The Sheepdogs transcend expectations in Ottawa

The iconic Canadian rockers who boast four Juno awards, and once graced the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine, wrapped up their extensive “Outta Sight” tour this weekend at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre. A palpable buzz of excitement was in the air for ticket holders to The Sheepdogs’ final performance of this tour.

The opening act, Winnipeg’s Boy Golden (aka Liam Duncan) and the designated congregants of his self-named Church of Better Daze burst out of the gates with knee-tapping, head-nodding melodies off his debut 2021 album. Each song blazed a trail of hard-earned stories wrapped in layers of bluegrass-infused poetic confessions and reverent philosophies, and tied together with an irresistible musical bow. A highlight of the act was when background vocalist Mama Tizzy (aka Fontine Beavis) traded her tambourine for a mic to perform lead vocals on a cover version of Emmylou Harris’ song, “Rhythm Guitar,” resulting in rapt applause. Boy Golden closed his set with the album’s title track, lyrics he referred to as scripture. It’s fair to say that he struck the right chord with attendees, who responded with a standing ovation, the virtual offering box overflowing with satisfied praise and pregnant anticipation of what was to come.

As the stage was transitioned to welcome The Sheepdogs, the crowd was already on its feet. Then it was time: the five-man ensemble appeared to a simple backdrop of diamond-shaped lights surrounding the band name, written in cursive white lights. It was an understated decor for the Saskatoon-based band who have sold out shows around the world. The Ottawa gig was, in fact, the 94th and final performance of a headlining tour that began last fall and circled the continent, including a stop in the United Kingdom.

If the band felt enervated from their grueling months-long performance schedule, it didn’t show to a crowd obviously mesmerized with nostalgic pleasure right from the opening hit, “Rock and Roll (Ain’t No Simple Thing).” This title track of The Sheepdog’s “No Simple Thing” EP album, released in 2021, spent more than 20 weeks in the top 10 at Canadian Rock Radio.

Lead vocalist Ewan Currie and bassist Ryan Gullen took turns introducing the next 17 gold, platinum and fan favourites culled from the band’s winning discography. Throughout the evening, the spotlight made its rounds, shining on the incredible musical talents of Ewan’s brother Shamus, who took lead vocals in “Are You a Good Man?;” percussionist Sam Corbett; and Ricky Paquette, a French Canadian blues and rock guitarist filling in for Jimmy Bowskill on the tour. Paquette instantly intoxicated the hearts of the crowd with his animated showmanship, and a boundless energy surpassed only by his musical mastery. In fact, The Sheepdog’s preeminent display of dual and even triple guitar harmonies throughout the night were testimony to their enduring legacy.

The crowd was lulled into a full-blown musical coma by the time The Sheepdogs signaled the show’s close with the first few notes of “Nobody,” off the 2017 album “Changing Colours.” The fans soon exploded though when The Sheepdog’s returned to the stage after several minutes for a two-song encore. Just when we thought the night couldn’t get any better, the four members of Boy Golden joined The Sheepdogs on stage for a spectacular cover of the Neil Young hit, “Are You Ready for the Country?,” featuring a climactic trombone solo by Shamus Currie.

Without a doubt, the party vibe will stay alive in the treasured memories of fans. The good news for those who may get nostalgic for unadulterated, old school rock and roll, is that The Sheepdogs will be on the road again this spring, according to their official website.

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