Plus, they are like us, too, they broke up for awhile, too. This successful reformation led to the decision to record The Pikes 7th LP in Toronto during the fall of 2000. The spring of '93 saw the last tour for The Pikes, and the fifth and final album gig, recorded live during concerts in Montreal and Toronto. In the interim, Semko and Potvin carved respected solo careers. Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Lets just keep doing more of this.. Along the way, Merl Bryck made the decision to curtail his touring schedule in 2005 & long-time sideman and musician extraordinaire Ross Nykiforuk played with the band on stage from 2006-2011. The Centre, which houses Canadas Music Hall Of Fame in the fabulous Studio Bell complex, has beautiful recording studio space, along with some famous and classic recording equipment and instruments. Master's student in Liberal Studies at Simon Fraser University, researching the intersection of popular music and democracy, identity, memory and belonging; city and society; and marketing and its intersection with culture and politics. Youre slugging from square one again. Their personal tour back in November would have included a look at the three recording facilities. In Semko, Potvin, and Bryk the band had three lead singers and songwriters. The Pikes performed 3 songs at the induction ceremony, much to the delight of the audience. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Eventually, he started speaking publicly about his condition, even bringing a booth representing Toronto's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) along on a recent cross-Canada tour. And finally, theres the Rolling Stones Mobile, perhaps the piece de resistance at the centre, which was used to record everything from Exile on Main Street to Led Zeppelin III. The original lineup was spawned from the ashes of three local groups, The Idols, Doris Daye and 17 Envelope. It is the song for which the Pikes are best known. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. Making records, and what if it gets played on the radio. What followed was an intense six-year period during which the band released four hit albums, upward of a dozen singles, and opened for acts like Duran Duran, David Bowie, and the Fixx. Control Room B is home to a custom recording console built in 1977 for Olympic Studios, which is where everyone from the Beatles to Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix recorded. But the best feature was the spacious Studio A itself, designed as a throwback to the great studios of rock n rolls past. It featured two hit Canadian singles - "Wait for Me" and "Hopes Go Astray". This is a great lost classic that got by about everybody, Virgin didn't want to release it (fools! Read more about cookies here. A lot of people have some very meaningful memories that took shape around our music, says Potvin. The Grapes went through a lot of the same experiences we went through and a lot of the same challenges, Semko said. Forget that. "We did a demo in the summer of '86 that had Things I Do For Money on it," says Don. Penned by Pikes' singer, songwriter, and bassist Jay Semko, the song not only garnered the band critical acclaim, but also opened them up to a whole new facet of the listening public when the video for the song entered heavy rotation on both MuchMusic and MTV. If you are not yet registered, create your account now - it's FREE. For a group of hungry, young musicians who were hoping to combat hair metal and new wave with a guitar rock sound of their own, theirs was an isolated existence. Im a huge fan, a Grapes of Wrath fan, a fan of Kevins writing and singing, hes a super-talented guy who fits right in.. The Centre approached the band, offering its impressive studio space if the Pikes felt like recording an album. Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. The spring of 1993 saw the last tour of the decade for the Pikes and their LP gig. . In the summer, the Pikes will embark on another ambitious tour to mark the 30th anniversary of Secrets of the Alibi. The new album Forest of Love was released by Universal Music on June 7, 2019 and the band debuted the new music with 2 concerts that were filmed at the Blue Frog Studios in White Rock, BC. When the Northern Pikes got their start in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1984, the city wasnt exactly the hotbed of Canadian musical culture. They were also nominated for Best Video at the 1989 Juno Awards for their song "Wait for Me". Particularly if they were diehard aficionados of CanRock from the 1980s and 90s. Northern Pikes record new material for the first time in 15 years at the National Music Centre, Jason Kenney hired as senior advisor for Calgary tech company, Man charged with arson following Lake Louise fire that destroyed staff residence, displacing 165 people, New attractions at Calgary Stampede 2023 promising to deliver, Man went to Calgary hookah lounge, itching to shoot just anyone. When it came time for the Pikes to discuss new demos, Potvin was initially reluctant to share the song with his bandmates. We can still rock out pretty good. The band is scheduled to give a SOLD OUT performance at Studio Bell on Saturday, February 10. We want to extend the deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who ever bought a Pikes record or a concert ticket and supported us on this amazing journey over the years. We thought that just wasnt going to happen. They made us an offer we couldnt refuse, they were very accommodating, says Potvin. Hollingshead soon departed, though, and in 1986 was replaced by Don Schmid. The albums were co-produced, recorded and mixed with pal Mitch Barnett at Studio West located near Pike Lake, SK. In Toronto on June 18, 2018 The Pikes received a Socan Classic Award to commemorate 100,000 radio performances in Canada for She Ain't Pretty. About one year after recording their successful debut album, the Northern Pikes returned to the studio in the Spring of 1988 to record the follow-up. Recording again in Bearsville and mixing at A&M Studios in Los Angeles, The Pikes spent almost six months working on the album and it became their biggest selling album to date. The album returned to the charts on January 28, 1989 and stayed for 7 more weeks until March 11, 1989. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Youre into it. That was a pretty comprehensive run, that was 29 shows across the country, says guitar player Bryan Potvin. When we play in Saskatoon he often comes up and plays with us which is always nice.. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. (The album was re-released by Universal Music Canada as Big Blue Sky (Super-Sized) in November of last year to commemorate the 30th anniversary of its original release.). The next issue of Calgary Herald Headline News will soon be in your inbox. "It makes me feel good." On Wednesday, the Northern Pikes lead singer will return to Saskatoon's Evan Hardy Collegiate, his old high school, to speak about his struggle with mental health and. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Were gonna have some fun. In the next few years, singles like Things I Do for Money, Wait for Me, She Aint Pretty, and Dream Away would help the group become one of Canadas top purveyors of crisp, melodic pop-rock. The albums were co-produced, recorded and mixed with pal Mitch Barnett at Studio West located near Pike Lake, SK. The Northern Pikes have been quietly working on a new studio album since October 2019, and are now in the final mixing stages after several COVID interruptions. Two weeks later we were there playing in front of this massive outdoor crowd. The second single was the offbeat "Hopes Go Astray" written by Potvin, complete with a strange video of the band members in household situations in the middle of a prairie field. The Northern Pikes were formed in 1984 in the Prairie city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, comprised originally of Jay Semko, Brian Potvin, Merl Bryck, and Glen Hollingshead. tap here to see other videos from our team. Since then Bentall's appearance has been cancelled, but Pikes fanatics needn't fret about that, because now their faves are the headliners. Snow in June, (an entirely plausible scenario in many parts of Canada, by the way) was released in 1990, and delivered the bands biggest hits. It was the result of a friendly collision between the decision to open the National Music Centres studio spaces to the public for Sunday tours and also promote them as viable recording facilities available to bands. I went. Semko said returning to his old high school is meaningful for him, mainly because he wishes he had someone to talk to at that age. In January of 1987 the band began sessions at Metal Works in Toronto with producers Rick Hutt and Fraser Hill and finished mixing at McClear Place for what would become their 3rd LP and first Virgin release entitled Big Blue Sky. Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Calgary Herald, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. So well see what happens. Since then Bentalls appearance has been cancelled, but Pikes fanatics neednt fret about that, because now their faves are the headliners. They talk about how the song came t. I remember we were filming the video for that song and our manager told us we were going to be opening for David Bowie and Duran Duran at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. They released Neptune in 1992, toured in support, and in July of 1993 announced their retirement as a band. "It has some amazing gear, well-designed rooms, it's just over the top." Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings. When Jay and I decided to put the band together, says Potvin, we thought, Okay, why dont we learn some cover songs? Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. When we got in the studio, there was a sound that was coming out of the tracks right away that we latched on to, says Potvin. He doesn't usually perform hits that made Northern Pikes famous, but every so often he says he throws them into his solo sets. Were on our way. The Pikes 5th LP Snow In June saw the blossoming of Bryan as a singer and writer, most notably for the wildly popular hit single She Ain . The Northern Pikes are among the first high-profile acts to record there. All original members Jay Semko, Bryan Potvin, Merl Bryck and Don Schmid reunited in December 1999 to assemble a greatest hits package for Virgin Records. "There's the old saying, 'A picture is worth a thousand words,' so how many is a song worth?". "Eventually, I had a big crash in my early 20s and ended up spending a month in the psychiatric ward and was diagnosed as (bipolar).". Amplify is the online digital platform of the National Music Centre (NMC). In those days, weeklong residencies at local bars were common. Adams. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Still, while the band hasnt recorded in 15 years, Schmid said it felt more like 15 days when they returned to the studio. Right now we are touring as a three piece as Merl Bryck hasnt been able to tour with us since 2007 because other commitments keep him from being able to travel around the country with us. We have enabled email notificationsyou will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Most rock bands don't even have one good singer. You kind of get vertigo when you get in there. Its just been a blast, even the way it came about, he says. The resulting production had a more serious tone than their first, no longer talking about "Teenland" but themes of growing up and a political awareness of the world at large. In addition the album featured other smash hits Girl With A Problem, Kiss Me You Fool, Dream Away, and featured a star-studded cast of additional musicians Garth Hudson, Crystal Taliefero, John Sebastian and Stan Szelest, as well as mixes by acclaimed engineers Bob Clearmountain and Hugh Padgham. We encountered an issue signing you up. We sent them out and we got played, they charted really well. But he doesnt expect anyone to run screaming from the tour bus once it passes out of Saskatoons city limits. Tina Turner hanging off the Eiffel Tower in heels. In October '93 the final recording was made when Jay, Bryan and Ross got together at Don's home studio in Saskatoon to record the theme song for the TV series "Due South". Northern Pikes, last good album by these guys. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Nominated for 3 Juno Awards in 1991 (Group of The Year, Single of The Year, and Best Video), the song ultimately became the biggest hit of the Pikes career. The Pikes released some great music here. The combination of exciting live performances, well-received indie albums and the continuous stream of demos finally caught the ear of Doug Chappell, president of Virgin Records Canada and with the help of managers Fraser Hill and Ed Smeall, The Pikes signed to the label on December 18, 1986 at The Copa nightclub in Toronto. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. The album had a more live off the floor feel and the heavy airplay of the singles Wait For Me, Hopes Go Astray and Lets Pretend kept the band on the road virtually non-stop across the continent until the summer of 89. If you live in the Prairies and youre trying to be a musician as your main occupation, you have to be versatile, he points out. The afternoon he calls, his band still hasnt had its first rehearsal since the reunion tour was agreed upon. Simply the best (and bravest). It featured two hit Canadian singles - "Wait for Me" and "Hopes Go Astray". 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4. Big Blue Sky was released in 1987 with the singles Dancing In A Dance Club, Things I Do For Money and Teenland charting in Canada and receiving major radio airplay. It featured 13 songs and showcased the raw energy the band always exhibited onstage. And, its how we plan to continue moving for the next several years.. "Snow In June" (1990), should of been a million seller, instead it barely made a ripple. The current lineup is comprised of Schmid, Jay Semko (bass and vocals) and Bryan Potvin (guitar and vocals) is currently playing dates on its Power Trio tour. However, inspired by Virgins request in 1999 for input on a greatest hits package, the band found it enjoyed the more relaxed collaboration that making their own schedule allowed. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Secrets_of_the_Alibi&oldid=1001948977, This page was last edited on 22 January 2021, at 03:13. That big tour proved theyd found the right player, and right friend for the job. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. They set up each day and all played together, recorded full takes all at once, just like bands used to do. But while many of the instruments are vintage and the recording equipment analogue, the recordings spaces are not meant to be retro just for retros sake. To contribute to the conversation, you need to be logged in. Canadian rock band formed in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1984. "It's amazing how some things in life come full circle" says Don, "hopefully we can keep on recording new music for many years to come.". We had piles of records, envelopes, postage, and mailing addresses, and we turned Jays basement into a mailing room.. In 2017 Universal Music created a 30th Anniversary (Super-Sized) reissue of 1987's Big Blue Sky and the band embarked on a 29 city Canadian tour in celebration of the beloved album. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Bryck lived in Montreal and travelled to England and Australia, spending lots of time Down Under before moving back to Saskatoon a couple of years ago. In 1985 Glen left the band and Jay went back to playing bass and while numerous drummers came and went it was in June of 1986, when Don Schmid (The Idols) joined to make it a permanent quartet. Dont You Give Up was written the night before in Bryan and Kevins hotel room, says Kane. If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, unlimited online access is. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. The Northern Pikes were formed in 1984 in the Prairie city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, comprised originally of Jay Semko, Brian Potvin, Merl Bryck, and Glen Hollingshead. Being inducted into the Western Canadian Music Hall of Fame was an amazing moment, said Schmid. Though the band announced an indefinite hiatus in 1993, they joined forces again before the decades end in 1999, and have continued to tour and release new music independently. The original members are Jay Semko, Bryan Potvin, Merl Bryck and Glen Hollingshead, who left the band in 1985 and was replaced by Don Schmid in June 1986. Each one has a historic console that conjures up the spirit of some of rock and rolls most iconic figures. Youd play four 45s a night, and then at the end of the evening around last call, youd get to play your three rowdiest tunes. We had good radio airplay, I guess, off of She Aint Pretty and Things I Do for Moneythose two made a bit of a dent. The band got to record on a classic 1975 British-made Trident recording console, the fifth of only 13 ever built. The Saskatoon band, which formed in 1984 and found national success with albums such as 1987s Big Blue Sky and 1990s Snow in June, are recording new material for the first time in 15 years. When you connect that to a room that is embracing modern technology and design principles, then you get those influences into the sounds as well. Each day brought a new surprise. Liner Notes: Revealing Chats With . "We're removing the stigma and letting people know that mental health is health," he said. But Semko and Potvin shared the lead vocal duties with Semko singing Things I Do For Money, Hopes Go Astray and Girl With A Problem while Potvin handled the lead vocals for Dream Away and She Aint Pretty. 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