Ra McGuire celebrated his 59th birthday at a sold-out Trooper birthday party in Wilkie, Saskatchewan last weekend. Trooper wants to again thank show promoter Bryan Legrow, and the cake-maker, for the excellent birthday cake which, as you can see from these photos, was customized extensively by the partying band and crew. Many thanks also to the good people of Wilkie who helped make Ra's birthday party rock!

This spring, Brian Smith travelled to the Beverly Hills Hotel for a star-studded birthday party for Sam Feldman, Trooper's good pal and former manager who now manages Diana Krall, Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones and Elvis Costello.

The party was attended by 125 people - all of Sam's family plus luminaries from in the record and film industries, and promoters from around the world. Hosted by Vicki Gabereau, there were performances by Chantal Kreviazuk, Sarah McLachlan, Diana Krall, Elvis Costello, and Murray McLauchlan. Speeches by friends and colleagues included Denise Donlon (Executive Director of CBC Radio and former GM of MuchMusic and President of Sony Music Canada) and Bruce Allen (manager of Bryan Adams). Recorded birthday greetings were sent from Bill Clinton, Smokey Robinson, Robin Williams, Burton Cummings, and many more.

Sam Feldman, Brian Smith, Casey Boyle, Denise Donlon, Murray McLauchlan

Ra McGuire will be live on-air on The Bro Jake Show April 24th, for "ON THE RECORD". Here's from their web site:

"The Bro Jake Show is hosting an in-studio Celebrity ON THE RECORD for one hour every morning. These guests will drop by the Out-of-Control Room with an armload of their personal favourites and take the helm to speak about their music passions and how music of their generation affected your life!"

Ra also recently chatted with longtime pal Stu Jeffries, for "The '80s Show".

For those who don't yet use Twitter, there have been some fun discussions and questions for both Ra McGuire and Trooper. Here are some of them:

- "How many [Junos] has Trooper walked away with in it's Illustrious, ageless and endless career?"
Seven nominations and one win for Group of The Year (read Ra's blog post about that here)

- Fan movement to see Trooper receive Canadian Music Hall of Fame Award.

- Why isn't Trooper on Canada's Walk of Fame?
You can nominate them now by clicking HERE. *Nominations close at the end of this month!* (Hint.. hint...)

- Trooper Page on Facebook - "Is this authentic or is it a fan page??"
There are many fan-made Facebook groups and profiles, but NONE are authentic or done by Trooper.

A big shout-out and thanks to celebrity BBQ chef and author Ted Reader. Ted's newest book, "Sticky Fingers & Tenderloins" includes a recipe for Raise a Little Hell Steaks as a tribute to Trooper. Word is that Ted is also working on a take-no-prisoners "Raise a Little Hell" hot sauce in his secret lab. Here's the delicious steak recipe!

And thanks to Kev S. who just alerted us to some fascinating Trooper trivia posted on YouTube. Namely, that Gene Simmons discovered the band, Trooper's original guitar player was Angus Young of AC/DC, and that "it is well-known that Freddy Mercury and Ramon had an affair after a practice gig in Kentucky. Freddy had targeted Ramon and wanted him on his list of men he seduced. Read about that in The Queen Diaries, written 5 years ago and published by RandomHouse."(Click HERE for more hilarity.)

Trooper's Brian Smith celebrated his 60th birthday at another sold out show at the Red Robinson Show Theatre in Coquitlam BC. Thanks to Trooper-fan-extraordinaire Kevin Cahoon for the photo. Kevin adds: "Somebody better check this guy’s birth certificate, he doesn’t act 60 !!!"

The Gods of VanRock!!

As Vancouver gears up for the Juno Awards ceremonies, Trooper's Ra McGuire, Loverboy's Mike Reno and Canadian songwriter extraordinaire, Jim Vallance talk with Jian Ghomeshi about "the Apex of Vancouver rock" on CBC Radio - Wednesday, March 25th.

March 25: Q live from Vancouver! In the first of our Vancouver specials, we host the Gods of VanRock: Mike Reno of Loverboy, Trooper lead singer Ra McGuire and Jim Vallance, the writing partner of Bryan Adams. They talk about the apex of Vancouver rock and how it shaped pop. And Nardwuar "The Human Serviette" gives Jian a tour of Vancouver. Not to be missed.

 

Listen Live on Wednesday	CBC Radio 1:	10am local (NT 10:30)
	Sirius 137:	9am, 3pm & 11pm ET
Listen to the Podcast HERE

Also in Juno-related news:

In an article in the March issue of UP Magazine entitled "One For the Money, Two For the Show", brilliant Canadian comic, and host of the upcoming 2009 Juno Awards, Russell Peters was asked:

"What Canadian artist do you particularly dig and want to see perform?"

He responded:

"There's a rapper out of London, Ontario, named Shad. He's really good, really talented and really fun. I'm sure he's considered a newcomer, but he's got a couple of albums out.

