 |
|
(con't from)
Morrow's telephone hype included calls to John Oliver/CHEC Lethbridge:
Al Jenssen CHAK Inuvik: Greg Stewart/CKWS Kingston: Mike Christie/CKOM
Saskatoon: Dave Hammond CFCY/ Charlottetown: Doug McAllister
CHNL/ Kamloops and many others in both principal and breakout
markets. Salter received their first boost from radio with CKOC
Hamilton who recognized the single as a "Potential Hit".
This was quickly followed by CFCF/ Montreal: CHED/Edmonton: CKOM/Saskatoon:
CKLC/ Kingston: CKLW/Windsor, and CKCK/Regina. That started the
hit churning and created a national breakout with listings from
coast to coast. (more) |
|
Below Abraham's Children featuring
Will Hare, Glenn Olive, Shawn O'Shea, Gerry Fielding and friends
Enrico Colantoni, Armand Assante, Miss Canada, |
|
|
|
 For
me writing has always been a form of anthropologic dig. Over
the years I have stored many memoirs in the database of my mind,
the recollections of which are often triggered by daily happenings.
I call this clipboard of tales Writings On The Wall...the wall
a mental canvas covered with oddities of script that have somehow
managed to penetrate my inner soul. It may seem arrogant of me
to think that other people would enjoy the tidbits of my colorful
life but, in true form, I nevertheless proceed to smother you
with my ramblings. I do hope you enjoy reading these gathered
thoughts that reflect a brief moment in space and time. |
|
 Harvey is still pursuing
his comedy schtick and Maury is there to support him. Although
his humor needs work or perhaps a writer.Harvey insists that
he made the right choice.
A WOW2210
PRODUCTION |
 HAMILTON, CAN - The
Police Busted - Two members
of the band The Police were busted outside a concert hall in
Hamilton, Ontario. The lead singer bass player and keyboardist
for the group were caught behind the venue they were to perform
in. While on a routine inspection of an alley outside the concert
hall, two officers turned their headlights on what appeared to
be, two characters sitting and smoking a cigarette. Upon investigation
the officers asked the two men to show them identification. The
one man said we are performimng here and our id are in the dressing
room. When the officer asked what group it was, they said The
Police. Everyone snickered and joked. The officers continued
to ask what they were smoking noticing that both men had something
in their hands. One officer asked them to hold out their hands
open. The two were booked for possession of marijuana. They were
given a citation and were told that they would get a court appearance
date in the mail. The two officers proceeded to take the roaches
and place them in an evidence envelope. This is not the end of
this story. Read how Jimi and Laurie were picked up by four police
officers during an appearence at the Picadilly Tube while The
Police from England played half a mile away in another club.
They were cuffed and spent the night in jail at the 52 division
in Toronto. The next morning two officers from Hamilton picked
up the criminals and drove them to the courthouse for their hearing. |
 VAUGHAN, ON - THE SILENCE THAT ROARED
- He
was a military man, a father, a husband and an individual that
reached out and captured his dream. The tall trees became taller
each day as Salvatore would wipe his brow and stare up at the
blue sky. The local mill was an opportunity for this handsome
young man, just out of the service, to work and envision a new
world and life adventure for himself and his loved ones. The
plans were set to make the big move. He and his small family
would embark on a journey that would be etched in the minds of
all future members of his clan. Like so many of that time he
landed at the infamous Pier21, which has since become of historical
importance in the development of a country that welcomed its
new people. Canada was on a power move. Industry, growth and
opportunity were enticng enough to anyone that could see the
potential  prosperity. Salvatore grabbed the bull by the horns.
