Juno Awards Sellout and Sellout Bachman

April 4, 2005 - Go here for latest 2005 Juno Updates.

The good news is that the tickets for Juno Awards in Winnipeg sold out in 16 minutes. Melanie Berry, president of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts, said in a release:

"We anticipated a sellout, but this exceeded our expectations. We are very excited by the outstanding support shown by Winnipeggers."

The bad news is the snub of hometown heros Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings as reported here earlier.

In the Winnipeg Sun article by TOM BRODBECK:

"Well, I'm glad I wasn't the only one. Seems Canadian rock fans from right across the country -- including Manitoba Premier Gary Doer and Tory Opposition Leader Stuart Murray -- are equally incensed that Winnipeg rock icon Randy Bachman hasn't been invited to perform at the Juno Awards in Winnipeg on April 3.

My e-mail box has been bulging at the seams after I complained in yesterday's column how Bachman was being snubbed by Juno organizers after helping them score Neil Young for the event.

Rock fans from Newfoundland to the West Coast are up in arms about this BS. (The Bachman Snub), which underscores how important a rock pioneer he is.

"I'm pretty disgusted with the Junos' Bachman snub," wrote Gerard Murphy. "What a bunch of dicks!"

The Winnipeg Sun article continues on the Canadian music outrage with a comment by 92 CITI FM music director Frank Andrews:

"I felt compelled to respond to your editorial regarding the Juno committee's blatant disregard for two of this country's most distinguished and decorated musical patriots; Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings. ... the thought that either individual would be absent on stage as performers at Canada's single most important musical celebration, particularly when that event is showcased in their hometown, is completely inexcusable!," wrote Andrews. "A Juno Awards in Winnipeg without Randy and Burton would have all the shine of a Junos in Kingston without the Tragically Hip! It simply isn't right!"

Even Canadian politicians are joining in the fray. From Winnipeg Sun article by FRANK LANDRY:

"Premier Gary Doer has seen Winnipeg's rock legends play community clubs and church basements -- now he wants to see them jamming on the Junos. Doer said yesterday he used to watch Randy Bachman, Burton Cummings and Neil Young back in the 1960s. The NDP leader said he doesn't understand why only Young was asked to play the Junos.

"I can't imagine anybody putting together a show, and if Randy Bachman wanted to play, not having him play," Doer said. "I just don't get it."

Doer said the issue was brought to his attention yesterday.

"Obviously there was a gap between what we assumed was going to happen and the prominence that people would play and what appears to be happening now."

Tory Leader Stuart Murray -- former road manager for rock group Blood, Sweat and Tears -- said Juno organizers are out of touch with what fans want to see.

"There will be a black cloud over the Junos if a rock legend like Randy Bachman isn't featured," Murray said.

Mayor Sam Katz says he can't understand why Bachman -- one of Winnipeg's biggest stars -- would not have been invited to perform.

"I would say I'm surprised and disappointed, end of story. If everything being said is accurate and he helped in every way he can to get Neil Young and went out of his way and flew over there and talked him into it, I don't understand it."

Looks like the Junos committees have really taken care of business.

UPDATE - 3/30/05:More on Juno Awards and Neil Young's Winnipeg Music scene.

UPDATE - 3/8/05: Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings of The Guess Who will be part of a tribute to Winnipeg's rock heritage during the upcoming Juno Awards. Afterall.

They will salute Winnipeg's musical legacy and will be joined on stage by fellow Winnipeggers Fresh I.E., Chantal Kreviazuk, Nathan, The Wailin' Jennys and The Waking Eyes.

Now that's good news that right's a wrong. Thrasher is totally down with that.