With more than 12,000 fans, four rock and roll bands and a thunder and lightning storm overhead, the Rock The Shores concert was an electric performance.
As fans filtered through long line ups into the massive sports field behind Colwood’s Juan de Fuca Recreation centre Friday they were warmed up by the sounds of Victoria’s Jet’s Overhead and popular surf culture band Current Swell.
The wheels were in motion and the house was nearly full by the time Sam Roberts Band took the stage underneath a dreary, storm filled sky.
Bold lightning, mixed with rain, wind and thunder halted his show, and with uncertainty of safety in mind, the crowd waited for word if the concert would continue.
Audience attention shifted to taking photos of lightning on iphones and chatting about the unusual Victoria weather.
Crowd spirit remained high in the West Shores despite the hour and a half wait, but at 9:30 p.m. the full party began as The Tragically Hip took the stage to an elated audience.
Bob Caygeon, the Hundredth Meridian and Courage eased the crowd back into the concert before The Hip continued to play popular hits like Music at Work, Greasy Jungle and Gift Shop to the occasional clap of thunder.
The band’s finale included Happy Hour and Little Bones before the heavens opened and soaked the crowd.
With event parking expected to easily congest, over 2,000 cyclists rode to the event and many tackled the Galloping Goose trail home – a party in itself.
Rock the Shores lived up to its name. It was the talk of the town throughout the weekend.
By Shelley Lipke
arts@mondaymag.com