He settled in the downtown area of Toronto which would soon be
known as "Little Italy." He took what little money
he had and bought an old 3-story home on Grace Street. This would
mark the beginnings of social acclimation and change for his
family. He enrolled his son, Jimi and his daughter, Mary, in
the local public school. Salvatore wanted his kids to have what
he had been unable to have, an education. He was proud that his
dream had been achieved with all his children, with the exception
of Jimi, and we all know that story. He enjoyed his leisure time
by sipping espressos and chatting with friends at the Diplomatico
Cafe. His awareness of fashion was as notable as his trademark
pencil-thin moustache. Although reluctant to sign Jimi out of
school at an early age to pursue music, he realized the importance
of passion by surprising a young Jimi with a Hofner Beatle Bass. He encouraged all his kids to reach
high and to use common sense. Salvatore set out to build a strong
foundation of beliefs and integrity within his family. He accomplished
that and so much more. His marriage and devotion of 65 years
to his lovely wife Alfonsina could be written as a romantic fairy
tale, how the boy from the bario swept the uptown princess off
her feet. He will be missed only to be remembered forever |
 TORONTO, CAN - MY DINNER WITH LIBERACE Sittng on the edge of the bed in my Toronto
apartment, I pulled on my black jeans and Beatle boots. Looking
in the mirror, I combed my long hair and straightened the collar
of my black leather jacket. It had to have been during the 70's.
I was preparing myself for going out to a musical function of
some sort when the phone rang. I answered, only to hear a very
distinctive, yet familiar, voice. It was Liberace, announcing
that he was in town for a week of performances at the O'Keefe
Center. He said, "I thought we could maybe get together
and have dinner and, since you're the famous one in this town,
I'll trust you to make the arrangements." We gabbed for
about ten minutes before I decided on a place called Gatsby's
in the downtown district.I couldn't remember if I had eaten there
or not, but I'd heard good things about it. I made reservations
for eleven people. Finally, the time had come. I pulled up around
the corner and let the valet park my 1949 Thames, decked out
with interior purple and green lights, bean-bag chairs, paisley
carpet on the walls and bamboo delineating the front and back
seats. I arrived at the restaurant about ten minutes early to
make sure everything was kosher. I approached the somewhat feminine
maitre'd explaining I had a table reserved for eleven. He took
one look at my tight Harley t-shirt and unshaven face and nearly
laughed. It looked like this guy thought I was joking or something,
that is, until Liberace and his posse emerged from a stretch
limo, at which point I announced, "These are my guests that
will be joining me for dinner this evening." The group advanced
towards us with Lee in front asking, "Is everything all
right?" "Oh, everything is just fine Mr. Liberace,
perfectly in order, sir…". But our table wasn't ready
yet and the host began getting more nervous in the presence of
such a sparkly icon. I could have sworn his toupee was going
to fall off, at least it appeared to be a rug. Everyone stopped
eating to stare as we passed, caught in a moment of awe and breathlessness.
We commented on the exquisite interior and colorful décor
as each of us were seated. We proceeded to order from their incredible
wine selection, bottles of both red and white. The elaborate
menu, featuring a variety of delectable choices, made it difficult
to decide. We started talking, particularly about entertainment,
fashion and my vagabond appearance. Lee then asked, "When
are you coming out West?" Little did I know then that only
a few years later I would end up in Hollywood, striving to reinvent
myself and my craft. The seven-course meal was expensive and
extravagant. Thank God for my American Express Card. We stayed
until closing time, swapping stories and discussing the details
of life among eccentric tastes. As we vacated the restaurant,
the maitre'd waved flamboyantly and bid us farewell. On my way
out the door he stopped me to apologize for his blatant ignorance.
"Maybe you'll think twice before judging a musician by his
instrument next time," I said, with a serious sense of satire. |
 TORONTO, CAN - ELTON
JOHN SAVES THE DAY - It was a cold
day. I really don't remember what day it was, only that the night
before was filled with all the things that make up rock n' roll
and my head was confirming that. The taxi dropped me off at "Eastern
Sound" an upper crust studio located in the heart of downtown
Toronto, Canada. It was the Rodeo district of TO as they called
it. Expensive cars, clothes and women that just walked out of
a Cosmopolitan ad. I tipped the cab driver well, only because
I didn't have a smaller bill and besides the driver thought I
was some important rock star. As I approached the gate of the
recording studio, I noticed this huge mountain of a man standing
tall and protective... or so he appeared. I walked towards him
and attempted to go around him; he quickly pushed me away and
said, "No one is to enter the building".1 tried to
explain to him that I was 2 hours late for my session, and that
the record company United Artists was not happy with me. He told
me to get lost. We started arguing and at one point I made another
attempt to go around him; once again he pushed me, except this
time I pushed him back. This annoyed the giant and he began to
get very physical with me. Web exchanged a few punches, which I can
attest he got the best of me. I was probably half his size.
