Guitar

Ed Sheeran’s folk-pop sheer brilliance shines at Echo Beach: Review

Perhaps there’s hope in the pop world after all. By: Special to The Star Nick Krewen Published on Mon Sep 17 2012 Perhaps there’s hope in the pop world after all. Inundated as we are by hormonal determination of the female tween populace regarding such lightweight romantics as the Justin Biebers, One Directions and numerous copycats whose musical, puppy-eyed declarations of love carry the emotional resonance of a Twix candy…


Aerosmith brings its history to life in Toronto

Well into their sixties, veteran rockers deliver the goods – with fewer gymnastics. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published Thu, Jun 28 2012 The last time they were at the Air Canada Centre — August 17, 2010 to be exact — Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry knocked singer Steven Tyler offstage and into the crowd to retaliate for Tyler accidentally hitting him in the head with his microphone a few…


Dan Kanter on mad life at Bieber’s side

Toronto guitarist and pop megastar’s right-hand man has had best seat to watch his rise. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Fri Jun 15 2012 Life with Justin Bieber is never boring. Just ask Dan Kanter, the Toronto guitarist, producer and musical tour director who has been the Stratford pop phenom’s right-hand man since The Bieb’s meteoric rise to the top began three years ago. “It’s been quite…


Drumming up a career in garage rock

Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Mon Jun 11 2012 If you want something done right, do it yourself. John Barrett‘s realization of that credo resulted in the formation of combustive garage-rock combo Bass Drum Of Death. “In high school, I was always in bands, but I started doing (stuff) by myself because I was the one managing it and still wanting to do something,” explains Barrett, whose…


Ed Sheeran makes most of an opening

Entertainment / Music Supporting Snow Patrol a career stepping-stone for red-hot Brit singer. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Fri Apr 13 2012 Ed Sheeran, opening a pair of shows for Snow Patrol at Massey Hall next week in what’s destined to be a contemporary role as a warmup act, isn’t afraid to apply a little elbow grease in working his way to the top. In a seemingly short period…