Notes about the show

Early in the show, Ed comments that the last time they were in Canada, they played for this many but that they were all sprawled out on a hill (referencing Barrie '98). He notes that this venue is new and asks if they still "name these things after beer?" He answers, after conferring with Jeff, saying, "No, this one is named after an airplane. I guess that's good 'cause things are really starting to take off." A small lyric change in 'Insignificance': "Turn the jukebox up I said." Stone has an extremely extended solo prior to the 'Daughter' tag - a very on night for him. Ed breaks a string during an intense 'Better Man' jam and Stone steps up saying, "We don't play this very often," kicking into 'Mankind.' A powerful 'Immortality' is proceeded by a short intro by Ed and at the end, he animates his strumming to manipulate Matt's cadence. 'Even Flow' has a renewed vibe to it, with Mike jamming his heart out for nearly two minutes. The entire band sits back, giving him the spotlight in the same vein as 'YL' as he goes off, including some Hendrix riffing. At the beginning of the first encore, Ed introduces Matt and mentions Wellwater Conspiracy, saying that everyone should check them out: "It's better than the crap we're playing tonight." Ed remarks that "now that we're loosened up, this is the part of the show where we take requests, starting with this guy right here" pointing to someone in the front with a 'Sleight of Hand' sign. Prior to 'Wishlist' Ed talks about scientist Stephen Hawking and how he discovered that humans were only going to live a thousand more years on the planet. He says, "I'm trying to figure out what that means. Do we go fucking nuts for the next 1,000 years?" (Strumming rapidly on his guitar for a few seconds with his head back, freaking out.) "Or are we careful who we vote for?" In 'Wishlist,' Ed changes the lyrics to "I wish I was as fortunate, as fortunate as Geddy Lee." (Geddy Lee, from legendary Canadian band Rush, was sitting stage left for the entire show). The end of 'Wishlist' is changed to "I wish that it would stop after a thousand years," referencing the prior anecdote. 'RVM' includes a wonderful bridge with Ed frantically using his ebow. Ed passes his wine bottle to fans in the front row during 'Crazy Mary.' Before 'Baba' Ed mentions that they had been to see a band the other night that had been around for a long time and that there is a tribute disc being made for them and that while most tribute discs suck, this one has the chance of being really, really good. He says they are recording this song tonight, and in Chicago, to appear on the tribute record, telling the audience, "If you're better than Chicago, you'll end up on the record." At the raging finish of 'Baba', the whole place starts clapping very fast in unison, the band gets into it and starts speeding up the end. Ed, with a huge smile on his face starts clapping along and Mike throws his arms up in a "V" and bows to the crowd twice, smiling. The lights had been turned on before 'Baba' (like it was expected to be the final song), but the crowd was so enthused that PJ produced a soothing 'Indifference' to appease the crowd. The entire band is very animated, seemingly enjoying the venue and great audience.