IROC Daytona 1986 - Nostalgia

The way we where...0 to 50 in 5.39 seconds, even by todays standard the IROC Daytona Turbo Z would be a fine little performer indeed... Still one of my favorite 80s cars.

Dean Markley - Circa 1985

The way we where....Made in the good old USA, this advertisement for the Dean Markley signature series amplifiers dates back to January 1985. The company is still in business today making great amps as well as other products. .

TDK Cassettes - Circa 1985

The way we where...Raise your listening pleasure with TDK.

GTA Comic Con 2015

Fun time last weekend at the GTA Comic Con, this a one day event held every year in Burlington.

Spoons - Romantic Traffic / Tell No Lies 30th Anniversary Show.

It's hard to believe it's been 30 years, it's amazing how quickly time flies. I swear it was just yesterday I headed down  to Sam the Record Man to grab my first copy of this  astounding album. Last Friday night at the Virgin Mobile Mod Club the Spoons marked the anniversary by putting on a absolutely spectacular show to a sold out crowd here in down town Toronto. This also marks only the second time in 25 years that all four original members Gord, Sandy, Rob, and Derek performed together. I see Steve Sweeny was filming the show, hopefully this means the DVD will be available at the next gig, fingers crossed.

 

 

The Belle Stars

 

An all girl seven piece band the Belle Stars were founded in London in 1980. Prior to formation four of the members (Sarah Jane, Stella, Miranda and Judy) were in an all girl band, The body Snatchers who had a hit Do Rock Steady. The Belle Stars signed to Stiff Records in 1981 releasing a series of singles, Hiawatha, Slick Trick, Iko Iko, and a four track EP featuring, Another Latin Love Song, Having a Good Time, Miss World and Stop Now. Following these releases the band spent time touring throughout Europe with The Clash, The Police, Madness, The English Beat and Elvis Costello among others . In late1982 the Belle Stars scored hit record in the UK with their Single The Clapping Song followed by Sign of the Times (January 1983) and Mocking Bird. In 1989, they finally charted in the United States when "Iko Iko" reached number 14 on the Billboard Top 100 in March, it was also included on the soundtrack of the film Rain Man.

The English Beat - Live Gateshead Stadium July 31, 1982

Great little live performance I pulled off YouTube filmed at Gateshead Stadium July 31, 1982. The English Beat actually started a new tour  in March, there are no Canadian dates but there are some dates in the US.
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For those that are in the Toronto area IIV is playing a concert with the Spoons next Friday night at the Mod Club. These two bands played a sold show at the Revival last winter and it was one of the best concerts I've ever seen.

Saw the Pet Shop Boys last Thursday night at the Sony Centre in Toronto. Great show but way too short. It started at 9:00 and finished at 10:22. A bit disappointed to say the least. Not that I regret going, I waited 30 years to see them now I finally have. Took quite a few shots but very few turned out, the show was completely sold out so the ticket I got left much to be desired, the nose bleed section doesn't really lend itself to photography. Ahh well, shit happens...

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Toronto Comic Con 2013

The good folks at Hobby Star pulled it off again as this weekend marked the first major convention of the summer. It kicked off with the Toronto Comic Con. What a great event this is, it just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Among the guest this year featured the entire cast of Star Trek the Next Generation. I belive this is also the first time the show has completely sold out as they has to stop selling ticket as mid day on Sunday.

 

Gates McFadeden and LeVar Burton help kick off the event Friday afternoon with a press confererce that openned the event. This also marked the first time in 15 years that the entire cast of Star Trek the Nest Generation has been together.
 

A large contigent to the borg colective invaded the convention this weekend, no shortage of trekies at this event that much is certain.

 

The 501st Legion was also on hand this weekend as this one of the largest and most well known costuming clubs in the world. Last year this group raised more than 10 million dollars for charity and they now consist of over 5000 members and growing stronger every day.

 

 

Not sure if these uniforms are Starfleet regulation, ah well we'll let it go this time.
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At her Q&A Panel, Laura Vandervoort discusses many things, among them her new TV series Bitten. Vandervoort stars as Elena Michaels, the world's only female werewolf.