Really, I want to do an all-classic Canadian-content Junos. It would have guys like Trooper, Loverboy and Kim Mitchell."

This week, Trooper's Boys In The Bright White Sports Car made Askmen.com's list of the Top 10 Canadian Guitar Riffs. They say:

"The lead Canadian riff can’t be denied, as it carries the momentum of the titular sports car and rides into the chorus of “La da da da” perfectly. It is now a nightly selection in hockey arenas across Canada. And in the Great White North, you can’t get any more iconic than that." (Thanks to SassyCreations via Twitter)

And we have a Twitter exclusive: an advance sneak peek of the proposed new Trooper logo. Sign up to see it and tell the band what you think, and you'll be entered in a draw to win free swag.

On Friday, May 15th, Trooper will help Edmonton's K97 celebrate 30 years, along with Tom Cochrane & Red Rider, and Kim Mitchell at the Shaw Conference Centre.

On Thursday, March 19th, 2009, Trooper kicks off their 34th touring season at Harmony Hall in Redcliff, Alberta. This year, you'll be able to tag along - using Twitter. As well as on-the-spot, real-time reporting from the band and crew, becoming a "follower" of the band will alert you to free show tickets, equally free swag, and instantly alert you to changes in the band's constantly updated tour schedule. Once you're following the band you can also "tweet" us your suggestions on the kind of tweets you'd like to receive.

Twitter is fast, easy to join and use ... and free! If you aren't already using it to follow people you'd like to keep up to date with, this is as good a reason as any to sign up and begin enjoying the experience. Click here to follow Trooper and be part of the fun.

Traditionally Ra McGuire fires up his blog at the beginning of the band's touring season, and this year is no exception. Trooper's singer is blogging again, and you can follow him on Twitter as well, for even more timely, on-the-road and life observations. Click here to Tweet with Ra.

As part of CBC's "Q" Vancouver Junos visit the following week, Ra sits down with Jian Ghomeshi, Jim Vallance, and Mike Reno for a chat about the West Coast music scene. We'll keep you posted as to the exact date that their hour-long reminiscences of Trooper, Loverboy, Prism, Moxy, Bryan Adams and others, will air.

On the 27th of March, Trooper and long time friends Chilliwack will rock the Red Robinson Theatre in Port Coquitlam. Although that show is sold out, Trooper has already booked shows with Aaron Pritchett, Kim Mitchell, Loverboy, Tom Cochrane & Red Rider, Haywire, Saga, CCR, Nick Gilder & Sweeney Todd and Sweet - as well as shows of their own - right across the country. Since only a small part of their 2009 schedule is filled in at this point, check the Trooper tour schedule for further updates - or just sign up to follow them on Twitter!

... and their show at the Century Casino in Edmonton on March 20th is already sold out.

... and their show at the Stampede Casino in Calgary on March 21st is already sold out.

For those enquiring about upcoming shows, Trooper's agents are now booking for 2009. A look at the Tour Dates page will show that there are already shows in place for as late as August September - right across the country - from Vancouver to Nova Scotia Newfoundland. More shows are in the pipeline and new ones are coming in every day, so be sure to check back for an early heads-up about a show in your local so you're sure to get tickets. Speaking of which, Trooper's show at the Red Robinson Theatre in Vancouver with Chilliwack on March 27th is already sold out.

Photo credit: Bal Dosanj - 5 Star Shots Photography

"What? No Trooper?"

That's been the sentiment in the emails that we've received about the CBC's list of top 49 Canadian songs for President Barack Obama, and also echoed on comment boards online. The band isn't bothered by the exclusion (as they say, it was an honor just to be nominated) but as always, Trooper appreciate the support and loyalty of Canadian music fans.

"CBC Radio 2 came up with the idea of a 49-tune sampling of True North music ...  the jukebox of Canadiana is not a particularly rollicking one. Where's Loverboy's Working for the Weekend or Trooper's Raise a Little Hell?"  (click to read full article)  The Globe and Mail, Brad Wheeler

"A wide cross-section of music made the initial list of top 100 songs. I was pleasantly surprised to see Trooper's 'Raise a Little Hell' – surprised because, dare I say, it was, in my humble opinion, the only true rock song on the entire list." (click to read full article) The Now Newspaper, Dave Chesney

CBC's Obama's Playlist

Canadians are voting for the best 49 songs from North of the 49th parallel that best define Canada for the new US President. Trooper's "Raise a Little Hell" is currently at number 5 on the final 100 list. Go here to vote.

