2008 Canadian Shows blog updated Friday April 4th 11.45am* note:new sidebar links
Watch this space between now and Thursday/Friday ..... for 3possibly / more than likely 4newCanadian shows . 1 a bit north of T.O, 2 east of T.O . and a new club opening in T.O. :)
March 3rd Jeff Healey passes on. Jeff finally 'see's the light' .........another good man gone. The Wholigans were honored to have shared the stage with Jeff in the 80's. 1 COOL CAT. http://www.jeffhealey.com/ Hey Jeff, give Hendrix a couple of pointers when you meet him ;) Condolence book http://www.jeffhealey.com/wishes
The Wholigans will perform on Friday May 9 following a showing of ... Amazing Journey - The Story of the Who. http://xrl.us/AMAZINGJOURNEY at the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre. Festival kick-off $32
' You guy's are still around ? ' ..........Tour......April /May 2008
Hey!..... isn't that Dave 'gater'Smith on bass from the 80's Wholigans lineup ?_________________________________________
The Canadian Wholigans will be the same band that toured Germany last October.Barry/Roger.....Darren Lolk/Pete....Dave'gater'Smith/the ox....Darren A./Keith
Lost a musician friend yesterday to a heart attack at 49 .
Bruno was a friend I came upon (at least 10+ years ago)through Chris Bacon(wholigan guitarist) and Ray Harris (a one time wholigan bassist)and good friend.
Those 3 guys (along with singer Peter) were in a south Florida band in the late 70'/80's called Z-Cars who were very popular back then, and just recently in the summer had filmed a reunion concert/movie along with other popular Florida bands of the time including one with Johnny Depp.
Bruno was keen to drum for The Wholigans at one time as he knew a lot of Who songs as he played them in zcars, and we met a number of times over the years and even played in Miami/FtLauderdale.
Bruno wasn't a close close friend but he meant a lot to Ray and Chris, and through them I met a great guy ....and any friend of those guys is a friend of mine.
Bruno I'll miss you man, I hope they have a bloody ceasar waitng backstage at the great gig in the sky for you.
As you can see up above I've changed the photo. Yes I KNOW I'm looking older now, but hell what do you want ?;\ it's been 25 years++++ Those photo's were taken around 1981-2-3ish (I'm not sure) I'm going to change the photo title perodically, to show The Wholigans over the years. Later, Barry ps:the guy on the right is wassisname? ooh I can't remember? you know..it's that little singer fella who's in that orrible band from sheperds bush innit ? who is ee again ? uhm? 1986-7ish ? or so Rock n roll Heaven Toronto 'Who are you'
btw: I was messing arond today and marked some of my favourite video's/songs on youtube today. The video's run from Sinatra to Sabbath , so be prepared. http://www.youtube.com/user/TheWholigans
'Fog on the Tyne' 1971.........old grey whistle test
Geordie heroes through and through :) by ....those were the days.
'Clear White Light' 25th anniversary at Newcastle City hall 1995. Unfortunately I missed this one, but just watching it makes me feel like I was there.:)
A big thank you to those of you that sent me get well cards recently, you made me smile :) and also everybody who called over the last 3 weeks. ___________________________ Now.....that said.
I'm chomping at the bit to sing right now but I have to do what I have to do , and that means physio,walking,more physio more walking etc etc It's not too bad to be honest. I'm on quite the health trip ,I amaze myself sometimes. Not a whole lot to say otherwise , it's a case of 'Hurry up & wait'.
OK...SO......I'm working on a bazillion gigs for next year, which also happens to be a 'hurry up and wait' deal as our agents don't seem to be in any kind of hurry.
It's funnyno matter how hard I throw my passion for playing The Who's music out there, agents and venues still have a blase attitude towards The Who, kinda throwing them in the has been bin or placing them secondary behind the Stones//Zepp/Beatles/Floyd etc.
It's been that way forever, it gets old , but I'd rather play for a dozen rabid Who fans than thousands of sheep any other day.
Who fans are a passionate bunch like no other and the music takes no prisoners, why oh why can't the bookers see that ?
Most agents/venues are content booking 4-5 crappy " tributes"to an aforementioned big name act (who play a dozen or so songs without knowing shit about the nuances and the intricacies it takes or how to feel it ,or knowing where the music came from and how/why it was created)vs one who actually embodies the music and is passionate and has been for 25 years !.
Anyone can dress the part and play the song, but only a certain few can feel it and be it. I could do a zepp or some other tribute tomorrow and make tons of money (not that I don't like Zepp.. I DO), but the emotion factor wouldn't be there. The audience can spot a fake a mile away, yeah the songs by these other bands are great but if the performer doesn't do it justice by being all they can be , then what's the point ? I guess it drives me nuts when I see top 40 bands add the word 'tribute' to their moniker and hope to cash in on the backs of hard working tributes like The Wholigans,The Blushing Brides and 1964 who have earned their right to rightfully be called 'a tribute'
When it all ends, all I can say is I did my best and fuck the rest,I KNOW where my heart lies, it's a shame bookers don't book with their heart, instead of a lust for the almighty $$$.
Where this rant came from I don't know, maybe I have too much time on my hands :\
We'll see you next year if I can wake the booking world up to what real music is ,and bands with heart, enough of these posers for a paycheck bullshit !
If you only knew how much money this band has lost/not made over the years your brain would explode ! We are definetly not in it for the money...WHAT MONEY ?!
So ...you say "why do it ? " and I say to you ....Listen to the music and then hit the stage just one time and perform it for just one person who 'get's it' and you'll knowwhy we do it.
Rock is dead they say.........................LONG LIVE ROCK ! * pops lorezepam ; \* ps:On an unrelated note. This is a rockin site , I've been listening to old Thin Lizzy and Robin Trower concerts (and of course The Who) check it out (I am in no way connected to the site, it's just a cool place!) http://concerts.wolfgangsvault.com/?utm_source=NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=071128
Currently listening to Rush 1984 Maple Leaf Gardens YYZ. I searched for Lindisfarne(geordies),Status Quo , FREE and Bad Co and Queen (a big omission if you ask me !) and some Canadian bands like 'a foot in cold water ' and Max Webster & Kim Mitchell but came up empty :( .. (anybody know where I can find these ?) but overall the site is great.
OH ! I got tickets to see Robin Trower Jan 19th, the man is absolutely awesome,I've seen him many times before but it never gets old, I'm so excited ! :) I'm too rolling stoned !!!!!
PS to the PS: I'm trying my damndest to get back to Canada and the UK next year, so if you would like to see us .........please tell/mail/call your local venue and tell them about us and send them our websites. It all starts with one knock on the door.
I'm getting a little bit of computer sit down time and I figured with my new found health I'd start anew with the blog. Problem is it will take a while (especially now where my time is limited) so give me a bit :\ Trying to figure out the new template etc etc.
Apart from that, things healthwise are so so right now, but I'm ahead of the curve, just not doing the speed limit ...yet. :) The stitches come out next week, andhopefullyI can drive soon.
ta-ra fa now .
Whey-aye ya bugga !
ps:I still can't figure out where to add video's except in posts, so here's a bunch of Tommy from Germany + you can access other related video's from it or see my links for all Wholigan video's on youtube from 1986 to 2007 (DAMN I'M OLD!!!!) I don't seem to have video from 82-86, could be because the video camera wasn't invented (serious), either that or it was mega $$$$
Also 3 pages of photo's now up at http://www.fivefifteen.com/Thumbs07.html More of mine coming, and I'm still waiting for some more from the guys. *HINT HINT* Darren 1 & 2 and Dave......HELLO????????
1 Week ago today........HELL ! ...........I cannot emphasize this word any stronger ! Today....Better....and each day is better than the day before, not major but better. 6" scar. 3 1/2 hour surgery. L3/L4/L5/S1 Hospital prisoner....Wed/Thurs/Fri/Sat !!!!! Released Sat aft, should have stayed another day, to be honest : Walker. Can't do diddly, not supposed to be on here.......but Watching tv 1 pill (not strong enough though). ;\ , no booze. Shit. (several conotations applied to the variance and terms of the word 'shit' ) Bored. Lost weight :) Can't lift/drive/sit too long/walk too much etc etc etc yada yada yada blah blah blah
1week from now....who know's ;\
Hafta run ........ ha ha :) Barry WHERE ARE THE WHOLIGANS
'Noses in Dresden'...or was it Cologne, either way the honker on the right looks like mine !!!(that's Darren's finger on the right, good job he can play guitar because as a photographer he's bloody awful ;)
Oct 30th Tuesday 1.10pm WELL , believe it or not ...the hospital wants me there at 5.15 am tomorrow. If you're a Who fan you will know the song called 5.15 from Quadrophenia. Talk about coincedence !!! Surgery is at 7.15.
I'll be back here on the blog later today with more on Germany and photo's , but for now I have a list a mile long which I've been putting off for days, but today is the last chance to do anything remotely connected to heavy lifting,cutting grass etc.....so I better go....don't want to ...but have to. :( See you in a bit.
Barry
ps:Dunno where all the script and video's went from the right hand side of my blog , but I'll get on it as soon as I get the other 2 million things on my list done !
A shot from the backstage area of our gig in Berlin, it was in an old (very old! ) cinema which sat about 50 people I'm guessing. It even had a skeleton of Elvis in a closet, or so we were told by the owner . (a real bloody skeleton !!!) Thanngyoothanguuuoo vurry much !
The 2nd row was Darren2's dressing room , row 4 /5 and 6 were Daves ;) Mine was wherever, and Darren/Keith had the first 4 ront rows (he's an exhibitionist dontyaknow !)
That is obviouslya dyslexic peace sign I'm giving ;)
Bad Enbach...... Nice suit ! An appreciative crowd :)
Darren has a duel with an unknown cowboy to see who has the bigger pistol !
I'll blog about the German trip this week I promise, but right now I'm in between doctors visits etc and working here and there. I only have until next Tuesday to write, as Halloween is my big back surgery day, and I'll be stuck there in hospital for 3 days ,then home for 6-9 weeks and recouperating with absolutelyno computer access allowedfor a minimum of 2-3 weeks, as I'm only allowed to lay down and not sit at a computer chair. (+I don't have a laptop)
So no-one will get emails or posts from me but I will have a phone by my side as I stare at blockbuster movies for a zillion weeeks ! :( Call me if you want, but give it a few days as I'll be in pain/stoned for a little while ; }
This is my FINAL SURGERY (99.9% sure) I'm having partial bone removal allowing nerves now being crushed that are cutting off access to my legs and feet allowing normal activity + removal of bone spurs and arthritis between L4 and L5 (lower back) all through a 3" cut in the lower spine.
This is the biggest surgery to date and hopefully will be a new day in my life as I'm tired of complaining as most around me are of hearing about it ( I know I know :( ) I'll be coming home after 3 days in the big house with a self medicating pain pump which will have the button permanently pressed down ;}
In a weird kind of way I'm looking forward to it as I've been not the nicest guy in the last few years and am going to try and change/turn around 100% my personality, but without promises...I can only try.
Being in pain for 3 years now and on meds screws a person up but that's all going to change after xmas.
My apologies to all those I've been a complete arsehole to in the last few years I hope you forgive me.
My wife who is surely a saint has been there every day through a lot of shit, god knows how she did it but she did and is still doing it, thankyou dear, I love you.
As for the future , I don't know if The Wholigans are in it, lets take a wait and see attitude, it's too early too call.
If not, it's been a wild ride,
if so then lets 'drive that train cos , I'm out of my brain on the 5.15'
Thanks to all the fans for 25 years, it's been great ! :)
Hopefully I'll be better for/by christmas.
To those who have photo's of Germany, please send them to me well before next Wednesday so I can share them with everybody, I seriouslycannot do it after my surgery.
Barry :)
ps:Don't forget to see the concert link in the blog below and visit http://www.fivefifteen.com/ to see photo's and sign the guestbook.
I just got back home to Florida last night and am being a bum today sleeping off jet lag etc.
I'll post a blog about the whole tour over the next few days (and it will take a while to remember everything) Here's a link see our Hamburg Kaiserkeller show anytime ,the keller famous for being the club that The Beatles played their last show in Germany. http://www.onlinemusicstar.de/band/97 click on the right link under 'rating' Aufzeichnung ansehen , then sign in as guest guest123
The Black Olives play to the 57 minute mark first, but you can fast forward to The Wholigans if you wish, but the olives are a great band and the drummer looks oh so familiar ;)
It takes about 15 minutes for the olives to start in realtime, but depending how fast your computer downloads the show, you can fast forward. The Wholigansstart at the 17 minute.30second-ish mark after the olives.... duh ;) We play about 2 hours I believe, the first half is 'live at leeds' and a lot of 'Tommy' then a few Quadrophenia and various 'Who's Next' ending with WGFA.
I believe the show will be edited to a show with no gaps , but I'm not in charge of that, the website who did the show is.
OO OO It's getting close ! :) I leave Tuesday and I am trying to connect all the dots right now, but I have so many to join up I don't know whether I'm coming or going !
Hafta go do something right now (not sure what) but I know I have to do it ! oh yeah....I'm writing a setlist for the first few shows, it will change throughout the tour .
I'll be back here soon to update you on the trials and tribulations of being a Wholigan.
Updated 9pm Thursday August 23rd The band lineup will come as a big surprise to a lot of you, it is........... Me (of course) Darren Atkinson (drums) Darren Lolk (guitar) fromL.A's 'My Generation' and formerly of 'The WhoShow' Dave Smith (bassist since 85) ___________ Hamburg 2003 'Overture'
Unfortunately the current bassist Mark Tinker was unable to make it because of a severe family illness.(which is not my place to share, unless told )
Dave was kind enough (and very willing I might add) to step in at the last minute, and those of you that know Dave, know he is very capable and can be seen at the bottom of this blog/page in 'the real me' video taken at the Hamburg WHO convention in 2003 and in older video's on the right hand side of this page and in older blogs. http://thewholigans.blogspot.com/2006/10/25-years.html Also the other 2 at the bottom taken in Leeds in 03.
THE WHOLIGANS ……..25th Anniversary tour 2007 A tribute to The Who since 1982 w/special guests from the UK 'Black Olives' http://www.blackolivesmusic.com/
___________________ I did a Q & A for the upcoming Wholigan German tour for the newspapers, that's how they promo shows. The translation is far far far from the actual interview.(at the bottom of this blog is the English version)
It's fucking hilarious (imo anyway)seeing as I know what I said in English ! lol:)
For instance
These 2 are priceless!!!!
Quote……Who experienced The Wholigans 2003 in Hamburg, or wherever in the USA or Great Britain, will confirm:
"those sweep the roof of the hut!"
Or
A: Thus I played innumerable bad people with large dreams in these 25 years with approximately 20 different Wholigans and it to have with us played, and I am in principle the only constant in that volume.
The interview in English.
Actual interview in English Interview with Barry Quinn – founder and lead singer of The Wholigans
1. 25 years ago, you founded The Wholigans. What made you coming up with this idea
A: Well it wasn’t so much of an ‘idea’ but more of an accident. The band I was in based in Montreal were an original metal type band and played also popular songs of the day like Ozzy, Aerosmith, Queen etc and at some point we careened off into The Who with a couple of songs like ‘squeeze box’ ‘summertime blues’ ‘Pinball Wizard’ etc They seemed to go down very well with the crowd and we added a couple more and it snowballed. It just so happened I looked and sounded like Daltrey (neither intentional) The guitarist also bore a close resemblance. One day we changed the name of the band to The Whooligans’ taken from a best of Who lp called HOOLIGANS. (note our spelling)
After a little while we removed one 0 and became The Wholigans, and many years later fans borrowed our name to refer themselves as Who fans calling themselves ‘Wholigans’ I’m very proud of the name. We were one of only 3 tributes in the world at that point in 1982 that I’m aware of , and we were the first ever WHO tribute to take the act to another level.
2. The members of The Who were: Pete Townshend as one of the greatest guitar players in Rock who invented the power chord, and even Paul Weller admitted, that he’s not able to play everything on guitar, John Entwistle, who was elected ‘bass player of the millennium, Keith Moon, undoubtly the most energetic and wildest drummer ever in rock music and last but not least, Roger Daltrey, your alter ego on stage, also undisputed one of rock music’s icons and one of the best frontmen. How did you manage to find musicians that are able to do what the original line up of The Who did, with the same power, with the same anger – and in nearly the same quality? A: Well I’ve played with close to 20 different Wholigans over 25 years and I’ve auditioned many bad players with big dreams, and many great players with myself being the one constant. I think I am the weakest link , but because I have such great players around me they make me look good. This is not about 1 individual, it takes an army of 4.
It took years to find some, minutes for others and some by accident. It’s not particularly the playing that makes a great Wholigan, but the attitude combined with great playing makes a great bandmember, you’ve got to feel the music, not simply go through the motions on stage. Usually if I can’t get on with the guitarist then usually that chemistry works great ;) Bottom line is , only the best musicians play with The Wholigans and would play for free (which is usually the case after expenses!!! ) Rockstars need not apply.
3. What were and are the reasons to do a Who tribute, instead of doing own stuff? A: As I’ve said it was an accident in the creation of this band so that was not a choice, but having said that we all as individuals have recorded/pursued original material and should something happen for an individual..great. The Wholigans have now become a franchise and will continue with different members no matter what, even one day I will be replaced ;)
4. Who ever witnessed The Wholigans on stage, will confirm, that it’s almost like seeing the old original.. Even Irish Jack Lyons, one of the first ever Who fans who experienced The Who’s legendary appearances at the Marquee in London, back in 1964, and also one of the most famous fans (he inspired Pete Townshend to the main figure of Quadrophenia, Jimmy), broke to tears while seeing you for the first time at a Who convention in London in 2003, saying: it’s absolutely like being back again in the 60ies. Did you do a special training to get the same attitude on stage as the original members, and what happens when you turn back from being Roger Daltrey into being Barry Quinn again?
A:No training necessary, love to play, & love to play The Who. As for Roger back to Barry ? Well, to be honest you see a lot of me on stage with just a few Daltrey-ism’s thrown in, I just do what I do and fortunately it works.
5.The Who are still working – and just have been on a worldwide tour, with also 7 shows in Germany. What’s the difference between the shows the people in Germany just witnessed attending the shows of the original Who and The Wholigans? Why should people, who’ve just seen the original come to see The Wholigans’ show?
“What’s the difference” A: We only play material recorded during the day’s with Keith Moon from day one until his death in 78, although our main sound /style is that of the ‘Live at Leeds’ live album era. The Who are a lot different band now in their 60’s, they haven’t lost that special something, but they are a new Who ....a different Who, they are not the band from Live at Leeds, and nor should they want or try to be.
If you want to go see The Who 2007 style , go see them they will still blow you away. If you want a recreation of sorts and see the bands ferocity back in era when rock music could stop a freight train, come see The Wholigans. The music/and show we play is borrowed from the great WHO. We provide a brief glimpse into The Who’s history and try to make the audience feel they are there for the first time.
6.Have you guys ever met members of the original Who, and if yes, what have been their reactions? A: We all have met the members over the years including at the recent 2006 Who convention in London England where Roger sang a few songs with Simon Townshend’s band ‘the casbah club’ and we ended up the day with our own show at the convention having to follow Daltrey which is mean feat what with ton’s of fans clamouring for more Roger.
I have nothing but nice things to say about The Who (but too long to say here) Between the band ,we all have our own Who stories and all 99% positive.
7. You’re even going that far, that you try to use as much as possible of the same gear, the original Who used in their prime years. Is this really necessary, and how and where do you get this old gear?
Uhm...”necessary” ? Well yes it can be done no doubt, but it is our choice to be as faithful as possible to not just the look but ’The Sound’ The Who have a ‘sound’ that can’t be copied it must be felt , Who fans know exactly what I mean. Quote “where do you get this old gear?”.....perseverance ole son n a bit of cash ;)
8. Don’t you think, you’re just doing some sort of ‘nostalgia act’ or is there anything, either in the music or in the show, that could be of any interest for younger people?
A: Of course it has a nostalgia factor, but the messages in the music are as much relevant today as when they were written. ‘My Generation’ and ‘I can’t explain’ say as much to today’s youth as they did in the 60’s. I won’t waste your time with repeating the lyrics verbatim, sit and read/listen them with a 17 year olds eyes......you’ll see/hear and feel.
