Kamloops Ford Lincoln, 98.3 CIFM and B-100 present Platinum Blonde with Special Guests Black Dog Blue LIVE!

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012
Doors: 7:00PM
Show: 8:00PM
Tickets: $35 + HST/SC
19+ Show


The intro that sparked the epitomy of the Canadian new wave-punk scene of the1980's ... Before forming Platinum Blonde in 1980, Mark Holmes' start was in a Police tribute band two years earlier. It was during this time that the interior-design/ art student, a native of Mansfield, England experimented - fusing punk with modern pop elements that would become synonymous with Platinum Blonde. After releasing an independant single called "No Regrets" in mid '82, Holmes left the doldrums of playing covers and within a week of placing an ad for new musicians, he'd hooked up with drummer Chris Steffler and guitarist Sergio Gali, and were playing the local Toronto bar scene.

After sending a 7 song demo to David Tickle, of Peter Gabriel and Split Enz fame, the band was told it was basically a 'now or never situation' if they wanted to work with him due to his hectic schedule. They met up within a week and after a mere sixteen days, a 6 song self-titled mini-lp was released to the radio market in the fall of '83. "Doesn't Really Matter" and "Standing In The Dark" became instant radio staples, riding the wave of the young, free-wheeling new-wave sound of the time. Despite originally being tagged as a teeny-bopper band, the talent was clear. Four more songs were added and STANDING IN THE DARK, their official debut album, instantly went gold when it hit the shelves in 1984. Their finely polished keyboards-oriented sound, marked by "Sad Sad Rain" and "Not In Love" helped cement SITD as one of Canadian pop's biggest-selling debut albums of all-time, going triple platinum. The tour that ensued took them to all four corners of the globe, and saw the hiring of Scottish-born keyboardist Kenny McLean, formerly of The Suspects, The Next, and most recently The Deserters.

Part of the group's magnetism came from the slick work done on their videos, helping them enjoy what almost sometimes seemed like endless plugs on Much Music, as well as fitting in nicely in the rotations with Mtv and the European video stations, summed up best with "Video Disease". Quick to capitalize on their upstart success, the group released ALIEN SHORES in the summer of '85, just as "Not In Love" was fading off the charts. The addition of McLean on keyboards and relief bass duties allowed Holmes the time to expand his direct input into the band direction, leading to his co-production of the new album with Eddy Offord. The 'elbow room' also helped expand the band's sound, including the lead-off single, "Situation Critical".

"Crying Over You", "Hungry Eyes", and "Somebody Somewhere" helped put to rest the thought the band was a one-album wonder like so many of their contemporaries of the day. Gali's guitar-work became more predominant on stage, while still maintaing the slick sound in the studios, practically owning the AM market again. With guest appearances by Alex Lifeson of Rush and Lisa Dalbello, Platinum Blonde instantly earned the respect of some of the industry's biggest names, all the while selling 400,000 copies.

 

Tickets Are Available Now at Three Locations:

1. Buy Your Tickets with Credit Card Over The Phone at ORA Restaurant Lounge Call 250-372-5312 OR In Person at ORA Restaurant Lounge (Buy a Pair of Tickets through ORA and Receive a $20.00 Gift Certificate to ORA Restaurant Lounge Kamloops)

2. Buy Your Tickets with Credit Card Over the Phone
Call Kamloops Live Box Office at 250-374-LIVE.

3. Buy Tickets On line