Hedley

Jan 18, 2008

Croatian Cultural Centre

 

Jacob Hoggard has all but lost the negative stigma from the karaoke contest Canadian Idol, which in turn helped launch his career. Hoggard, alongside his band mates-Crippin, McDonald and Rosin- have worked hard to prove there more than just a mere flash in the pan with a karaoke runner-up posing as their front man. 

 

Fresh off the Canadian leg of the Jon Bon Jovi tour, and a quick rest at home for the holidays, the boys of Hedley get ready to suit up and pack their bags again for their cross Canada tour running until mid February.  The first of two sold out shows in Vancouver took place Friday night with local supporting acts the Latency and Sterr.   

 

The young band from Maple Ridge, The Latency, were pretty impressive with their twist of catchy radio friendly pop rock tracks. Unfortunately, the next band Sterr fell a little flat and seemed to be obstacle in the audience’s way. However, bassist Steve Klassen did take the opportunity to talk about poverty around the world and ways in which one can help, which was refreshing seeing an individual use their platform for important, global problems, as opposed to petty shit for fame.     

 

But on with the show, after chants of Hed-ley! Hed-ley! from the audience, the boys strutted onstage striking a few statuesque poses before Hoggard jumped off the drum riser, and the band kicked into the title track and first single off Famous Last Words, “She’s So Sorry”. Hoggard seems to have an endless supply of energy bouncing around the stage, dancing, and constantly running back and forth stepping up risers and jumping off, making the show lively, entertaining, and fun. But Hoggards got the talent, charisma, and capability to do without the constant movements; the sneakers stomping, arms flailing, and hips rocking to the beat are just an added bonus.

 

The band’s 19 song set was filled with tracks from both albums, as well as unreleased tracks like “Paycheque” and a cover of Bob Marley’s “No woman, No Cry”. The reggae inspired feel good track “Never Too Late” and “Bones Shatter” got the audience dancing along, and the first single off their 2005 self titled album “On My own” had the sold out crowd singing along, as Hoggard pulled away from the microphone . Hedley’s crazy, impulsive, fun living, reckless personas translated well onstage, with Hoggard slipping into a skin tight superman-like suit for the track “Hand Grenade”. However, these boys don’t need any cheap gimmicks; they can fully deliver a high energy, entertaining show, without all the silly antics.      

 

The rare moments where Hoggard wasn’t bouncing around and actually stood still for longer than five seconds, were just as captivating. Hoggards mates exited the stage leaving him solo strapped with an acoustic guitar and a single spotlight to perform “Gunning”. The band also brought out a piano, for the love song “For the Nights”.

 

After much sweating, dancing, and singing, Hedley ended their show with “Trip” The band thanked the audience for coming out and showing their support, and promised they’d still make the time to hang out after the show. And with that, half the kids b-lined it to the merch tables at the back of the venue anxiously waiting for a glimpse of the band.

 

Hedley’s blend of radio friendly pop and rock have grabbed the attention of fans across Canada, along with distain from critics writing them off as a joke due to on camera antics. Regardless, the bands created a niche for themselves proving underneath the surface they’re hardworking guys busting their humps to make things happen.