MUSIC PREVIEW: Streetheart survivors pay tribute to their fallen leader
Some classic rock bands get grief from fans for continuing under their old name after the loss of their lead singer.
But put yourself in their shoes: You work hard your whole life, share all the good times, the bad, help make your band much more than the sum of its parts – and then your singer dies. It’s very sad. You move on – but what are you supposed to do next? Quit? Chuck out the entire brand? Form a new band nobody’s ever heard of? Carrying on after losing a principal band member is not selling out, or cashing in. It’s brave.
It remains to be seen if Streetheart will continue full-time following the death of frontman Kenny Shields in 2017, but on Friday night at the River Cree Casino the surviving band members Daryl Gutheil, Ken “Spider” Sinnaeve and Jeff Neill will pay tribute to their fallen leader with a special show on a limited tour. With Winnipeg singer Paul McNair doing lead vocals, they’ll also be joined by Nick Gilder and Sweeney Todd.
A statement from the band says it best: “We have had to process not only the deep personal loss of a dear friend but also the opportunity to play our music. Music that defined each of our lives, and our paths. And as we have learned over the past year, music that has also had a deep impact on the lives of many of you as well. Over the last 15 months we have received so much positive support from everyone, offering their condolences, sharing their memories with us and sending along their best wishes. The vast majority of you have also expressed, along with your deep respect for Kenny, that you want to hear the songs again, to keep that legacy and those memories alive.
“We agree with you …”
Friday 15
Old Man Luedecke – Though not technically “old,” Chris Luedecke’s music sounds like times of yore. This decorated Nova Scotia bluegrass banjosmith has quite a way with words, too, and they go well with his sunny afternoon folk fest side stage vibe. Tonight at Polar Park Brewing Co., 7 pm, $20 advance
BOOSH – Ah, such delightful lingo to describe themselves: “Local weirdo Chiptune outfit.” Chiptune, the internet tells us, is a form of electronic music created with 8-bit sound generators found in old-school video games – which must be why this band sounds like a video game gone mad. Album release this night at Coral Plaza (6768 99 Street). Uncle Outrage, Mrkryl, and Dead Fibres also perform. 8 pm, $10 at the door
Econoline Crush – This Canadian band was in the vanguard of the 1990s industrial rock scene, with hits therein including All That You Are, and Sparkle & Shine. The band has returned with two original members – including frontman Trevor Hurst – and will be playing a special secret pop-up surprise two-night residency at O2 Joe’s Taphouse and Grill (13509 127 Street). Be interesting in such an intimate venue. Edmonton’s own Medical Pilot is also on the bill. Friday and Saturday, 8 pm, tickets $20 – only available in person at the bar.
Saturday 16
Kyle Cavanagh – This travelin’ troubadour from Kamloops has two records to his name, and is currently playing his way across the continent on his “NYC or Bust” tour. Black Dog Freehouse, 4-6 pm, NO COVER
Cradle of Filth – Did you catch that CBC story interviewing some psychologist about how extreme metal bands actually have a healthy effect on their fans? Well, duh. And put this in your pipe, professor: If you toned down the GRRR, removed the distortion, double kicksmanship, screaming lead vocals, stage props made of bones, and analyzed this slick British speed metal band’s music in purely harmonic terms, you might hear Mussorgsky or Beethoven. Takes a lot of skill to play, too. Would those gothic classical dudes have formed a raging speed metal band if the proper gear (and electricity) had been available? Well, sure. They might’ve sounded exactly like Cradle of Filth. Starlite Room, 8 pm, $35 advance
The Almighty Turtlenecks – Supa-kool-funkadelic-good-time vibes are expected – nay, demanded from this local band that puts the “tet” in septet. Their album Hard Bangin’ was recorded at Edmonton’s Sound Extractors studio, run by Stew Kirkwood, who happens to be the band’s drummer under the name “Theo Moncrief.” He says they got their names through the “soul band name generator.” They also claim to have written and recorded the album in the space of just six hours under the influence of cheap malt liquor. This entire project is ridiculous, fresh, fun – which makes for a must-see show at the Aviary. Jay Gilday opens. 8 pm, advance tickets $10.
