TISDALE — Rockin’ the Square closed this year with a performance from the ’80s hit band, Glass Tiger.
“This gig was booked before the massive tragedy that hit this area and we just want them to know we were deeply affected by it, and we wanted them to know Glass Tiger and Canada and every small town across this nation, and people across the world were deeply affected by it,” said Alan Frew, the band’s lead singer. “We wish everybody the best and we hope music, even if it’s just a pleasant distraction, we hope it helps. We hope it helps soothe the soul a little bit.”
31st anniversary
Some people say rock music isn’t just dead; it’s kicking a dead horse. Something that died a long time ago, and there’s nothing to go back to.
“Well your generation would have to dictate how you feel about rock,” Frew said. “But the great thing is younger generations tend to forget the older generations are still very alive and well and live performance is as hot as ever and bands like us, as hot as ever. Where we go there’s a crowd, a legacy, and people tend to forget that sometimes.”
“We’re celebrating our 31st anniversary of music, of recorded music, but we were together three or four years before that, so we were together about 35 years,” Frew said. “I think that’s a testament to how we see ourselves as musicians and friends, you know? You got to get along. I don’t know how these bands do it that kind of hate each other.”
Frew said friendship is the secret to the band staying together for 31 years.
“I mean, I can’t speak for other bands but I think the secret to this band is we have longevity and stamina as musicians. I’m still singing extremely well and we’re friends. We get along, we’re pals.”
He finds it mind-boggling to still be playing after all these years, and let out a laugh. When asked about retiring he solemnly replied, “I consider it every day,” before smirking, “no, I’m teasing you.”
“No, but we’re reaching that part of my career where my voice will dictate everything. And as long as my voice stays with me, and I’m not having to duck keys and change things, I will be continuing to do it.”
One thing about music today, Frew said, is everyone has a chance.
“Anything I’ve ever found, even with the new way, which is basically everyone now, thanks to the internet, thanks to YouTube and Google and Spotify – everybody that even thinks they’re a musician can be one,” Frew said. “But inevitably you get found out, one way or another if you don’t have the parts. You have to have the song, even if that song is a fad, a one hit.”
He considers Gangnam Style by PSY to be a one hit wonder.
“It was one song which did two billion hits and at least he can say he did that. But he’s got no legacy, but he can say he did that. So I would just say, you got to have the song, or you’ll get found out eventually.”
Staying fit
“I think the whole machine has to work so I try my best to stay healthy and fit and I think my voice is just a part of that,” Frew said. “I do think I have one of those voices that’s strong and I don’t have to work it when I’m not on and touring and whatnot. When we’re not touring I just let it rest and go by the wayside, then I got to kick the cobwebs out and start out again. But once I’m singing I don’t have to do anything much. A few warm-ups and I’m good to go.”
He finds to stay fit he swims, daily.
“I swim, therefore I am. I swim.”
Growing up
The Beatles were his model musicians growing up.
“I was a young man in the United Kingdom, I grew up with The Beatles, they were on my television, they were on my radio, they were everywhere, and they were just the greatest songwriters I’ve ever known,” said Frew.
And while he admired other bands, he considered The Beatles his distant mentors.
“My mentors, that they didn’t even know they were my mentors, were The Beatles. The cord structures, the way I write, the way I’m talking is influenced from The Beatles.”
Tisdale
Frew said Glass Tiger has visited small Canadian towns throughout their career.
“Many, many times, some of the bigger name bands just won’t come, and we’ve just never been like that. We always enjoyed coming to small town Canada and I don’t think that will ever change.”
Alan Frew said they wouldn’t hesitate to come back to Tisdale if they were asked. “Of course we would, no hesitation”
When asked what band he would have play during a fight between The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, he chose Metallica.
“Because John Lennon would want it like that, he would want it rough and ready and tough.”
Frew said he would put his money on Lennon.
