Our Lady Peace's Raine Maida says 'O Canada' moment in Edmonton gave him 'chills'
It's not easy no matter what you're doing. I think at the end of the day, you get better at communicating … sometimes you find a much more balanced place in terms of what's important and what everyone's expectations are. But I think at the end of the day what kept OLP going was it was always about the song first. It's always about being inspired to write songs and go into the studio and record music and go play it live … and that hasn't diminished at all … The songs we recorded for those OLP30 albums we did in Nashville … it felt like those old days … where it's not about money, and it's just about that feeling in a studio and that feeling of having the hair on the back of your neck stand up. We've always tried to keep those moments at the forefront.
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Is there a Canadian artist that had a big impact on you guys?
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There's so many from Joni Mitchell to Rush to Neil Young to the (Tragically) Hip. But Leonard Cohen has always been this elder statesman of Canada. I started in music more as a poet. I was writing during math class. That was my vehicle to getting the thoughts I had in my head out. So, I always felt a strong connection to Leonard Cohen.
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I saw you guys play in a small club in Chicago back in 2000 and it made me wonder if there was an artist you never got to see that you wished you had?
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There's one, and it's one of the biggest regrets of my life. We had just finished a tour in the U.S. and flown home from Texas. I was exhausted. My voice was done and my body was wrecked. But we were on Sony, and so was Jeff Buckley, and he was playing the Danforth Music Hall. We got home at 1 in the afternoon and I got to my apartment and I fell asleep, and I slept through it. I don't think Jeff Buckley ever came back to Toronto because he passed away shortly afterwards. Not seeing him live is definitely a regret.
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We did a show before we announced this OLP30 Tour at Lee's Palace. It was amazing walking back into that place. The smell of that bad draft beer. It was exactly the same. Thank God, nothing has changed about that venue. We've played CBGB in New York back in the day and now it's a fancy clothing store and the Viper Room is still here in L.A., but who knows how long that will last. The fact that Lee's is still there, smelling the same way … The show was phenomenal. That was a big highlight. It made it fun to remember. There were days that I played there on a Tuesday night and there was six people in the room. So to come full circle was pretty special.
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Global News
12 hours ago
- Global News
City fines Montreal church for hosting MAGA-affiliated singer Sean Feucht
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Calgary Herald
18 hours ago
- Calgary Herald
'Gizmo', 'Satan,' and 'McLovin': Inside the changing world of pilot call signs at CFB Cold Lake
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Article content A 2023 lessons-learned report included in the documents presented several recommendations regarding CRBs, including that commanding officers pre-vet any prospective call signs which are also to be presented to pilots privately 'to ensure all perceived pressure to consent is removed.' Article content 'The RCAF reviewed and updated its direction surrounding call sign assignment practices to ensure alignment with Canadian Armed Forces values, including professionalism, respect, dignity, and inclusion,' Bilodeau stated.
Vancouver Sun
a day ago
- Vancouver Sun
U.S. Christian musician Sean Feucht show set for Alberta legislature grounds in Edmonton
A pro-Trump and Christian singer whose events on his east coast Canadian tour have had to be moved to alternate venues after being cancelled is slated to play at the Alberta legislature grounds in August. U.S. musician Sean Feucht has faced protests and cancellations this week on the first leg of his cross-country tour which is slated to stop on Aug. 22 in Edmonton for a performance at the grounds' south bandshell. A spokesperson for Alberta Infrastructure said in a statement tour organizers had submitted an incomplete event permit application for the event. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'We are taking steps to help organizers submit a complete application,' it reads, noting the event must comply with 'security protocols, public safety, and venue guidelines.' The statement did not address questions about if the show would go ahead or the possible need for heightened security. The guidelines for use of the Alberta Legislature Grounds state applications must be submitted four weeks in advance, with applicants mandated to have at least $2 million in liability insurance, a security plan, and proof of permits and licences, among other requirements. Feucht describes himself as a musician, missionary, author and activist, and has drawn opposition for his affinity for U.S. President Donald Trump and the Make America Great Again Movement as well as his views on abortion, gender, and the LGBT community. He was scheduled to play at the York Redoubt National Historic Site in Halifax last Wednesday but Parks Canada revoked the event's permit, citing 'evolving safety and security considerations' amid potential protests and following consultation with police. The event later went ahead when a local farmer opened his field for the singer and his audience. Since then, events in Charlottetown, Fredericton, Quebec City, Moncton, and Gatineau, Que. have been cancelled with organizers citing security concerns, permitting issues, or local codes of conduct. On social media, Feucht said his shows went on after alternate venues were found. 'Venues have now been replaced and these cities will hear from lawyers soon,' he posted late Thursday. On Friday night, his event in Montreal went ahead amid protests and a smoke bomb being thrown on stage despite a warning from the city that the church he was performing at hadn't secured the proper permit. He stated on social media that organizers had secured a permit that was later cancelled, and claimed to be bringing his experience to the attention of the U.S. president. 'I've been in touch with senior White House officials and they are watching what is unfolding with blatant Christian persecution in Canada,' he posted. Feucht was scheduled to play Sunday in Vaughn, Ont., outside of Toronto but the city told Postmedia that it had cancelled the event's permit 'on the basis of health and safety as well as community standards and well-being.'
