April 10, 2008 'Corner Gas' calling it quits By Lee-Anne Goodman, THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO - Brent Butt says the decision to pull the plug on his wildly popular and successful "Corner Gas" has left him feeling like something of a reluctant triggerman. "I feel like the kid at the end of 'Old Yeller,"' Butt said Thursday after making a surprise announcement that the show, about the hijinks at a small-town Prairie gas station, would end its run at the end of its upcoming sixth season. For those who have never had the dubious pleasure of taking in "Old Yeller" and watched in misery as the beloved family dog has to be shot dead at the end of the film because of rabies, the point is this: the decision was an excruciating one for Butt. But in an interview from Vancouver, Butt said he wanted to end "Corner Gas," the most successful Canadian sitcom ever made, on a high note, similar to the way "Seinfeld" ended in 1998 at the top of its game. "I couldn't stand it if 'Corner Gas' had got to a place where it started getting kicked or mocked or long in the tooth and stuck around too long; I couldn't bear to watch that happen to it," he said. "Comedy is nothing if not timely. There's that moment around the 45-minute mark, where you know you could go an hour. But if you leave now, it's right, and everybody has a great time ... and around the one-hour mark, people start looking for their coats. And 'Corner Gas' is too special of a thing for people to start looking for their coats." He acknowledges that some cast members wanted the show to keep going. The Saskatchewan-born Butt not only created but stars in the show, along with Eric Peterson and Gabrielle Miller. "Some of them made that plain, but everybody seems to understand; it's one of those kind of sad but celebratory things," he said. The final 19-episode season of "Corner Gas" begins shooting next month in Saskatchewan, with the series finale airing some time in the spring of 2009. The show has been a ratings juggernaut for CTV for years, snagging numerous Gemini awards along the way. It also airs in syndication in countries around the world, including Finland, Australia and the United States. On CTV, it outperforms shows like "Heroes" and "Prison Break." CTV's Susanne Boyce lauded the show. "This is not goodbye, it's see you later," she said in a statement. "Brent and his team have accomplished something that has never been achieved before. They said it couldn't be done, but 'Corner Gas' did it anyway. The series has paved the way for other Canadian productions by proving that if you make great TV, Canadians will watch." Throughout its run, a number of notable Canadians made appearances in the fictional town of Dog River, Sask., including prime ministers Paul Martin and Stephen Harper. Butt said having the politicians on set was fascinating. "I was surprised by Harper's comedic delivery - he had really good timing, he surprised me. I thought he'd be stiff and just go through the motions," Butt recalled. "And the thing that struck me about Paul Martin was how genuinely curious he was about every aspect of the show." Butt's favourite episode of all, however, was the so-called hockey episode, entitled "Face Off." "It was one of the first ensemble shows and everyone really shone on that show," he said. "It always jumps out in my mind and it came together really well and it's really fun to watch." For now, Butt says he wants to continue to make good television - he's already developing a new show for CTV - although he has aspirations of a movie or even a play at some point in the future. "I was sat in front of a TV when I was an infant and that's where I've been ever since - I love TV," he said. But he acknowledged "Corner Gas" was one of the most surprising successes of his life. "I really thought 'Corner Gas' was going to be just a summer job. My goal was really to make a show that I truly felt was good and funny, and you don't really expect anyone to watch ... so it all took me completely by surprise." - 'Corner Gas' chronology June 2003 Production begins on Season 1 of "Corner Gas." Jan. 22, 2004 - More than a million viewers tune into the series premiere. Oct. 4, 2004 - "Corner Gas" is nominated for an International Emmy Award. Oct. 5, 2004 - More than 1.5 million viewers tune into Season 2 premiere. Oct. 1, 2005 - Finland becomes the first of 26 countries around the world to purchase the show for broadcast outside of Canada. Oct. 31, 2005 - Prime Minister Paul Martin makes cameo appearance on "Corner Gas," attracting a record audience of 2.2 million viewers. Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson, Darryl Sittler and Ben Mulroney, among many other notable Canadians, also make appearances in later episodes. Nov. 19, 2005 - "Corner Gas" wins two Gemini Awards. Dec. 12, 2005 - "Merry Gasmas," a "Corner Gas" holiday special, attracts record-setting audience of 2.43 million viewers. Nov. 4, 2006 - "Tales from Dog River: The Complete Corner Gas Guide" is released and becomes a bestselling book across Canada. Nov. 4, 2006 - "Corner Gas" wins its second Gemini Award for best comedy series. Nov. 24, 2006 - "Corner Gas" secures U.S. broadcast deal with Superstation WGN. Sept. 17, 2007 - "Corner Gas" premieres on Superstation WGN in the U.S. Oct. 28, 2007 - "Corner Gas" takes home three Gemini Awards including its third for best comedy series. April 10, 2008 - Brent Butt announces that "Corner Gas" will end at the conclusion of Season 6 in 2009.

