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PROFILE ON THE PUMPS & ORPHAN
Who were...
The Pumps
The
Pumps started in Winnipeg Canada in 1979 and it didn't take long for
word to spread. Their live shows became legendary for superb
musicianship, great energy and a show that was always full surprises.
They played to sold out crowds across western Canada garnering a
reputation as the anti-posers that could really perform.
They signed a world
wide recording contract with Polygram Records and with the help of
British producers Phil Chapman and Jon Astley, delivered some of the
freshest sounding recordings of the time.
The unmistakable vocals
of bassist Chris Burke-Gaffney and drummer Terry Norman Taylor (TNT)
singing songs like Success and Bust the TV resonated across the
airwaves.
Guitarist Lou Petrovich
was compared with the greats like Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page and Brent
Diamond's arsenal of keyboards created the majestic background.
The Pumps live shows
became legendary and they continued to win fans while opening for AC/DC,
Triumph and Prism.
In the late nineties
the original version of The Pumps reformed to play a benefit show at the
Convention Centre in Winnipeg. They were determined to prove that
although they were all in there 40s, they could still put on a show
worthy of their reputation ... and they did.
The response was overwhelming. The band was pleasantly surprised and
they realized that there were lot's of people dying for great rock
music. The Pumps decided to continue to play shows and record new
songs. Their love for the music had not died. They still perform with
unprecedented conviction.
The PUMPS: grown men
who can't quit rocking , with hearts of teen-agers.
Who was...
ORPHAN
Long time ago there was a band called "The Orphans" comprised of Steve
McGovern (guitar), Ron Boisvenue (drums), "Dizzy Fingers" Richards
(bass) and "Spaceman" Paul ?? (keyboards) who played during the same
time as The Pumps at the same venues. Steve & Ron joined Chris
Burke-Gaffney and Brent Diamond to form a new version of "The Pumps"
which then changed their name to "Orphan". After the recording
of their first album, "Lonely at Night" in 1983, Ron died of cancer, and
Terry Norman Taylor rejoined the band.
"Lonely at Night" established strong radio play and a retail base in
both Canada and the United States. The album came very close to
reaching gold status as well. At that time with the rise of MTV and
Canada's Much Music, Orphan had videos for Lonely At Night and Miracle.
Miracle charted Top 10 in Canada and is still a mainstay on Classic
radio.
"Salute" came out in 1985 and the band landed a national tour with
Platinum Blonde.
A video was released for Open Up The Skies.
Today many Canadian Classic Rock Radio Stations have been playing Lonely
At Night, Miracle, and Open up The Skies.
Who were...The
Deadbeat
Honeymooners
 The
Deadbeat Honeymooners were formed in the early 1990's,
consisting of Chris Burke Gaffney, Terry Norman Taylor, Blair
DePape and Barry G. Player.
The band released only one album in 1992 on Rush's Anthem
Records. Radio favorites were Hard To Be Humble, and Dial
L.O.V.E (which a video was made for). The band toured on a cross Canada Music
Festival with Brian Adams, Steve Miller Band, Sass Jordan, and Extreme,
as well opened for Robin Trower and Kim Mitchell. In 1993 they were the
support act for Guns N Roses at the Winnipeg Arena.
Visit
Barry G. Player's Website |
