Diefenbakers

Websites:  No
Origin: Edmonton, Alberta
Biography:

What originally started in 1978 as Paul and some friends getting onstage at a Subhumans gig and doing a couple covers as a lark soon took them to practicing on a regular basis. In the fall of 1980, two members left and the band went on a temporary hiatus until Paul met Dan, Kevin and Dave. Before long they had a repertoire of about a dozen songs. Soon after, the Diefenbakers headlined their first show with the Rock and Roll Bitches with about 200 people in attendance. A month later they opened for the Braineaters and in 1981 for the Subhumans. Not long after the Subhumans gig, the Diefenbakers split due to differences in musical direction but this was only temporary. The band underwent changes with George Kelly replacing Dave on drums and adding John Gilchrist on bass thus allowing Dan to sing exclusively. The reformed Diefenbakers played their first gig with the Nostrils and their next show was the climax of their career, opening for DOA on their Hardcore 1981 tour. After a three night stand at the Calgarian and a gig opening for Moe Berg's Troc 59, they dissolved due to members of the band moving away from Edmonton. This spelled the end for a band that was essential to the Edmonton scene, and influenced many people to start bands. There are a few live tapes around, but the song quality can never do the band justice.
-Only In Canada, Eh 77-81 Volume 1

John Gilchrist: guitars
Dave Stevenson: drums on 'Color TV' and a few others
George Kelly: drums
Kevin Forbes: guitars
Paul Soulodre: bass
Daniel Webster: vocals

All photos by Rose Kapp