A crowd was starting to gather and as I looked up I could see
my band members standing over me. They were stunned, this man
was attempting to hassle all of us. All of a sudden the door
swings open and there he was standing yelling and cursing at
the "mountain man". He came over to me and helped me
up, asking if] was hurt. I responded, explaining I was fine,
but that my butt was sore from landing on a piece of ice. We
walked into the studio, he sat down and repeatedly kept apologizing
for this man at the door, which I discovered was a security guard
hired by MCARecords. He kept asking if I was alright. Saline,
the studio manager came in the room with concern and asked if
I needed anything. I explained I was ok and that should get in
my room and start the session. As I entered the recording room
"A", the President of United Artists Records, his A&R
staff, and some other important looking characters were waiting
anxiously. They were all shocked to see who was standing next
to me. With some humor, the President asked if we could get started.
"At $250.00 an hour, we'll have to sell a lot of records,"
he said. I thanked Elton John for caring enough to come outside
and rescue me.... He asked if here was anything he could do.
1 assured him that I would live and that if I needed anything
I would be more than glad to ask him. Later that evening he introduced
me to his band members. Kenny Passerelli had this incredible
new bass that he insisted I use on my session. It was an Alembic,
the heaviest bass I had ever held, but the sound was like velvet
and rock. We met later at the posh, Yorkville Four Seasons Hotel
where Elton was still apologizing for this rude brute of a man.
The next day I sat in the studio with Elton and some of his band
members and listened' to some great tracks that would later become
"Blue Moves ". Courtesy of Ciao Magazine USA. |
 THE TORNADOS - CHELSEA LONDON, ALAN CADDY - It
was in the early part of 1972 that I first met Alan. I recall
he was a slender man, that stood about 6' tall, with a very heavy
British accent. He was introduced to us by Gary Salter, then
president of Avenue Of America record label. Upon my initial
encounter with Alan we hit it off and I could see that I would
like this man. Gary had mentioned that he would probably be producing
our album which we were ready to start. This would be the follow-up
to our first commercial hit single, "Goodbye Farewell".
Before I get into the session, let me give you a bit of history
on Mr. Caddy. He was born in Chelsea, London, was classically
trained, and served as a soprano in Westminster Abbey. He studied
violin and was the leader of the orchestra at his school in Battersea.
Alan joined a skiffle group called the Five Nutters as a guitarist.
In 1958 he would join Johnny Kid and The Pirates and was regarded
as real rock n roller musician. He made his first TV debut with
that band on ITV's Disc Break in 1959 with their song "Please
Don't Touch", a moderate hit that established the group.
In 1960 the Pirates would come out with "Shakin All Over"
that would comfirm them as a staple pop band of the time. The
song would knock Cliff Richard from the top of the charts. After
about a year the band would begin to fade and soon decided to
pack it in. Alan would go on to form The Tornados. The band's
hit "Telstar" would stay on the British charts for
over 25 weeks with 5 of those at number one. It was released
in the US and Canada on the London label and would be the first
British record to reach number one on the Billboard Charts. The
Tornados would continue to release records but none of them could
achieve the success of "Telstar". By 1964 the group
was going through changes and Alan was well-placed to make a
living as a session musician, and even become a star in his own
right. In the early 70s he moved to Canada and started producing
cover albums for Avenue of America. Ok... back to AC. We began
recording the TIME album and the idea of having a British producer
was exciting and at times elevating from the standards that Canadian
bands were used to. His arrangements were magical. I would spend
many hours even after the sessions just watching and listening
too him work. Over the next couple of months we became really
good friends and shared many private moments together. When the
album was completed he came up to me and said, "I really
enjoyed working with you and I believe you are going to be a
star". I was wowed and thanked him for a incredible experience.
We would go on to begin a second album that would never see vinyl
heaven, but my memories of Alan are as vivid as if it were yesterday.
