What: Iceberg Alley Performance Tent
When: June 22, 2023
Featuring The Verve Pipe, The Watchmen & 54-40
Prior to tonight, the Iceberg Alley Performance Tent had 7 great nights of music from various local, Canadian, and International artists.
Starting off the night was an American rock band from Michigan, The Verve Pipe. The band consists of Brian Vander Ark, Brad Vander Ark, Channing Lee, Lou Musa, and Brian Vannieuwenhoven.
They started their set with “I Want All of You,” engaging those who ventured out to the tent early right from the start. From the catchy rhythm of the guitar to the addition of powerful vocals from Channing Lee, we were hooked on the spot.
Formed in 1992, the band released a few recordings before their first major label release in 1996. This album, Villains, introduced ‘Photograph’, their first single to hit the Billboard charts. Other singles from this album included “Cup of Tea” and “The Freshman.” “The Freshman” was definitely my favourite of their set, as it set the feeling of nostalgia.
From their 2001 release Underneath, the band played two tracks that were featured on movie soundtracks during that time. The first, “Colorful,” was featured on the soundtrack for the film Rock Star. Vander Ark gave us a little backstory to this track for those who have not seen the movie. This track was featured in the movie as one of the characters sang it (through lip synching) to one of the other characters. “Happiness Is” was featured on the soundtrack for the film Joe Somebody. Other tracks, including “Hero” and “Medicate Myself,” were catchy tunes that left the audience wanting more.
They finished their set with a powerful version of “The Chain,” a cover of Fleetwood Mac. With the powerful vocals and the creative musical arrangements, The Verve Pipe are definitely a band I would love to see again.
Next up was the Canadian rock band The Watchmen. Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, the band is made up of Daniel Greaves (Vocals), Ken Tizzard (Bass), Joey Serlin (Guitar), and Sammy Kohn (Drums). The Watchmen have a Newfoundland connection through Tizzard, who grew up here in St. John’s.
The band started with “Any Day Now’, a track from their 1998 release Silent Radar. This track captured the audience’s attention right from the beginning. The harmonies were just that little extra added touch that tied it all together with a neat little bow.
With an extensive discography, The Watchmen were able to play tracks released as far back as 1994 with “Boneyard Tree” and “All Uncovered” from In The Trees to tracks from their 2002 release Slomotion, including the title track and ‘Holiday (Slow It Down).
Other tracks played included “I’m Still Gone,” “Soul Stealer,” and “Brighter Hell,” along with a little snippet of “I Can See Clearly Now” – a cover of a track by Johnny Nash and a track that Greaves claimed was a hidden or lost track from way back when.
The set ended with “Absolutely Anytime,” a track that hit the top ten on the Canadian music charts for several weeks. The Watchmen performed a great show. Between their antics on stage, the stripped-down musical portions of some of their tracks, the stories told, and the audience’s interaction, it left a memorable impression.
Last up for the night was the Canadian rock band 54-40. Hailing all the way from British Columbia (the other side of Canada), 54-40’s members are Neil Osborne, Matt Johnson, Brad Merritt, Dave Genn, and David Osbourne. The band played their first gig in December 1980 and has since built an impressive resume. To date they have had four of their albums become certified Platinum in Canada; been among the top 150-selling Canadian artists in Canada (between 1996 and 2016); and being among the top 50-selling Canadian bands in Canada.
54-40 started the night with “Easy To Love,” a track from their 2005 release Yes to Everything as cheers erupted from the audience. This catchy tune was a great way to begin, showcasing their talents and creativity right from the start.
The band played a setlist that spanned their entire music repertoire. From the album 54-40 released in 1986, we heard “Baby Ran” and “I Go Blind,” where the audience sang along to every word. From the 1988 release Show Me they played their single “One Gun,” starting with a stripped down version before adding more intricate music. This was definitely a catchy tune that the audience loved. ‘One Day in Your Life’ followed in a similar fashion.
Other singles included “Radio Luv Song” (released in 1995), “She La” (released in 1992), “Ocean Pearl” (released in 1992), and “Casual Viewin” (released in 2000). It could be seen that many of these were well-known and patron favourites as they sang and danced along.
The set ended with “Love You All” with a brief interlude of “Sweet Caroline,” in which the audience helped out once again. It was a great way to end the night, seeing everyone come together and sing their hearts out. Overall, tonight was another great one for the books!
