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Terry's Adventure at;
On the weekend of May 6th - 8th., 2005, Kathy and I sojourned to the great metropolis of Toronto, to attend Klaatu Kon, 2005. What follows is a photographic diary of our little excusion;
For those who don't know, Klaatu were an intrepid group of 3 Canadian musicians who believed that the music should be more important than the hype. In an attempt to practise what they preach, the band released their debut album "3:47 EST" in 1976, under the name Klaatu. They didn't publicize their individual identities, and while the album was well recieved by the critic's, sales were cool. The question of just who Klaatu were lead to a furious rumour that they were the Beatles, regrouped and recording under a new name. Suddenly, the debut album was selling like hotcake's, going multi-platinum in north america almost overnight.
Sales of the first album exploded, so much so, that their Second album, a conceptual masterpeice called "Hope" (which was finished and slated for release in the spring of 1977) had to be shelved for over 6 months. Never ones to be idle, Klaatu recorded a second version of "Hope", which was released in the fall of 1977. The album sales were healthy, and it was critially well recieved, but never quite lived up to it's potential. (To this day, it is still my personal favorite)
Their third album "Sir Army Suit", a collection of brilliant tunes, also sold and reviewed well for them, but then the fateful day arrived when Klaatu announced to the world that they were not the Beatles, but three Canadian's named Terry Draper, Dee Long and John Woloschuk. The media backlash of Klaatu going public spelled the end for the band. By 1982, Klaatu were gone.
Isn't it ironic that the band that wanted to avoid media hype, were victims of it in the end? You must understand that Klaatu never actually said they were the Beatles, nor did they perpetuate the rumour. So was it a case of cold hard fact's in the face of blind wishful thinking that caused the media backlash, or was it vedictiveness in the face of being proved wrong? We'll probably never know, but it did show that Hell hath no fury like the media scorned!
Flick ahead to 2005, and Klaatu are now on the roster of Bullseye Records. Even though they have not performed, or even appeared together in 23 years, Bullseye President, Jamie Vernon believes so strongly in Klaatu, and their library of unreleased recorded matterial that he spearheads the drive to produce "The Sun Set", a boxed set of rare tracks, and the never before heard original version of the bands legendary concept album "Hope". (Recorded with a Symphony Orchestra)
To launch the new CD, Fans First Incorporated host the First Ever Klaatu Kon, in Toronto, with special guests Terry Draper, Dee Long and John Woloschuk. On Thursday, May 5th., 2005, we boarded our flight, and headed west!
On the first day we went to the site of Klaatu Kon 2005, the Doubletree International Plaza, to Register, and had our picture taken for the website. We also had the oportunity to meet some of the great fans that were attending. There were Klaatu fans from Switzerland, Germany, and all over North America.
Having registered, we then went downtown to have a look around, and had the good fortune to meet John Avery, star running back of the Grey Cup Champion Toronto Argonauts, who took a moment to pose for a picture with us! The Argo's were involved in a ticket drive for the new Canadian Football League Season, and me being an old Argo's Fan... I just couldn't resist. Then it was back to the conference centre for a Meet and greet with the fans.
The next day was amazing! There were two question and answer sessions, including the one with John Woloschuk, Dee Long and Terry Draper of Klaatu, as well as artist Ted Jones, who painted some of the album cover's, including the beautiful new Sun Set Boxed Set art! During the Q & A I found out the secret of the Mouse.
After the Q & A session, Jamie Vernon (President of Bullseye Records) presented several people with Special print's of the new Boxed set art. It was a great oportunity to thank those who had worked so hard to put everything together. Hat's off to Sharon, Mark, and all the people who did such a fantastic jon putting Klaatu Kon 2005 together!
Then came one of the highlights of the whole weekend for me! I had the chance to meet the band members, and get my copy of Hope signed by all three. The album Terry Draper is signing in this picture is an original press, and the one I played on CHMR back in 1977. That album is no longer playable, but will be framed and shall hang proudly in the music room with my other signed albums by Pink Floyd, The Moody Blues, Yes and Frank Zappa. Deserving company for such a fine album.
Later that evening, the fan faithful gathered for an accoustic performance by the band, their first live performance together in 23 years! It was a once in a lifetime experience to share the intimate setting, and the great music of Klaatu! No flash photography was permitted during the performance, so the picture's I tried to take during the show didn't come out, but with the 'Sun' watching over them, the boys put on a great show. You can take it from me... it was indeed something to see!
After the live performance, the band recieved a well deserved standing ovation. The outpouring of emotion from the fans was actually a little overwelming, as many wondered will this be the last time we will see Klaatu on stage together? Later that evening, I interviewed the group, and asked them if there was a chance of another reunion. They didn't say Yes... but then again, they didn't say No. (Where there is Hope, the enigma that is Klaatu shall live forever!)
The next day, after a buffet breakfast and Auction, Klaatu Kon was over! Fond farewell's were exchanged, and thank you's made. Later that day, Kathy and I shared a meal with Don Stagg and Ann Burstyn of Dream Aria. Their debut CD "In The Wake" is an amzing peice of music! You have to hear Ann sing!
Then we hooked up with local blues man Paul Reddick at Grossman's Tavern (a legendary downtown watering hole) to see The National's perform live! The perfect ending to an incredible weekend!
Kathy and I would like to express our thanks to those people who made this weekend such a great experience;
Jamie Vernon, Mark Hershberger, and Lisa Millar (Bullseye Records)
Sharon Vernon and all her hard working co-workers at Fans First
Frank Davies, Steve Smith, and Ted Jones for sharing their stories with us.
Dave Bradley (Klaatu Website)
"Westing-mouse"
Reto, Roman, Claudia, Robert, Pat, Wesli, Denise, Scott, Kelly, Andie, Dave, Liz, Tim, Larry, Karen, Steve Sr. & Steve Jr., Joel-Steven, Larry, Paul and all the fans who were so friendly and warm!
And the Members of Klaatu, Terry Draper, Dee Long and John Woloschuk, for their patience, understanding and time. Not only that, but Thank you for a catalogue of music that will live forever!
If no one else say's this, I shall! Klaatu's music has been an important part of my life. They have bought so much pleasure to the lives of all those who love the music, and share a vision for a better world.
I have been playing Klaatu on CHMR since 1977. When Sir Arm Suit Came out in 1978, I was working with a new DJ who had just signed up. I played several cuts from Hope and Sir Army Suit for him, and he said, "Wow! These guy's are 20 years ahead of their time!"
In the spring of 2005, I featured a Klaatu Set on Cosmic Debris, including songs from the three first albums, and one of the younger DJ's, assuming it was New Music, says, "Wow! These guys are 20 years ahead of their time."
I can't think of a better way to sum up Klaatu's music, or to express my gratitude for it.
This page is dedicated To Terry, Dee and John. May the sun always shine on you!