KIM MITCHELL…Canadian “Father of Rock”

Once just a frost-bitten boy from Sarnia, Ontario…now, an experienced “Father of Canadian Rock”…Kim Mitchell is still doing his ROCK‘N’ROLL DUTY after 35 YEARS in the business.  People often think of that “Patio Lanterns” pop/rock guitarist we loved during the eighties, or remember his groundbreaking days with Max Webster.  But, truth be known, Kim is constantly evolving as an artist…with new sounds, new albums, & a style only he can create.  He is the “Afternoon Drive Host” for rock-radio Q107 in Toronto…& I had the privilege of catching up with him, between appointments, on his VERY HECTIC schedule! Kim is a naturally comedic & “down-to-earth” individual, but speaks with a grounded wisdom about his involvement in the music industry.

 

Boe:  What do you love about radio???

Mitchell:  Well, it keeps Kim Mitchell off the streets of Toronto…I think that’s a good thing. (LAUGHS) I don’t know…it’s just, with classic rock…it’s music that I kinda’ grew up with, & I kinda’ fell into it.  I just wanted to do a little “Sunday Night” radio show, &…ah…they thought it was a good idea…then they offered me a full-time job…to which my answer was, “Does this mean that I have to come in, everyday?!?” And they said, “Well, yeah, you do.” But, ah, it’s fun…radio’s fun.  There is a certain craft to it…I didn’t realize…there was a learning curve going on…but, it’s fun.  It’s a fun way to make some gas money.

Boe:  Now, with this last album of yours, “Ain’t Life Amazing”…that was all done over the internet.  Can you tell me how that all came about???

Mitchell:  Yeah.  How you can record albums now, is you don’t really even need to be in the same room.  Umm…I had taken a long break from writing & recording because…I didn’t see any point in me doing another record…cause every time we played shows – people just want to hear “Patio Lanterns” & “Rock ‘N’ Roll Duty”, “All We Are” & “Lager & Ale”…& stuff like that.  And I’m TOTALLY FINE with that, that wasn’t a negative, it’s just…umm…I thought, ‘Well, why would I spend a bunch of dough on makin’ a new record?’ Plus, records don’t sell anymore…for the most part…unless you’re U2, or one of the huge acts.  So, I was kinda’ goin’…“Well, I don’t get it.” From there, I just thought, ‘Something’s missing in my life…what’s missing? The fact that I’m actually writing music.’ And when we wrote music, I thought, ‘How would I record an album, & not spend a tonne of dough?’ Well…I have some friend musicians…one in Nashville & one in Houston, Texas…& I said, “How could we do this?” And the guy said, “Well…we’ll just upload all our parts, & we’ll send them back & forth to each other.” Basically, emailing all our parts.  And…ah…that’s kinda’ how it got all put together, cause you can do that on the net.  So, you know…literally, I’d get drum tracks & bass tracks, & just turn ‘em on, & POW! Uh…do it…finish it up.

Boe:  Did you find it was more time consuming, or less time consuming???

Mitchell:  Well…see, here’s the deal…with going into a studio to record a record, you’re talking about studio time…musicians…that’s going to take you, probably, anywhere from…probably a month, top to bottom, or sometimes two months.  That’s a pretty big expense at about, you know…two, three thousand dollars a day.  With this…I recorded the whole album, top to bottom, for about 10,000 bucks.  And the results to me…when people say, “What’s Kim Mitchell all about?”…people usually think “Patio Lanterns”…you know, that more “poppy” side.  I’m, actually, a pretty serious rock guitar player…& I don’t mean that I’m pattin’ myself on the back, I just mean…ah…I rock it up pretty hard…& “Ain’t Life Amazing”…that’s what that record’s mostly about.  So, I kind of try & point people towards that record.  Plus, on a side note…the song “Ain’t Life Amazing”…I’ve given the royalties, the airplay royalties, to the United Way…specifically, women’s shelters.  So, when people download it LEGALLY…you know, as opposed to steal it off Limewire…umm…they’re kinda’ helpin’ out a bit.

Boe:  Which is good…yeah.  Now…I hear in your music, especially in the beginning of this last album, a kind of traditional…almost a “southern rock” style.  What were your musical roots???

Mitchell:  That’s interesting…I’ve never heard the description of southern rock…umm…ever.  But, oddly enough, the two guys playin’ on the record are from the south.  One’s from…Joe Hardy is from Houston, Texas…& Greg Morrow is from Nashville.

