Rick chats with the legendary Donnie "Mr. Downchild" Walsh on eve of Pembroke performance
Article content
Crystal Head Vodka Presents
The Legendary Downchild Blues Band – The Longest 50th Anniversary Tour Ever with Special Guest- 2022 Juno Award nominee Miss Emily
Concert location: Festival Hall Centre for the Performing Arts in Pembroke
Date: Saturday, June 11
Showtime: 7 p.m.
After 18 albums, countless awards and wowing sold-out audiences around the globe, The Legendary Downchild Blues Band is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year with a brand-new show featuring hits like “Flip, Flop and Fly” as well as fan favourites and hidden gems from throughout their illustrious career.
Downchild came to international prominence as the inspiration for Hollywood stars Dan Aykroyd and the late John Belushi’s hit film, The Blues Brothers. In fact, two Downchild songs, “Shotgun Blues” and “(I Got Everything I Need) Almost” were even covered on The Blues Brothers’ 1978 multi-platinum album Briefcase Full of Blues.
The band is led by founder Donnie “Mr. Downchild” Walsh on guitar and harmonica.
Editor’s note: Rick Wharton (actor, comedian, radio host, The Conspiracy Guy, and Festival Hall director) brings Pembroke Observer and News readers exclusive interviews with some of the big-name acts coming to Festival Hall. Instead of traditional story format, these pieces will be brought to you in the question and answer format in the same way the interviews took place. So let’s be a fly on the wall and see what musician, songwriter and one of Canada’s best musicians Donnie “Mr. Downchild” Walsh has to say during his ’10 minutes with Rick’…
Rick: Hi Donnie great to be talking to you after all this time. How is the 50th tour going, knowing you have been trying to get back on the road?
Donnie: It HAS been the longest 50th anniversary, but it’s wonderful to be back on track. The two weeks on the east coast were excellent. To be back in front of an audience who had waited two years for live music was thrilling for me and the entire band. The audience appreciation was over the top out there and also at the two Ontario gigs. Lots of fun!
Rick: I have been a big fan for many years and you and the band are still kicking it live. For upcoming musicians and all talent, any advice on how you do it have done over the last 50 plus years?
Donnie: Short and sweet … love what you’re doing and have a good time doing it!
Rick: You’ve had some lineup changes over the years and the band still cuts through live and on record. Love the new record. (https://downchild.com/music/) You must still love it live and on road?
Donnie: I still enjoy being on the road and some of the benefits are seeing “old” friends and meeting new ones!
Rick: There would be no Blues Brothers if it weren’t for Downchild. Dan Aykroyd. Pretty powerful on the musical resume. Thoughts?
Donnie: Dan Aykroyd is one of the best people I have met, both personally and professionally. His involvement with Downchild has, for one thing, brought an entire new generation of fans to our music and blues in general. Nothing but excellence has come out of this friendship.
Rick: What are your favourite songs from any album or played on stage by you?
Donnie: My favourite song is the one the audience is moved by the most at the time. A couple of my favourites are “Flip, Flop and Fly” because that was our biggest hit, and “Shotgun Blues” because of the collaboration with my brother Hock and of course, “I Got Everything I Need (Almost).” It’s just a favourite with everyone.
Rick: Who are you musical influences?
Donnie: James Cotton, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Sonny-Boy Williamson II, Jimmy Reed, B.B. King, Elmore James. I could go on ….
Rick: I think when you see the blues live you get it, you feel it, it’s real. Any moments live you have played or watched that you loved or could share with us?
Donnie: Some of the most exciting times I’ve had were watching James Cotton, Albert King, Albert Collins and MANY other blues greats at the Colonial Tavern in Toronto. And before I had started my band it was a big thrill to watch Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee in coffee houses also in Toronto. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to have played with some of the greats such as Buddy Guy, Junior Wells and B.B. King which has been thrilling for me.
Rick: You have a connection to the Ottawa Valley and Sab and you have played here many times. Glad to have you back. Thoughts on the Ottawa Valley and the music scene?
Donnie: For as long as I remember, the Ottawa Valley has always had an influential music scene and hopefully after an almost three-year hiatus, it’s still happening. As for Sab, he was a great player, a great friend and always ready to have a great time. He is missed by many!
Rick: Thanks for coming. It’s going to be a great show.
Tickets: www.festhall.ca or 613-735-2182
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.