'Twas the night before Christmas, 2008
And everything in Trooper-Land was looking just great
The guitar cases hung, by the chimney, with care
In hopes that Richard Nott might come fix them there

And the rest of the band were not snug in their bed
They were out playing shows in December instead
Ra in his army pants, and Smitty in his cap
Wore cute old-man glasses to examine their map

When out in the warehouse, there arose such a clatter,
It was Clay letting Cloe try his new kick drum batter
And away to the van Cloutier flew in a flash
To be sure, unlike _ _ _ _, he hadn't misplaced the cash

The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow
Was almost as bright as a Trooper light show,
When what to our wondering eyes should appear
But Craig and Joe Bare, hauling buckets of beer

Then Scott Brown showed up, and Cassidy too,
With Aiden and Tamara in their new Isuzu,
Trooper. Yes really, that's the vehicle's name
The car Scott has bought, and in which they came

Not Pacer not Comet not Toyota Paseo
Not Mustang or Bentley or Alfa Romeo
For Christmas this year, Scott Brown's new sedan
Proudly displays the name of his band

While Tracy and Gogo, sadly prepare
For a holiday Dodi will no longer share
Most of Nanaimo sheds a Christmastime tear,
For a holiday song they will no longer hear

While out in Alberta the Webmeister plans
A new Christmas wish for all Trooper fans
"May your holiday season be rockin' and bright ...
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

White Rock is home to some of BC's best musicians. On November 10th, many of them turned up at Iguana's Beach Grill in support of city council candidate Dave Chesney for what was reportedly a jam of epic proportions. On hand were Trooper's Ra McGuire, his son Connor McGuire, acclaimed roots rocker Daniel Wesley, blues/roots guitarist and singer Jason Buie, Vancouver Seeds winner Jordan Carrier (and fellow Cozy Bones alumni Ed Johnson), Rice Honeywell of Sibling Rivals, and vocalist Leanne Coleman.

Ra McGuire, Jason Buie and Connor McGuire

Daniel Wesley, Ra McGuire, Jason Buie
photo: Rod Dranfield (White Rock Blues Society)

Some bad news for those of you who were considering bringing in the New Year with Trooper at the Cascades Casino in Langley BC. The show is now officially Sold Out.

Congratulations to Ontario-based Datafreq vs Danellatron who have been touring in Germany in support of their new album "Monumental" which features a cool cover of Trooper's hit single "Boys in the Bright White Sports Car". Click and check it out.

Lots of web site housecleaning has been happening! There are updates throughout the site, but first an important note. For those of you who have emailed upset because the Trooper show scheduled for New Years Eve has been removed from the Tour Schedule - don't panic. It was removed only because too many people were calling the venue and trying to buy tickets already (5 months in advance!) and they're not even on sale yet! We've been told that they'll likely go on sale mid-September, so we'll post the details of the NYE show to the Tour Schedule again then.

Now check out these updates:

- a new Road Report from Gogo!
- new fanmail in the collection
- more pop culture
- more art and submissions from fans
- more memorabilia

And thanks to our good pal Kevin Cahoon who sent us this link to a lobster fishing boat in Cape Breton named "Raise a Little Hell". Cool.

So far this summer, Trooper has made their way from Vancouver to St. John's, leaving a wake of sold-out shows behind them. This weekend they leave Ontario and return to the Maritimes where Peter Assaff of "The Northern Light" has written a pre-show story that refers to Trooper's Ra McGuire and Brian Smith as "the Canadian version of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards." So does that mean that Trooper is the Canadian Rolling Stones? Sure!

Trooper in Thunder Bay - July 19th 2008 - Photo: Greg Malo

Summer is heating up and so are Trooper fans! The boys are doing their traditional crisscrossing of the country, and the shows have been capacity crowds, wildly loving responses, and hot demand for the new Devil Girl Trooper shirts.

We finally have some in stock, here! Check out the new "boy beater" tank and Ladies T-shirt, as well as other new items in the Online Trooper Store. Or better yet, come to the summer shows and get them there.

Thanks to Dale Naudi for these photos of Brian Smith, also taken at the Red Robinson Theatre show. For the gearheads out there, that's a Texas Series Blade from Switzerland that he's playing.

Many thanks to Trooper pal Kevin Cahoon for these shots from Saturday's Red Robinson Theatre show, where Connor McGuire gave his first ever performance backed up by the boys in his proud father's band! Trooper was also joined onstage, for Raise a Little Hell, by members of Helix, including Ra's old London Ontario buddy and fellow lead singer Brian Volmer.

Thanks to Wayne M. for alerting us to this article in the Vancouver Province:

Contemporaries salute Trooper
Pre-punk rock band can still raise a little hell
"The respect was evident. Although Trooper mainstays Ra McGuire and Brian Smith were at Hardstock 08 to perform only one song -- the last one, in fact -- the assembled musicians backstage at the Commodore on April 25 effusively complimented them on their singing (McGuire's) and guitar playing (Smith's) and for being an inspiration. Of all the bands on the bill, which included Pointed Sticks, Go for Three and The Furies, Trooper was the only act that pre-dated punk rock. ... "