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.

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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/

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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.

PAUL STANLEY Pays Tribute To LED ZEPPELIN Guitar Legend JIMMY PAGE The December 2007 issue of Classic Rock magazine features the story "Rock's Sonic Architect" in which a number of musicians pay tribute to LED ZEPPELIN guitarist Jimmy Page, the man who many believe shaped the very sound of rock music. In the article, KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley had the following to say regarding Page's influential guitar-playing style: "What was interesting about the guitar players in THE YARDBIRDS is how they all took their love of the blues and took it in different directions, particularly when you listen to Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, who seemed less purist and more adventurous. It's interesting to note that both THE JEFF BECK GROUP, which he formed after his stint in THE YARDBIRDS, and LED ZEPPELIN came about at virtually the same time. LED ZEPPELIN's first show as LED ZEPPELIN was October of 1968, and they were rehearsing before that. The Jeff Beck ['Truth'] album came out in August '68. So both, in a sense, were incubating at the same time. "It's interesting to see how much broader and wider Jimmy Page's vision was of what was possible. Jimmy understood the complexities and subtleties of producing and arranging and brought that to his band. As brilliant as Jeff Beck was, that's something he couldn't do, whether it was the limitations of the people he played with, which he himself has said he found frustrating, or just the fact that consistently Jimmy Page turned out to be a visionary. Jeff Beck had to use his phenomenal guitar talents to try and compensate for a lack of interesting or original material. "The great thing about somebody like Jimmy Page is he brought a lot of influences and flavors to the pot. He was able to realize that for something to be heavy didn't mean that it had to be crude; that part of what makes something heavy was the depth and the ontricacy or the lightness. Here's a guy who knew Celtic music, rockabilly, American folk and international music forms, besides the obvious admiration for Robert Johnson and everyone who followed in his footsteps. They [ZEPPELIN] were all fans of Sandy Denny and FAIRPORT CONVENTION. He understood that for something to be truly bombastic, it had to have depth, and depth doesn't come from cranking up an amplifier. "The idea of being able to paint sonically, to paint with light and dark and to see things cinematically, almost so that your canvas is large and your color choices — you're not afraid to use the whole palette. That's what makes those songs so dramatic. If 'How Many More Times?' was just one guitar cranked, it wouldn't have anywhere near the drama that it has. To a listener sho doesn't really understand what they're listening to, that's what it might sound like. But in fact it's so much more. And that becomes evident when you hear somebody trying to emulate it by just taking a guitar ande cranking it up through an amplifier."

Canadian jazz great Oscar Peterson dies

Amazon.com Keyboardist Herbie Hancock's remarkable career took a surprising turn with this funk album--one of the first jazz albums to be certified gold. Hancock's already-storied career had included an extended tenure with Miles Davis as a member of both the classic quintet of the '60s and the trumpeter's groundbreaking electric dates. As a leader, the pianist had followed a similar course, cutting both outstanding acoustic dates (Maiden Voyage, Empyrean Isles) and experimental electric sessions (Sextant, Crossings). Head Hunters, however, was something different: a stripped-down date featuring reedman Bennie Maupin as the only horn player, and a funk-oriented rhythm section made up of Paul Jackson, Harvey Mason, and Bill Summers. Hancock traded in his sophisticated piano performances and complex compositions for simple melodies, slow-burn funk grooves, and light electric keyboard splashes. The results, particularly on the tracks "Chameleon" and "Watermelon Man," had a profound impact on other musicians, although critics charged Hancock with playing to the galleries. But the album has stood the test of time--something neither the wealth of Hancock's imitators nor his own subsequent albums in this vein have been able to do. --Fred Goodman

Morissette Experiments With New 'Flavours' Alanis Morissette Katie Hasty, N.Y. Alanis Morissette will burst back onto the scene next spring with the album "Flavors of Entanglement." The set balances world- and folk-influenced tracks against the experimental pop leanings of producer Guy Sigsworth (Bjork, Madonna). "When I heard the song 'Let Go' by [sigsworth's band] Frou Frou, I listened over and over again. I was blown away by it. I called him on the phone myself and after a couple of conversations, I could tell we were going to be on the same page," Morissette tells Billboard.com. The Canada native envisioned an album that pulled in her various musical interests, "a combination of everything" from organic instruments to hip-hop beats. Plus, "it's the first time since I was 16 I've had a boy back-up sing on one of my album. I'm finally giving them a chance," she laughs. The effort, which she hopes to whittle down to 11 tracks in the following weeks, includes "Not As We," which features only piano and vocals, and "Moratorium," which is "essentially a song about my readiness to stop repeating bad patterns. I've kicked some of those in my life." Thematically, the album explores Morissette's personal struggles over the last few years and the more political struggles in the world over. "Really, in the end, the personal struggles are political. Our emotions align themselves with larger symptomatic things in the world," Morissette explains. "We face a large war out there, but [the album] more closely reflects the war in peoples' living rooms... the icy silence at home, versus the big cold war." As previously reported, Morissette signed on to the film adaptation of Philip K. Dick's 1985 sci-fi novel "Radio Free Albemuth," which started shooting in October. Morissette, who has acted since she was a preteen, said her screen ambitions have been a welcome escape from the music industry at times. Fans eager to hear new material can catch the aritst on the road with matchbox twenty starting in January.

