From now on

For the third week of my project 52, I would like to present you a photo of a closed down building called the incinerator des Carrières:



Located in Montreal, the incinerator was built in 1931 and had the capacity of burning 300 tons of garbage per day. It was enough for the city's needs, at the time, and it gradually helped eliminate the smelly open air dumps of the island.

Although, it was a short time solution because ten years later due to many directly cause health problems among residents of the neighbourhood, the city had to renovate the burning system and add filters to prevent the toxic gas emissions. But those improvements weren't enough efficient and after 50 years of controversial operation, the incinerator was finally shut down and never re-open after.

These days, the land and buildings are used as parking lots for the city roadwork trucks and the 2 high towers wait to be demolished one day.

But, why I have chosen this subject for my 3rd week photo?

For no good reason, really. I simply passed by that site yesterday afternoon while I was going to a meeting and I found the contrast of the two chimneys and the perfect blue sky interesting.

And now, after having done a short research, I know a little bit more about Montreal's industrial history...

Yesterday I went to see Fish in Montreal at the theatre called “Le National”. But before I went to the show, I stopped at a bar for a pre-gig meeting that have been organized for his fans. There were many real fans out there with there Marillion and Fish collectibles ready to be signed by the gentle giant. Me I didn't brought anything to signed but I was interest to meet him and thanks him for his nice work and maybe take a photo but the timing wasn't so good because I had ordered a chicken quesilladas that wasn't coming and I knew that the man wouldn't be standing there forever. So I took a chance and left my table to meet him. I was very impress by his courtesy and patience, he took the time to talk to everybody calmly like he had all his night in front of him. I had the chance to took a picture of me and the Scottish singer.

One small detail on the photo: He's sited and I'm standing up


After meeting the guy I found the waitress travelling all around the bar with my meal “I'm here! I'm here!..”

When I left the bar I was surprised to see Fish standing with the other customers outside having a smoke like if he was any regular costumer. “See you at the show!”

The show began at 9:00 with a French local group called “Gelly Fish” (do we have a little concept thing here?). They played for about a hour some progressive and theatrical French rock. I have to admit, the singer was so weird, he almost frightened me! And then at 10:00 Fish hit the stage and here's the video I took of the show's first song:



He seemed very happy to be there and gave a very energetic performance. The sound was perfect on our a side of the stage but it didn't seem the same for the band. There were a lot of impatience gestures from Fish and the musicians toward the sound crew and I believe that it was the last time they were working together! But despite that, The pleasure of receiving such a welcome from the Montreal's fans after an 11 years absence was quite obvious and he assured us that he will be back next summer.

The highlight of the show would have to be, like I have predicted in my last post, Cliché that he sang as the first song of the first encore. The guitar solo by Frank Usher was simply unbelievable! It must has lasted for 5 minutes and it was so emotional. It provided him a huge round of applause and he seemed very happy about it.
I'm also including another clip. This is the introduction of the song called “Manchmal” from his latest CD. I think it gives a good idea of the character and the sense of humour of this amazing performer...