THE TEA PARTY

Exclusive Radio Show and Performance at The Bear Radio Station
Live Show at The Shaw Conference Centre
Edmonton, Alberta
April 9, 2002

The Tea Party played a live show at The Bear radio station before their show at the Shaw. The radio show was win-to-get-in only, and TTP had an audience of about 50 fans present. A man who works at the station was nice enough to let one of us in, as we only had two tickets and three people (thanks nice man!). We sat in chairs and on the floor in front of TTP's set up, which included high chairs for the fellas. After a while, Stuart and Jeff Burrows came out to chat with the DJs (Sled Dog and Jake) who were hosting the event. I imagine we must have looked a sight; Jeff B and Stuart kept looking at the crowd, probably wondering why we were all sitting there silently.

It took a while, but finally Jeff Martin came out, and as he was walking to his seat he looked at us all and said: "My God, you're all so quiet!!!" After that, we cheered. It was such an odd setting that I don't think anybody was sure of what to do. In any case, they sat down and chatted with the DJ's (on air, of course). They answered some questions from the audience, one of which was from Steph, who was one of the three of us! They played three songs: "Soulbreaking" (which Jeff M. explained beforehand), "The Messanger", and "Lullaby". (Or was it "Angels"?)

The whole show was great, it only lasted maybe 45 minutes, but TTP were in extremely good moods, and would you believe they have great senses of humour! When answering questions, the boys cracked jokes that weren't mean spirited and were actually hilarious! Examples:

Q: "Boxers or briefs?"
Jeff M.: "Commando."
Jeff B.: "Those boxer brief things."
Stuart: "Thong."

Q: "What did you have for breakfast?"
All: "Nothing"
Q: "Doesn't anyone feed you guys?"
Jeff M.: "Come on man, how else do you expect us to fit into these pants!?!"

They were in such a good mood that they all agreed to sign *one* thing for each person, since they were already late for soundcheck. We waited in line, Jeff M. seemed to be extra happy that day, and was handing out hugs and pecks-on-the-cheek. We got to the front, and they signed our stuff in order, and answered our questions. I asked if they were all going to be at The White Ribbon Campaign again this year (since we're going and we saw them in 2000 at it). He replied yes, they all were. Then we got a picture with all of them and left.

CONCERT

We arrived late at the concert, because we didn't really want to see the opening band(s). TP played songs mostly from The Interzone Mantras and TRIPtych. It struck me as odd when I finally realized I've become an "old" fan of The Tea Party. While the people around me could sing along to all of the new songs, once TTP played anything earlier than TRIPtych, they fell silent. I found myself start thinking "What are you, don't know all the old songs!" until I realized I've been in it since 1998 (or 1997? doesn't matter). They did play Transmission, Save Me, and Sister Awake; which in my opinion are Tea Party concert MUSTS! The concert was great, and Steph caught Jeff B.'s drum stick at the end of the show!! WHOOHOO!

To see our pictures, go here


Back