Boe:  And do you think that’s where the sound is coming from???

Mitchell:  Well, yeah…I mean, the sound’s coming from musicians…so yeah.  But, I don’t see us sounding like Lynnrd Skynrd, or…I don’t draw that parallel, at all.  I was slightly influenced by country music.  I mean, I’m influenced by all kinds of genres of music – because I think there’s only two kinds of music…there’s good & bad.  And there’s good & bad in jazz, country, classical, rock…you know, even hip-hop.  But, I played in a country band for a year, so…I don’t know whether that comes out a little bit in my stuff.

Boe:  I also hear, maybe, some “blues” concepts in your music, as well…

Mitchell:  Well, maybe I should start incorporating that stuff as I get older, because I think…what is it, when you’re about 62 years old, you’re not supposed to “rock” anymore??? But yet, it’s kinda’ cool to become a blues musician. (LAUGHS)

Boe:  Well, I don’t know…I think you can still rock, Kim…with the best of them.  You’re currently 57? Is that correct???

Mitchell:  Yeah…yeah, that’s right.

Boe:  You’ve worked with artists like Tom Cochrane, Barenaked Ladies, Charlie Major…who else have you worked with…collaborated with???

Mitchell:  Umm…that’s kinda’ the ones that people will know.  I’ve played on other people’s records, but, ah…it’s not something that I…there’s something about it that doesn’t “get me off”.  So, I’ve done it a few times…& every time I do it, after I sorta’ go – “Uh…I don’t know if I’ll do that again.” But, you know what? I like Charlie Major’s song, &…ah…when Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies came to me…he’s such a fan…he’s like a little kid. (LAUGHS) It’s almost cute, you know, it’s like…he brought a camera when I was playin’ & he said, “Do you mind if I film you playin’ on my song?”…& I’m like, “I don’t care, man.” You know, you do stuff for friends.  But, as far as a studio musician goes & doin’ that thing, you know…I like to leave it to other people.

Boe:  You prefer doing your own “solo work”.

Mitchell:  Umm…well…I just am a busy person, that’s all…you know what I mean.  So, when I get asked…probably once a week…to play on stuff, I usually just say, “No. I’m too busy.”…cause I am.  I have a day job, I have my own band, I’m trying to finish up a pretty record of my own…I’m a father, you know, so…that kinda’ stuff…I’m a boyfriend.  All that stuff takes time.  It’s all good, though.

Boe:  Absolutely! Now, in 2007, you opened for Def Leppard.  Can you tell me a bit about that experience???

Mitchell:  Well, I’ve opened up for a lot of people over my career.  There’s been some good ones…ah, Def Leppard was cool.  You know, they’re just really cool.  What surprised me most about Def Leppard was the backstage scene.  People think…oh…“party city”, &…you know…chicks & drinkin’.  They have, basically, a gym set up.  They had a masseuse room, they had a yoga room…they had a boxing room set up backstage.  So, they would actually have a boxing guy coming out & training them a couple hours before the show.  They’re (like) on this total health kick.  But, ah, they just plow.  And…ah…Vivian Campbell kinda’ came in the dressing room & talked to me, because he knows who I am…& he said, “Hey, man…love your work.” I mean…there’s just been a tonne of bands that I’ve opened up for.  I’ve opened up for Journey…ah…Black Sabbath, a long time ago with Max Webster…I’ve opened up for Van Halen, twice.  I, actually, met Eddie Van Halen…him & Sammy Haggar came knocking on my door after the show…&, ah…I wasn’t dressed, I was in my underwear.  Here I am, meeting my guitar hero, & I’m not even dressed.  I felt so sh*tty…it was horrible. (LAUGHS)

Boe:  That’s just the way timing goes…it always happens like that.

Mitchell:  It does.  Like, someone’s knockin’ on the door…you know, you figure it’s one of the crew guys…like, “Okay, let ‘em in.” Door opens up, & it’s Eddie Van Halen & Sammy Haggar, & I’m standing there in my boxers…just goin’, “Ah, mannn!” (LAUGHS) Gawddamn! Why couldn’t I meet my guitar hero ‘DRESSED’ at least…you know? It’s all fun! You know what I found about…actually interviewing people on radio, too…& just meeting these people? The really BIG stars, like the really MAJOR people…are all pretty cool…& pretty “laidback”, actually.  There’s always something a little “off” about them, because they’re…you know, they’re very talented at what they do.  It’s sort of the people that “aren’t that big”…that have all the attitude.

