one of Canada's top five selling bands of all time
Universal Music Canada
2012 - best tour ever
Trooper would like to thank their friends and fans across the country for making 'the endless party tour' their best ever! Coast to coast, Trooper was met with sold out shows and great reviews - like this one from The Music Express - describing their triumphant Toronto CNE show:
"... guaranteed to ignite a feel-good spirit with any Canadian audience, Trooper's ode to the ultimate party ignited a 10,000 capacity crowd on a warm Saturday night at the Ex, proving again that the veteran Vancouver outfit still possess..." (continue reading)
"... guaranteed to ignite a feel-good spirit with any Canadian audience, Trooper's ode to the ultimate party ignited a 10,000 capacity crowd on a warm Saturday night at the Ex, proving again that the veteran Vancouver outfit still possess..." (continue reading)
rick mercer's socan tribute to trooper
On November 19th at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, Trooper's Ra McGuire and Brian Smith were honoured to be the 2012 recipients of SOCAN's 'National Achievement Award'.
As part of the induction ceremony - MC'd by 'Good Rockin' Tonight' and Boom 97.3's Stu Jeffries - Canadian comedy legend Rick Mercer contributed this heartfelt and hilarious tribute to his favourite Canadian band. (video)
As part of the induction ceremony - MC'd by 'Good Rockin' Tonight' and Boom 97.3's Stu Jeffries - Canadian comedy legend Rick Mercer contributed this heartfelt and hilarious tribute to his favourite Canadian band. (video)
connect
Trooper is one of the few bands I'd make an extra effort to get out and see. Now more than ever!
~ facebook fan
Trooper is as Canadian as the beaver. I say we nominate Trooper as Goodwill Ambassadors of Canadian Music - a legacy of what this country is about. True to their fans, their heritage and themselves.
~ facebook fan
I first saw Trooper in Yellowknife, NWTand went to the show last night at the Century. LOVE TROOPER MUSIC. Awesome job! I will definitely make their next concert in Edmonton area
~ facebook fan
Raise a lotta hell....Trooper will always be part of the Canadian Rock scene
~ facebook fan
Raise a Little Hell played twice in 2 bars within a hour. THIS is Canadiana!
~ twitter fan
Never ever has Trooper put on a bad show, and they prove their worthiness to the crowds.
~ facebook fan
"Raise a Little Hell" is to Canada as "Waltzing Matilda" is to Australia.
~ twitter fan
You played for my company Christmas party a few years ago! Man, I couldn't talk for a few days, my voice was totally gone from singing along! Keep rockin'!!!
~ facebook fan
I'm proud to say I'm getting alot of people here in Phoenix, AZ. hooked on Trooper..You's rock!
~ facebook fan
What I enjoy is being in the grocery store when a Trooper song comes on and everyone is pushing their cart singing along.
~ twitter fan
recent news and events
This coming Saturday, January 26th, Ra McGuire will be co-hosting "The Grill" on TEAM 1410 Radio, with popular Vancouver radio personality Joe Leary and BC Lions star Angus Reid. Ra reports it was a spirited and fun hour. Joe reports that Ra now holds the record for 'earliest swear word in the show'. It will be aired on Vancouver radio (1410 AM) on Saturday at 11:00AM and repeats Sunday night at 11:00PM. The show can also be streamed and downloaded as a podcast at www.teamradio.ca.
Check it out! (photo)
Check it out! (photo)
From all of us at Trooper -- Ra, Brian, Gogo, Scott, Clayton, Paul, Steve, Heather, Sean, Rob, Amanda, and Tom -- we wish you a magical and safe holiday season, and all the best in 2013!
Happy Holidays!
Happy Christmas!
Happy Hannukah!
Happy Kwanzaa!
Happy Festivus!
Happy New Year!
Happy Everything!
Happy Holidays!
Happy Christmas!
Happy Hannukah!
Happy Kwanzaa!
Happy Festivus!
Happy New Year!
Happy Everything!
Trooper's performance at the 85th Grey Cup in 1997 in Edmonton is named one of four BEST. "In addition to Trooper performing their awesome hit 'Raise A Little Hell' during this halftime show, we have to give lead singer Ra McGuire's jester style toque some major props." (article)
Video of CBC News' Arts reporter Deana Sumanac talking with Trooper's Ra McGuire and Brian Smith on the red carpet at the SOCAN Awards gala. (link)
Ra McGuire and Brian Smith received the National Achievement Award and three Classic Awards at the SOCAN 2012 gala.
