The good news is that the tickets for Juno Awards in Winnipeg sold out in 16 minutes. Melanie Berry, president of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts, said in a release:
"We anticipated a sellout, but this exceeded our expectations. We are very excited by the outstanding support shown by Winnipeggers."
The bad news is the snub of hometown heros Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings as reported here earlier.
In the Winnipeg Sun article by TOM BRODBECK:
"Well, I'm glad I wasn't the only one. Seems Canadian rock fans from right across the country — including Manitoba Premier Gary Doer and Tory Opposition Leader Stuart Murray — are equally incensed that Winnipeg rock icon Randy Bachman hasn't been invited to perform at the Juno Awards in Winnipeg on April 3.My e-mail box has been bulging at the seams after I complained in yesterday's column how Bachman was being snubbed by Juno organizers after helping them score Neil Young for the event.
Rock fans from Newfoundland to the West Coast are up in arms about this BS. (The Bachman Snub), which underscores how important a rock pioneer he is.
"I'm pretty disgusted with the Junos' Bachman snub," wrote Gerard Murphy. "What a bunch of dicks!"
The Winnipeg Sun article continues on the Canadian music outrage with a comment by 92 CITI FM music director Frank Andrews:
"I felt compelled to respond to your editorial regarding the Juno committee's blatant disregard for two of this country's most distinguished and decorated musical patriots; Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings. ... the thought that either individual would be absent on stage as performers at Canada's single most important musical celebration, particularly when that event is showcased in their hometown, is completely inexcusable!," wrote Andrews. "A Juno Awards in Winnipeg without Randy and Burton would have all the shine of a Junos in Kingston without the Tragically Hip! It simply isn't right!"
Even Canadian politicians are joining in the fray. From Winnipeg Sun article by FRANK LANDRY:
"Premier Gary Doer has seen Winnipeg's rock legends play community clubs and church basements — now he wants to see them jamming on the Junos. Doer said yesterday he used to watch Randy Bachman, Burton Cummings and Neil Young back in the 1960s. The NDP leader said he doesn't understand why only Young was asked to play the Junos.Continued on the next page Page 1 — Page 2
Article comments
1 - mike g
Why does Randy Bachman or Burton Cummings HAVE to be featured on a Juno show, just because it's being held in Winnipeg?
Don't they already sing the anthems at the moose games anyways?
Why does the industry always get flack for falling all over themselves to kiss ass or now-failure to kiss ass.
You can always tell when an issue is superfluous, because politicians are "outraged" over it.
And finally, don't you know the over the top protracted honours only come after you've died. Just ask Ray Charles.
I know not alot happens in Winnipeg, but Bachman & Cummings can wait their turn. Then they can get their parade down Portage ave.
2 - thrasher
Mike - A little harsh on the hometown hero's don't you think?
As for honoring Ray Charles in death?
Well don't you think it's a little late?
That's the whole point here of the Juno fiasco. Honor folks while they're alive to appreciate it with friends & family.
How can anyone possibly be against honoring the living?
Thrasher
3 - Rocky
mike q - It's comments like that that create the such low expectations in musical audiences today. Folks like Randy B mean something to folks in Winnipeg. You sound like you're from Toronto or something...
I hope the Junos do invite these guys!
4 - Eric Olsen
I think both the Guess Who and BTO are undervalued in general: both were real rock 'n' roll bands that made songs good enough to make it to pop radio
5 - SFC SKI
Half right, Eric, "real rock 'n' roll bands that made songs good enough to make it to pop radio" Actually, it is just that way back when pop radio was good enough to include rock 'n' roll bands.
6 - Eric Olsen
sure, but the songs still had to be good enough to make it into the mix
7 - jason
Ummm... I'd rather see the Junos help put over some relevant Canadian artists.
Otherwise Leonard Cohen might win for best vocals again. I love them man, but he can't sing.
8 - Thrasher
Jason - i agree, but aside from Sum 41 and Matt Dusk, it's a Canada's who's who with Tragically Hip & k.d. lang.
And just because Cohen can't sing that makes him kinda like Dylan, eh?
9 - ruthanne - winnipeger.
I think that BTO is a classic, but these guys are not the only winnipegers with talent!