I was very sad when I heard of his passing in 2000. He will be
missed but can always be heard on "Gypsy", "Thank
You" and the rest of TIME. |
 BRAMPTON, ON - ANDY &
ME - Ah sugar sugar na
na na na na na ah honey honey...it's bubblegum heroes Jimi Bertucci
and Andy Kim. The two met up at the Ontario Provincial Police
100th anniversary bash in Brampton, Ontario. The Black and White
sold-out gala was a who's who of Ontario politics and the jewel
rattling crowd. With 1600 in attendance the place was rockin'.
O.P.P.Commissioner Julian Fantino and about 50 of his loyal officers
added color and entertainment to the exciting evening. Andy performed
all his hits, filling the room with nostalgic sediments and at
times a sing along. Now I would have to say that Andy takes the
prize as bubblegum king..I mean, let's face it, Sugar Sugar,
was one of his biggest hits. Originally written for the Archies,
it was Mr. Kim who not only sang lead on it but managed to sell
a few million copies to boot. He even included one of my own
favs, Rock Me Gently.
Photo by Georgie O |
SAN DIEGO,
CA What would a great concert be without
friends getting together after the show to share a couple of
drinks and some old tales? Gordon Lightfoot's songs still stand
the test of time, as witnessed the other night at The Pechenga
Casino. After almost 4 decades the man can still deliver these
songs as if they were fresh from the market. Long time friend
and drummer Barry Keane has known and worked with Jimi for..well,
let's say a heck of a long time. Jimi met up with Gord at the
CHUM's 50th anniversary bash, at Nathan Phillip Square, where
he performed and Jimi signed many autographs for enthused fans.
Photo by John Rowlands |
 RESEDA CA - Yes it's the ageless Dick Clark. Back in the seventies
Dick heard of a young upcoming band named Abraham's Children.
He had heard one of the bands songs on the radio and inquired
who and where they were from. An executive from Buddah Records
the bands label in the USA sent Dick a copy of their hit song
Thank You. He was quick to put it on his show. The song went
on his famous Rate A Record. Bandstand would play two artists
and the audience would decide which one was better and would
be a hit or miss...well we would like to tell you that it won,
but we're not sure. Ironically when Jimi moved to Malibu, California
Dick was his neighbor and although the question did pop up he
couldn't remember if it did win....so for all the trivia buffs
out there we put this task on to you.... |
 KING OF SOUL AND THE DEATH The year was 1966 if my mush of a brain recalls
and excitement was in the air. My new band, The Death, was scheduled
to open for none other than the king of soul, Mr. James Brown
and the Famous Flames. It would be an unusual line-up. The Death
was like a psychedelic in-your-face type of a band and The Flames
were as tight as a cork in a bottle of Chateau Palmer Bordeaux
wine. Nevertheless, we felt like we were pros. Our dressing room
had the sweet sent of jock essence and the different names carved
in the old wooden benches gave me a deja vu of my hockey days.
I was sitting waiting for the stage manager to come and give
us the cue when the man himself walked by. Noticing me, he stopped
and asked, "you know where our dressing room is brother?"
Ah, ah yeah, it's the one right across from the restrooms",
I replied. "You must be the opening act," he said.
"Yes sir, we are", I answered. "Sir? Come now,
call me James." Wow, James Brown asked me to call him James.
It might seem odd but, to a 14 year-old kid, being in the same
room with one of the most famous musician entertainers in the
world was a moving experience. The crowd was kind and tried to
understand why a group like ours was opening for an R&B icon.
We played our 45 minutes to polite applauses, but it was apparent
that they were there for "the man". After the show,
as I sat in my dressing room with sweat pouring down my face,
James walked in. He shook my hand and said, "you boys rock".
Years later, while performing at The Roxy in Hollywood, James
happened to be sitting outside the club in a white limo. Our
bass player, Kelvin, knocked on his car window and told him an
old friend of his was inside the Rainbow Room. His curiosity
led him to come in and see who this old friend was. I watched
him approach the table where we were feasting on the famous pizza
for which the Rainbow Room was known, followed by four very large
body guards. As I introduced him to everyone, he looked at my
brother-in-law Gary and said "aren't you that guy from Alien
Nation?" He then sat down, had some pizza and proceeded
to bring up that gig at The Mimocombo. |
 NEW
YORK NEW YORK THE EIGHTIES - After the demise of The Police...let's back up.
