The Bicycles @ The Horseshoe Tavern
By: Bill Alexander
Mar. 13, 2009 – Toronto, Canada
So my first Bicycles show . . . =)
. . . would apparently be their LAST. SHOW. EVER! =(
I wasn't prepared for this going in, but this isn't about me. A long queue outside spoke volumes about this occasion as fans new and old came out in droves for one last look-see and listen to the spectacle that is – as I would learn – a Bicycles live show.
Giving up some rapturous applause as the band members entered the stage, the audience seemed to start dancing before the music even began, and didn't stop until it was all over . . . 4EVAH! (OK, let's not get ahead of ourselves.)
Kicking things into high-gear right off the bat, the band got through a great number of songs from their two LPs (the most recent being Oh No, It's Love, released just last year), which is pretty easy when most of your songs clock in at three minutes or less. Singing and pouring their darling hearts out with songs like "I Know We Have To Be Apart" (tear!), the band addressed the fact that the end was nigh.
"Handsome Furs, if you want to be a trio, I am looking for a gig," proclaimed singer/guitarist Matt Beckett.
"Too soon, Matt," chimed in singer/drummer Dana Snell.
One can only imagine what is going on in their heads. Are they happy, sad, relieved? Filled with ugly, all-consuming rage or heartache? In any case, however the band was dealing with their last show before an "extended hiatus," they didn't let it stop them from having a great ol' time on stage and treating their audience to one last glorious hurrah.
"Let's make this note last forever," Beckett proclaimed in the final moments of "Paris Be Mine".
Come back, Bicycles! Come back.
Video: "Paris Be Mine" by The Bicycles
