Jerry Jerry was a slacker before being a slacker was cool.
After more than 15 years in the music business and a mere four albums to show for it, the double named rock icon - aka Jerry Woods - practically beams with pride when he calls himself "fantastically" lazy.
"I'm fully aware of what's required to be successful in this business and I don't intend to do almost any of that," he says.
Glad to have you back, Jerry.
Having recently returned to home-town Edmonton after a 14-year odyssey in Montreal, Woods has been busy, in his own way. He's reformed the Sons of Rhythm Orchestra, which makes its comeback at the Rev tomorrow night. It's the first time the name has appeared on a local marquee since 1992 or so.
Fans old enough to remember will know Jerry's acclaimed debut album, Road Gore: The Band That Drank Too Much. Along with work by Jr. Gone Wild, Jerry and His Orchestra helped establish a distinctly Canadian indie rock sound, whatever it is. Battle Hymn of the Apartment was another album that will go down in the annals of the Canadian underground scene.
During the '80s, when other musicians were frantically attempting to become the next Poison, Jerry was blithely writing country-rockabilly-punk-pick-yer-pigeonhole tunes like Life On Top - an ironic poke at American culture, once again, long before that sort of thing became cool. Jerry was considered a "libertarian" songwriter, which, if that isn't cool, ought to be.
The band seemed not to care one whit for commercial success - which worked out because they didn't get any. But they earned respect, which is worth far more than any No. 1 hit. Isn't it?
And let's face it: Jerry can't be that lazy. He used to work for The Edmonton Sun as a part-time proof reader. He's also got five kids, one of which is happily caterwauling in the background during a recent phone interview. He begins by lamenting the mysterious disappearance of his glittery white disco suit, complete with big shoulders and flares.
"That'll definitely put the fear of God in you, that suit."
He figures his wife probably threw it out.
With an odd combination of serenity and wit, Jerry talks about how much he's enjoying Edmonton and the musicians he's working with now - guitarist Reece Urcher, bassist Sherry-Lee, drummer Thunderin' Ed and guitarist Evil Tex Bovine - since their "fantastic" talent is equally as important as their personalities, he says.
"I saw enough of the music business in my 15 years that I don't want to deal with anything that doesn't make me happy.
"I'm enjoying this so much. While I hardly rehearsed in the '90s at all, we've been rehearsing a lot, long hours and really enjoying it. It's a pleasure."
Anything special planned for the big comeback gig?
"Well, I plan to show up," he says. "We're in the entertainment business. We're going to make people happy whether they like it or not. We'll force beer down their throats and it'll all work out. It always works for me."
A FUN NIGHT FOR A SOBERING CAUSE -- Tomorrow night's rock 'n' jock affair in the SportEx featuring California's Face to Face and expert skateboarding demonstrations was actually inspired by a tragedy - the death of Spruce Grove teenager Laurier Huot. Proceeds from the show will go to the Salvation Army's Teens Helping Teens Crisis Hotline.Tickets are $23. Doors open at 6 p.m.