Boe:  Isn’t that amazing.

Mitchell:  It is…it is, you know.  Umm…I interviewed Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin…on the radio show.  Actually, Jay Leno phoned me one day, cause he was playin’ a casino up here…&, you know, they’re all just very good people…gracious people…they know what they’re there to do.  And then you have some cover band, “Led Zepplica”…they’re doin’ a “cover thing”…comes in…& the guy thinks he’s Robert Plant.  I just basically said, “Dude, you’re not Robert Plant here…you know.  Why all the attitude?” And a…(LAUGHS)…a Beatles cover band came in…they’re doin’ some shows here in Toronto, in some theatre…I said, “Well, would you mind singin’ a tune?” He goes, “No, we don’t like to sing on Wednesdays.” I’m like…WHAT??? And he says, “Well, if you sang as much as I did…you’d know what I’m talkin’ about.” I said, “Well, as a matter of fact, I do sing as much as you do…& I sing my own stuff.” (LAUGHS)

Boe:  Did he know who you were???

Mitchell:  No, he didn’t have a clue…cause they were all from The States.  I said, “Well, as a matter of fact, I do sing as much as you…I actually talk on the radio, then I go home & record ‘til midnight…so, I know exactly what it’s like.  PLUS, I’m singin’ my own stuff…not doin’ Beatles’ covers.” And I put him in his place.

Boe:  Well, good for you.  That needs to happen.

Mitchell:  But, you know what I’m sayin’? Meanwhile, Jay Leno calls up…& it’s like…I said, “I’m Kim Mitchell.”…& he goes, “I know who you are.  1970…blah, blah, blah…‘A Million Vacations Tour’.  I was out there doin’ the ‘Draft Dodger Tour’…you guys were tourin’.  How ya’ doin’, man?” – was just friendly.

Boe:  So, you must feel that “approachability” is EXTREMELY important – on any level.

Mitchell:  I do…because we’re human beings first.  We’re ALL just human beings first…you know.  Umm…I’m just as interested in…I’ll stop in the street & watch some guy fix our road, cause I think that’s just fascinating.  I think we’re all human beings first, we’re all here doing something…producing.  We’re either writing, or fixing this, or healing the sick, but…we all belong, & we should all just be able to shoot a smile towards each other & have somethin’ to say to each other.  I don’t dig the pretentious bullshit that goes along, which some people have.  People have said I don’t have it, & I hope I never adopt that kind of attitude.  I’m a very approachable person, actually.

Boe:  Yes, I can see that.  Now, your band…is it still comprised of Peter Fredette, Chris Sutherland…same guys, same band???

Mitchell:  Well, Peter Fredette has been with me 26 years…& the drummer’s from Winnipeg…& the keyboard player is from Toronto…& I’m happy to say, he just won an ‘Emmy Award’ last week for a cartoon.  You know, when people tell you something…“Oh, I do this & I do that.”…you don’t really pay too much attention.  Well, he’s been talkin’ to me about this cartoon he’s been writing…a European cartoon that Teletoon, in The States, has picked up.  It’s kinda’ funny…& then all of a sudden, “HOLY SHIT! We won an Emmy!?!” I was like, “OH MY GAWD! That’s just fantastic!” (LAUGHS)

Boe:  Blow your mind!

Mitchell:  Oh…I’m sure it blew his mind, but it blew my mind too…to which I said, “Hey, man…you know…your salary’s the same, okay?” (LAUGHS)

Boe:  No doubt. (LAUGHS) So, what do you think is the secret to your longevity as a group? What makes it work so well???

Mitchell:  Ah…I’d say luck has a lot to do with it.  I guess…I’m hoping, that some of it has to do with…attitude towards art. (CLEARS THROAT) And that attitude is…this could be (maybe) something that I would say to a young person too, who’s saying, “How do I make it in the music business?” The whole deal is…there’s only twelve notes to enjoy…& when it comes to music – don’t focus on “making it”, don’t focus on record sales…just focus on your music, & making your music, & finding your music, & having FUN with it…having fun with the “twelve notes”.  Umm…I continually strive to do that, & try not to worry about it.  Of course, there’s a bottom line…when you’re a father, & you have mortgages, & stuff like that.  But, I think, that’s mainly what it’s about.  I think, sometimes, people get too caught up in following trends…following whatever.  Part of success is…as I say, a lot of it’s luck…& the rest of it could be just, ah…you know…genuinely playing from the heart.

