Gig Review

January 31st, 1998 - The Generator, Toronto, Ontario

Salut Rebels Fans !  After being absent from the Toronto scene for almost a year, Hamilton's The Forgotten Rebels played at The Generator on Saturday January 31. The place was packed even before the first band came on stage.  All was set for a great evening.
   Liquid Pigs got the crowd going with a fast energetic set.  I missed most of it unfortunately since Wendy (my lovely wife) and I were chatting with Steeve, the bass player.  He showed up to the gig although his right hand was in a bandage ! We also happened to learn interesting stuff about his former band, Teenage Head  -also known as Canada's first party band !
   The Sons of Sins followed.  The band is made up of members from Son of Bronto and the singer of The Sinisters.  Although quite energetic, the band had a hard time to get the crowd going until they hit Iggy's "I have a Right", follwed by stuff by The Pistols, SLF and a few others I forgot.  Good performance overall although I'm looking forward to hear some original material.
   The Rebels came on fairly late -by Toronto standards anyway.  Around 12:40 I guess.  They openend with a new song that should be on their forthcoming album (I've heard about this for the last 2 years !?!?!)  Follwed by my all time favorite "Angry" , "Bomb the Boats"  and all the other crowd pleasers.
   It was a fairly rough crowd although it was nice not to have to rub elbows with neo-nazi scum for a change.  No nonsence!  Just a bunch of people having a good time.  So refreshing !
   Over the past six years I probably saw the band play 12-15 times.  This last gig was one of the good ones.  Mickey seems to be short on jokes but I think he still have the energy and stage charisma of someone who will/might be arounbd for another while.  Hopefully !
  Steeve's long experience is certainly an asset to the band.  Wendy did not see the band as often as I have but she said they have never played that tight and together before last Saturday.  Although he was incapacited, Steeve's presence has something to do with it !  I heard he is working on solo material ; and apparently so is Mickey.  This should be interesting.
   Au revoir for now and get in touch if you feel like it !
   Thanks.
Luc-A. Lavoie, 10 Franklin St., Markham, Ontario, L3P2S8. 905-472-6527