The right place at the right time. Such words could not ring truer for Toronto band The Spoons. Formed in 1979, the band achieved a rather significant level of fame in Canada, performing alongside bands including The Police and Talking Heads to name but two. The band was responsible for a plethora of early to mid-80’s hits such as Arias & Symphonies, Nova Heart, Old Emotions, Romantic Traffic…the list could seemingly go on forever.
Though the band’s profile is admittedly lower this century than last, they are still very much alive and kicking. The Spoons recently released Static In Transmission, their first album of new material in more than 23 years, proving they are as essential to the Canadian music landscape as they have ever been.
The Spoons’ Gord Deppe recently took time to take part in the MusicNerd Q&A:
Where do you currently call home?
Toronto, Ontario area.
Why do you live where you do?
It is not downtown, but close enough to get there fast or to the airport and escape.
What is occupying your time these days?
The new Spoons CD release and all those goes with it: gigging, schmoozing, video making.
First record purchased and at what age?
Billion Dollar Babies by Alice Cooper, somewhere in my teens.
When did you start to play music?
Got my first guitar at age 10, started writing songs at 11.
If we took a look inside the bedroom of a 13-15 year old you, what posters would have been on the walls?
I was a bit out there. I had a creepy Hieronymus Bosch print on my wall called The Garden of Earthly Delights
What three records could you not live without?
Californication – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Urban Hymns – The Verve
What’s The Story Morning Glory – Oasis
Who or what is getting too much attention these days?
The bland teen (and pre-teen) artists that the puppy mills are churning out. I’m a huge Disney fan, but this is where they’ve gone to the dark side.
Who or what is not getting enough attention these days?
Anything that isn’t hip-hop, rap or teen based.
What has been your most memorable show?
The 1982 Police Picnic at the CNE Grandstand. The Police, Talking Heads, A Flock of Seagulls, Joan Jett, The Spoons and 60,000 people on a hot summer night.
Worst career moment thus far?
Having too much sake before a show in Halifax in the late 1980’s. Words came out of my mouth on stage that the band and audience had never heard from me before. Sandy wouldn’t talk to me, but I got major brownie points with our road crew!
Most extravagant rider item?
A crimping iron
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