Big Sugar

Commodore Ballroom
Friday, Oct 21, 2011

08:00 PM

Coming out of the richly multi-cultural environment of Toronto rock/reggae/blues band Big Sugar was the project of singer/guitarist Gordie Johnson who teamed with bassist Terry Wilkins and drummer Al Cross to record the group’s 1992 self-titled debut LP. 1993’s Five Hundred Pounds had a number of guest musicians including multi-instrumentalist Kelly Hoppe, who along with new bassist Garry Lowe, became permanent members by the 1995 EP Dear Mr. Fantasy.

Drummer Walter “Crash” Morgan replaced Cross during Big Sugar’s subsequent tour of the U.S.; sadly, while playing a date in Iowa, Morgan died onstage, and was replaced by ex-Odds drummer Paul Brennan in time for the 1996 release of Hemi-Vision. 1998 saw the release of platinum selling Heated. The band remained busy in the 2000s, with albums like Brothers and Sisters, Are You Ready? which was the first album to be released simultaneously in both English and French.

With the release of Alkaline Big Sugar in Dub rhythm guitarist Mojah was added as a fifth and permanent band member. Eric “Speedstick” Paul filled the drum stool until the 2003 triumphant farewell tour supporting the greatest hits package Hit & Run that included remixed studio tracks (“Hit”) and a limited edition live cd (“Run”). After disbanding New Year’s Eve 2003 continued demand resulted in a return to Edmonton, AB December 31, 2008 for a special session of Big Sugar with longtime tour mates The Trews.

The stage is set again for that magical combination December 31, 2009 in Saskatoon, SK to hear Gordie Johnson and Kelly “Mr. Chill” Hoppe performing as Big Sugar with The Trews.