HONEYMOON SUITE TALK NEW STUDIO ALBUM FOR 2008: Honeymoon Suite suite guitarist Derry checks in with a note: "Hey Everybody, It's Derry logging in. It's been a while since I've talked to you all, and I must apologize as we have been busier than usual for this time of year. Lots of great stuff going on though. As you know, we are back with the original lineup and going strong. The summer tour was awesome and many extra dates were added, taking us into the fall. We are having a lot of fun on stage and I think it shows. We saw a lot of old friends again out at the shows, plus a lot of new fans. I want to thank everybody who came out to the shows...we can't do it without you! The other big news is a new HMS studio album in the works. That sounds funny" album"...do they even call it that anymore? Or should I say "disc"? But then, they probably won't be around much longer either. The whole business is changing so much, but we will move with it. Sorry, got sidetracked there...where was I?? Oh yeah, the new CD! Yes, we start recording next week. It's going to be all new original songs and the original band will be playing on the record, as well as some special guests. It's being produced by Tom Treumuth, who also produced our very first record, so it's kind of cool how all the pieces are falling into place. The songs are mostly all rockers and are in the vein of the classic HMS sound. We are all excited to get started. The CD will be released hopefully early in 2008 in Europe on Frontiers Records, and also in North America on a label yet to be determined. Anyways, got to go. Heading over to Johnnie's house to do some writing today, but we'll see you all again on New Years Eve, live from Niagara Falls, Ont. We'll rocking in 2008 with our old friends Loverboy and Denis DeYoung, it's gonna be a blast!"

Complete Clapton:

TRIUMPH CLASSICS SCHEDULED FOR NEW 2007 REMASTERS: The Japanese are at it again! More "papersleeves" re-issues coming your way - this time it is Triumph getting the treatment. Fresh 2007 24bit Digital Masters will be released December 12 for the following albums: "Triumph," "Rock & Roll Machine," "Just a Game," "Progressive of Power," "Allied Forces," "Never Surrender," "Thunder Seven," "Stages," "The Sport of Kings," and "Surveillance".

Loverboy looks to future By JASON MacNEIL - Special to Sun Media Loverboy is back in all its Can-con glory and is set to play the Grey Cup festivities with fellow Canadian rock relics April Wine, Trooper and David Wilcox. When Can-rock staple Loverboy takes the stage tomorrow as part of the Grey Cup series of concerts, lead singer Mike Reno will feel much more comfortable there than on the football field. "I actually sang the national anthem at the Grey Cup quite a few years back," Reno was saying from his cellphone recently, while parallel-parking in Vancouver. "I'm kind of glad they didn't ask me to do that this year because that has to be one of the most nerve-wracking things you can do. You're belting it out while you have people giving you the gears and the finger. And of course, your brain does funny things where, even though you know the words, you start forgetting them." Loverboy is part of The Grey Cup Classic concert lineup featuring Trooper, April Wine and David Wilcox. But Reno is quite enthused about Just Getting Started, their first studio album in more than a decade. "I never really planned it to be anything but just an exercise in writing songs," he says of the record. "After singing a couple of tracks everybody in the studio was like, 'Dude, these are definitely Loverboy songs. You should do a new album.' I was like, 'You're right. Maybe I should go and talk to the guys.' We started recording and it really turned out awesome." The songs also seemed to come from some rather dark periods in Reno's life, including the death of bassist Scott Smith, who perished at sea in 2000 off San Francisco. "Things got a little rocky in my life, people started dying from cancer, people were lost at sea and I had all this ammunition," Reno says. "I don't think I write songs when I'm happy. I guess I write the songs when I'm not so happy. I think the best material comes when you're feeling the worst." The band had 35 songs to choose from for the record and started playing new tracks earlier in the year, to great fan reaction. Reno, who cites Die 4 You as his favourite off Just Getting Started, says four or five new songs are in the band's set. "It's always expected of us that Loverboy play their hits," he says. "I think we're going to have a little bit more leeway on what we play. I think we'll be able to throw a few more songs in because people will have actually heard them." But while the band is asked to do various one-off shows and some halftime events, Reno says nothing compares to a full gig. "That's what Loverboy is all about -- a good, high-energy, 90-minute show," he says. Unlike other classic rock acts not tuned into digital technology, Loverboy released its new album on iTunes. Reno says the digital age is something the music industry is still fighting. But even that marketplace has its flaws with illegal downloading. "People get your music but they don't necessarily buy it, which makes it very frustrating," he says. "Not only do you not make enough money to pay for the recording of it and expenses, but you also don't qualify for gold or platinum records because they're not counted. I got more than enough gold and platinum records. I was selling records when people were actually buying records. "Record companies don't really know what's going on. They are folding because they have refused to believe in the new digital age. We've embraced it. We're doing everything we can to make sure we service our fans." Reno says Loverboy, now 27 years in, has a string of dates lined up for the rest of 2007. The constant travel makes attending Sunday's Grey Cup game doubtful, what with a show in Minnesota on Saturday. "That's the nature of the business," he says. "I travel more than a flight attendant."

Six Degrees Radio - very cool stuff: SIX DEGREES RADIO

Pat Metheny - Secret Story

The Song Remains The Same Soundtrack