Spirit of the West

Vancouver’s “Spirit of the West” are still putting out as much energy as they did when they first began in 1983.  Known and beloved by generations of fans, they have travelled extensively throughout the US, UK, most of Europe and of course numerous tours coast to coast in Canada. Considered the “Granddaddies of Canadian Celtic powered Pop” they were the vanguard of a movement that includes dozens of outstanding artists including Newfoundland’s “Great Big Sea”.  Great Big Sea’s Alan Doyle unabashedly proclaims them has his “favourite band of all time”.  Spirit of the West began as a trio performing in a tiny Pub and is now a sextet that includes Geoffrey Kelly, John Mann, Hugh McMillan, Vince Ditrich, Tobin “The Gull” Frank and Matthey Harder.  Spirit of the West have released a dozen albums, five of them gold and three at platinum status.  Hits include:  “…and if Venice is Sinking”, “Save This House”, “The Crawl”, and the song that has been called Canada’s unofficial national anthem – “Home For a Rest”. They are currently starting pre-production on a new album and will tour extensively throughout 2014 to support it.