The Weekend That Was

Don’t know where to begin to describe the weekend that was. So let us just say this, the Spirit of Peace and Music Festival in Freeport, Illinois was an experience we won’t soon forget. Nevermind the 30 hours we spent in the van travelling from Toronto to Freeport and back again. Nevermind the impossible task of finding a late night watering hole in downtown Freeport (oh, believe me, we tried). And nevermind the technical difficulties that plagued the first half of our set. Despite all of the attempts from external forces to drag the weekend down some dark alley and leave it for dead, Magnificence strong armed the bullshit, with the help of all the beautiful people who worked the festival and those who attended, and saved the weekend in glorious fashion.

Now, we can’t speak on behalf of every artist who performed nor every soul that came to enjoy the fest, but we can tell you that TAE (aka: The Apollo Effect) made the most of what came our way. We enjoyed our set and gave it our best. So many wonderful locals confirmed afterwards that they too appreciated our efforts and to them we are extraordinarily grateful. You people really know how to humble a bunch of Canadian boys with your pleasant nature and genuine smiles. 

Highlights of the day included a backstage acoustic jam and sing-a-long, watching a great set from Tonic as well as a monster set by Filter. More importantly, the time we spent chatting with both bands backstage made the day even sweeter than we thought possible.

Shout outs to Pat Scully, Fred Brennan, David Hogan, Norine Smythe, Dawoge and everyone who helped make the event the experience it was.

See ya next summer!

Jammin' Backstage @ Festival

In The Movie Theatre

In the movie theatre
Where my life became a flicker
On the big screen like a bad dream
You were there holding my hand
As I shot a man - in a black coat
With a crumpled note - that read
“Careful of the man who shakes your hand he is a traitor - take the elevator to the top floor and ask for Red Rose.”

And when i turned around you were gone,
Like a dog across a lawn - chasing a car,
Halfway to the stars
I thought we were forever
So much for ‘never say never’
It’s a pipe dream, it’s a bad scene
Let’s go for ice cream - in the winter
I like pancakes for dinner
Saved your bacon - excuse me? you must be mistaken

One of these days we’ll make it to the end – you and me friend
We’ll say goodbye, tears in eyes and all that good stuff
Watch our spirits rise because that’s what spirits do.

That's A Wrap!

We finally finished shooting the Night Time video. After the meat locker type atmosphere of a freezing warehouse, this shoot took place in the tiny confines of a sweaty rehearsal space. Either way, i'm sure you won't notice the temperature of the environment when you see the video. A big shout out to Jimmy Keegan and his crew for an amazing experience all around. We're hoping to do it again very soon. Sooner than you might think.

The Cars Finally Roll into Town

24years sounds like a prison term. In many ways that's exactly what it was. So finally getting to see one of the most influential bands in my life for the first time Friday night at the Sound Academy was beyond surreal. Sadly, since the passing of original bassist and part-time lead vocalist Ben Orr in 2000 to pancreactic cancer, the show was missing a little something to say the least.

Never ones for a flashy stage show, the remaining Cars picked up where they left off so many years ago. A righteous but rigid performance delivering solid versions of their biggest hits, minus a few very significant ones such as Magic, Shake It Up and Drive. The latter being their biggest hit as sung by the late Mr. Orr. Along with the hits, 6 songs from their enjoyable new disc Move Like This were presented in the "this ain't a reunion for the sake of a reunion" fashion.

From a long-time fans persepctive, it was bittersweet. Ric Ocasek could have taken a big shit in the middle of the stage and I would have been satisfied just fine thank you very much. But instead we got a delightful show with no surprises. My only wish is that now they make another record and give us at the very least, one more tour.

Check out the awesome Blue Tip from the new Move Like This album:

Behind The Scenes

Thems Fightin' Words!!

I think I might have discovered my true calling, as evident by me and UFC legend, Chuck Liddell.