"No Trooper song is more famous than the arena-ready rallying cry 'Raise a Little Hell' and, as it turns out, no Trooper song is much older, either.
As the Vancouver group claimed the national achievement award at an annual gala put on by the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada on Monday, they reminisced on the origins of their most enduring hit..." (full article)
"No Trooper song is more famous than the arena-ready rallying cry 'Raise a Little Hell' and, as it turns out, no Trooper song is much older, either.
As the Vancouver group claimed the national achievement award at an annual gala put on by the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada on Monday, they reminisced on the origins of their most enduring hit..." (full article)
For a second year in a row, "We're Here For A Good Time" was crowned "The Ultimate Summer Song of All Time" by up! 99.3 Radio.
Patrick Roberge, talent coordinator for the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver, talks about how they choose bands for the major Canadian fair.
"We can mix it up as much as we want every year, with soft seat acts like the Manhattan Transfer or heavy groups like Our Lady Peace. We couldn't do 17 days of those acts because we have to do Trooper. Seriously, any year they don't play we hear about it." (full article)
"We can mix it up as much as we want every year, with soft seat acts like the Manhattan Transfer or heavy groups like Our Lady Peace. We couldn't do 17 days of those acts because we have to do Trooper. Seriously, any year they don't play we hear about it." (full article)
In Pasadena NL, "Trooper the Band" finally met their namesake "Trooper the Cat", rescued in February by the kind hearted members of SCAPA in Stephenville NL, and now recovered enough to take a stretch limo ride to a rock show! With an entourage of radio and TV media, Trooper the Cat was the star of the show backstage. When interviewed by the CBC, Trooper the Band's Ra McGuire quipped: "He may be more famous than me but he's a lot shorter."
CBC TV News segment (starts at 5:19)
CBC News story
CBC TV News segment (starts at 5:19)
CBC News story
Congratulations to Canada's famous BBQ Chef Ted Reader on the release of his newest book, "Beerlicious: The Art of Grillin' & Chillin'". Ted names Trooper as his favourite Canadian rock band, and he's even been working on a "Raise a Little Hell" hot sauce that lives up to the name. So when it was time for this book, he reached out to Trooper, who happily reached back. It includes a note from Ra McGuire, and a recipe for General Hand Grenade Steaks with Kaboom Butter, the initial idea for which came from Trooper's Tour Manager, Paul Cloutier, who is a big fan of Ted's. "Beerlicious" can be found in stores and online. (link)
A new docu-soap TV series called Grand Benders, filmed in Grand Bend ON, premieres May 8th and will use a remix of Trooper's "We're Here for a Good Time", done by Robby Riggs, for the theme. (website)
Trooper would like to sincerely thank BC media superstars Red Robinson, Terry David Mulligan, Stirling Faux, Joe Leary, Tom Lucas, Dave Chesney, and Stu Ferguson for lobbying the powers-that-be to induct Trooper into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame (not to be confused with the Canadian *WALK* of Fame, for which voting ended a few days ago).
They've started a petition, which we invite all Trooper fans to sign. It can be found online here. (petition)
They've started a petition, which we invite all Trooper fans to sign. It can be found online here. (petition)
Congratulations to our own Clayton Hill, whose solo album was chosen as CD of the Week by the Vancouver Province! (link)
Congratulations to Trooper's Ra McGuire and his wife, Debbie, who have been recognized "for inspiring cultural harmony and championing the arts in education". The couple will receive the World Harmony Run Torch Bearer Award. Pretty impressive considering previous recipients include Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Mikhail Gorbachev and Mother Theresa! (White Rock hell-raiser inspires 'a little bit of peace' - Peace Arch News)
Popular HGTV TV series "Decked Out", with host Paul Lafrance, is using a slightly revised version of Trooper's "Raise a Little Hell" for their show theme, with the lyrics changed to "Raise a little deck".