The Police were beginning to attract a lot of industry attention.
Early on, they would pack every club where they performed. The
energy that came off the stage during their concerts was enough
to exhaust anyone in the immediate crowd. Of course, it helped
that two of the members had been with the hit-making band Abraham's
Children. Their fans loved these boys and followed them from
city to city. This band was hot. The group and its management
company Strawberry Productions were being schmoozed and entertained
by many of the major record labels. Frank Bennett, one of the
principal owners of Strawberry, decided to weigh all his options
before committing to anyone. During one of the band's gigs they
were approached by A&M Records. This was not the first time
that A&M had been lurking from the sidelines as the boys
rocked the venue. Strawberry decided they would meet with the
label and discuss what they were ready to offer the band. It
all sounded good, but for one small detail. They wanted the group
to change its name. The band was shocked and couldn't understand
why they would want them to change the name. It was a great name,
inviting all kinds of marketing ideas, not to mention that they
already had a big following. The band decided not to change its
name. Within a couple of weeks after that meeting A&M announced
that they had signed a band in England called The Police who
had just released its first single called Roxanne. Jimi and the
rest of the group were furious and expected that A&M had
known all along. The band decided to take a break, during which
time they would think about a new name. It never happened. The
guys would all go their separate ways. Ironically, Jimi would
end up signing as a solo artist with A&M Records and release
his self-titled album Jimi B. and that's another story in itself. |
 WOLFMAN JACK became
a big fan of THE CHILDREN. His intro of the band at Toronto's
Center Island that attracted over 25 thousand fans almost caused
fan hysteria.The band received incredible audience attention
that security guards had to be called in. A group of young ladies
found their way into the The Children's dressing room. Todd Rundgren,
Manfred Mann, Canned Heat, Rory Gallagher, A Foot In Coldwater.
Dr. Hook and The Medicine Show were also appearing. This was
the third time that Abraham's Children appeared on Center Island.
The first time they were called Captain Midnites Dirty Feat. |
 LONG BEACH, CA - SURVIVING JANIS JOPLIN - A woman like no other, Peggy's fast-paced
stories burn a hole through the fabric of time, allowing me a
quick vision of the whirlwind of changes occurring in San Francisco
during the sixties. Her experimental wisdom, developed over the
years, came across as vividly honest. Although I was born at
least a generation too late, I've always held a certain affinity
for the ideals which sprung forth from the transitional period
we often associate with typical images like bare feet, hitchhiking,
and flowers in the hair, or what is commonly referred to as "hippie-love-sh*t".
She arrived on the scene before the scent of revolution was even
in the air. Growing up in New Orleans, she traveled to New York
for a time, and collected many sky-miles as a stewardess before
settling in the Bay area. Attending college only lasted long
enough to launch her into a new state of awareness, where she
found an entrepreneurial finesse that paid off well. Her curious,
little boutique was located at 1510 Haight Street and was esoterically
named Mnasidika. This treasure trove was a cash cow that will
forever mark the map. Historical moments were unfolding as Bill
Graham started a musical movement that caught like wildfire.
Music was becoming fashionable and rock n roll a part of the
mainstream as San Francisco was a prime spot for such performers
as Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, Crosby,Stills and
Nash, Santana and many more. Bands on the scene started to
create a buzz for themselves and everyone wanted MORE. It was
during this stir of America's melting pot, when civil rights
and the topic of equality were at the forefront, freedom of expression
through speech or whatever means of protest to get the point
across. But let's not forget what got the youth started on this
trip--they were blowing their minds on LSD, opening doors, dissolving
barriers, eating up the world as if it were a giant peach, giving
up all sense of reality to understand "All You Need Is Love."
