Chilling Out with Cool Guys
Whoa… Mar here with another update already! I must be chained to my computer. I never get more than one entry done a month. But I just had to talk about what’s been going on in the Vancouver area.
First of all i spent the last week hanging out with Orchestral Pop Noir Romantique superstars The Dears who’s home town is snowy Montreal. They had never been east of Ontario before so the long drives were wearing on them and they were glad to be back in a big city like Vancouver. On their very first day here I met them at CBC where the Dears were recording a session for RadioSonic. I took George, Martin, and tour manager Joseph out later that night to Brit Pop night at the Purple Onion. Just get a quick plug in for the Monday nite Brit Pop here… it’s the best in Vancouver and the 60s room hosted by DJ Lee Modern is an added Bonus! Thursday night was the actual night of the Dears’ show which sold out the Piccadilly Pub. All the scenesters were out to catch a glimpse of this fresh band’s first appearance in Canada’s premiere RainCity (and yes, it rained that night as well). They played past the Pic’s curfew of midnight with the house lights blinding everyone. Steve Balogh of the Vancouver Nights preceded to unscrew the lights bulbs of the house lights so it was dark again. But the set was cut a bit short by an employee of the bar and the Dears were forced to sell their merchandise on the street… because everyone was kicked out into the cold. I don’t blame the Piccadilly staff though, they are trying to get a better license so their bar can stay open ’til 1:00AM and having people in there past midnight doesn’t help.
Other big Vancouver news The Black Halos Vancouver’s biggest rock’n'roll export have broken up but not officially yet. Here’s the story… Guitarist Rich Jones announced he was leaving the band earlier this week to join Los Angeles metal band Amen. Soon to follow was second guitarist Jay Millette who announced he was leaving, and there are rumours that the rest of the band is quitting as well. The Black Halos X-mas show at the Commodore Ballroom December 22 is still up in the air… if it does in fact happen Rich Jones will not be playing the show as the rest of the band has asked he not play. The Black Halos were at the height of their popularity so everyone is a bit shocked including 
myself. And on the same note Vancouver girl rockers Clover Honey have also called it a day. Their web site hasn’t been updated since September and it’s rumoured bass player Anita has left to go back to school. ??? Somebody please fill me in on the details.
Ok, back to good news. The well dressed and very serious Victoria boys Hot Hot Heat have just signed to Sub Pop. That’s right loose one Canadian band (Black Halos) sign another one. Also Hot Hot Pants (as I prefer to call them due to their extremely tight pants) are touring Hawaii in the New Year and I wish them the best of luck with their musical career!
Ok, I’m going to the Psychedelic Furs/ Echo and the Bunnymen show tomorrow night for free. Wooo… and then next week I head off to Toronto for some CBC related stuff and I’m hoping to finally meet CBC Television’s news anchor Peter Mansbridge. That guy is my hero!
All right check ya later… xox Mar
PS. George Harrison was my all time favourite Beatle. I spent yesterday listening to all my Beatles albums in my room. I’m gonna miss that guy!
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