Kat Harlton
Photos provided via PR team
Alan Frew, Scottish-Canadian singer, songwriter, actor, author, and notably lead singer of the Canadian rock band Glass Tiger is bringing the infectious pop anthems of the 80s and 90s to Toronto for a powerhouse performance at The Opera House on February 17, 2024. “Simply The Best” party possible, 80’s>90’s<<REWIND! will feature performances of classic hit songs that have left an indelible mark on the music industry to this very day. Concert goers can expect to hear Frew perform hit songs by Simple Minds, Tears for Fears, Midnight Oil, REM, INXS, Tragically Hip, Pearl Jam, and Robert Palmer to name a few.
From the flamboyant synthesized 80’s to when pop music diversified, characterized by a wide range of genres and styles with mainstream hits and underground movements, with artists pushing boundaries and defying conventions in the 90’s. There was never a time like it before it, nor has there been one since. And of course, with every generation comes a touch of “rebellion” whereby Grunge emerged as a dominant force, with bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden capturing the raw and introspective spirit of the era.
I had the opportunity to chat with Alan, about his musical journey so far, what fans can expect from his upcoming show and more.
Kat: Can you talk about the inspiration behind the 80’s>90’s <<REWIND! show?
Alan: I joined my first band in the mid-through-late 70’s and although I enjoyed and still enjoy a lot of the music that was created then, I became a bit disillusioned by a sort of sense of sullenness and darkness that seemed to accompany the presentation of it. Cut to the chase and along comes the 80’s! A truly vibrant, colourful and infectious era of music which embraced a kaleidoscope of genres. Yes we had infectious pop tunes, the type that made you want to dance your heart out, but we didn’t lose rock at all because many bands carried the banner for rebellious anthems and ‘power’ hits. Then the transition into the 90’s made perfect sense whereby it maintained the wonderful crossover of genres leaving an indelible mark on the music world capturing the hearts of millions.
Performing with Glass Tiger I always ask the question; “How many of you have seen us before”? Inevitably only about one third of them raise their hands, which began to drive home the fact that two -thirds of the audience, some of whom were not even born in the 80’s perhaps not even in the 90’s, we’re here because of their love of these two amazing eras. And THAT was a calling card to me, henceforth came…..80’s>90’s <<REWIND!
Kat: Can you give us a sneak peak of the set list?
Alan: A typical set list includes hit songs from; INXS, TEARS FOR FEARS, PEARL JAM, JOHN WAITE, TINA TURNER, REM, THE TRAGICALLY HIP, MIDNIGHT OIL, THE CULT, THE CURE, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, ROBERT PALMER, GLASS TIGER and many more.
Kat: What do you hope fans take from the 80’s>90’s <<REWIND! performance at The Opera House?
Alan: Just a wonderful evening of music from a time that captured the hearts and souls of millions around the planet, performed by a band of world-class musicians delivered by a voice they “know and trust” and a performer still very much at the ‘top of his game!’ I ONLY perform songs that I know honour the magic of the original and I am proud to perform hit, upon hit, upon hit, with the passion and delivery they deserve.
Kat: What has been a career highlight for you so far? What have you learned along the way?
Alan: The highlight is that I got into this music game in the mid-70”s and here I am STILL DOING IT! decades later. I have learned that music truly does keep the heart and spirit young and as long as my voice remains in all of its power and pace and presentation, I am not nearly done yet.
Kat: What’s next for you?
Alan: Today’s rehearsal! ;) I also enjoy painting, much of which gets commissioned by people across the country. I enjoy public speaking after having success with my book THE ACTION SANDWICH ( a six-step recipe to success doing what you’re already doing) and I am in the midst of writing a novel hopefully out sometime in 2024.
Tickets for Alan’s Opera House performance on February 17, 2024 are on sale now and range from $40 to $65 and are available here: https://tinyurl.com/8090RewindOperaHouse
Website: https://alanfrewworld.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alanfrewglasstiger/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlanFrew
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alan_frew/