The Sheepdogs

Saskatoon’s retro-rockers The Sheepdogs not only picked a leading four Independent Music Awards Saturday night in Toronto, but they got a special surprise guest in the form of British classic rock vocalist Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company and The Firm) who joined them on stage half-way through their set at the ceremony.

Free was apparently a big influence on the ‘70s-and-blues-inspired Sheepdogs, who also landed on the cover of Rolling Stone last year, becoming the first unsigned act to do so, and Rodgers happened to be in town to give a public chat at Canadian Music Week earlier in the day.

“Man! These guys rock!” said Rodgers, 62, half-way through their trio of Free songs together - I’ll Be Creepin’, I’m A Mover and the fan favourite, All Right Now.

“This has been a dream of ours,” said Sheepdogs lead singer-guitarst Ewan Currie from the stage.

The Sheepdogs’ trophy haul, at what were formally called the Sirius XM Indies, during CMW included favourite rock artist, favourite live artist, group of the year, and favourite single for I Don’t Know.

The other multiple Indie winners were Toronto hardcore punk act F---ed Up who picked up two awards for favourite punk/hardcore artist, and favourite album of the year for David Comes To Life, and British singer Adele who won two trophies for favourite international solo artist of the year and favourite international album for 21.

Nineties’ pop-rock act Treble Charger also reunited for a two-song performance of American Psycho and Red in honor of their induction into the Indies Hall Of Fame after earlier playing a gig at the Phoenix on Wednesday night.

“Does anyone know where the Indie Hall of Fame is,” asked Brendan Canning of Broken Social Scene who presented their award. “Next time I’ll write a speech.”

Among the impressive and diversified performers at the Indies were instrumental Greek guitarist Pavlo, Vancouver guitar-and-drums rock duo The Pack A.D., Toronto world music-punkers Young Empires, and Vancouver folk-rocker Dan Mangan.

For a full list of Indie winners and performers go to cmw.net.