Andrew W.K. Kicks Off Canadian “Party Tour” at Hard Luck Bar
March 26th, 2014
On Tuesday night, “Real Life Party God” Andrew W.K. kicked off his solo Grand Canadian Tour at Toronto’s Hard Luck Bar (772 Dundas St W), which also includes stops in Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax and St. John’s during the remainder of March. Since his 2001 debut I Get Wet, Andrew W.K. has built a devoted fan base eager to dance, shout and pump their fists along with him in whatever capacity he provides. On Tuesday night, all this entailed was a drum machine, a piano and a microphone. W.K.’s devoted fans, many of whom came dressed in matching white tees and denim (and beards), were ready to party before the artist stepped foot on stage.
Once the show was ready to start, an ominous voice took over the PA to ask “Are you ready for the party?”. Fans cheered and the voice continued, “Tonight is the night we focus on all the good feelings.” With that proclamation of the good times ahead, Andrew W.K. took the stage and for the next hour delivered on his simple promise. At no point did the energy at Hard Luck die down (shoutout to the security guard tossing out water bottles to the fans in the front) and Andrew brought exactly what the Toronto crowd was looking for.
https://twitter.com/bgonshor/status/448853899722915840
Near the end of the set, W.K. dedicated “I Love New York City” to GWAR frontman Dave Brockie, having the crowd chant along “I love Dave Brockie” instead in honour of his passing earlier this week.
By the time his anthem “Party Hard” kicked in to close the night, Andrew was surrounded by fans on stage patting him on the back, snapping selfies and truly enjoying the experience of the rare intimate gig. I’ve seen anything quite like an Andrew W.K. show before, nor imagined a freezing Tuesday night in March would be the best party of the week.
Here are some more fan photos and videos from the wild festivities:
