Kemptville, Day 2. Record Crowds For Loverboy

Friday evening was a big night in Kemptville, the lineup was supposed to feature Kim Mitchell as one of the bands, but Organizers got word Thursday afternoon that Kim was having some health issues and wouldn’t be making an appearance. There was a scramble that the fans weren’t even aware of happening backstage. Organizers were trying to find another band that could step in and replace Kim. One of the biggest considerations was not only finding an available band, but finding one that could logistically make it to the venue in less than 24 hours. Enter Honeymoon Suite. They agreed to come and replace Kim Mitchell and made it up to the fans the best way they knew how, like the pros they are.

The music was kicked off by Southbound, Rob Balsillie (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Pat Dugas (drums and vocals), Rob Sands (bass) and Luke Jones (lead guitar). They are a local band who play hard driving southern Rock’n’Roll. I was thrilled to hear some Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers Band and ZZ Top. As a person who grew up in the 70s, they were right up my alley.

Next to hit the stage was Honeymoon Suite, a Niagara Falls Band formed originally in 1981 by Johnnie Dee. By 1983, Derry Grehan joined on guitar and the two have been partners ever since, both playing and writing. Honeymoon Suite are a great band to see live, I found myself amazed at the energy level in their show. In a time when many of the older classic bands come out and simply play you the hits, these guys don’t stop there! Honeymoon Suite come out and hit you right between the eyes, they give you the same energy you would have seen in 1983. They play you the hits of course, but also give so much more. They are complete professionals and I cannot say enough for these men, they kick ass!

Trooper was a huge a part of my teenage years. I didn’t tell them this but I worked for them a couple of times in the late 70s as a local roadie. I’m sure they don’t need me reminding them of how long it’s been. Trooper was formed in 1975 by Ra McGuire and Brian Smith but the two have been together since 1967. They were a hit making machine in the 70s with “Raise A Little Hell’, “Two For The Show” and “Oh Pretty Lady” to name a few. They have gone through many changes and nowadays only Ra and Brian remain from the old days. Trooper sound as good live as they did in 1976 or so when I first heard them. They still have a good time onstage too. How could it get any better than that?

To cap off the evening Lover Boy took to the stage. Back in the 80s, these guys were a hit machine, with “Turn Me Loose”, “Working For The Weekend”, “Loving Every Minute Of It” and many more. I have to admit, I was not a Loverboy fan growing up like so many were, and I was not converted in Kemptville. I just felt the show lacked the energy required to push it over the top. Sometimes what you expect and what you get are two different things. That said, I don’t take anything away from them, they have had a great and successful career. Not all music is for all people, right? They are almost completely intact after close to 40 years, there aren’t very many bands who can boast that record. They played all their old hits and the crowd sang along with all their favorites.They were a definite hit with the crowd and that’s what counts in the end.

The day couldn’t have been better for the event. Two days in a row with no rain and comfortable temperatures. The day was filled with wonderful music and everyone I talked to had a good time and good things were said about the festival. Bring on Day 3.

Trooper

Loverboy

Honeymoon Suite