…And don’t you dare ask who Gordie Johnson is!
Come on, people! He’s only the greatest musician even to come out of the Hat. Gordie was the front man, lead signer, and lead guitarist for the incredibly talented Canadian blues/rock band Big Sugar. He currently occupies the same role for his new band, Grady. He is considered one of the premiere blues/rock guitarists in THE WORLD…good enough for Gibson to produce a signature guitar in his name.
Apart from his endeavours as a stage/studio musician, Gordie has also produced albums by The Trews, Les Respectables, John Ford, and Reel Big Fish.
Now, some will argue that maybe Gordie isn’t truly a Hatter, as he wasn’t born here, and currently does not reside here. However, I would make several points to the contrary:
1. Gordie attended most of his later school years in Medicine Hat, only leaving for Ontario after high school to pursue his music career.
2. Gordie often attributed some of his musical style to having lived in Medicine Hat.
3. Gordie’s folks still call the Hat home.
4. Gordie actually wrote a hit song about Medicine Hat! Has anyone heard, “All Hell for a Basement” by Big Sugar? It’s about Medicine Hat, people! I think it’s scary many people don’t realize that.
I first heard of Big Sugar in the early 90’s, probably around 1994, when Nirvana was tearing up the music scene, and I was truly “into” music for the first time I can recall. A buddy of mine named Dave insisted I go to the Republik in Calgary to see a young guitar player for a band called Big Sugar play. I can still remember Dave’s enthusiasm, repeating over and over that “this guy is incredible…he’s going to be a Canadian guitar hero!”. I went that day with Dave, and had an incredible time. Big Sugar was very different from the grunge rock I was mostly into at the time. They were blues-y with heavy guitar riffs, and they rocked! I’ve been a fan ever since.
When I moved to the Hat 7 years ago, one of the things I was looking forward to was checking out what kind of tribute Medicine Hat would have offered to their local Rock God. Imagine my surprise when I could hardly find anyone who knew who Gordie was, much less listened to his music! I mean, what the f*#@!?! They named a park after Terry Clark here!
Let’s get with the program, Hatters! I figure the bare minimum we could do is erect a 10ft. bronze statue of the greatest local rock product ever in front of City Hall. Or at least in front of the Teepee…now that’s worth coming to see, Tourism Medicine Hat!
This may be a good time to combine a restaurant review with homage to Gordie Johnson (and Big Sugar / Grady).
Stop over for lunch at Pastabilities, currently owned and operated by none other than Roger Johnson. It’s up near the old southview mall - its been a while for me and I can’t remember the exact address (I’m sure he’s in the book). The downside is that there is no “Beef Dip” on the menu, but you will be treated to home-made pasta and sauces. It is very good and reasonably priced. The espresso is also top notch.
And, while waiting, one can puruse the walls where upon hang framed copies of Big Sugar’s gold albumns.
Sounds like a great way to spend a lunch hour to me.
I think all that statue needs is an advocate, someone who will stand up and shout out for what he believes in. A Mad Hatter of sorts.
I am sure you will come up with someone worthy of the cause.
In some ways this city is so lame. When they were planning the centennial celebrations, they were talking about either getting Terri Clark or Kalan Porter to play, I suggested to one of our aldermen that they should try and get Gordie Johnson. I also complained about the fact that Terri Clark has a park named for her, and there is nothing in Gordie Johnson’s name. But, unfortunately, what it boils down to is Gordie Johnson is not country, and that seems to be what the “powers that be” in this city really go for. Which is a shame, because there is way more to life than cowboy culture.
If Gordie Johnson played Hockey, I’ll bet there’d be a statue!! or at least a flag hanging in the arena …