Frank Zappa's Widow Sues German Fan Club DUESSELDORF, Germany (AP) — The widow of Frank Zappa is trying to stop a German fan club from using the legendary musician's name for its annual "Zappanale" festival. Gail Zappa says the German-based Arf Society' use of Zappa's name and an accompanying logo featuring a prominent mustache similar to that sported by Zappa infringe on trademarks held by the Zappa Family Trust. The Arf Society says that the society has been aware of its use of the name since the festival was first launched in 1998. A state court in Duesseldof, Germany began hearing the case on Wednesday. It says a ruling is not expected for at least another month.

"Whipping Post" by Frank Zappa

The dates are as follows (with more to be announced): May 17 - Columbus, OH - Rock on the Range Festival May 18 - Camden, NJ - Tweeter Center @ The Waterfront May 20 - Cleveland, OH - State Theatre @ Playhouse Square May 22 - Chicago, IL - Charter One Pavillion May 23 - Indianapolis, IN - Indianapolis Motor Speedway May 26 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Casino May 31 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center Jun. 01 - Mansfield, MA - Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts Jun. 03 - Detroit , MI - The Fillmore Detroit Jun. 06 - St. Paul, MN - Roy Wilkens Auditorium Jun. 07 - Kansas City, KS - Rock Fest @ Liberty Memorial Park Jun. 08 - Maryland Hghts, MO - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Jun. 11 - West Valley City, UT - E Center Jun. 12 - Las Vegas, NV - The Pearl Jun. 14 - Las Vegas, NV - The Pearl Jun. 21 - Calgary - V Festival @ Ft. Calgary Jun. 24 - Hollywood, CA - Hollywood Bowl Jun. 25 - Tucson, AZ - Anselmo Valencia Amphitheatre Jun. 27 - San Antonio, TX - AT&T Center Jun. 28 - The Woodlands, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Jun. 29 - Grand Prairie, TX - Nokia Theatre @ Grand Prairie Jul. 02 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre Jul. 04 - Milwaukee, WI - Summerfest @ Marcus Amphitheatre Jul. 10 - Quebec City, Quebec - Summer Festival @ Planes of Abraham Jul. 12 - North York, ONT - Edge Fest @ Downsview Park Jul. 15 - Canandaigua, NY - Constellation Performing Arts Center Jul. 17 - Green Bay, WI - Oneida Casino Jul. 18 - Mt Pleasant, MI - Soaring Eagle Casino Jul. 19 - Cadott, WI - Chippewa Valley Music Festival Jul. 25 - Berkeley, CA - The Greek Theatre Jul. 26 - Paso Robles, CA - Mid California State Fair Jul. 27 - San Diego, CA - Concerts on the Green @ Qualcomm Stadium Aug. 08 - Bethlehem, PA - Muzikfest Aug. 09 - Atlantic City, NJ - The Borgata Aug. 10 - Baltimore, MD - V Festival @ Pimlico Race Track Aug. 17 - Charlotte, NC - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Aug. 19 - Orlando, FL - UCF Arena Aug. 20 - Hollywood, FL - Hard Rock Live @ Seminole Hard Rock Casino Aug. 22 - Tampa, FL - Ford Amphitheatre Aug. 23 - Alpharetta, GA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre @ Encore Park Aug. 30 - Vancouver - GM Place Aug. 31 - Seattle, WA - Bumbershoot Festival @ Memorial Stadium

Jimmy Page & Robert Plant - Shake My Tree - 5/1/95 Milwaukee

Stone Temple Pilots Reunite for Tour LOS ANGELES (AP) — After a five-year breakup and nearly eight-year absence from the concert scene, Stone Temple Pilots will reunite for a North American tour. On Monday, Singer Scott Weiland, guitarist Dean DeLeo, bassist Robert DeLeo and drummer Eric Kretz revealed the details of their 65-city tour, set to begin May 17 in Columbus, Ohio. "The story's not finished," Weiland told The Associated Press. "There's more to be revealed and more to be told." DeLeo said the band plans to record a new album after the tour, which is set to wrap in November. Formed in 1992, the band has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide. The Grammy-winning rockers celebrated their announcement with a private show in the Hollywood Hills. They're scheduled to make their first national television appearance May 1 on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

Black Flag - Tv Party

According to The Pulse of Radio, TOOL vocalist Maynard James Keenan will make a rare personal appearance at a Whole Foods supermarket in Chandler, Arizona on Wednesday (April 9) to sign bottles of wine from his vineyards in Sedona. According to the Whole Foods online calendar, Keenan and his partner Eric Glomski will sign bottles of their Caduceus, Merkin, and Arizona Stronghold lines at the store's wine bar between 4 and 9 p.m. Keenan told The Pulse of Radio that he would rather spend time with wine enthusiasts than rock fans. "Generally speaking, the people that are into wine are generally adults and respect people's space, and it's not about the person really who made it, it's about the wine," he said. "So there's definitely a calmer admiration that goes on in those circles." The Whole Foods in Chandler is located at 2955 West Ray Road. Keenan, an avid wine enthusiast, began his Caduceus Cellars in 2004 and unveiled his first three wines in the spring of 2006. Keenan released the debut album from his side project PUSCIFER, titled "V Is For Vagina", last fall. The singer is slated to appear at selected stops on this spring's Justice Tour, which is being spearheaded by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello.

JEFF BECK Best of Beck

Royal Canadian Air Farce set to end The Royal Canadian Air Farce, one of Canada's longest-running comedy troupes, will be grounded after next season, CBC announced on Tuesday. The venerable weekly sketch comedy TV show, known for its topical mix of political and social satire, will produce nine regular episodes in the fall before ending with its traditional New Year's Eve gala special. The cast of CBC-TV's Royal Canadian Air Farce will perform the season finale on Friday. (Russ Martin/CBC) "It's just time," original cast member and producer Don Ferguson told CBC News on Tuesday afternoon. "We've done pretty much everything we wanted to do. The ratings are still good. I want to be in charge of my own exit." Ferguson also said he didn't consider what day had been chosen for the announcement. "I didn't even realize it was April 1 that we were doing this, that it was going to come out…. It's not a joke, but it's a great date for us to announce it. April Fool's Day, why not?" The secret to the show's long run, he added, was keeping the audience the main priority. "We've only ever worried about [each] week's show and how the audience is going to respond to it," Ferguson said. "If we can make real, living, breathing Canadians laugh about what's going on in Canada and the world and life in general, it's a great gig." Radio beginnings Originating with a Montreal comedy troupe in 1970, Air Farce debuted on CBC Radio in December 1973, eventually producing more than 600 broadcasts over 24 years. The show was introduced to CBC-TV audiences in 1980, after which came a 10-episode series and several once-a-year TV specials over the next few years. After the 1992 New Year's Eve special proved popular with viewers, Air Farce became a mainstay of CBC-TV beginning in October 1993. After running on both CBC Radio and CBC-TV, the show moved exclusively to television in 1997. Last year, to celebrate its 300th episode, the producers, cast and crew staged an hour-long, live-to-air show. They subsequently decided that, beginning this season, all shows would continue with the live format. In addition to original members Ferguson, Roger Abbott and Luba Goy, the current cast features Penelope Corrin, Jessica Holmes, Craig Lauzon and Alan Park. Air Farce's current season finale airs Friday. "We remain in discussions with [producers Abbott and Ferguson] about upcoming projects," said CBC spokesman Jeff Keay.

Rush Promises Surprises On Summer Tour Gary Graff, Detroit Rush fans can expect some different songs and "surprises" when the Canadian trio hits the road on April 11 -- but guitarist Alex Lifeson says, "I'm gonna keep those a secret until then, I think." Lifeson tells Billboard.com that since the next segment of Rush's Snakes & Arrows World Tour -- which kicks off in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and runs through July 20 -- visits a number of cities the group hasn't played in quite some time, "we thought we should maybe revisit some older songs we're not playing currently or haven't been in the last little while. So we changed out a few songs in the set. We're gonna keep it loose and maybe kind of bounce back and forth." Lifeson says the group frequently gets fan requests for specific material. "We see 'Camera Eye' come up quite often, 'Jacob's Ladder' and some of the longer songs like that from our mid-period," he says. Last year's Snakes & Ladders dates featured rarities such as "Circumstances" and "Entre Nous," which Rush has never performed live, and are captured on the upcoming "Snakes & Arrows Live," due April 15. Lifeson says Rush is also starting to tuck into the video material from the same show last October at Ahoy Rotterdam arena in the Netherlands for a DVD the guitarist says will be out in the late summer or early fall. "We shot it in HD, and I hear it looks really dramatic," says Lifeson, who supervised the stereo mix for the CD. The group decided to put the CD out first, he says, because "we wanted to kind of bridge the two halves of the tour with a release so there's something there, and then we'll follow up with the live DVD." Lifeson says that he and bandmates Geddy Lee and Neil Peart are also thinking a bit about Rush's next studio album -- mostly likely with "Snakes & Arrows" co-producer Nick Raskulinecz -- but suspects that will come later rather than sooner. "I'm guessing that we're probably going to take a little bit of the break at the end of this tour," says Lifeson, who's been updating his Web site with a number of new features he hopes to roll out soon. "I don't see us really doing much in the way of any new material probably until the spring of next year, and then we'll see where we go. We generally prefer to just start on that first day and sit down and start jamming; it's such an exciting moment, and it becomes it's own living thing. We seem to be much more balanced and a lot happier working that way."

