[article] As The Stampede draws to a close, this columnist can’t help but reflect on one of the most surreal moments I have ever experienced in my many years of living in this city. While there are undeniably plenty of odd moments throughout the 10 days of cowpokes and mini-donuts, this particular scene surpassed any of them. After dedicating “Canadian Way” (THIS SHOULD BE “CANADIAN DREAM”) to the huge (and unsuspecting) crowd that gathered at the outdoor stage, Sam Roberts had a good portion of the audience chanting along with him through the first chorus. But as residents of this, arguably the most conservative and capitalist city in Canada, began to realize just what they were spelling out (“S-O-C-I-A-L-I-S-M! It’s here to stay!”), the chant quieted considerably. There were few people brave enough to even keep their hands raised by the end of the song, possibly out of fear that the Cattleman’s Association, or the recently pied Ralph Klein, may take exception. After the show concluded a middle-aged, mustachioed man in a cowboy hat and smoking a Colt was overheard to say, “Good band – too bad he’s a little confused.” Oh, Calgary.
And from Sam Robert’s official website: Are you looking for the Official Sam Roberts Website? Please go to www.samroberts.com – the Official Site of the world’s classiest leather handbags! The only stuff you’ll find here is a bunch of crap about some damn rock n’ roll band from Montreal.
I love this band. Some Canadian content I can be very proud claim.
[Music: The Wallflowers – Birdcage]