Dis-covery

On Friday, I was at The Phoenix for the album release show of cover band Dwayne Gretzky. Yes, a cover band has put out an album (of re-interpreted covers). But then most local bands, even ones doing original material, don't play mid-size venues like The Phoenix. And if they seemed to be play to only 90% capacity instead of a sold-out crowd tonight, that was still at least 600+ people screaming at their performance. It also meant there was a bit more space for dancing.

Usually The Phoenix is Gretzky's go-to venue for the 90s theme shows. Although there was no official theme tonight, perhaps because most of their re-interpretations were from the 70s and 80s, the straight covers drew heavily from that era too. From The Chain and Dancing Queen to Rosanna and I Wanna Dance With Somebody, it was hit after hit. There was a tribute to Ric Ocasek (Just What I Needed) and Gord Downy (Pretend, Bobcaygeon). As for the remade songs, Gretzky's rock version of S.O.S. and the Daft Punk-esque Make It With Chu were the most successful. They are all excellent singers but Carleigh Aikins' take on Piece of My Heart blew everyone's minds; the cheers after her performance was deafening.