Boe:  Okay.  Now, you have referred to yourself as a “heritage artist”.

Mitchell:  Geezer…heritage, yep.  I’ve been around the block, at least three times, Bonita. (LAUGHS)

Boe:  You have blogged on your website…that you look out into the audiences & you’re seeing younger people standing there.  Has this influenced “how” you’re writing your music, now???

Mitchell:  It does not influence me, one bit.  As I just finished saying, umm…you just find your own music, & that’s what you do…you can’t follow trends.  You let, obviously, certain music influence you…& basically, life influences a musician (I think).  A real true artist, just living life, is your input.  You know…you watch, you listen, you feel, taste…you do all those things…& then it just comes out in the form of your music.  So, to look out into the audience & see young kids…I’m just jazzed about it, that’s all…because it’s kinda’ – “Hey! Your parents are the ones who used to come to my shows…& get drunk, & get into fights, & throw up on the front lawn after.” (LAUGHS) And now, their kids are there…& it’s just cool.  And I see the kids, singing lyrics to the tune…which is just the highest form of…I’m just totally humbled by that, every time – when I see that…some nineteen year old, eighteen year old, kid is out there singing the lyrics to one of my tunes…& you have to think, “God, did their parents shove that down their throat?” I don’t know.

Boe:  Oh, I don’t know…“Lager & Ale”…that’s pretty classic, & I don’t think it’ll ever go outta’ style.

Mitchell:  Well, I don’t know…you know…it’s just, it was a fun tune to write & always a fun tune to play.  But, as far as when I see young kids, will I change the way I write? Well, I don’t know what they like.  So, as I say, I leave that up to other people…to follow trends…I’ve just never done that.  You know what? In the end…it’s kinda’ this analogy, Bonita…a father will say, “I want my kid to be an NHL star.” Well, chances are, he’s not gonna’ be.  So, why not just enjoy playing hockey??? That’s kinda’ the attitude I take towards music.  Chances are…no, you’re not gonna’ make it in the music business.  So…have that attitude, & just have fun with music, & everything will be fine in your life…you’ll enjoy music.  If you have to have a day job…no big deal.  If you end up in U2…awesome.

Boe:  Yep.  That’s wise words from a man who’s been through the industry…& knows.  So, did you always reside in Canada, throughout your career???

Mitchell:  Yep.  Always been a “true blue” Canadian…frost-bitten, Canadian boy.

Boe:  YEAH! (LAUGHS) Do you think that choice held you back in any way? Like…I’ve heard some artists say that, if they would’ve made a move to The States, they figure they could’ve been bigger & better…more publicity…& that sort of thing.  Do you think it held you back???

Mitchell:  Ah…I don’t know.  Umm…I could say, maybe it did.  But, you know what? I’ve had a WONDERFUL career in the music business, just being a Canadian, & being known here in Canada.  I don’t have Bryan Adams’ bank account & I don’t have his homes.  But I get the same “high”, when I walk on a stage, as Bryan Adams does…in front of a Canadian audience, as he does with 250,000 people in Europe.  It’s just…it’s the same feeling.  So, am I bitter, am I resentful…that I didn’t pick up & move to California? I had the opportunity MANY times, to go there…& I passed.  I, actually, got accepted to go to a music school in California when I was married…& I said to my wife, at the time, “Let’s just rent our house, & let’s move the family there for three years.  I’ll study guitar, & then we’ll come back.”  She said okay, & then I kinda’ thought about it, & went, “No, I like it here actually…everything’s fine.” (LAUGHS)

Boe:  I think we have a very natural, “laidback” style here in Canada…that you don’t always see everywhere else.

Mitchell:  And you know what else we have, Bonita? It’s a hot bit of creativity goin’ on in this country.  There are…I’m not talkin’ about the bands you hear on the radio & the bands that are popular…there’s basement bands in Saskatchewan, to BC, to Prince Edward Island…just, you know…guys who make CDs & hand ‘em out to their friends.  I’ve seen some of these bands! It’s just a hot bit of creative people in this country.

Boe:  Yeah.  There, again…that’s where the internet is helping…with “MySpace” & all of these other sites, where…you know…you can really get your product out there & push it.  There are some phenomenal garage bands, right now.

Mitchell:  Yeah…yeah.  I think Canadian people, in general, have been…at least, what I’ve seen…very, very supportive of Canadian arts.  I think that’s awesome, too.

