Candy Rotten Retirement Party Saturday, August 26th @The Casbah by Gentleman Jeff
Candy Rotten Retirement Party
Saturday, August 26th@The Casbah
PWYC
Daryl Gould
BA Scott
The Squids
Lab Rats Assemble
The Liquor Pigs
Gentleman Jeff
The description in the Facebook page for this event says it all. In short, Candy (and Len) have been a vital and supportive part of the Hamilton Music scene for over 30 years. From opening their recording/ rehearsal studio to supporting and mentoring bands, they are a force for the betterment of the art. Candy herself has played drums in numerous local bands, such as The Retards, Spoiled Rotten, The Punk Rods, Krypt Keeper, The Silhouettes and The Squids. A rock solid and dependable player, she has filled in for other artists who were in a tight spot, whether it be playing live or adding tracks in the studio or helping a drumerless band write songs.
With all these achievements and resulting accolades, you’d think Candy and Len might have swollen heads. No bloody likely. They are two of the most helpful, positive, and humble people I have ever met. When two of her children, Jonny and Tammy decided to have a proper send off for Candy, the Hamilton music community responded.
Firstly, it was great to have the show in the main Hall of the Casbah, especially on a Saturday night. The sound and lights were excellent, and the turnout was more than expected. A container was placed on stage for party goers to donate to the bands and from what I saw, I think they were recompensed quite well.
The feeling was like a reunion more than a gig. People I hadn’t seen since at least the onset of the pandemic were in attendance in an audience made up of at least half local musicians. Hugs and smiles all around. A veritable selfie fest. With the mood set thusly, the show began.
Darryl Gould
I hadn’t seen Darryl Gould perform in quite a while, and it was a pleasure to seem him, and his rhythm section play tight, melodic power pop. Of all the lineups I’ve seen Mr. Gould work with, this power trio is by the far the best. A little Replacements, a little Husker Du. Due to time constraints, he only played for about 15 minutes, and then back for a couple more tunes by popular demand, including vocal support from Tammy, Candy’s daughter. The singer/ songwriter/guitarist has really come into his own as a creative force and is getting the bookings to prove it. Look for him, solo or band in your local listings.
The Squids
Next up, The Squids. Mr. Gabagool himself, Sammy Squid with Candy on drums. Primal and real, the Cramps-y feel of the music motivated people on to the dancefloor. They played some older numbers, a bit of doo wop, and a heartfelt tribute to Candy from Sammy. There were a few sighs and eye wipings both on stage and in the audience. Technically, this was Candy’s last time on stage behind the kit, her “retirement”, but time will tell. Sammy continues his Stugats Stampede with Mr. Peter Lambert, appearing in September at the Casbah.
Lab Rats Assemble
Keeping in the familial vein, Jonny, another of Candy’s children brought his band, Lab Rats Assemble to the stage. Another power trio with three more proficient musicians, they played a sort of nu-metal/ Megadeath set, peppered with some interesting covers. The one that stuck out for me was a great interpretation of Midnight Oil’s “Beds are Burning”, which was reimagined without losing the ingenious songwriting. Amazing musicians all, but, in all honesty, the name is not exactly top notch. Remember the Rainbow Butt Monkeys?
BA Scott
A change of tempo came in the form of BA Scott (Snowheel Slim), with his unique brand of country-punk blues, delivered as a one-man band. I haven’t seen him solo for a while, and being a devotee of hill country fingerstyle blues, I welcomed his appearance. Just because he’s a solo act doesn’t mean that he can’t boogie or make the audience do so. BA has a great voice and a unique guitar style that got even more people up on the dancefloor. As a member of Razoreater, his connection to Candy and Len goes back many years.
The Liquor Pigs
Closing out the night in a fine style were Toronto/ Mississauga’s The Liquor Pigs. They’ve been a crowd favourite in Hamilton for almost 30 years and they are still “reckless, strong and free” to quote a great Pigs tune, “18&Crazy”. They still pack the same forceful punch, and played an extended set of older material, “Let’s start a Riot” and newer songs, from 2017’s CD “Wasted Behind the Wheel” to newer material as yet to be released. A unique and original take on the punk genre, they swerved into metal and “balls out” rock and roll at times, and even dropped a few covers. Joined on stage by Bryan, “Punk Daddy/ B B DeVille”, they performed a great version of “Sonic Reducer”. Masters of engaging the audience, they did just that, with lead singer Max McCabe donning the infamous “pig mask” during their closing number and drummer Glen Poplestone treating the audience to an unironic drum solo. As cliche as it is, they really brought the house down for the remaining audience. Again, it’s been a while since I’ve seen them and was not disappointed.
Overall, the best gig I’ve been to since pandemic restrictions ended. It seems like the pent up musicality is being unleashed with a vengeance. Although it was a bittersweet farewell to Candy’s career as a drummer, it was good to see that every act on the Casbah stage had some relationship with Len and Candy. Bands who used their practice space, recorded demos, had Candy as a member and enjoyed the generosity and kindness of the couple were well represented in honoring and celebrating their continued involvement in the Hamilton Music scene. Again, thanks to Brodie and the Casbah for the space and the spot-on sound and lights, and to Jonny and Tammy for putting the evening together.
And of course, thanks to Candy and Len. Full admission: I am one of the many who is proud to call Len and Candy friends and would like to take this space to thank them personally.
(Apologies for any errors, omissions, misspellings, etc.)
*Beer time*--nothing on tap? Enjoyed/ appreciated the cans of Guiness, but 9$? *
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