Thus dawned on us the Age of Aquarius, and as the flower children
flocked to San Fran, Peggy was sitting pretty with the only hip-store
on the block carrying those items that distinguished the psychedelics
from the squares. Being off-beat and eccentric was trendy and
kids were seeking to stand out from the crowd, taking full advantage
of thestylistc choices offered at Mnasidika (aptly named after
one of the first lesbians in Greek - mythology. Jimi Hendrix
walked in looking to get a gig and ended up with his infamous
image, the vest and adfro now accented by bellbottoms, which
could only be bought exclusively at the little Haight Street
boutique.She even sold Levi-Strauss on the idea of changing their
production lines to manufacture the new design, but unfortunately
didn't reap any royalties or licensingf ees or she'd be a billionaire.
Living across the street from Janis Joplin (before she made a
nme for herself) she would open the window and bellow her famous
phrase. "Hi-ya Honey". as seen in commercials of Southern
Comfort. Peggy recollected not paying her much attention until
after she heard the girl's wailing and powerful voice. After
complimenting her raw  talent, Janis claimed
emphatically. "you're my first fan." They eventually
became lovers whose romantic moments were interspersed over the
years, but held strong during Woodstock when Peggy was the only
non-musician to experience flying into the massive, dirty event
on a helicopter, first class. It was the only way she would attend,
and Janis just had to have her moral supporter by her side for
one of the largest exposures for musical artists in history.
Sometime after Joplin left her back-up-band, Big Brother and
The Holding Company. urged by her manger Albert Grossman
to pursue a solo career, she hooked up with Kris Kristofferson,
who wrote one of her most memorable hits, "Me and Bobby
McGee," featured on her final album, Pearl. The tragic
day, when she was found dead in her cheap hotel room, left a
gigantic hole in not only Peggy's heart, but that of the nation.
Our first ever, female rock n roll superstar bit the dust, way
to young. It took an extended period of time to recover from
such a heavy blow, but over the years Peggy has been pursued
by many interviewers to be a consultant on the details of Janis
Joplin's life. She remains involved in several types of businesses,
and persists in spite of the wreckage, surviving an era we could
all forget, if it weren't for the drastic social changes spurred
by people opening their minds. By Kelly Book for Ciao Magazine |
 AC ROCK AND SPARK CENTRE
FOR A GREAT CAUSE - The George Weston Recital hall is just that,
a recital hall. When I walked into this incredibly designed structure
per l'arte de l'arte at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, I was quickly reminded of my days in
Europe sprinting from one acoustically perfect theatre to another.
There is almost a spiritual aura when you're standing in rooms
still emanating the essence of music that has the ability to
reach out and touch the inner soul. I was early and decided to
try and catch the sound check. As I approached the back stage
I was stopped by a security guard asking me for credentials.
I showed him my press pass and satisfied his curiosity. In an
authoritative tone he expressed that the band did not want anyone
present during sound check. I said "ok" and walked
to a local restaurant to kill some time before the concert. I
knew AC was closing the show and decided I need not rush. An
hour and a bottle of Masi red later I returned to the event,
entering like a church mouse and found myself in the presence
of what I presumed was the MC for the evening. I was just in
time. I could hear the amps being turned on and a slight static
sound coming from the stage. As soon as I heard the first chord
I knew it was Gypsy, that haunting tune that sent the band on
to international heights. Jimi sang the song with dedication
in this live version although, originally, it was the late Brian
Cotterill who crooned on the record. The crowd was mixed, young,
old and a few who mistook the venue for an amusement park. They
played Thank You, which I believe is the band's signature song.
My mind was running like a greyhound and the emotional wheels
of my youth began to spin as I recalled kissing a young woman
to this song. Then, the almost sold-out crowd was treated to
a new song as was indicated by Jimi as he struggled with his
monitor. Wishing On A Star seemed so apropos to this wonderful
occasion. I did not need to hear more than a couple of verses
to realize that this is another great tune that Mr. Bertucci
has penned both lyrically and musically. By the end of the song
it was clear that the audience members agreed with me as they
enthusiastically demonstrated their approval with thunderous
applause. The evening was shaping up to be perfect until Ms.
Mc appeared onstage and began to thank Abraham's Children. I
could see the confused look on each of the band member's faces.