Boe:  And, I think, we’ve got our own sense of style…when it comes to art up here.  You know…we’re very comedic in a lot of our…I mean, we take our industry seriously, but we’re also very “light-hearted” about it.  Do you see that, as well???

Mitchell:  Yep, I do.  And, not to mention, we produce some REAL BIG stuff.  You know, some huge stuff has come outta’ Canada…HUGE! There are some Canadian artists out there that have made a SERIOUS mark on the industry.

Boe:  Would you be willing to tell me some of your favorites???

Mitchell:  Canadian artists? Well, you know what? First of all, I always like to say…anybody who makes a living doing this…has got my support.  But there’s…oh, gawd…there’s just so many, you know? Let’s start on the west coast.  Ah…Loverboy…ah…Trooper, Bryan Adams…umm…Sarah McLachlan.  Gawd, you could just go on & on & on.  You know…Rush, Gordon Lightfoot.  Even…I don’t own her music, but…Celine Dion.  Look at the mark she’s made on the whole thing.

Boe:  Shania Twain…another one.

Mitchell:  Shania Twain.  GAWD! What I’d do for a date with that woman!?! (LAUGHS)

Boe:  Yeah, she’s pretty beautiful, eh??? (LAUGHS)

Mitchell:  Well, & you know what? You know what’s cool about Shania Twain…& only Canadians see this? You can’t take the Timmins out of her.  You can’t! You just can’t.  And as beautiful as she is, when you see her talk, & when you see her…just her aspect…you go, “Yeah.  She’s a Canadian.” (LAUGHS) It’s just…you cannot take that out of her, you know? And she’s just a sweetheart…just very talented, &…uh…yeah, the hottest female artist…just mind-blowing…outta’ this country.

Boe:  So…I’m gonna’ ask you – do you have anything “new” that you’re working on, right now???

Mitchell:  Yep.  Ah…I’m workin’ on a “pretty” record.  When I wrote “Ain’t Life Amazing”, & just over the years, I’ve accumulated some laidback kinda’ music.  It’s more accousticy, pretty stuff…kind of a cross between…Pink Floyd & folk music, somewhere in there…kinda’ vibey & cosmic, but pretty…& I’m tryin’ to record that.  Just on my own time…just havin’ fun with it.  I’m usin’ the two southern guys, so maybe it’ll sound “southern” again.

Boe:  Music is so diverse.  I guess, everybody takes something different from it.

Mitchell:  Absolutely! Well, that’s the beauty of handing the art out.  You know, it’s funny.  When I finish a record, I always tell people that…it’s like takin’ it out back & shooting it, cause…my job’s done.  Whoever, & what they think of it…I have no control over that.

Boe:  Yeah, exactly.  You gotta’ do whatcha’ do.  So, you have two sons (Josh & Jesse)…& Jesse is your road manager.  Can you tell me, has this strengthened your relationship???

Mitchell:  It’s a funny relationship.  Umm…when I’m at home here in Toronto, & when I see him, he’s my son…& he calls me “Dad”.  When we’re out on the road, or when there’s emails sent to do with the band…business & moving the band around…flights, hotels…I’m always referred to as “Kim”.  So…it’s really funny, it’s cute actually…as his father, it’s kinda’ funny.  You know what? My other road manager was killed in a car accident a few years ago, so he stepped in…& he’s done an absolutely amazing job.  Umm…he’s blown me away, actually.  I would have no problem suggesting him to Nickelback, or Rush, or anybody.  He can do it all.

Boe:  Is he a musician, as well???

Mitchell:  No, he’s not.  No, he majored in business, so…he’s great with the numbers & the settlements at the end of the night…he’s great with, ah…hooking the band up for travel.  He just…he has not missed a beat since he started, hasn’t missed a thing…& I’m kinda’ blown away with it.  But, it’s just funny, cause…out on the road it’s never, “Hi, Dad.”…it’s always like…“Okay, Kim’s gonna’ be here…” (LAUGHS) It’s just so weird.

Boe:  Do you guys find it easy to separate the “personal” life from the “business” life???

Mitchell:  He does…he does.  When it’s “business time”, it’s business to him.  And, ah…it’s kinda’ funny havin’ your son tell YOU what to do, because a lot of times he does.  A lot of times, it’s like…“You gotta’ be at the airport at 5:30.”…&, ah…“Be down here at the lobby.”…you know? If I sleep in, he’s callin’ me up, “Get your ass down here!”  Basically, tellin’ the “old man” what to do on the road.  It’s hilarious…it’s just great.  I love it.

