It started as a low hum, but quickly grew louder. Soon, the thunder of applause and cheers overwhelmed all other sounds.
People stomped their feet, clapped their hands and screamed. As the lights dimmed, the excitement grew. Five men walked out on to the stage.
Great Big Sea performed Dec. 2 at the Ottawa Civic Centre, drawing thousands of people to the arena. The band consisted of five members: Alan Doyle, Sean McCann, Bob Hallett, Kris MacFarlane and Murray Foster.
Originally from Newfoundland, Great Big Sea visited Ottawa as one of the last stops on their tour celebrating the release of their 10th album: Safe Upon the Shore.
Much to their fan’s delight, the band played two full sets. Their songs ranged the emotional spectrum, full of energy and feeling.
As the first song, “Ordinary Day,” began, nearly everyone was on their feet, swaying to the music. Many people openly danced to the contagious beat.
Fans of all ages listened with rapt attention. In true Newfie spirit, beers were seen in abundance, as were Newfoundland flags worn as capes. The audience clapped along to the rhythm of the folk sound, making the floor shake.
After the first two songs, Doyle thanked the crowd for supporting the band through their 17-year career and added later that they looked forward to the next 17.
The songs were punctuated by easy banter between the members. At one point McCann announced that he was running for prime minister as leader of the “Shanty Party.”
“As in, I shan’t get up early tomorrow,” he joked. The fans cheered, thinking that was a wonderful idea.
The passion of each member was evident throughout the show. “We want to leave it all on the stage,” Doyle said.
Their energy level never seemed to drop as they catered to the audience, often inviting fans to join in and sing along.
The two sets, split by an intermission, differed slightly. While the first featured a balance of fast-paced and mellow songs, the second set was filled with non-stop, dancing tunes.
From the moment the five members began to play, the songs flowed seamlessly.
When the band finally left the stage, the fans would have none of it. They clapped and screamed before chants of “Great Big Sea” echoed across the arena. When the band reappeared, the screaming increased.
After their encore, the band was called up yet again. It was obvious the fans, even after nearly two-and-a-half hours, only wanted more.
Finally, the show ended, and the crowds piled out. People sang loudly as they made their way home, not quite ready to let the night end.