Happenings on the Scene – Free Ride sure bet for great entertainment

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/04/2015 (4009 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Known for their tribute shows of the Beatles, Stones and British invasion period, Free Ride is now referred to as the ‘Rolling Stones of tribute bands.’

They truly were one of the first tribute acts to put together a stage show and are now one of the longest lasting of such bands. In fact, this is the 35th year they’ve been in the business.

The entertainment world is a world of constantly changing names and faces. Over the years, there have been countless young and aspiring talents that emerge and then slip into obscurity during their quest for critical or commercial success.

Despite the odds and the nature of the entertainment industry, Free Ride has remained an enduring and influential force in the entertainment scene.

Formed in 1980, Free Ride’s popularity is at an all-time high. They have toured internationally bringing excitement to a variety of venues including Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Japan and the grand opening of the largest Playboy Club Casino, coupled with a private show for the founder, Hugh Hefner.

The demand and magic they have created at corporate functions, fairs, arenas, concerts and night clubs is an ongoing indicator of their popularity.

The essence of showmanship, Free Ride continues to captivate the collective imagination of today’s audiences with their tribute to the Beatles, the early and later years, and their enjoyable journey through the ’50s and ’60s rock ’n’ roll era.

It all began in 1980 when four young Winnipeg lads got together with an idea of a band that brought together the “World’s Greatest Entertainers” live on stage.

Since they grew up with the Beatles, they started out strictly as a Beatles and ’50s rock ’n’ roll tribute band. But after six months of unbelievable success, the move to find the “Elvis” and the “Rolling Stone” frontman was on. Accidentally, one day in a small Winnipeg deli, he was found.

Elvis and Mick Jagger then joined forces with the Beatles and the ’50s greasers to widen the diversity of the Free Ride Project at that time. The combination project achieved more success than the band could have dreamed of.

Then, Free Ride specialized and refined three different acts, all in one show:’50s rock ’n’ roll, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

With the passing of Dave Wright, they changed the Rolling Stones set to a ’70s rock set. At present they have changed that set to a Sgt. Pepper’s Beatle set.

The present members of the band are:

• Wayne Hlady (founder) — “Harry”, Ringo Starr, drummer;

• Jerry Hlady (yes, they are brothers) — “The Bruiser”, John Lennon, guitar;

• Randy Moroz — “Norman the Nerd”, Paul McCartney, bass;

• Tom Pshednovak — “Tommy P Cool”, George Harrison, lead guitar.

Free Ride will be performing at the Sand Hills Casino this Friday and Saturday. There’s no cover charge and rush seating, so get there early as space is limited. The first set starts at 8:30 p.m.

For more details on entertainment, events and promotions at Sand Hills Casino visit SandHillsCasino.com.

Frank McGwire is a veteran of the local radio industry, a musician and booster of the music scene in Brandon and Westman.

» opinion@brandonsun.com