Finger Eleven have been a powerhouse in the Canadian music industry for 3 decades. With massive hits throughout the years including "One Thing", "Paralyzer", "Good Times", "Drag You Down" and many others, it's hard dispute their rock star status. Their latest album, a greatest hits compilation, includes the new song "Together Right" as well as a rendition of Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the Machine", which fans were treated to when the band visited Nanaimo on November 14.
The Nanaimo show sold out so fast that a 2nd island show had to be added in Courtenay, so to say that Vancouver Island was craving a rock concert is an understatement. And boy did Finger Eleven deliver!
The energy that filled the Port Theatre was incredible! Led by Scott Anderson on vocals we experienced hit after hit in a way that no home audio system could ever hope to do justice to. Watching Rick Jacket on rhythm guitar move around the stage, flipping and spinning his guitar around his body and fully being in the moment, was jaw dropping. James Black on lead guitar was brilliant and equally fun to watch on stage and showcased his talent with a beautiful solo, the whole stage to himself, before the band rejoined him to lead into the crowd favourite "One Thing". Sean Anderson kept the bass line pumping throughout the set, and Steve Molella was a monster on the drums!
As a long time fan, the most special moment came when the band dug into the rare songs with a personal favourite "Thousand Mile Wish", whose wistful lyrics and melody always hit me hard.
"Good Times" closed out the main set, which was the perfect summary of the evening. After a short break to the cheers and chants of the audience, the band returned to the stage for the encore including the aforementioned "Welcome to the Machine" (which they light-heartedy re-started after joking about a lyrical mishap). The final song of the night was "Paralyzer" which let the sold out crowd stand up and let loose, dancing and singing along with the band, ending the evening on a high that won't fade away for a while.
If the new song on the Greatest Hits album is any indication of a new album on the way, I know I'll be first in line when the next tour come around.
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If you were there, drop a comment and tell us about your experience!