Seeing 16HP in San Francisco was a real treat.
The venue was very small...the basement of an Irish Pub called Foley's, which served a great pint. A long narrow bar area with an extremely small stage at the back of the room positioned in the corner. It was barely big enough to fit the entire band upon it, but it just added to the intimacy of the shows, and the place was very charming.
Being in a basement didn't give much head-room, so the stage was only about a foot or so off the ground. If you were not right up front, you didn't get to see much, but where else would you want to be at a 16HP show besides front and center?

Both nights were exceptional shows, and seemed to be longer than usual, playing more songs, which was excellent for the fans. There were a great many older songs from all their albums, along with most of the cuts from Secret South. The first night though was probably one of the finest shows I have seen from 16HP (or any band for that matter). The band sounded excellent...not too many issues with the sound, but David Edwards was in rare form. The absolute passion that spills out through the music is truly amazing, and watching him on this night hit a high point. Through many of the songs, he stared out into the crowd...not AT anyone, but more BEYOND everyone. Eyes wide open, sometimes shaking his head back and forth...sometimes up and down as if saying yes and no to someone or something. I first thought he was communicating with the sound person, but since this person was in another part of the venue, that was not the case. At one point, I swear to you, his eyes rolled back in his head as he sang, and you would have thought he was possessed by the Lord as he shared his music with us.

The shows ended after long encores and the typical blessing of the crowd, then out to mix with the fans after the show. They are truly incredible musicians.

I would love to go and tour Europe and just follow the band around! Is there even a name for those of us who go to a lot of 16HP shows? Would we be called "horse-heads" or something? Not very flattering, but pretty amusing.

By David A.