Hamilton Foodshare Benefit @The Corktown Tavern Saturday, November 11, 2023 By Gentleman Jeff
Featuring Gene Champagne and The Unteens Rocket and the Renegades Spectacular Crash $15, food donations .
I thought the 8:30pm start time was just a suggestion, but as I arrived at the Corktown I was proven wrong. Stepping out of the cab I heard the opening strains of the Only Ones’ “another Girl, Another Planet “being done to a “T” by Spectacular Crash. Bag of non-perishables in hand, I made my way upstairs to find the room jammed with patrons and canned goods. This room seems to create a good atmosphere, especially when there is a fair amount of people in attendance. Without knowing, I had just stumbled into a room full of familiar and friendly faces, and the opening act. Again, I’m used to an advertised 8:30 show starting around 10 pm.
Spectacular Crash
Fronted by the “King of Fun” himself, Lou Molinaro. Spectacular Crash are a tight unit and really handle covers well, as if the tunes were their own. Assisted by Rob Sweeny on guitar and a cracking rhythm section of “Oshawa Boys” as Lou told me later. No other details were given, which gave half the band a hint of mystery. Lou and the lads blasted through a set of mostly covers, with the standouts being The Ramones “Lobotomy” and a fantastic version of the Who’s “Anyway Anyhow Anywhere”. Here the “Oshawa Boy” channeled Keith Moon and delivered a beat-perfect rendition of the song. I’m not sure if they have recorded anything yet or are more of just an outlet to play live, but I am curious to see what they can come up with in terms of crafting more of their own songs. Of special note was Daryl Gould’s daring scaling of the lighting rig, without a safety net or thought to his own personal safety.
Rocket and The Renegades
I’ve seen the name of this band countless times but never got to experience them live. Now that I have, I would see (and hear, of course) them again. Fronted by Robin Magder, who reminded me of an edgier Wanda Jackson, they performed an upbeat set that was a mix of covers and originals. I enjoyed the country stylings of the lead guitarist (name escapes me) which reminded me of Roy Buchanan at times. Otherwise, the band was tight, but did have some tempo issues at times. Their opening song “Born in the Hammer.” Really got the crowd moving as civic pride normally does. Another original, “Slim Pickings” stood out as well for having some clever vocal hooks. In keeping with Spectacular Crash’s Who cover, The Renegades played a great version of “I Can’t Explain” in their own unique style. Added to his, $5 from each sale of the band’s merchandise went to Hamilton Foodshare, which was a nice touch. The band plays all over town, from pubs to clubs, and I will definitely seek them out again.
The Unteens’ set was a continuation of their spirited performance last July when supporting UIC. Being the headliners, they had a little more space and time to give the audience a taste of their talent and tunes. Starting off with The Killjoy’s “Dana” as part of a giveaway was a nice touch, harkening back to Champagne’s time in that band. Now that Gene is out in front, he is fast becoming an entertainer, who can keep the interest and energy of a crowd moving and growing. Being that they were in Hamilton at the Corktown Tavern, the band played a few Teenage Head numbers, along with the Flamin’ Groovies track that inspired the band’s name. An interesting inclusion was The Undertones' “Teenage Kicks”, a favorite of the late, great British DJ John Peel’s. The crowd loved every minute of The Unteen’s set and were treated to over an hour’s worth of oldies, covers and originals. The band finished off with their single from last year “You Can’t Break Me.”, which was quite fitting, given the singer/ guitarist’s brush with mortality during the pandemic. Also, it conveyed a very Hamilton spirit, especially regarding the live music scene that is now coming back into full force, or perhaps even more strongly. The old saying “you don’t know what you have until you’ve lost it” rings true in this case for musicians and live music fans alike. Only one sour note soiled the band’s performance, at least for part of their set. Lead guitarist, Neen McQueen’s guitar could simply not be heard. He was making the appropriate faces and moves, but his instrument was barely audible, and this took away from the band’s overall sound. Luckily, the issue was resolved, and the show carried on, but it did illustrate the ingenuity of the two guitarists and how they mesh their sounds and styles together. Lastly, not only was the show a great success, but so was the fundraiser for Hamilton Foodshare. I’m not sure of the cash donation amount, or how many 100s of pounds of food were gathered, but I know they met a target. Regardless, food isn’t infinite, and Hamiltonians can donate either in person or online to any number of charities during the Holiday season, and indeed, at any time during the ongoing cost of living crisis. Gene Champagne and The Unteens are becoming known and rightfully so. I would expect to see them opening for larger touring bands and hopefully record at least another single in the coming year. *Beer corner—pretty much the same as the last time I was there, minus cans of Guiness. Just one beer line going upstairs would be heavenly—just sayin’*
From Gene Champagne*
THANK YOU so much to everyone that helped and donated to our Food Drive event last Saturday. I was able to deliver this pallet of food and raised over $1000 dollars in cash and online donations for Hamilton Food Share.
Thank you to all of you that came out last night.So much fun and thanks to Rocket and The Renagades and Spectacular Crash for joining us.Thankful for Steelore and Lou Molinaro presents along with Gunner from Steel City Music who helped me champion a special night.I can't wait to deliver a great haul of donations to Hamilton Food Share. My heart is full and an amazing way to end my year of shows.
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