Reaction, The

Websites:  No
Origin: St. John's, Newfoundland
Biography:

Michael Fisher, Rick Harbin & Terry Carter & later Dan Ralph - recorded 60 minutes of music that was never released but had become live hits. Those who lived the "The Reaction Experience" had only memories, others - too young - might never know the thrill.... but now, there's exciting news!

In January 2005, The Reaction were back in the studio in Toronto and have a double shot of songs and music coming your way. Whether you want the classic cuts from The Reaction, (back in the late 1970s) - or are curious about the new material, now it's finally ready! The new release is a "must have" for any fans of progressive and guitar rock or just fans of the classics of the Newfoundland rock scene of the Seventies and Eighties.

March 18th, 2005 marked the launch of The Reaction on CD - and a whole new era!

Mike Fisher, Rick Harbin, and Terry Carter formed The Reaction as an alternative to the St. John’s music scene in December 1978. For the next 10 months, The Reaction played extensively around Newfoundland in bars and many concerts in and around St. John's.

During this period, the band recorded a "45 single" - "ON THE BEACH" with “THE KID'S ARRIVED” as the B-side. This was a groundbreaking move for independent local recording. Other songs, "IN TUNE WITH THE TIMES", "TRIALS IN ERROR" and "TIL MIDNIGHT" were mastered in a local studio and subsequently received extensive FM airplay. " IN TUNE WITH THE TIMES " and "TIL MIDNIGHT " became regional hits and attracted major record label interest.
Personality disputes dissolved the band in October 1979.

Chapter 2 - Dan Ralph

Mike Fisher and Rick Harbin recruited Dan Ralph as a Drummer and The Reaction reformed with a heavier and more refined sound. In this time, "JET LAG", "NEVER SOLD OUT", "EAST END ROCKERS", and another regional hit, "GET THE RODS OUT" were written. The Reaction toured from November 1979 to April 1980 in Newfoundland as well as playing other major venues, such as a concert in Halifax. In May 1980 the band took a period of time off and moved to Toronto.

Chapter 3 - Toronto

While playing a few shows in Toronto, at venues such as the Ontario College of Art, The Reaction wrote and recorded songs such as: "WAITING IN LINE" and "AGGRAVATION" (Dan Ralph on Drums). The "ISTHMUS OF AVALON" features a Toronto musician Bill Skulsky on drums and percussion.

Chapter 4 - Final year - 1981

After a hiatus, the band returned to Newfoundland and expanded to a four-piece band by adding keyboard player Stephen Jackson.
The Reaction at this point, took pride that they had one of the most extravagant and original shows to tour Newfoundland. Jackson's keyboards added definitive Euro-beat sound to The Reaction , setting it apart from any other local band of the time.
The Reaction played its final gig on Saturday June 13, 1981, and then went its separate ways.

The Reaction at this point, took pride that they had one of the most extravagant and original shows to tour Newfoundland. Jackson's keyboards added definitive Euro-beat sound to The Reaction , setting it apart from any other local band of the time.
The Reaction played its final gig on Saturday June 13, 1981, and then went its separate ways.

Chapter 5 - A New Era - 2004

After a very long break and dozens of projects with other bands, a revival of the band was initiated in the Summer of 2004 - in large part due to a chance meeting with some fans at the 2004 Klondyke Festival. Time and geography were no barrier to a Reaction reactivation, once the boys gained some motivational wisdom from long time fan John Steele. All of the preparations and groundwork translated into a decision to release a number of songs from the early days, in combination with a slate of new material.

Plans culminated in a January 2005 recording session in Toronto at the prestigious Metal Works studio. Things only got better as Dan, Mike, Terry and Rick could all attend and L. Stu Young, Giancarlo Gallow and Nick Blagona were brought in to help engineer a top quality recording. ( Fans who remember the boys playing in less than accoustically perfect locations, are in for a treat with the new CD!)

Big plans are being made for the rest of 2005 and fans of The Reaction better hold on for a fun ride in the years ahead!