Blue Rodeo: An institution 25 years in the making

Blue Rodeo released their debut album, Outskirts, in ’87, and like a true institution, they’ve been going strong ever since.

But according to co-founding member Greg Keelor, these pioneers are something else entirely.

“More like a lab experiment!” Greg laughs. “We put six men in a van and drive around all over the place.”

Twenty five years later, this lab experiment has become a milestone in Canadian music history and for that, the band is thankful and surprised.

“I’ve made my living from playing music and I really can’t explain it,” Greg says. “We’re just so lucky that there is still a place for us in Canadian music.”

Blue Rodeo has gone on to find their place on Canada’s Walk of Fame, in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and this just in, the band is being honored with their very own street, Blue Rodeo Drive, to be constructed in the Riverdale neighbourhood of their hometown, Toronto.

Speaking of roads, Blue Rodeo is currently on tour, chasing the release of an 8-disc box set, Blue Rodeo: 1987-1993, celebrating their 25th anniversary.

In light of Blue Rodeo’s success and lengthy career, Greg and I look back at the band’s beginnings.

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Greg, take us back to the beginning. How was Blue Rodeo decided on as a band name?

Jim and I have known each other since high school, that means since 1971. Jim and I were living in New York in the early 80s and we started a band together. At the time I was writing everything on the electric guitar, all fast and furious. After being in a punk-pop band in the late 70s, we were getting into country music. We wanted to underline the country aspect of the band and that’s Blue Rodeo.

What was it that set you on that country road?

I can remember listening to a Gordon Lightfoot record and just thinking that I wanted to write music with more resonance in it, Something that meant a bit more to me.  I love the country of the 60s and 70s, such great songwriters. I find the “new country” alienating.

Do you remember how it felt being the new band on the block?

When we first started Blue Rodeo there were bands like Loverboy and Honeymoon Suite on the radio. It didn’t seem like there would be room for a band like us. We never tried to make our music for the radio. We’re lucky. I really can’t explain it.

Explain how it feels from where you’re still standing, twenty-five years since your debut?

I’ve fantasized about being like Bono or saving the world, but where we ended up is still pretty incredible. I love the indulgence of songwriting and the musician life. It feels like this is what I’m supposed to do.

Blue Rodeo is currently on tour. See dates here. Stay in touch with Blue Rodeo on facebook and twitter.

Posted by Marc Andrew on Jan 22 2013. Filed under Interviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.