Terry David Mulligan (mentioned here only days ago) has stepped up in support of Trooper's induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame with a tweet this morning referencing the impassioned White Rock Sun story below. @TDMulligan "Hey! Canadian Music Hall of Fame - why is Trooper NOT in the Hall. Come ON" (follow TDMulligan on Twitter)
The White Rock Sun, the digital 'paper of record' in Ra McGuire's beloved hometown, has made a compelling case for Trooper's induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
CBC's Jian Ghomeshi Takes Issue With Trooper Cat Headline
"It may have been the headline of the day, or the week, or... ever. Here's the headline, ready? 'Rock Band Trooper Sends Care Package to Injured Cat.' Admit it, you love it. Ya know, before we get to the story, just a little nitpick. 'Rock band Trooper'? C'mon. Little too descriptive. Because in the minds of any Canadian, there's only one 'Trooper' - Ra McGuire, Brian Smith and the boys - those giants of late '70s Canrock that just keep rocking. 'Trooper' is all you really need to say."
Listen to Jian's very entertaining opening "Q" essay here, including his advice to the cats of Canada.
"It may have been the headline of the day, or the week, or... ever. Here's the headline, ready? 'Rock Band Trooper Sends Care Package to Injured Cat.' Admit it, you love it. Ya know, before we get to the story, just a little nitpick. 'Rock band Trooper'? C'mon. Little too descriptive. Because in the minds of any Canadian, there's only one 'Trooper' - Ra McGuire, Brian Smith and the boys - those giants of late '70s Canrock that just keep rocking. 'Trooper' is all you really need to say."
Listen to Jian's very entertaining opening "Q" essay here, including his advice to the cats of Canada.
"Rock band Trooper sends care package to injured cat". That was the headline that caught the eye of CTV's Canada AM national news. Host (and Trooper fan) Jeff Hutcheson spoke on-air with Gwen Samms, the president of SCAPA (the Society for the Care and Protection of Animals) via phone to learn about "Trooper the Cat's" new relationship with "Trooper the Band". (read more)
"Vancouver's Most Awesome: Terry David Mulligan" is a very fitting title for this interview/article about the legendary music journalist (and really good pal).
In it, Mulligan is quoted, "You know one of my favourite bands, absolutely flat out one of my favourite bands, was Trooper. 'Cuz they knew how to write a rock 'n' roll hook. And they nailed it every time. All those hits that they've got, you hear them in any NHL rink all across the country? Cool, very cool." Thanks, TDM! (full article)
In it, Mulligan is quoted, "You know one of my favourite bands, absolutely flat out one of my favourite bands, was Trooper. 'Cuz they knew how to write a rock 'n' roll hook. And they nailed it every time. All those hits that they've got, you hear them in any NHL rink all across the country? Cool, very cool." Thanks, TDM! (full article)
The Wrecking Crew was a group of west coast studio musicians who played on hits for many of the top acts of the '60s. A documentary tells their story in a "wonderful, touching and hilarious film" (Elvis Costello). Trooper's Ra McGuire was asked to host a Q&A with filmmaker Denny Tedesco at an upcoming fundraiser screening of the documentary on Sunday April 15th. Sadly Ra won't be able to host, but he encourages Vancouver area folks to attend the event and support the film, and fans everywhere to check it out when the opportunity comes to their local. (more info)
CBC TV series Arctic Air used Trooper's "Raise A Little Hell" several times throughout episode 107 - VANCOUVER IS SUCH A SCREWED-UP CITY. (watch)
Airborne 11 mashes-up Trooper's 'We're Here for a Good Time' with Bedouin Sound Clash's 'When the Night Hears My Song' ... live, in-flight, on a plane. (Video here)
Congratulations to band brother Clayton Hill who has just launched his new website for his new album! Go check it out: claytonhillmusic.com!
