Doug Inglis, Toronto�s legendary and ubiquitous �sticksman� has created an awesome legacy for himself in the past 50 years. His adoring and beautiful wife, Jennifer, recently surprised him with a rock�n�roll birthday bash, which took place in the upstairs room at McVeigh�s.
Doug�s musical resum� includes, but is not limited to, Ronnie Hawkins, The Blushing Brides, Paul Fenton (with and without his brothers), The McBrides, The Fat Horny Playboys (with Angel Marr) and numerous reincarnations with long-time musical cohorts Des Leahy, Paul Martin, Maurice Raymond, Martin Van Dijk, Marty Morin, Mark Yannetta, James Taylor, Dan Williams, Johnny McGoldrick, Mike Boyle and, of course, Gino Scarpelli and Greg Godovitz.
Des Leahy, who no doubt was a big part of the �conspiracy�, and Dan Williams, both with Pillars of Society and Fresh Eire bandmates Johnny McGoldrick and Mike Boyle all did double-duty that evening, as Fresh Eire was performing its own wildly popular gig in the downstairs room of that venue! Playing Master of Ceremonies and leading this awesome jam of musical talent (including the birthday boy himself) upstairs was Doug�s long-time pal and Blushing Brides mate, Paul Martin.
The event was very well-organized, complete with a buffet and cake, and the service was great, as usual, both upstairs and down. While this was not a �celebrity� crowd, but rather a more intimate gathering of Doug�s closest friends and associates, Gino Scarpelli and his lovely and congenial wife, Donna, were in attendance, as well as members of the aforementioned McBrides, who also joined Doug onstage throughout the evening. There was also a special guest invited onstage, who impressed the enthusiastic crowd with a rousing rendition (on harmonica and lead vocals) of Downchild�s classic hit �Flip, Flop, Fly�.
The venue was in total �party� mode, both with Fresh Eire�s traditional Celtic groove downstairs and the �traditional� rock�n�roll happening upstairs! At one point in the evening, Doug affectionately growled out from behind the drumkit, �THIS is my band!�. I couldn�t agree more! If there was any doubt that rock�n�roll is still alive and well and here to stay, this was the living proof! Cheers to another 50 years, Doug!
By D.D. Rocker |
