Check out our podcast interview with Andrew previewing the show and talking all things party.

It was time to party, and we partied hard.

From the first moment he took the stage Andrew W.K. was in complete control of the audience. He could say or do anything he wanted and the crowd loved him all the more for it. And he repaid their devotion by giving them everything that he had. The sweat was flying off of his body and his trademark white t-shirt was completely soaked before the concert was even half over.

Rarely have I seen a performer will an audience to action simply by sheer intensity, but Andrew W.K. at Dickens Pub in Calgary was in complete control of the room from the word go. While I didn’t think it was possible, the sold out crowd grew even more raucous as the night went on, proving that the fans truly were there to party.

What can I say about Andrew W.K.? The word party doesn’t do enough to describe him. He’s a talented singer, a gifted pianist, and a performer who puts more energy into his performances than most people expend in a week. Even though I was a fan going in he still managed to blow me away with his ability to connect with the audience. His willingness to go all out is truly remarkable. The man is a musical force of nature in person, and if you could measure a show by its intensity then this night would have blown the top off.

His hilarious on stage banter only added to the performance, as did his playing of his taco guitar. Couple that with a tight backing band that provides searing licks and pounding drums and you have a night you won’t soon forget. “We’re creating party memories tonight” as he told the audience at one point, and he was right.

When watching a band live, it’s important to see that everyone on stage is having fun, and his band really seemed to enjoy what they were doing. This concert dealt in volume, and despite the small stage size, it never inhibited anyone from rocking out. I also have to agree with Andrew, three guitarists is indeed partyer.

The Johnny McCuaig Band opened the night, and I was pleasantly surprised. They are a hard working, hard rocking Canadian act that has a good sound and great energy. They are also one of the few bands I’ve ever seen that feature the bagpipes… You haven’t rocked out until you’ve heard a bagpipe solo!

Johnny McCuaig was a good choice as an opener because they were also willing to go all out for the audience, and they carry themselves like they’re stars. By the end of their set, the crowd in front of the stage had grown enormously. I’ll definitely be checking them out again as they were the best unknown act I’ve seen open a show in recent memory.

For most of us, the party has to be over at some point, and we all return to our jobs and our lives. But somehow it’s comforting to know that as long as there is an Andrew W.K. in the world, the party can always be achieved through his music. Even more than that though, the party is always to be found in seeing him live.

If you were ever on the fence about going to an Andrew W.K. show, hop off that fence and go. The party never stops there and you’ll be hooked too. So thank you Andrew, for coming to Calgary and bringing the power of partying to us all. Your music and energy do the world good. For those of us lucky enough to be in attendance, you showed us why you are the partyest!

Review by Brett Monro

Edited by and photos by Mo Kristiansen