Here at Toronto Scoop we love a good red carpet affair, especially one covered in beloved Canadian musicians. Last night, that’s exactly what unfolded at Massey Hall – the induction of 13 Canadian rock legends into Canada’s Walk of Fame.
From the raw rock spirit of the ’70s embodied by bands like April Wine and Chilliwack, to the chart-topping anthems that defined the ’80s from Rough Trade, Glass Tiger and Platinum Blonde, these musicians shaped the unforgettable soundtrack of those decades for many of us.
ROUGH TRADE
Carole Pope and Kevan Staples broke ground with their punk-inspired New Wave rock band Rough Trade. Known for politically charged music and provocative live shows that featured bondage and sexual satire, they were pioneers in including openly gay and lesbian references in their music.
Carol met Kevan during a band audition in Scarborough, Ontario. They started performing as a duo in Yorkville in 1968, which was then the heart of Toronto’s live music and arts scene.
Their iconic hit single “High School Confidential” was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in September 2020.
APRIL WINE
In 1976, April Wine’s “The Whole World’s Going Crazy” became the first Canadian record to be certified platinum upon its release. They toured right across Canada rather than just in major cities, contributing significantly to their massive popularity.
Founding member Myles Goodwyn accentuates his red carpet fashion with a “Rock N’ Roll Is A Vicious Game” button, a nod to his 1978 song about how ruthless the rock and roll lifestyle can be. He founded April Wine in 1969 with his long-time friend, Jim Henman, and Henman’s cousins David and Ritchie Henman in Nova Scotia. Goodwyn gave his final live performance with April Wine on March 2nd as the only remaining original member of the group.
“Harder…Faster,” released in 1979 achieved platinum status in Canada and gold status in the US. The album featured popular hard rock tracks like “Say Hello” and “I Like to Rock,” and it remained on the Billboard top album chart for 40 weeks.
TROOPER
In 1967, Ra McGuire and Brian Smith formed Winter’s Green, a band that would later transform into Applejack in the early 1970s when they welcomed drummer Tommy Stewart and bassist Harry Kalensky into the fold. Applejack gained immense popularity in the Vancouver area, embarking on extensive tours across British Columbia. Impressed by their performances, Randy Bachman of Bachman–Turner Overdrive and The Guess Who signed them to his “Legend” label. They changed their name to Trooper and released their debut album, Trooper, with Bachman as the producer.
Spotlight on Steve Crane right now due to his style and impressive red carpet swagger. He has been a familiar and beloved face with Trooper fans since 2009. When guitarist Brian Smith was scheduled to take some time off for surgery in 2017, Steve was the band’s trusted choice to fill in. He permanently stepped into the lead guitar role with the blessing and encouragement of founding member Smith when he retired in late 2021.
In 1978, their album “Thick as Thieves” achieved double-platinum status, featuring the enduring anthem of rebellion and freedom, “Raise A Little Hell,” which still resonates with audiences today.
GLASS TIGER
Glass Tiger formed in Newmarket, Ontario in the early 1980s and went on to become one of the most successful bands in Canadian music history, selling over 5 million albums. Their 1986 debut album, “The Thin Red Line,” achieved multi-platinum status in Canada and earned a gold certification in the U.S. It featured hit singles like “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)” and “Someday,” both reaching the U.S. Top 10.
Marilyn Denis was the host of the Rock of Fame event, welcoming each band onstage and helping them unveil their star plaques. This was a fitting follow-up to Glass Tiger’s special performance on the final episode of “The Marilyn Denis Show” in June, where they performed a heartfelt rendition of “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)” with customized lyrics as a touching tribute to Marilyn.
LEE AARON
Born in Belleville, Ontario, Lee Aaron’s remarkable career spans over 40 years and includes 18 albums across diverse musical genres, from rock to jazz and even opera. She burst onto the scene at just nineteen with “The Lee Aaron Project” in 1982, but it was her 1984 release “Metal Queen” that truly solidified her as a trailblazer for women in rock. The title track, an enduring empowerment anthem, transcended gender boundaries. Lee Aaron worked with industry heavyweights like Bob Ezrin and Peter Coleman, gracing magazine covers and sharing stages with legends.
Her hits, including “Whatcha Do to My Body” from her 1989 album “BodyRock,” etched her name in music history. Beyond metal, she explored jazz, showcasing her impressive versatility.
Dynamic artist Fefe Dobson, who’s been blazing her own musical path, joined Lee Aaron onstage at the show for an electrifying collaboration of “Whatcha Do To My Body”.
Canada’s Walk of Fame 2023 Inductees:
April Wine, Chilliwack, Glass Tiger, Lee Aaron, Lighthouse, Loverboy, Max Webster, Michel Pagliaro, Platinum Blonde, PRISM, Rough Trade, The Parachute Club, and Trooper.
The Inductee Stars on Canada’s Walk of Fame are located in downtown Toronto along King Street West (between John Street and Simcoe Street) and Simcoe Street (between King Street West and Wellington Street). To find a specific star, click here.
