The Canadian Red Cross USA Appeal Benefit Concert for New York City, organized by Greg Godovitz and inspired by his paramour, Stella, for all intents and purposes was quite successful! Sponsored by Q107 FM, the event kicked off around 7 p.m. with a performance by the Anger Brothers, and the non-stop music continued thereafter, with John Moran spinning some dynamite rock tunes in between sets, until approximately 2 a.m. Although there's been no word at this time how much was collected, I'm sure the Red Cross was impressed, certainly for the amount of time and energy expended in the overall effort. The only complaint I had was the inaccessibility to late-night public transportation from this huge and apparently very popular venue (apart from private vehicles or taxis, which can be a very dangerous/expensive proposition depending on your destination and how much you've had to drink).
The line-up of talent on the roster included the aforementioned Anger Brothers (Greg Godovitz, Bob Segarani, Brad Lovatt, Mike Pellarin and Doug Inglis), Lighthouse - still sounding great - Alan Frew of Glass Tiger performing an acoustic set, Santers (formerly with Triumph and well-established with his own band), A Foot in Coldwater, The Ugly Ducklings, Moxy, and Goddo. Jeff Brown, Joanne Wilder (newly blond), Gonzo and Harrison from Q107 were also in attendance to emcee and support this worthwhile cause, and a great bunch of folks they all are, too! Also present were Max Brand (Maximum RNB) and Kid Carson (session drummer, with Ugly Ducklings for one).
Speaking of the Ugly Ducklings, I was especially delighted to hear them for the first time that evening! A very high-energy rock band that certainly assisted in pioneering punk music in the GTA area, they rocked the room with old and new tunes from a soon-to-released CD, "Nugget's Tooth". A Foot in Coldwater, who will forever be immortalized for "Make Me Do Anything You Want", as well as Moxy, whom I would consider to be Canada's equivalent to Led Zeppelin, were equally impressive in proving that rock'n'roll is, in fact, the fountain of youth!
Considering that Greg Godovitz and Doug Inglis were in attendance since well before the 7 p.m. start and performed the last set well after 1 a.m., the incomparable Goddo nevertheless "iced the cake" with its most popular and, in some instances, relevant tunes including "New York City is Burning" and "Tough Times" (which was loudly requested by several audience members). They capped off the evening with Gino Scarpelli's sensational lead guitar strobes on "Cock On".
Kudos to all the performers (and I know I've missed a couple of names) - you've done Canada proud!
By D.D. Rocker |
