If there's one band in this city that needs no introduction, it's Harlequin.
But since I get paid to blather, I'll give them one anyway. Singer George Belanger has been fronting this classic rock crew since the '70s. And he shows no sign of slowing down -- the band recently released the new live album On/Q and continues to tour regularly. If you're headed out to cottage country in Ontario this weekend, they'll be playing Harbourfest on Saturday. But first, here's what the merry jesters had to say in response to our dumb inquiries.
Who's in the band, how old are they and what do they do for real money?
George Belanger; so old he warmed up Beethoven; current profession: online gambler.
Nik Rivers; so old he lost shoot-out at OK Corral (& still has hat); now runs finishing carpentry company.
Derrick Gottfried; so young he still watches TeleTubbies; runs music school.
AJ Chabidon; so old he founded Big Ben wristwatch company; now has massage therapy clinic.
Darren Moore; old enough that he just missed out on dating the Golden Girls; now a songwriter and paper shuffler.
Give us the history of the band in 20 words or less.
Western Canadian Classic Rock Hall Of Famers.
Describe your music and/or sound in 20 words or less.
Old classic rock meets new classic rock?
Tell us about your latest CD in 20 words or less.
Harlequin's first live CD, recorded over 18 months, with old and new classics.
Why should we buy your CD or come to your gig?
The CD is nostalgia for rockers of any age and the show is packed with fun! Meet and hang with the band -- and if you push hard enough we'll bring you backstage.
How does your music make the world a better place?
We're the latest in a long line of representatives from the music capital of Canada.
What's your most original quality?
After 30 years the only original quality we have left is the ability to keep writing songs that are current with a classic rock foundation.
What's your motto?
Rock out with your c%#k out!
Complete this sentence: This band runs on ...
Rum, tequila, vodka and red wine.
What's your best song and what makes it so good?
Too many to choose from.
What are your favourite TV shows?
When we travel we always have a huge supply of DVDs. We tend to gravitate to warped humour like Curb Your Enthusiasm, Ali G, South Park and Family Guy.
Your favourite books?
George likes mystery and Darren likes music bios. The rest like colouring books and doodle art.
Favourite magazines?
Guitar Player, Blender, Modern Science and Hustler in the outhouse.
Favourite sports?
George and AJ like golf, Nik is a soccer fan, Derrick likes weightlifting and Darren likes MLB
Favourite food?
We typically head to the local sushi bar, which we refer to as the office.
What kind of food would you like named after you?
AJ and a Nik of prime rib and Gottfried with Moore Belanger.
What is your most valued possession? And where do you keep it?
In our pants?
Got any guilty pleasures?
This has been removed at the request of certain band members.
Name your favourite local musical acts.
Jack Semple, Streetheart, The Pumps, QCK, Doc Walker and of course the Choir Boys.
Now, name your favouite musical acts of all time.
The Beatles, The Who, The Stones, Montrose, Led Zep, Audioslave, King's X.
Tell us about your best gig to date.
Too many to list, but the most recent arena gig we've done in Winnipeg was with Heart a couple of years ago.
Tell us about your worst gig.
No such thing.
Describe your ultimate fantasy gig. Don't hold back.
Maybe the Royal Albert Hall with The Who and Paul McCartney.
What's the best part of performing and/or touring?
Each other. Five friends on a runaway tour.
What's the worst part of performing and/or touring?
Getting up the next morning.
What are your pre-show rituals, superstitions and good luck charms?
Warmups in the green room, a snack and a bevy and a little dance.
What is your current mode of transportation to and from gigs?
WestJet.
How would you like to travel from gig to gig?
Private Jet.
Pick your superpower: Invisibility, flight or ... ?
To never require sleep.
What are you afraid of?
Quitting.
Tell us about your best, worst or strangest celebrity encounter.
George spoke with John Lennon on the phone when Harlequin was recording in New York with Jack Douglas. At the time, John was recording Double Fantasy in the same studio and was calling for Jack. George answered and didn't want to let him off of the phone.
What's the smartest thing you've ever done?
Kept the band going through the '90s when the classic rock movement came to a screeching halt.
Complete this sentence: I'll know I'm a success when ...
All the ends meet.
