Special Guests, The
The Special Guests! are:
Adam Kittredge - Vocals, Guitar
Jocelyn Greenwood - Bass
Brendan Pye - Drums, Vocals
Piers Henwood - Guitar, Piano
The Special Guests! is not your average band name, but then again this Victoria, B.C.-based four-piece is not your average band. Formed in 1995 while three of its members were still in high school together, the band began performing live at local all-ages shows before they had even agreed on a name. But when the group landed an opening slot for Seattle band Sweetwater, they finally found a name that everyone could agree on: "The Special Guests!", a tongue-in-cheek reference to the generic concert poster format that was used to advertise the gig ("Sweetwater plus special guests") For a young group that strived not to take itself too seriously, The Special Guests! seemed a perfect choice.
After winning a local radio competition the following year in Victoria, The Special Guests! entered the studio to record their first independent EP in 1998. Titled Everybody Rock , the album posted strong sales on the west coast and received spins on several of Canada's core rock stations.
Playing steadily in B.C. with acts such as The Matthew Good Band, Big Wreck, Limblifter and Nickelback, The Special Guests! began honing the infectious live show that has become their signature. The band decided to take that show on the road in March 1999 and made a splash in Toronto while showcasing at Canadian Music Week. Shortly after, The Special Guests! signed to Attic Records amidst its integration with Canada's newest full-service record label and distribution company, The Song Corporation.
"Take Them Higher", the first single from the band's debut national release produced by John Webster (Bif Naked, Tom Cochrane), combines gritty guitar work with a strong pop groove. In keeping with the band's already anonymous name, the full 11-track release is titled [first.album] and will be available in stores across the country on Tuesday, May 23rd. Now booked by Canada's premier agency, S.L. Feldman & Associates, The Special Guests! will be touring the country through 2000 in support of the album.
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