Edmonton's up! 99.3 hosted a musical tournament all summer "to determine the ultimate feel good song" based entirely on listeners' votes by phone and online. Trooper's 'Here For A Good Time' was declared the winner after beating out finalist 'Summer of 69' (Bryan Adams). HFAGT defeated 'Walk of Life' (Dire Straits), 'Beat It' (Michael Jackson), and 'Twist & Shout' (Beatles), among other popular songs, to get into the final. (link)
While in Moncton, NB, Trooper was surprised by fan and wood-burning artist Wanda MacKenzie when she and her friends presented the band with a very unique gift. Click + to see it. (read more)
Trooper's 2011 touring season saw sold out and record crowds across the country. Here's a news clip about their Surrey BC Canada Day show:
Surrey celebrates in 'phenomenal' fashion
Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts raised a little hell at the city's Canada Day party. "I've found a new career as a backup singer for Trooper," Watts quipped... (read more)
Surrey celebrates in 'phenomenal' fashion
Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts raised a little hell at the city's Canada Day party. "I've found a new career as a backup singer for Trooper," Watts quipped... (read more)
John The Rock Doctor interviewed Ra McGuire about the "Hits From 10 Albums" release, band history, lesser known album tracks, and much more. The resulting excellent, in-depth interview has been posted in its entirety at Gonzo Online. Go read it here! (link)
While in Halifax, Ra McGuire had fun geeking-out on music, Apple and the tech world in general with tech savant, writer, and musician Jim Dalrymple, also Editor in Chief of LoopInsight. Here is Jim's article about two nights hanging with the Trooper boys. "New and old bands could learn a lot from Trooper on how to put on a successful concert." (link)
Elvis Costello, Don Cherry and now... Trooper's Ra McGuire sings at the Stanley Cup 2011 Game One (link)
"If i was in charge of debates there would be red carpet & kleig lights. Also Ron James would warm up the crowd and Trooper would close (To ensure the audience stays)" ~ Rick Mercer (@rickmercer) tweets during April 12th Federal Election debate
"The Boys in the Bright White Sports Car" has been named one of the Top 10 Canadian car tunes by The Globe & Mail. (article)
pne proposal
There was a surprise near the end of Trooper's sold out Vancouver PNE show. A live onstage proposal! Thankfully Christine didn't bolt, and she and Josh necked all the way through the encore 'Here For a Good Time'.
It was a delightful night full of big fun!
It was a delightful night full of big fun!
May 31 - Windsor ON - Beaverfest 2013
June 01 - Alliston ON - Music on Main Festival
June 08 - Saskatoon SK - closed private event
June 16 - Winnipeg MB - Red River Ex
July 01 - Kanata ON - Canada Day in Kanata
July 09 - Calgary AB - Calgary Stampede Wildhors
August 01 - Saskatoon SK - The Odeon
Details on these and additional Trooper shows here.
prestigious award
Trooper's Ra McGuire and Brian Smith received the SOCAN National Achievement Award at this year's Gala Awards ceremony on November 19th in Toronto. In addition to the National Achievement Award, Ra and Smitty also received three SOCAN Classic Awards this year for "Raise A Little Hell", "General Hand Grenade", and "Janine". The Classic Award is presented for songs that have received over 100,000 documented radio plays, becoming deeply imbedded in the fabric of Canadian radio and culture. (read more)
shatner raises a little hell
Canada's favourite Star Trek captain "sang" a rousing version of Trooper's 'Raise a Little Hell' to open the 2012 Juno Awards. The song closed a 5-song medley that also included hits by Bryan Adams, Steppenwolf, BTO and Rush. Check it out here (Trooper at 8:23). (Photo: Wanye Cuddington / Postmedia News Service) 
rick mercer raises a little hell
The 2012 season finale of CBC's The Rick Mercer Report featured Rick visiting the Peterborough Collegiate & Vocational School, outstanding winners of his Spread the Net Student Challenge - an effort to raise money to provide 25,000 bed nets to families living in malaria-endemic Guinea, West Africa. Rick and the students "Raise a Little Hell" over threats of the school's closure. Watch the full episode online here. The "Raise a Little Hell" segment starts at about 13:29. 
terri clark - here for a good time
CCMA Female Artist of the Year performs "We're Here for a Good Time" at national awards. Track hits 
raise a little hell - big band style
Is this the best cover ever done of "Raise a Little Hell"? We think it's definitely a contender! And with horns, fiddle, and combat boots, no less! Jet Stream is not what you'd imagine a Royal Canadian Air Force Band to be. Check out this rockin' arrangement of "Hell" they played on Winnipeg Breakfast Television with BT Host Drew Kozub. 
"So what happens next? Politics, that's what. At this juncture, with our imaginary record contract in the balance, anything could happen. At one extreme, the whole adventure could end in a Commitments-worthy stalemate, possibly concluding with a drunken Irish fist fight."
"The gig was super high energy, my favorite quote of the night was: 'people here don't usually go ape-shit like that' "
gogo's fotos
Trooper fans "Here for a Good Time" at Trooper's Dauphin Countryfest show in Dauphin Manitoba 
TPB raise a little hell
(video) 
