Let's do the time warp again

Gaga Weekend is over for another year, and an awesome time was had by all. I want to stress that point because I feel fairly certain that a significant number of people who were there may no longer have actual memories of the event. The night at Babylon was a supercool end to the three-day event, with the only real bummer being The Goodnight Loving being stopped at the border. No matter, all six bands played really wicked sets, starting with Cold Warps.

Cold Warps were so good I bought both their tapes, a T-shirt, and a pair of really overpriced buttons on the spot. They played ace powerpop with a definite Marked Men feel, and have super stage presence as well. Definitely a festival highlight.


Cold Warps at Babylon, June 12, 2010

The Steve Adamyk Band played a really hot set after being introduced by a shirtless Ian.


Shirtless Ian at Babylon, June 12, 2010


Steve Adamyk Band at Babylon, June 12, 2010

They had some of Statues up to sing along to The Modernettes' Barbra.


Jeff Houle sings Barbra at Babylon, June 12, 2010

Montreal's rambunctious Chuck Berry-lovers The Walnut Kids also rocked out in style, and definitely more in tune that their Ritual performance at Bored to Death earlier this year.


The Walnut Kids at Babylon, June 12, 2010

I've always been impressed by The Sonic Avenues' live show, but fresh off their U.S. tour they were sharp as never before.


Sonic Avenues at Babylon, June 12, 2010

There goes Ian!


Ian Manhire is taken away, Babylon, June 12, 2010

As for Statues, the frequent visitors from Sudbury already have tons of fans in this city, which is why the moshing reached a fever pitch during their set. They played a swell version of The Buzzcocks' Lipstick.


Statues at Babylon, June 12, 2010

Ian told me earlier that he had The Visitors on as a closer because they were totally reliable at rocking the crowd. True, that. Skotty told me earlier that he had a finger's breath left of energy for the performance, and might consider curling up asleep on stage after the set.


The Visitors at Babylon, June 12, 2010

I was interviewed by one of Luca's minions during the show and asked how many photos I'd taken; I thought it was somewhere in the 1,500 to 1,800 range. Actually, it turned out to be 1,700, give or take a few duds I deleted immediately. Most of the ones from the last two shows are pretty horrible as my ability to compose a shot deteriorated, but still not a bad document of Ottawa's first and only rock'n'roll festival.

• Show reminder: Caitlin Dolan and The Sheepdogs join The Grass at Zaphod's. Netherlands dream-country band Templo Diez and Sackville folkster RA Lautenschlager play The Rainbow.