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91Ƶ: Tom Hooper of legendary B.C. music group 91ƵGrapes of Wrath91Ƶ

TODAY IN B.C.: Kelowna band hit the stage more than 40 years ago
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Tom Hooper of the 91ƵGrapes of Wrath91Ƶ. (Tom Hooper Facebook photo)

You will find 91ƵToday in B.C.91Ƶ podcasts on , , , and podcasts.

Host Peter McCully chats with Tom Hooper, who along with Kevin Kane and brother Chris played their first gig in junior high school, in Kelowna.

91ƵI think it was 1978. My Grade 7 dance, my elementary school,91Ƶ said Hooper. 91ƵI was in Grade 7 and Chris and Kevin were in Grade 9. We were playing some pretty cool music. Everything from 91ƵHonky Tonk Woman91Ƶ from the Stones to 91ƵJust what I Needed91Ƶ by the Cars; a Matt the Hoople song, an Iggy Pop song. I think the teachers didn91Ƶt know what to expect of us.91Ƶ

The band91Ƶs breakthrough came with their critically acclaimed album Treehouse in 1987. The album featured the hit single 91ƵAll the Things I Wasn91Ƶt91Ƶ and showcased their ability to craft catchy melodies and poignant lyrics.

Grapes of Wrath91Ƶs music often explored introspective themes and featured rich harmonies that set them apart from other bands.

Hooper, a self-admitted Beatles nerd, says it was a 91Ƶpinch me moment91Ƶ when they were at Abbey Road Studios in London to mix their album These Days.

91ƵWe basically were put up the flat, which is attached to Abbey Road (Studios),91Ƶ he said. 91ƵIn fact, I was just playing a gig last night and I was telling the story of my bedroom in this flat. There91Ƶs a picture of the Beatles hanging out in this bedroom and Ringo standing on top of the fireplace mantel. And that was my room. And my courtyard window opened up to the Abbey Road Studios. It was pretty incredible.91Ƶ

One of the more successful Canadian bands of the 1980s and 1990s, The Grapes of Wrath are back out playing gigs in 2023.

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Peter McCully

About the Author: Peter McCully

Peter has been a broadcaster and publisher on both of Canada91Ƶs coasts and has owned a small newspaper and run an advertising agency along the way.
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