A report on an Ottawa double bill featuring Finger Eleven and Econoline Crush

[More reporting from Ottawa with Ross MacDonald and Karen Coughtrey. – AC]

It was a turn-of-the-century rock (90s/00s) weekend in Ottawa with Canadian bands Econoline Crush and Finger Eleven taking the stage at a sold-out show at the Bronson Music Theatre Saturday night.

Econoline Crush had the job of warming up the crowd and seemed to do so with ease, rocking just as hard as ever. Trevor Hurst, although not flashily dressed, is a captivating frontman. And while putting on an energetic performance, he could be seen making connections with fans, bending down to greet them, pointing, making faces as he crossed the stage throughout each song.

The band played hits from across their discography including hits ‘You Don’t What It’s Like’ and ‘All That You Are (X3)’ but also were happy to introduce the crowd to new songs, ‘Invincible’ and ‘Going Under’ from the album they will finally be able to release in 2023 titled ‘When The Devil Drives’.

They would end the set with a particularly memorable moment of the night and an important talk when Trevor shared about losing their longtime bandmate Ziggy Sigmund unexpectedly in March, before singing their hit ‘Sparkle and Shine’ which is about Blind Melon lead singer Shannon Hoon, another artist lost too soon. He said:

“We lost a very dear member of our family David “Ziggy” Sigmund who used to play guitar right here. We loved [him] with all of our hearts but no matter what we did we couldn’t keep him here. So I want to say to every one of you guys here tonight, if you’re feeling sad, if you’re feeling off, if you’re feeling a bit funky, phone someone and tell them. Phone someone and tell them you’re not feeling so great. Phone someone and tell them can we go grab some coffee, can we grab a beer, can we smoke a joint, can we watch a stupid movie together? But no matter what, promise me that you won’t make a temporary problem, something that becomes a permanent and lousy solution.”

The crowd, having been more than adequately warmed up, were eager for Finger Eleven to take the stage and they were not disappointed. Scott Anderson’s vocals were as amazing as ever and Rick Jackett was here to impress on Rhythm Guitar; the rest of the band almost seemed tame by comparison. The band was recording and filming the concert for an upcoming greatest hits album and they certainly got the energy out of the Ottawa crowd that they wanted. The packed house was certainly doing their best.

They played all their hit singles from across their discography including ‘Above’, ‘One Thing’, ‘Quicksand’, ‘Drag You Down’, and ‘Good Times’. The crowd was also really into and clapping along with a new song they introduced: ‘Together Right’.

Lead guitarist James Black was flawless, but he especially impressed with an epic guitar solo midway through the performance. And one can’t forget the oft-overlooked rhythm section. Sean Anderson on bass and Steve Molella on drums were impeccable in timing and providing that underlying thump that had everyone bobbing their heads all night long.

The night was brought to the perfect end with the encore performance: a cover of Pink Floyd’s ‘Welcome to the Machine’, and then closing the show with their megahit ‘Paralyzer’. Of course the pumped up crowd did not want this powerful night of music to ever end.

Econoline Crush:
Trevor Hurst – Vocals
Dayvid Swart – Drums
Troy Zak – Bass
Dan Garrison – Guitar

Finger Eleven:
Scott Anderson – Lead Vocals
James Black – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Rick Jackett – Rhythm Guitar
Sean Anderson – Bass
Steve Molella – Drums