been on our radios for years and have many hit songs which the crowd happily sang along with.
After the first few songs Chris invited fans to get a little closer and come down to the stage. So when my row pretty much emptied I followed towards the front. After hopping over a row of seats I was at the stage, up close and personal with Doc Walker. There aren't many venues I've been to lately that let the crowd get this close, but the security was pretty relaxed. Unfortunately a couple girls demonstrated why so many venues no longer allow fans to crowd in front of the stage. I always like to have a good story to share with you all when I write my reviews, and I've been blessed (or perhaps it's cursed) with always having at least one interesting moment to discuss. Barely a few minutes after everyone moved towards the stage a nasty fight broke out. There was clawing, hair pulling, punching, kicking, yes it was definitely a cat fight! Just my luck, the fight broke out right beside me and I had to jump out of the way to avoid getting hit. Security came along and broke it up and took one girl away. Our attention went back to Doc Walker on the stage and with a smile Chris asked if everyone was still having a good time. I thought the fighting was over until a few minutes later when someone's elbow crashed down on my neck and shoulder. The girl they had taken away was back and they were going at it again, right beside me, heavy sigh. It only took one good punch and the fight was over. But as soon as I saw blood I hightailed it out of there, jumped back over the front row seats and went back to my own spot.
As much as I enjoy being right up close I wasn't really in the mood to accidentally end up in the middle of a big scrap. I think security dealt with the issue this time because I didn't see any more problems after that.
I really enjoyed Doc Walker's set, and I had completely forgot just how many great songs they have released over the years. From my personal favorite "I Am Ready" to their current single "Tryin To Get Back To You," Doc Walker went from up beat fun songs to their trademark harmonies on the ballads.
There wasn't a whole lot of talking, just a ton of music. Something interesting happened too, I have never seen an opening act do an encore performance. As a matter of fact, I made a beeline for the washroom as soon as they left the stage and when I came back they were on stage again! They sang two more songs, closing with one of their biggest hits "The Show Is Free."
For any U.S. readers out there who may not be familiar with Doc Walker's music, I would recommend giving them a listen. I don't know if their CDs are widely available in the U.S., but they are sure to have them on iTunes. I can't think of any other group that sounds remotely similar with the exception of another group of Canadian boys, Emerson Drive.
If you have the opportunity to see these guys live, I suggest you do it. They sounded terrific and did a great job of getting the crowd pumped up for the headliner.
Set List:
- Tryin' To Get Back To You
- North Dakota Boy
- Maria
- Forgive Me (For Givin' a Damn)
- What Do You See
- Driving With the Brakes On
- A Wanted Man
- I Am Ready
- Rocket Girl
- Get Up
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Encore:
- High Horse
- The Show Is Free
