19 Years and Older (2 Pieces of Gov't Issued ID Required)
Doors 7:00pm / Show 8:30pm
General Admission
Doug & the Slugs are unquestionably one of the most distinctive and entertaining Canadian bands of the past 40 years. Their upbeat songs, musicianship & offbeat stage antics have made them a staple of the national music scene for decades. From 1980 – 1991 they released 6 albums (3 certified gold) and toured relentlessly '...from New York to the North Pole'. The band's quirky videos garnered them heavy rotation in the early years of MTV and Much Music. From their first indie single 'Too Bad' in 1979 their hits received substantial airplay across Canada – airplay which continues to the present day.
In the band's own words:
"We were all saddened by the untimely death of main man Doug Bennett in 2004. In 2009 we five surviving original members regrouped with a new singer, Ted Okos. We talked with Doug's family and after much discussion decided to keep the name. Hence, we continue to perform as 'Doug & the Slugs'.
We're thrilled to have Ted Okos on board as our lead singer. He does not attempt to replace the irreplaceable Mr. Bennett, yet his uncanny interpretations of Doug's songs are a vital component of our shows. We're also grateful for his irreverent sense of humour and dynamic stage presence!
We continue to play, honouring Doug's legacy and bringing our fans a live performance of the songs we recorded, toured and still love after all these years. The positive response has been overwhelming"
The Slugs
John, Wally, Richard, Steve, Simon & Ted.
About Sharkskin:
“Hewn from the living soul of soul itself is 'Sharkskin', the lovechild born to Simon Kendall, Craig Northey, Doug Elliott & Pat Steward - one Slug and three Odds.
Their passion for mid-60's instrumental Memphis soul led them to don sharkskin suits and sweat up those turtlenecks, playing the stinging riffs and signature swells of Booker T & the MG's, MarKeys, Meters, plus a host of originals and familiar grooves from Motown and James Brown.
You'll be dancing – they don't sing but they sure do swing! Each night brings forth surprises composed on the spot – in the heat of the funk."
“…toothsome tunes that are good as gold…a little Motown, a lot of stax – the throng danced and yelled for more…” Steve Burgess, Courier
“…truly impressive…compelling instrumental R&B, a good-time feeling permeates the grooves…” Alex Varty, Georgia Straight
Sharkskin started from a collaboration on the soundtrack for Kids in the Hall movie Brain Candy. Composer and Odds member Craig Northey had the idea to form an instrumental R&B quartet and the idea took off. The band played numerous Canucks & Grizzlies games at GM Place and opened Commodore shows for Chris Isaak, Tower of Power, Blue Rodeo and Bo Diddley among others. They recorded an album of originals live to stereo at Vancouver's iconic Mushroom Studios and evolved to tour as Colin James' band. Sharkskin also joined forces with Rob Baker of Tragically Hip to become Strippers Union.
Performing highlights include playing poolside at Bruce McCulloch's wedding in Beverley Hills and opening for Tragically Hip's millennium show at Air Canada Centre on December 31, 1999.
Feb 29, 2020 will be the first appearance of Sharkskin in over a decade - don't miss this rare opportunity!