I've loved OK Go since I first heard them in 2001/2002, and I've seen them three times now. Once in 2005 at the Commodore in Vancouver opening for Kaiser Chiefs, once in 2007 opening for Snow Patrol, and last night. They never fail to impress me live, but last night was spectacular. They are confident performers and able to pull of their recorded sound effectively live, and when given a chance to just be themselves (IE: not as an opening act) they really got to show their stuff. I love watching a band who seem genuinely overjoyed to be on stage playing, and who are self-ware yet don't take themselves to seriously.
I have so many favourite moments from last night, here you go:
1. Damian notices a group of 4 doing the entire dance from their video for "A Million Ways", so he invites them to the stage. A couple of songs later they play the song again so the group can perform for everyone. Awesome.
2. The band performs "What To Do" entirely on hand-bells, noted to be the instrument that God himself created...this was the wholesome family portion of the set. Really awesome.
3. Damian makes his way into the middle of the crowd with a guitar and mike to sing a "campfire song." This is because he can pretend to be a cowboy too. He even dons somebody's hat. Freakin' awesome.
4. On his way back to the stage he notices me standing there with my hand raised and reaches over to give me a high five. I am a fan girl....extra awesome for me.
5. Tim and Damian's excellent banter while getting the crowd to practice for "This Too Shall Pass." Hilariously awesome.
I love you OK Go!
