The definition of a rebel is someone who goes against the grain. For close to forty years
now, Blue Rodeo has taken the road less travelled
–
and succeeded far beyond anyone’s
expectations. The band emerged
in the early 80’s as a countrified rock band in the era of
hair metal and glossy pop. Despite sticking out like a sore thumb (or maybe because of it),
their single “Try” became omni
-
present on radio across Canada and set in motion a three
decade long care
er of headlining every club, theatre and arena in Canada. In 1993, when
grunge rock was squeezing commercial rock off the radio, they recorded their most
acoustic album,
Five Days In July
, and scored their biggest hit selling over a half million
copies of
that one record alone
One of Canada’s most enduring bands, Blue Rodeo has received 31 JUNO Award
nominations (winning 12) and 17 CCMA Awards (winning two). Since their formation in
Toronto when they electrified the supercool Queen West scene
—
before maki
ng their
homes in the soft
-
seaters and arenas of the nation
—
Blue Rodeo has sold more than four
million albums, played thousands of shows, been inducted into both the Canadian Music
Hall of Fame and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, received a star o
n Canada’s
Walk of Fame, been named to the Order of Canada and been honoured with the Governor
General’s Performing Arts Award
The band has created a body of work that stands as a benchmark in Canadian music,
weaving deeply resonant, distinctly Canadian s
tories that have influenced countless
songwriters. Their songs have not only defined Blue Rodeo’s legacy but have also
influenced the evolution of rock and country music, inspiring countless artists and
becoming woven into the fabric of the nation’s cultur
al identity
Celebrating more than four decades of success, the members are able to fully appreciate
where Blue Rodeo sits in the pantheon of music. “Success seemed real when we were
entertaining people in The Horseshoe. That was the top of the heap for u
s,” Cuddy says.
“When you look back, you realize it’s just been this beautiful dream.”