| Big Sugar was one of the best bands to ever grace Canadian soil. In a way I was thankful they never got too big. At the same time though, I wanted the world to experience some of the best musicians Canada had to offer. They were kind of our little secret. There's a few other bands that fall into that category like the Tragically Hip, and Finger Eleven, but Big Sugar had NO following anywhere outside of Canada. I don't even know if they ever TRIED to break into the States. Probably not. As you can see by the first picture, Gordie was pretty much a Canadian all the way eh. Yeah, that's right... FUCK the States. BEHOLD... the Canadian flag bitch! | The first bunch of shots are the last ones I'll ever be able to take of them unless they get back together. This was the Farewell Tour. Not only are they great musicians, but great people too. Friendly, down to earth, accessible. Kelly Hoppe is jaw dropping on keyboards, sax, melodica, harmonica... you name it, the guy can play it and play it well. I saw him jump up on stage with Chris Robinson one night in Toronto and just JAM for a few long blues numbers. He fit in as if he'd been a member of New Earth Mud for years. Gary Lowe is a solid bass man, now heading up a band called Truths and Rights, and the revolving door of drummers were always solid. | They just couldn't seem to stick with any single drummer but Al Cross seemed to be the drummer of choice. He's the one in the September '99 gig I have pictured here. Gordie Johnson is incredible on his plethora of guitars. He has a great bluesy voice and can rock any venue into rubble. They always played with the amps turned to 11. There just wasn't any other way to do it. Gordie can peel paint with that guitar. After a Big Sugar show, your ears bleed for a couple days and then you're ok. I often wore ear protection when shooting them. It just hurt too much afterwards! Mind you my ears have taken a beating over the years. But none more enjoyable than the beatings handed out by Gordie Johnson. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar
Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar
Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar Big Sugar