Russell Peters to host Junos By BILL HARRIS -- Sun Media Buckle up and brace yourself, Canada. Fearless, boundary- busting and world-renowned Canadian comedian Russell Peters is hosting the 2008 Juno Awards, which take place Sunday at the Pengrowth Saddledome and will air nationally on CTV. "It's exciting, you know," Peters said. "And it also is fascinating that they actually are trusting me to do it." Certainly, Peters has a reputation for his willingness to say just about anything, and to broach just about any subject, no matter how controversial. Do the organizers of the Junos understand what they have done? Are they prepared for what they have unleashed? "I think they're going to be graciously regretful," Peters predicted. He was kidding, of course. We think. The Juno Awards annually celebrate the best in Canadian music. The broadcast this year is scheduled to feature performances from more than two dozen artists, including Avril Lavigne, Feist, Finger Eleven, Hedley, Jully Black, Measha Brueggergosman and Michael Buble. Anne Murray will appear in special duet performances with Jann Arden and Sarah Brightman, while Aaron Lines, Gord Bamford, Johnny Reid, Paul Brandt and Shane Yellowbird will perform in an all-country musical tribute to the host city and province. So, Russell Peters, are you a fan of any of the musicians who will be performing, or who are nominated for the various Juno trophies? "Nope, not a one," Peters said. "Anne Murray, I would say I'm a fan of her. But that's about it. None of that other (bleep) impresses me at all. "So that's why it's fun for me to do this, because I'm not going to be in awe of anybody." But hang on a minute -- Peters quickly made a slight amendment to that statement. "Triumph, that's going to be cool," said Peters, referring to the legendary Canadian rock band that is going to be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame as part of the Junos extravaganza. The Juno Awards have moved around Canada in the past several years, in an effort to promote the event as the most important night on the calendar for Canadian musicians. Nelly Furtado was the host last year in Saskatoon. She was preceded by Pamela Anderson (2006, Halifax), Brent Butt (2005, Winnipeg), Alanis Morissette (2004, Edmonton), Shania Twain (2003, Ottawa) and the Barenaked Ladies (2002, St. John's). Peters said he realizes that when hosting an event such as this, the goal is to help facilitate the proceedings, but never to overpower them. "I fully understand when I'm hosting events that it's not about me, it's about the event," Peters said. "I've hosted many events in the past, like the Urban Music Awards, or Gilda's Club, and just hosting talent shows. "My forte in that arena is making it fun and keeping it together and making it about the event." Besides, after the opening monologue, things like the Junos or the Oscars or the Emmys or the Geminis kind of take on a momentum of their own. "When you really break down your hosting duties, you're on at the beginning, the middle, and maybe the end, you know?" Peters said. "Walking that line is not really a stretch for me. I'm not panicked about that." So, all kidding aside, is Russell Peters suggesting the Junos organizers shouldn't be panicked that he is hosting the show? "If you set the bar low, no one ever can be disappointed," Peters said. "I've been doing that my entire career. "You know what I am? I'm like a silent fart. You don't hear it, but ... " No need to finish the thought. We smell what you're saying. "Just try not to (bleep) on me after the broadcast," Peters requested. "But no matter what happens, you always can say, 'Well, he did warn us.' "

The audio is from Jeff`s new record " Mess of Blues" and has been synced to Bob`s video footage of the same concert and the results are what you see.

RUSH Jam With FOO FIGHTERS In Toronto; According to the Sun Media, RUSH singer-bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson surprised the crowd by showing up about an hour into the FOO FIGHTERS' two-hour-and-10-minute performance to play with drummer Taylor Hawkins during his drum solo and the three musicans then played "YYZ", a spiralling progressive-rock instrumental from RUSH's 1981 album "Moving Pictures". The Toronto prog-rockers injected some much-needed energy and excitement into the proceedings and Hawkins even had a hug for Lee afterwards. "Rush! Rush!" screamed FOO FIGHTERS leader Dave Grohl in amazement as the two musicians walked off stage. "You've got nuts the size of grapefruits," said Grohl to Hawkins after he played with Lee and Lifeson. The members of the two bands know each other through Nick Raskulinecz, a U.S. record producer who has worked with both groups, most recently on RUSH's "Snakes & Arrows" album in 2007. Watch fan-filmed video footage of last night's jam below.

LiveIrelandRadio.com

Scorsese's SHINE A LIGHT Movie

Aretha, Steely Dan set for Montreal jazz fest stage Swing legends slated for Battle of the Bands The Queen of Soul will take the stage in Montreal this summer as part of the Montreal International Jazz Festival, organizers announced Tuesday. Aretha Franklin performs at the 2008 MusiCares tribute in Los Angeles last month where she was honoured as their person of the year.Aretha Franklin performs at the 2008 MusiCares tribute in Los Angeles last month where she was honoured as their person of the year. (Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press) Aretha Franklin is set to perform two concerts — on July 3 and 4 — for the upcoming edition, according to an initial festival announcement unveiling several acts. Fusion troupe Steely Dan is also slated to headline two concerts during the popular summer festival. Organizers will introduce the festival's first ever Battle of the Bands event this year, closing the festival off with a bang as swing legends the Glenn Miller Orchestra faces off against the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra on July 6. More performers joining the lineup will be announced as the festival approaches. The 29th annual Montreal International Jazz Festival takes place June 26 to July 6. Each year, thousands of musicians from around the globe and upwards of two million music fans descend on Montreal to participate in what organizers bill as the world's largest jazz festival. Though jazz is the main event at more than 100 venues around the city, organizers weave performances by artists from a variety of other musical genres into the mix.