Boe:  “REVERSED ROLES”, hey?!?

Mitchell:  (LAUGHS) But, he’s very respectful…very respectful.

Boe:  What do you like about being on the road???

Mitchell:  Umm…I love bein’ on the road, because it’s like one “BIG” fishing trip.  It’s a bunch of guys out there, who…& let me stress this…I will take a…I guess, I would take a less talented musician, & one who I love hangin’ out with…than some great, amazing musician who’s a “d*ck”.  So, I don’t have any of that goin’ on in my band.  All the guys, all the crew…we just love hangin’ out with each other, & it’s just “one big fishing trip” on the road.  And that’s so important, cause…that’s your life out there…that’s your home…&, ah…you know, it can be kinda’ crazy & it can be stressful.  Ah…you get cranky & tired, &…people think, “No, it’s not working.” But, you know what? You have a crew guy gettin’ up at 5:30, getting on a plane at 6:00, flyin’ somewhere, working, setting up, doin’ the show, ripping it down…maybe, getting into bed at two in the morning…then, getting up again at six in the morning & having to do it again…doing that for a couple of weeks.  It becomes a pain in the ass.  But, ah…as soon as those lights hit us, it’s just a…a fun party, that’s all.

Boe:  So, can you tell me, what’s left for Kim Mitchell to do?  What’s something that you wanna’ still accomplish???

Mitchell:  Umm…well, I know one thing I don’t wanna’ do.  I don’t wanna’ ever jump out of a plane & skydive.  I don’t know, that’s come up a few times…“Hey, Kim! You should jump out of a plane!” Like, “No, I don’t…” Um, what’s left??? Well, umm…I don’t know.  You know, I still have aspirations & goals to make music.  Uh…I still love playing live…it’s my passion.  I guess, I’m just gonna’ try & keep doing that, until I can’t do it…you know? Maybe, ah…‘til some health issue might come up, or…some issue might come up.  I’m also, at some point, lookin’ forward to hangin’ it all up & just…ah…havin’ a little boat, &…a little place by the water.  You know, lead a very quiet…it’s been quite a ride, I guess is what I’m saying, Bonita.  I’m okay on this bus still…&…I still “dig it”, & it’s still very rewarding to be a musician.  But, I also see the day when…I’ve jumped ship before…& I can see me jumpin’ ship & doin’ something completely different at some point, too.  But, I don’t know what that is yet, though.

Boe:  Writing for other people, possibly???

Mitchell:  Ah…I don’t know.  But, we’ll see what life brings.  Actually, when people ask me about that…it’s kinda’ like saying, “Well, what about tomorrow?” You know, we only have today, so…it’s kinda’ hard to look way into the future.  Yeah, it’s good to look ahead, & have goals & aspirations, but…umm…which I do…but, you just never know.  You just sorta’ can’t bank on any of that.  I guess, that’s what I’m sayin’.

 

Mitchell has released eleven albums, ranging from gold to triple platinum, & has had a string of hits during 1984 to 2007.  He is the winner of three Junos – including “Most Promising Male Vocalist” (1983), “Album of the Year” (1987) for Shakin’ Like A Human Being, & “Male Vocalist of the Year” (1990).  He has also made a number of cameo appearances on Canadian TV.

Kim, & his band, recently played the “Mother of All Parties” at the Credit Union Eventplex (Regina, SK) in September.  Just before he walked on stage, I asked him if he was gonna’ rock it up “Geezer Style”.  Kim just smiled & politely nodded his head…with a simple, “Yeah.” But I tell ya’, for someone who claims to be an old-timer…this musician still knows how to shred a nasty guitar, & his vocal clarity is something he has NOT lost.  While most of the crowd enjoyed the classics, I especially enjoyed the newer twists in Kim Mitchell’s music…like starting off “Easy To Tame” as a ballad, or the intrusion of ‘Misty Mountain Hop’ during “Lager & Ale”.  And even though the crowds maybe aren’t as BIG, as when you’re touring with Def Leppard, Kim still gives his “ALL” to the audience…with such perfect ease.  I guess, that’s what makes him a guitar legend…& a true “Canadian Great”.

 

BPatoine – September, 2009

 

For more on Kim Mitchell, visit…

www.kimmitchell.ca

www.myspace.com/officialkimmitchell

Kim’s radio-show airs on (Q107), Monday to Friday, 2:00-7:00 PM (EST).

 

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