2024 GREAT BAR BAND BATTLE EPIC BANDS & BIOS
RODNEY AND THE WELDERS
As the debris from the exploded pool cue flew through the thick Friday night air at the Lower Deck Pub in Halifax Nova Scotia, Zeke Purves-Smith (harmonica, back-up vocals) was sick of the waiting, and thought he really had to handle this with care. Crumpled under the long cafeteria style tables, on the floor sticky from spilled beer and long forgotten donair sauce, Wes Novotny (bass, guitar, backing vocals) vowed that he won't back down, as could be expected for someone who just had a pool cue unexpectedly smashed over his back. From Upper Water Street Mike Pedlow (vocals) urgently ran into the pub, pulled Wes up, and told Zeke (and Amir Ghahreman a former manager and Andy a former former, who both also happened to be there), that he was looking for an American girl name Mary Jane, as he owed her a last dance. In a detonation of generosity that has never been explained, the five men broke out into laughter and formed Rodney and the Welders. After a move to Calgary, during a walk on St. Patrick's island (free of snakes, of course) the musical refugees were run down by a dreaming Brian Milne (drums) who drove his 100% solid gold road bike (there was a breakdown with the stopping apparatus) into Zeke's (illegally) off leash golden retriever Odie. Grant Stevens (guitar) was drafting Brian on his gravel bike and managed to impulsively shout out "you wreck me…" as he learned to fly, soaring off a cliff into a large splash in the cold currents of the Bow River. After licking their wounds (ill advised), and a vet visit for Odie (there was some blood, but he's fine), the Welders lineup was set. The multiple award winning, reanimated, Rodney and the Welders look forward to GBBB 2022.
ALARMING HER MAJESTY
Alarming Her Majesty returns as the reigning, defending, and undisputed champions of the great bar battle scene.
Lead singer Greg von Euw commands the spotlight with his emotive vocals and captivating stage presence, drawing listeners into his band's mesmerizing world. George Wong, on bass, provides the rhythmic foundation, anchoring the band's sound with his solid grooves and unwavering presence. Nicholas Lo on Guitar 1, delivers blistering riffs and melodic hooks that ignite the audience, while Mike Thiem on Guitar 2, adds layers of complexity and intensity with his versatile playing style. Vamsi Suresh-Mills, handling keyboards and backup vocals, brings lush harmonies and atmospheric textures to the mix, enhancing the band's sonic landscape. Austin Paladeau, behind the drum kit, drives the band forward with his powerhouse beats and mostly-on-beat timing, ensuring that Alarming Her Majesty's music hits with maximum impact.
It’s not sedition, it’s Alarming Her Majesty.
THE ADVO-CATS
Hot on the tails of Electric Avenue, Glenn Solomon (drums/ vocals), then a recently-called-to- the-Bar lawyer, was hellbent on continuing the party. He would spend the few free hours he had when he wasn’t doing document review perfecting his drum chops and fantasizing about the day he would embark on a worldwide tour. One day, while using enough wax on his slickback ponytail to make Madame Tussauds blush, he met two likeminded souls who shared in his vision of the rockstar lifestyle - Oliver Ho (keyboard/vocals) and Vincent Light (guitar/vocals) - forming the band we know today as The Advo-Cats.
THE TURBINES
It’s all about energy!
The Turbines have performed at dozens of venues in Calgary including the King Eddy, they’ve played for a Prime Minister, and they’ve toured as far as the Crow’s Nest Pass. They are ready to play any event with their 5 hour repertoire.
The Turbines generate powerful energy with bench strength from Glen Poelman (guitar), combined with the talents of mediator and arbitrator Andy Robertson (keys, guitar, and vocals), Lois May (vocals), lawyer Geoff Poelman (bass and vocals), and Fosterchild alumnus - now lawyer - Bob Matthews (drums and vocals).
Buckle up and get ready for some time travel!
THE HABEAS CORPSES
Convinced that adding a “the” before “Habeas Corpses” makes the name sound less metal and more punk rock, The Habeas Corpses have risen from the grave of their deceased law show band, Banana Hammök, to bring some anarchy to this year’s Great Bar Band Battle. With ghoulishly pale members including three dead-tired junior associates, The Habeas Corpses are ready to show off their body of work for the Calgary Bar Association’s judgment. With Alex Dingman, whose soul forever haunts the Palomino basement, pummeling the drums it would be a crime (or at a least a regulatory offence) if you didn’t shake your hips and move your feet. Jordan Eeles on guitar #1 has locked-down (in high-security detention) every blazing riff you can imagine. Matthew Eeles’ hypnotic basslines will have you moshing (not recklessly, and with due care) before you can even plead automatism. And, with Scott MacKenzie on guitar #2, prepare for solos that will have you screaming bloody murder. There is no doubt that after seeing The Habeas Corpses you will testify they are one act(us) you won’t want to miss.