Edmonton Rockfest August 18, 2017 Upon the release of Mad Mad World 25 it looks like Tom Cochrane’s life will continue to be a Highway. He says “the road was and is like going to school.” An iconic career which started in the pubs, rough neck bars and coffeehouses of the roads and highways of first Ontario and then the rest Canada and then the world has spanned over 4 decades and is characterized by creative, adventurousness and musical and personal integrity. Commenting on some of the jobs he had early on in his life, which include cab driving, working at CIL Paints, on the loading dock at Sears and Canada Packers, crewing out on a sail boat (not a cruise ship). “Those gigs are character builders, you pay some bills along the way with them but it’s real life also that you learn from and draw songs from.” A few years into his tenure with Red Rider they graduated to larger venues, halls, arenas and festivals stages. “The early days never leave you though, they get etched on your soul like a tattoo.” Within and without Red Rider, Tom has released 17 albums. Having helped shape the musical landscape for future generations of Canadian artists, Tom remains one of only 3 male Canadian singer songwriters to have a diamond certified album in Canada (over a million copies sold). Mad Mad World is now around 1.7 million in Canada, and at over 3 million worldwide. Songs such as Life Is A Highway and Lunatic Fringe have been international hits and continue to garner much airplay around the world. The release of Mad Mad World 25, #MMW25, will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the release of this hallmark recording and will be accompanied by a launch at the National Music Center in Calgary and a tour in 2017. MMW25 will include a re-mastered edition of the original recordings as well as a live Westwood One performance circa 1992 from Chicago and the original demo of Life Is A Highway before it was renamed. “We are extremely excited to play MMW25 in it’s entirety live also with some of the other songs people want to hear in the set as well of course.” – Tom says.
The name VERA came about while trying to find a name for a dog. Frontman Douglas Mitchell was reading through a book on German names trying to find a name for his family's new dachshund puppy. He decided to cover the side of the book with the names so he could only see their meanings. When he came across the words "truth" and "hope" he was intrigued and uncovered the name beside them. The name written was VERA. It occurred to him that VERA would make an interesting band name. The name also brought to mind one of Doug's favourite albums: Pink Floyd's The Wall, in which the singer Vera Lynn is used as a symbol for the promise of hope. Those two words, "truth" and "hope" have become an underlying theme in much of VERA's music to date. Oh, and the dog? The kids eventually named her Molly. VERA consists of guitar player and lead singer Douglas Mitchell, as well as guitarist Kyle Mosiuk, keyboardist Brennan Cameron, bassist Paul Bergeron and drummer Brendan Lyons. The band released their self titled debut album in January of 2013 and have since been performing original music across Alberta. VERA's music is modern in tone, but with vintage throwbacks to classic rock, pop, blues and soul music. Their music is energetic and emotional, and their live show experience mirrors this. Lush keyboards, searing guitars and tight harmonies all backed up by a solid and funky rhythm section. Both onstage and on record, VERA commands attention and always delivers a reason to keep moving, keep grooving, and keep listening. The band is currently writing and demoing new material with the goal of releasing new music in 2017. Stay tuned.
Edmonton Rockfest August 19, 2017 Chronic Rock was formed in Edmonton in 2010 and has made a name for themselves as a favorite local cover band. Performing rock and pop hits spanning the decades from the 70’s to today. They have played many private and public events across Alberta and BC, they have played various casinos and are a regular roster band at On The Rocks downtown. They recently opened for Prism at the Century Casino, they will perform at the big Canada Day celebrations for the Edmonton Garrison this year and have been known to donate their talent to causes that are close to their hearts.
