The White Stripes Across Canada: Moncton, NB

Moncton Coliseum

Moncton, NB

on Jul 10 2007

Ben Conoley (CHARTattack)

07/19/2007 4:00pm

The White Stripes' first east coast show on their cross-Canada extravaganza landed Jack and Meg in Moncton, where they demonstrated just how loud a couple of ex-lovers could play rock 'n' roll.

Message board detectives were spitting out a number of possible locations where the Stripes may have been preparing to play one of their much-talked-about secret shows. Fairlanes, a local bowling ally, and the amusement centre at Crystal Palace were the two that received the most attention. Once Fairlanes' manager confirmed to the media that the Stripes had chosen his site as a possible venue, but had then decided not to play there, attention shifted to Crystal Palace, where Jack White was spotted earlier in the day. However, it wasn't to be. The White Stripes didn't play a secret show in Moncton.

But ticket holders hadn't paid to see a secret show. They forked out cash to see the band at the Moncton Coliseum. Although reports said the show was sold out, a quick look around the arena suggested otherwise. While the floor was at capacity, the seated area was only about half-occupied, leaving those depending on the energy of a large crowd slightly disappointed. Nevertheless, one of the great things about smaller arenas is that, if you're on the floor, it's much like seeing a band play in a large club with the stage only neck-high and not much security between the rock stars and the crowd.

The Stripes hit the stage to thunderous applause. Opening with a number of hits — "Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground," "Icky Thump," "When I Hear My Name," "Jolene" and "Hotel Yorba" — the duo were quick to please a crowd anxious to show their approval. At this point they began to play "I Think I Smell A Rat," which led into a medley featuring bits and pieces of "Offend In Every Way" and "Rag And Bone." After the hit parade, the duo spent some time playing lesser-known songs and covers, including Sun House's "Death Letter," "Denial Twist" and Icky Thump's "You Don't Know What Love Is."

After taking a brief break, the Stripes returned for a seven-song encore where they performed "Black Math," "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself," "We're Going To Be Friends," "I Fought Piranhas," "Stop Breaking Down," "Seven Nation Army" and "Boll Weevil."

Aside from the songs, which couldn't have disappointed any White Stripes fan, the band were equally impressive with their stage presence. One can't expect too much from a two-piece, but Jack strutted around the stage with enough energy to carry a full band and Meg, while stationary, was playing her drums much harder and louder than you'd expect from her timid personality. Jack didn't say too much, save for introductions and a few tidbits about songs and that, "We've played almost everywhere in this country," before waving the New Brunswick flag and promising they'd be back. Here's hoping they make good on that promise, because Moncton would love to have them.