LEE AARON Set To 'Rock' Again Former Canadian "metal queen" Lee Aaron has lined up several dates where she will be performing some of her early hard rock-oriented material along with "rocked up" versions of some of her newer songs (after singing jazz for the past several years). So far the following shows have been announced: Feb. 28 - Redcliff, AB @ Harmony Hall (w/ HEADPINS) Feb. 29 - Calgary, AB @ Deerfoot Casino (w/ HEADPINS) Mar. 01 - Edmonton, AB @ Century Casino Jul. 25 - Kapuskasing, ON @ [to be announced] (w/ HEADPINS) Jul. 26 - Mattawa, ON @ Voyageur Days According to Lee Aaron's guitarist Rob Hamilton, "the first time we did this was the Rock the Fort Festival in Thunder Bay June 16th 2006, a double bill with HEART. The show was a huge success with Lee and the band sounding great. The turnout was intense as well with over 40,000 tickets sold. The next was in Mattawa Ontario July 29th for the Voyageur Days Festival." Aaron previously stated about the Rock the Fort and Voyageur Days festival performances, "The new material meshed extremely well with the older tunes. Thunder Bay was a first. I've never blended the jazz/pop stuff with my rock hits. The new material seemed to assimilate seamlessly and was really well received by the crowd. "Despite offers, I refused to perform my earlier work for about six years, playing the jazz circuit instead, endeavoring to earn credibility as a jazz chanteuse. Tremendous pay cut, but worth it in the end. For the most part, people are no longer shocked that I'm capable of more than big hair arena rock. It was important to me to change that perception. There is an unfortunate stereotype that exists especially in the industry that posits that if you are a woman, and play hard rock you can't possibly have brains. I spent the first twenty years my career being treated like an idiot, except by those that knew me well. I digress. "Wahoo. I loved it. The show was so much fun and it finally felt really right to be putting together a comprehensive set that spans my entire career. Plans to do more for sure."

Celine tops Juno nominations By Cassandra Szklarski, THE CANADIAN PRESS Celine Dion nabs a leading 6 Juno nominations. (CP file photo) TORONTO - Celine Dion, who marked a change in musical direction with her latest disc "Taking Chances," received a leading six Juno Award nominations Tuesday. The Quebec diva, who is known for belting out power ballads but has recently experimented with a harder-edged sound, will compete against herself in the album of the year category. "Taking Chances" is up for the coveted prize, as is the singer's French-language album, "D'elles." Following closely behind Dion with five Juno nods apiece are: Toronto-based artist Feist, Vancouver crooner Michael Buble, and Napanee, Ont.,-raised singer Avril Lavigne. All three are up for album of the year: Lavigne for "The Best Damn Thing," Feist for "The Reminder," and Michael Buble for "Call me Irresponsible." The Juno Awards, which honour the best in Canadian music, will be handed out April 6 at Calgary's Saddledome. Montreal's Arcade Fire, Burlington, Ont., band Finger Eleven and perennial favourite Blue Rodeo received three Juno nods each. The Juno Awards have enjoyed renewed popularity ever since organizers decided to move the show from city to city each year. Performers at this year's bash will include Lavigne, opera star Measha Brueggergosman, Anne Murray and Feist. Feist is also up for several honours at this weekend's Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Hosting the Juno festivities will be comedian Russell Peters. At the awards, Canadian rockers Triumph will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. http://www.junoawards.ca/

