Doc Walker to share stories behind the songs

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This article was published 26/01/2019 (2659 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The lead singer of Doc Walker says he’s ready to hit the road on an acoustic tour he hopes will show fans a different side of the band’s personality and celebrate its history of music.

Doc Walker starts an acoustic tour on Jan. 26 in Winnipeg, before stopping in Brandon in early February.

Chris Thorsteinson said the band’s show takes him back to a simpler time with playing music, before they had seven studio albums under their belts.

“Playing with Dave (Wasyliw) kind of reminds us of when we are just 14 years old at bush parties with a couple of acoustic (guitars),” he said

“It actually turns out more like Bob and Doug McKenzie show than a serious songwriters kind of thing. It’s a lot of fun.”

Thorsteinson said the two will take fans through some of their hits, like “Rocket Girl,” “That’s All” and “Beautiful Life,” but they’ll also do covers of other bands’ songs. He said a more stripped-back show and intimate environment will allow the band to tell the stories behind each song and connect with the audience in different way than on a large stage.

“It’s always been a conscious thing throughout the years for us to record songs that will connect with people and have interesting stories, not just the cookie-cutter country. For us to be able to go out with a couple of acoustics and kind of tell the stories behind the songs is really interesting.”

He said the atmosphere is more relaxed than at most concerts and “it’s just a couple of dudes on stage having a lot of fun.”

Despite putting out music for over 20 years, Thorsteinson sad it’s still a cool experience to hear the music he wrote when he was younger still played on the radio. He said the stories behind each song is the reason they still resonate with people today.

“The risks that we took to record something that was meaningful to us is sort of the reward to be able to play that years later.

Doc Walker was formed in Westbourne in 1996, but Thorsteinson said performing in their home province adds some pressure during the show, despite the amazing base of support they have in the province.

Manitoba has also inspired some of the band’s songs and been a big influence on their music, he said. “Heaven On A Dirt Road” was written about farming communities, like where Thorsteinson grew up. He said he’s proud to be part of a Prairie rock and roll band.

“It’s cool to be able to kick off the tour here in our home province and to be able to do a couple smaller shows like Melita.”

“We’ve done a few of those shows lately where we go to a smaller town where they usually don’t get a lot fo entertainment and people really appreciate that, so that’s a lot of fun.”

Doc Walker’s Acoustic Songs and Stories from the Heartland takes the stage at Clarions Hotel and Suites on Feb. 2.

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