TAKING THE LONG WAY HOME

June 2, 2011

Following the success of their 70-10 Tour that wound through Europe, celebrating 40 years of music, Supertramp announced plans to take their act to the Great White North. Last week the legendary British rock band kicked off the Canadian-leg in Victoria, before rolling into Vancouver tonight.

Despite hitting 66 and recently having played his 1,000th concert, Rick Davies seems to be in no rush to return home or settle into retirement. He's taking the scenic route and enjoying himself along the way.

The show opened with "You Started Laughing" and "Gone Hollywood" before the group slide into "Put on Your Old Brown Shoes", off 1982's ...Famous Last Words..., which was an instant hit with the crowd.

It might not be the Supertramp sound that you remember—the absence of Roger Hodgson, who co-founded Supertramp with Davies four decades ago, and his distinct voice were notable—but the group still captivated fans at Rogers Arena Thursday night.

Regardless of the lineup changes it was a great trip down memory lane.

Joining Davies (lead singer and keyboardist), were veteran band members John Anthony Helliwell (saxophones and woodwinds) and Bob Siebenberg (drums), both with the group since 1973. The roster also included Jesse Siebenberg who lent his voice to the vocal role vacated by Hodgson who left the band in 1983.

Pressing full steam ahead, the band launched into crowd-pleaser "Give a Little Bit"; the fan singalong adding some extra meat to Siebenberg's vocals. "It's Raining Again", "Bloody Well Right", and "The Logical Song" were all highlights of the night.

The stage setup was simple, perfect for a band focused on their craft; the lighting was another story, flashing and swirling, creating optical illusions across the stadium.

Helliwell was sporting a Hank Sedin jersey, but the band went one step further in supporting the Canucks playoff run. Supertramp adapted their tour schedule, moving the Vancouver show to accommodate Wednesday's Stanley Cup Finals opening game—a momentous win for the home team.

Setting up the classic hit off their sixth album Breakfast in America, released in 1979, the band joked that police were warning roads had been closed due to excessive drinking on Granville Street. Huge cheers coursed through the stadium, when Supertramp suggested people "Take the Long Road Home".

The two hour show was short, sweet, and to the point.

Supertramp exhibited a lineup of classics, their chemistry and charisma combined for an unforgettable show.