The Who and The Wholigans have fans from 9 to 90 , it’s amazing that their music spans such a huge gap and continues to. Personally the word ‘nostalgic’ doesn’t belong in the same sentence as The Who it sounds like a bleedin medication for old farts !
9. In the USA and also in UK you’ve become a ‘big deal’ in the meantime, playing for thousands of people, what do you think might be the reasons for this success?
A:The Who ...1st and foremost......... and our fearlessness to tread uncharted waters with no guarantee’s.
I’ve always said YOU must knock on opportunity’s door . Don’t wait for opportunity to call you, it usually doesn’t happen.
10. In Germany, you’re (up to now) relatively unknown, so you’re playing the smaller clubs. This means, there’s not much money to make. What are the reasons to do this tour nevertheless, instead of doing shows to a wider audience in America and make some good money? (See above) It’s not about the money, but it comes in handy sometimes though ;)
11. Will you be playing songs of the whole Who era, so will there also be new material? Would you please explain, why you are playing the songs THAT you're gonna play?
A: as I said earlier it’s The Who era of Roger Daltrey Keith Moon Pete Townshend John Entwistle
That we proudly portray and it’s something you can’t see anymore.
LOUD N PROUD !
That’s our Who . Maybe one day we’ll change, but with the The Who still touring…why should we?
at the Toronto Blue Jays baseball stadium was *cough* not the most *cough* idealic *cough* situation as tv stations told people to stay at home for fear of health risks due to wildfires *cough* on the Georgia/Florida border. Smoke covered most of the Tampa Bay area for 2 days making it very hard to *cough* breathe. Thankyou to the brave souls who came out :)
Heres the setlist.... The real me 5.15 Drowned .....see video below here Slip kid ............................I hadn't played this since 1984!!!! Who are you I can't explain Substitute The Seeker Magic Bus Love reign o'er me My Wife Baba o'riley Love ain't for keeping Amazing journey Sparks Pinball Wizard I'm Free See me/feel me/listening etc Long live rock Summertime blues Shakin all over (roadrunner/join together) Behind blue eyes Boris the spider Won't get fooled again Encore My Generation
______________________
DROWNED
I must say playing on a stage set up over 2nd base and having the outfield as backstage and looking out to the stands was a cool experience, as I'm sure it was fun for the fans who stood on the field/home plate in front of us. How cool is that ?
Speaking of cool, I was coming down with the flu that night and spent the next week in bed feeling like crap, something that I'm not used to, so if you hear a couple of cracks in my voice thats what it is.....that and a lack of southern comfort ;}
Thankyou also to Bill Canell from ' Who's Next' NYC who did some fine 'Peteness' on guitar.
This is one of the greatest bands that never quite made it, unless you grew up in the UK in the late 60's-70's. Most of the world knows 'Alright Now' but couldn't name the band. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Right_Now
Alright Now (rare)...it's a bit dodgy at the start quality wise but it gets better.
This is the 'clean' version before the pshycadelic version was made.
Paul Rodgers imo is the greatest singer in the world and has earned the nickname 'The Voice'
Paul Kossoff on guitar put's so much feeling into one note on guitar than many others can't put into one song.
Simon Kirke on drums is no Keith Moon nor needs or wants to be, but he is solid solid solid SOLID!
Andy Frazier on bass has such a cool style, and is more of a lead guitarist on bass imo
Free are no longer around and Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke formed another great band called Bad Company with Boz Burrell rip and Mick Ralphs. I've seen them tons of times and was lucky enough to be front row centre on my 40th birthday 8 years ago (come July)......tickets courtesy of my wife :) Also on that night they had cameras preshow interviewing people and I talked and sang a snippet of 'seagull' ...although out of tune, Rodgers I am not!!!!
The next night Bad Co showed the interviews on large screens either side of the stage and I had people I knew at that concert who did not know, and must have got quite the shock to see my ugly mug 20 feet tall on the screen ! Anyways I'm rambling, enjoy the video's.
A big thankyou goes out to my sister who weened me on great music like this , whodathunk ;\
2008 Canadian Shows 
Hey!..... isn't that Dave 'gater'Smith on bass from the 80's Wholigans lineup ?
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