Thrush Hermit

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Thrush Hermit

Thrush Hermit, 1997
Background information
Origin Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Genres Alternative rock
Years active 1992–1999
Labels Murderecords, Elektra, Sonic Unyon
Associated acts Camouflage Nights, The Joel Plaskett Emergency
Former members
Joel Plaskett
Rob Benvie
Ian McGettigan
Michael Catano
Cliff Gibb
Benn Ross

Thrush Hermit was a Canadian alternative rock band active in the 1990s.

Contents

[edit] History

Thrush Hermit was formed in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1992 by Joel Plaskett (vocals, guitar), Rob Benvie (vocals, guitar), Ian McGettigan (vocals, bass), and Michael Catano (drums). Catano was replaced by Cliff Gibb in 1994; Gibb in turn left the band in 1999 and was replaced by Benn Ross.

They signed with Murderecords, the label of fellow Haligonians Sloan, in 1994 in time to release their Smart Bomb EP, which featured songs such as Benvie's "French Inhale" and Plaskett's "Hated It". The former would get some rotation on MuchMusic, which then held a reputation for more alternative programming, while the latter would end up in the Kevin Smith film Mallrats.

Following the release of the band's second EP, The Great Pacific Ocean, the group signed in 1996 with Elektra Entertainment which released their first full-length album, Sweet Homewrecker, in 1997. The Memphis-recorded album features tracks showcasing the songwriting of Plaskett, Benvie and McGettigan. The album proved a disappointment from Elektra's standpoint however, and Thrush Hermit was bought out of their contract.

After their foray into the United States market, Thrush Hermit returned north to release their final album, Clayton Park, on Sonic Unyon in 1999. Despite the critical success of the record, Thrush Hermit announced their amicable[citation needed] split on September 21, 1999. However, they would do one more tour before permanently breaking up, the triple-headliner "Front Man War Tour" alongside The Flashing Lights and Local Rabbits. Shortly before the tour, however, Thrush Hermit had to back out due to Plaskett's health. Once back to normal, the band embarked on their own farewell tour of Canada, in December 1999. Plaskett's medical problems inspired his first solo album In Need of Medical Attention, though the album was recorded prior to Clayton Park and these final tours.

Plaskett went on to begin a fruitful recording career with his band The Joel Plaskett Emergency. Benvie released a solo record under the moniker "Tigre Benvie", and McGettigan began producing records by Canadian rock acts such as The Flashing Lights. McGettigan also produced records for Plaskett, and later became a member of The Joel Plaskett Emergency. Benvie and McGettigan are now the main members of Camouflage Nights, which features a revolving door cast of musicians.

Thrush Hermit reunited for a brief set following a Joel Plaskett Emergency show at the Marquee Club in Halifax on December 31, 2005.

Joel Plaskett has confirmed that the band will be reuniting for a brief tour of eastern Canada in March 2010. Locations include Moncton, two nights in Halifax, Ottawa, Peterborough, Waterloo, two nights and one afternoon all-ages show in Toronto.

[edit] Discography

[edit] Tribute record

In 2008 a tribute album was released, featuring Thrush Hermit songs by Canadian artists including The Meligrove Band, Rebekah Higgs and Junior Pantherz. The album was issued by Gooseberry Records on CD and digital download via Zunior.

[edit] References

  • Barclay, Michael; Jack, Ian A.D.; Schneider, Jason (2001). Have Not Been the Same: The CanRock Renaissance. Toronto: ECW Press. ISBN 1550224751
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