Headstones

The greatest band you never heard of … the Headstones!

Canada’s best rock band – I don’t care what you say. These guys kicked serious butt, and I always had a good time at their shows. I had my first mosh pit with these dudes. I got kicked in the face by a crowd surfer on his first surf (we later became friends). My sister and I sneaked backstage at our first Headstones gig and got to meet:

Trent – , Hugh – , & Tim –

We met Dale later –

This was in October of 2000, Toronto, ON. We immediately made plans to go Edmonton, AB for New Year’s. Becca and I both registered on their website and joined the message board. We met a lot of great people, and I wrote my first ever recap (I really, really wish I had saved that or printed it – but who knew I would become semi-famous for those 6 years later?) I loved talking about “The Boys” online – nobody I knew IRL had ever heard of them. Huge in Canada, a blip on the radar in the U.S. Go figure.

We started planning our trip on the Board – Where was everyone staying? Who was arriving when? What’s your cell number? About three weeks before the trip, I got an e-mail from Trent. Yeah – that Trent. Guitar player Trent.

Needless to say I was a little skeptical – until I ferreted out that it was indeed Trent Carr.

Pretty cool.

Thus began a friendship that lasted several years. I spent all my extra cash and time on going to see their shows. My sister and I had the time of our lives. She even met her husband through the Headstones fandom.

I cried when they broke up 3 and a half years ago. I still mourn. Their music was/is amazing. There is a timeless feel to their songs and the lyrics are sheer poetry. Rock and roll with a classic feel and a modern edge. It’s hard to put the Headstones in a sub-genre of rock – they’re not alternative, grunge, metal, hard – they’re just good old-fashioned ROCK AND ROLL.

Hard rockers, hard workers, fun guys. I still raise the occasional beer to “The Boys.”

The Headstones put out 6 albums, which you can still purchase (try Amazon). Here is a taste:

From Picture of Health (1993)
It’s All Over
When Something Stands for Nothing
Tweeter and the Monkey Man
Cemetery

From Teeth and Tissue (1995)
Unsound
Marigold
Swingin’
Burning

From Smile and Wave (1996)
Smile and Wave
Cubically Contained
Supersmart
Without a Sound – my favorite!

From Nickels for Your Nightmares (2000)
Settle
Exhausted
Pathetic Pair
#$%! You

Their fifth album was a greatest hits CD titled Greatest Fits.

From The Oracle of Hi-Fi (2003)
Whatchagonnado
And It Goes
Tiny Teddy
Coffee Cup

Love you, guys:

Smile:

(L-R) Dale Harrison – Drums
Tim White – Bass
Hugh Dillon – Vocals, Harmonica
Trent Carr – Guitar