CANADIAN-BORN INTERNATIONAL TOURING ARTIST ERIC SAGE RETURNS WITH NEW “CANADIAN BEER” REMIX
Country rock artist Eric Sage rides the wave of renewed Canadian pride with the release of a high-octane remix of his 2024 hit single, “Canadian Beer,” out now on all digital streaming platforms.
Fuelled by a wave of patriotic energy and a growing movement to support homegrown talent and products, the new remix cranks up the volume on a track that already captured hearts—and hockey arenas—across the country. “Canadian Beer” quickly became a sing-along staple when it first dropped in 2024, and now, with fans calling for a fresh spin, Eric Sage is delivering a remix made for summer playlists, backyard parties, and stadium sound systems.
“I have always loved big, anthemic songs,” says Eric Sage. “There’s nothing like when they’re played at a concert or sporting event and the crowd goes wild. ‘Canadian Beer’ had that feeling right away. With this important movement to ‘Buy Canadian’, I feel like the song is more powerful than ever! After I released the song last year, I received many requests for a ‘Party Remix’ and now seemed like the right time to do it. In these trying times, what’s better than cracking open a cold one? And not just any old beer, make it a down-home, mother trucker, patriotic Canadian Beer!”
Canadian-born Eric Sage has toured the world as a country-rock artist, sharing stages with legends like Slash, The Beach Boys, and Vince Neil. Before music, he was a world-ranked tennis pro, until a devastating car accident ended his athletic career. Against the odds, Sage reinvented himself as a dynamic performer with a three-octave range. Now, after international success, he’s coming home to Canada, bringing his high-energy sound, inspiring story, and unstoppable spirit to the stage.
“Canadian Beer” has such a fun, anthemic energy – what inspired the song, and what does it represent to you as a Canadian country rocker?
I was just sitting with my acoustic guitar, and I was thinking about my amazing times while growing up in Canada. I remember going to concerts when I was young, and somehow getting a hold of some fun beverages. I often brag to American friends that our Canadian Beer is the best in the world. I think a light bulb went off when I just wrote down the lyric “the weekend’s finally here and now it’s time for a beer”. Then I realized not just any old beer, but a “Canadian Beer”!
The song represents all of the great things Canada has to offer. The lyrics mention Hockey, Canadian bands (There are multiple references to Rush), a Two-Four of beer, and the Northern Lights, to name a few. I love big anthems, and when I started writing the music, it just all came together. But at the heart of the song is community. I see everyone working so hard every day, whether you’re a teacher, construction worker, touring musician, in health care, or whatever it is that you do. I get very touched when I see people care for each other, and give it their all.
You’ve got a big show coming up at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto on July 28. What can fans expect from your set that night? Any surprises in store?
I am so incredibly excited for our show at the Horseshoe in Toronto. To be honest, I have never performed in Toronto, so for me this is a big deal. We just got back from shows in El Salvador, The Caribbean, and all over the States. But for me, this is the big one!!
My Dad still lives in Toronto, so I can’t wait to see him.
What also makes it extra special is that, as I have been living in California and I haven’t seen so many of my old friends in such a long time. They are coming out to the show and it’s going to be wild!
On this tour, I am very fortunate to have my amazing fiddle player Eliza James. She tours with fellow Canadian Paul Anka, and brings so much to the show.
I was also blessed to have a famous friend play on the track. Ian Crichton from the incredible band Saga laid down some guitar. I can’t make any promises, but there may be some special guests coming out!!
You blend classic country themes with a real rock ‘n’ roll edge – how did that sound come together for you, and who were some of your biggest musical influences growing up?
I have always loved rock and the power that it brings. But, there is something about country music that allows the artist to tell a story. When I put the two together, it was the best of both worlds.
Growing up, I was a big fan of Genesis, Rush, AC/DC, and Van Halen. I also was always into Southern rock and bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, and the Charlie Daniels Band. But, I liked the way Johnny Cash could tell a story! When an artist feels like they are talking directly to you, is when it hits the soul.
Your music has this big, feel-good, stadium-ready vibe. How do you bring that same energy into more intimate venues like the Horseshoe?
Well, thank you for your very kind words about my music. Many folks who see me perform don’t know that I was a world-ranked tennis pro and a Canadian tennis champion. When my tennis career ended in my mid-20s, I didn’t know what I was going to do with my life. When I decided to become a professional singer and musician, everyone laughed at me. Even the teachers in their respective fields told me that “it was too late” to become a pro. Well ,that just pushed me even harder. So to answer your question: I feel so blessed to be doing what I love and what was only a dream, that I can’t help but give it everything I have every single night. I don’t care if there are 10 people or 10,000. I love to sing, dance, and rock!
What’s next for you after this single and the Toronto show? Can fans expect more new music in the near future?
After the show, I expect to have some cold Canadian Beer. Oh, you mean after that!!
We fly to New York for a show in Manhattan, then we are off to shows in Florida, Las Vegas, and Texas. As soon as I get back to California, I am going into the studio to record some new tracks. I will actually be opening our show in Toronto with what will be my brand new single. I am getting totally jacked up just thinking about coming onto the famous Horseshoe stage and kicking ass!