Information/Write-up
Fyre's debut and lone 45rpm single from 1974 offers a glimpse into the aspirations and challenges of a small-town Ontario band striving to evoke the spirit of 1950s rock instrumentals amidst the backdrop of the early 1970s music scene. Wayne Howell was a great guitarist and is heard ripping up his Fender Stratocaster on the B-side. Paul Reid comprises the rhythm section playing his 1971 Les Paul Deluxe that to this day forward he will never part with.
The A-side, ‘David's Song’, an instrumental penned by Paul Reid, was an experiment aimed at reviving the nostalgic appeal of 50s rock. It became a heartfelt homage named after the band's bassist and Paul’s late brother, who tragically passed away in a car accident before recording began. Wayne Howell stepped in on bass for the recording.
On the B-side, "New Roads Always Cross Old Bridges," hastily co-written by Wayne Howell and Paul Reid during a van ride en route to the studio, showcases Wayne's ripping guitar work along with the band's spontaneity and determination. This track, borne out of necessity for a B-side, blends introspective lyricism with musical urgency, even amidst the challenges of limited studio time and frequent lineup changes.
Recorded under the guidance of Vintage Records and Troika Music, the single received modest airplay on local Barrie stations and smaller Toronto outlets. However, Fyre disbanded just six months after its release. Post-Fyre, Paul continued to play music locally with collaborators like Jim Drummond, while Wayne pursued karate instruction in Barrie, Randy French found his niche playing accordion in an orchestra, and Ernie moved out to Vancouver.
Reflecting on their music careers, Paul candidly shared, “Our musical pursuits stalled after that single, largely due to the burgeoning disco scene and pressure from our publisher to adapt. Wayne and I, being young and perhaps a bit obstinate, refused to veer into disco territory.” Despite the band's short-lived impact, a recent $76 SOCAN royalty cheque provided a modest acknowledgment of their enduring local support, which Paul noted as “better than a kick in the ass from a frozen mukluk.”
-Robert Williston, July 16, 2024
Wayne Howell: lead vocals, lead guitar, bass
Paul Reid: rhythm guitar
Ernie Vantent: drums
Randy French: keyboards
not on recording:
David Reid: bass
Written, produced and arranged by Paul Reid and Wayne Howell
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