Six Degrees Radio

Bebel Gilberto Remixed

TRIUMPH UNITES FOR SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL!: The classic Triumph line-up (Rik Emmett/Mike Levine/Gil Moore) could not have selected a better way to reunite after a two-decade absence - with what will undoubtedly be a show-stopping appearance at the 2008 Sweden Rock Festival. Held over a four-day span (June 4-7), the Sweden Rock Festival has been an annual event since 1992, and over the past few years, has been held in Norje, outside of Sölvesborg. This year's festival is featuring one of its strongest line-ups ever - in addition to Triumph's highly anticipated appearance, such renowned groups as Judas Priest, Def Leppard, Blue Öyster Cult, and Whitesnake (among others) have also been confirmed. "We have had Triumph in mind for many years and hoped that they would play together again one day . When we saw Triumph was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall Of Fame, then read some statements from the members that "maybe one day we will do something together again," we jumped in with an immediate offer - and it looks like we're helping write some new history! A fantastic band with so many classic albums is just what Sweden Rock Festival is all about. I am very proud to be able to present this band at this years Sweden Rock Festival. I'm just one of many fans that are looking forward to this fantastic show." - Ingolf Persson, Sweden Rock Festival. As one of the godfathers of prog metal and leading lights of arena rock, Triumph formed in 1975, and built a large and loyal fanbase by the late '70s on the strength of their non-stop touring schedule throughout Canada and the USA and the success of their classic albums, 'Rock & Roll Machine' and 'Just A Game.' But it was in the 1980's when Triumph truly became a force to be reckoned with, as a string of gold/platinum-certified albums ('Progressions of Power,' 'Allied Forces,' 'Never Surrender,' and 'Thunder Seven') and classic hits ("Fight the Good Fight," "Magic Power", "Lay It On The Line") solidified the group as one of rock's top concert attractions. With their music continuing to live on during their absence, fans will now finally get the opportunity to catch this live legend on stage once more. For more information, visit: www.triumphmusic.com