The sign-off was obviously unexpected and premature on their
behalf. Jimi interjected announcing that they would like to properly
say good night to the pumped-up crowd who was still applauding
and proceeded to asked them to clap to the groove as the next
tune started, a song which I soon recognized as Goodbye Farewell,
another in their string of top ten hits. It was at this point
that the sparks began to fly. I could see the chaos and someone
who appeared to be in charge asking the soundman to cut the power.
Nevertheless, the band was not discouraged and they kept playing
and singing like the motley crew that they were known to be.
Finally, the sound engineer turned the mics back on as AC's heightened
energy ripped right through the velvet seats of the theatre and
the crowd of people clapping and singing along like it was the
national anthem of pop. The song ended and the musically thirsty
ticket holders applauded in appreciation of the memories.The
new AC line-up included Shawn O'Shea on guitar, Glenn Olive on
bass, Gerry Fielding on drums, Will Hare on keyboards and special
guest Roxanne Tellier on background vocals. I would have to say
this is the probably the best version of the band I've had the
pleasure to hear since the original "Fab Four" members
back in the day. With some of Canada's top musical acts performing,
like Abraham's Children, the charity event benefiting Alli's
Journey was a night not to be easily forgotten. courtesy www.thechildrenrock.com |
|
 TORONTO
SUN Seventies-era Toronto
bubble-gum pop band Abraham's Children are reuniting tonight
for a show at the George Weston Recital Hall at the Toronto Centre
for the Arts. The performance is part of the fourth annual Alli's
Journey Take My Hand Gala, a charity that aids young cancer victims
between the ages of 18-35, and was founded by Alli Shapiro before
she passed away from the disease in 2006. It was her brother
Shain Shapiro, who knows Jimi Bertucci, the lead singer of Abraham's
Children, that got the band involved. "I'm not really into
nostalgia (but) when Jimi called me and said, 'Hey, why don't
we get together, we haven't played in 30 years, and it's for
cancer,' I went, 'Yeah, okay,' " said Abraham's Children
guitarist Shawn O'Shea, whose day job is working at the Toronto
Sun. "I'm not really into going back to the '70s (or) Herman's
Hermits, or some old band standing up there playing to 15-year-old
girls. "I find that kind of obscene, actually. All the stuff
that I've done in the last 10 years is more like rock, like The
Stones or The Black Crowes, heavier riff-rock. And Abraham's
Children was definitely a pop band when we were in our 20s."
The reunion has meant three band rehearsals for Abraham's Children,
who will be performing four songs tonight -- Gypsy, Goodbye Farewell,
and Thank You -- and a new song written by Bertucci. "The
strangest thing for me is that, back in the day, when we hit
the first chord of our hit Gypsy, thousands of people would come
to their feet," said O'Shea. "And now we're sort of
a bunch of middle-aged guys in the basement in our socks learning
these songs again. It's very weird to me. It's surreal. The fact
that we're dipping into the past, for a guy who can't stand nostalgia,
it's interesting." In the years since Abraham's Children
disbanded, O'Shea has been a working musician, producer, written
a pop musical, Crazy Nights, and sci-fi book,
Sister Snow. He most recently released a second solo album, Rebel
Station, on May 2. Still, despite his obvious desire to move
on from his bubble-gum pop music days, O'Shea will admit Abraham's
Children accomplished a lot during its short tenure. "The
band, in the short time it was around, was kind of legendary,"
he said."No one could stand on stage with us because Jimi
was the most charismatic frontman I've ever seen in Canada. He
was like Elvis. Women fainted when he walked in the room. LIKE
THE BEATLES "Now, he's like a middle-aged Italian guy, but
back in the day Jimi was incredibly star-like and charismatic.
And Abraham's Children, every place we played, whether it was
20,000 people or 15,000 people, it was like the Beatles. The
girls went insane. So for the short time we were together, the
band was incredible." JANE.STEVENSON@SUNMEDIA.CA
Also on the bill is Ian Thomas
and Rock Plaza Central. |
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DYK Todd Rundgren,
Rory Gallagher, Dr Hook & the Medicine Show, Status Quo,
Foot in Coldwater, Diamondback, Abraham's Children Aug 11 Centre
Island $9.00 |
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Pier 21 Next |
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