Oscar Peterson was 'best piano player in the world:' Stevie Wonder Some 2,600 people at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall enjoyed an array of musical treats Saturday afternoon at a free tribute concert to the late jazz legend Oscar Peterson. Eager fans, lining up as early as 5 a.m. ET, snapped up about 2,000 seats made available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Oscar Peterson died on Dec. 23 at age 82. He was praised as a 'maharajah of the keyboard' by the Governor General. (CBC) Oscar Peterson: Simply the Best featured music stars including Herbie Hancock, Audrey Morris, Nancy Wilson, Gregory Charles and Measha Brueggergosman, there to honour Peterson, who died at age 82 on Dec. 23. Host Valerie Pringle kicked off the event, praising Peterson as a citizen of the world who championed human rights and who "really did love and not hate." She also noted Peterson's valiant fight to get back to his music after suffering a stroke in 1993. Pringle said Peterson was a "humble man" whose achievements included eight Grammys and numerous honours, including an International Jazz Hall of Fame Award and being named a Companion of the Order of Canada, both in 1997. The audience was then treated to a video retrospective of Peterson. Follow Peterson's lead Governor General urges Governor General Michaëlle Jean hailed Peterson as a "titan of music" for his passionate performances and charitable efforts to support disenfranchised youth. "Touted as the 'maharajah of the keyboard,' Oscar Peterson has left an indelible mark on the cultural heritage of the entire world," Jean said. "He had an incredible ability to wow musicians and audiences alike with his dazzling artistic ingenuity." The Governor General then urged the audience to embrace Peterson's positive, colour-blind approach to life. "The world should follow Oscar Peterson by saying 'yes' to humanity and saying 'no' to social exclusion and human apathy." 'I owe him everything:' Herbie Hancock The first musicians onstage were four long-time musical collaborators of Peterson: Jeff Hamilton on drums, Ulf Wakenius on guitar, Dave Young on bass and Monty Alexander on piano. U.S. musician Herbie Hancock, seen here in December, paid tribute to Peterson at Saturday's concert. Hancock said that after hearing Peterson on an album, he changed his career from engineer to musician. (Matt Sayles/Associated Press) The quartet went through a blistering five-minute set that blended several of Peterson's swinging compositions. Their set yielded an enthusiastic response from the crowded hall. Next up was U.S. musician Herbie Hancock, 67, who reflected on his early days in jazz, when he was in college. "When I started becoming interested in jazz ... I heard a record, it was Jazz at the Philharmonic.... I said to myself, 'Who is that piano player?' Well, that piano player changed my life," said Hancock, who said he followed Peterson's career from that point on. He also credited Peterson with changing his career path — from engineer to musician. 'Your beautiful character and music will never die.' —Daughter Celine Peterson, 16"I owe him everything, and he's irreplaceable." Hancock, who collaborated with Peterson during the 1980s, went on to play a long, meditative piece on the piano, something Peterson had composed for his daughter Celine, as the packed hall went hush and still. Liked peanut butter: daughter Celine, Peterson's youngest daughter, spoke afterward, saying her father was there in the hall "in spirit." "I admired everything that he accomplished and everything he stood for. He was so proud to be Canadian and more so, that he lived ... in Mississauga. He was the person who told me never to let anyone judge me for what they saw." Celine, 16, went on to say her father once put on a woman's dress, makeup and high heels to prove his point, causing a burst of laughter in the audience. Celine recalled Peterson as the "best dad in the world," who liked to eat peanut butter for breakfast and was enthralled with his puppy dogs. "Thank you dad ... for the endless adventures and the colourful nights," said Celine, who travelled to 19 countries with her dad. "Your beautiful character and music will never die." Peterson embodied 'genius:' Quincy Jones Quebec performer Gregory Charles came on and declared: "I could've been Oscar Peterson's son because my mom looooved Oscar." Quebec performer Gregory Charles said Peterson was a role model for him. (Geoff Howe/Canadian Press) Charles, host of the CBC radio program, In the Key of Charles, said his mother was his first piano teacher and only listened to Peterson because "he swings!" Charles, whose parents hail from Trinidad, said Peterson was a role model. "My dad said 'look at what he did. So, if he can do that, you can do anything you want.'" The actor and choir director is a chart-topping artist in Quebec whose autobiographical one-man show, Noir et blanc (Black and White) was a hit, along with the subsequent CD of the show's music. Stevie Wonder, who could not be at the event, sent a video, saying he wished he had a chance to record an album with Peterson. "I am truly thankful to God that I was able to meet someone I had admired all my life," said Wonder who called Peterson the "world's greatest pianist." 'We'd all be lucky to have 10 per cent of what Oscar was as a human being.' —Quincy Jones"[Oscar] played the piano so well you could hear the music sing and dance … I, along with millions and millions of people, will love you forever." The event was lifted by the appearance of jazz impresario and musician Quincy Jones, who recalled being at Massey Hall with Charlie Parker as a 19-year-old trumpeter. "Parker used to say 'just play it, don't say it,'" said Jones, as the audience chuckled. Jones compared Peterson's skill to "playing gun powder with sugar." He said Peterson embodied genius because "genius involves sensation, feeling, believing, attachment and knowledge." Jones, 74, said he was blessed to have had the love of Peterson and added that he also loved Toronto — "this is a fantastic city" — and its history of welcoming jazz musicians. "We'd all be lucky to have 10 per cent of what Oscar was as a human being." The tribute concluded with a performance of Peterson's Hymn to Freedom featuring Measha Brueggergosman and backed by the Faith Chorale, the Nathanial Dett Chorale and the University of Toronto Gospel Choir, all directed by pianist and CBC Radio host Andrew Craig. Saturday's two-hour tribute show was broadcast live starting at 4:05 p.m. ET on CBC Radio One and Sirius 137. The broadcast will be repeated at 8:05 p.m. ET on CBC Radio Two and Radio-Canada's Espace Musique channel.

A lot of people have a fondness for the original 70's SNL cast, but as shown in that special, the 90's were a strong decade. The Chris Farley Chippendales sketch was one of the all-time best.

That was cool. Funny when the music stops and catches Eddie off guard.