In 2002, after a poorly marketed sophomore album, critically acclaimed band Big Wreck announced to the world that they would no longer be playing music together. Suffering from band contention and the stress of a poor follow-up to their hugely successful solo album In Loving Memory of… The band members went their separate ways and lead Singer Ian Thornley returned to Canada to embark on a solo career.
Two discs, 8 years and many experiences later, Ian Thornley has finally reunited with former Big Wreck band member Brian Doherty for a Canadian tour and an energetic reconciliation.
Cadence had the pleasure of talking to Ian regarding the ongoing tour, his friendship with Brian Doherty and upcoming plans.
You’ve just kicked off a reunion tour of sorts with Brian Doherty, how have they gone?
It’s been tough in some places. There were a couple of shows that weren’t so awesome for the crowd turnout. I can’t blame anyone though, I wouldn’t go to see Led Zeppelin if it was 40 below. But overall, it’s pretty good. For me it’s all about being in the moment and having a good time. People show up and have fun and it’s a reminder that we’re doing something right.
How is the relationship between you and Brian Doherty working out? Were there any hard feelings between the two of you after Big Wreck broke up?
There were a lot of unfinished arguments, but recently we reconnected on personal level. Both of us were ready to take the next step and burry the hatchet. I don’t remember who started or who called who, but we talked it over and now we’re like back in college, goofing off and hanging out. Brian is a good musician and a great old friend. I remember times when we were surviving on one cheeseburger a day between us.
Are Dave Henning and Forrest Williams also joining you on this tour or are you using session musicians?
We’re using session musicians. Keep in mind that both Dave and Forrest are American. It wouldn’t make sense to be spending money to come up here and rent a hotel room for a few weeks and such. Brian, on the other hand, met a Canadian girl. It was never meant to be a complete reunion. Not that I’m saying no to a possibility of a complete reunion, but this is more for me and Brian.
This concert series that you’re playing is one set Big Wreck music and one set your solo work. How are the fans reacting to it?
Pretty good. There was no goofy moshing.
Were there any instances where you noticed some people show up just for one set and ignore the other one?
Not really. People show up expecting to hear both Thornley and Big Wreck stuff.
Any place been particularly welcome?
Each place, really. I have no complaints. Besides, I’ve played in each of these venues before.
Do you make any changes to the set list, playing around with some songs you think fans might want to hear?
We mildly change it from night to night, although we focus primarily on the first Big Wreck album. Some songs we like to stretch out, so playing them becomes like a tennis game. I must say it’s a lot easier having two other guitar players on stage, that way we can cover all the layers on the albums. It also helps me with my singing when I don’t have to focus so much on playing guitar. Before I had to split my brain in half.
How is your voice holding up during the show?
Each set is about forty-five minutes. It’s a lot of work to be singing for almost two hours. I do a lot of warm ups prior to the show, though I always end up getting a little tired. But it’s only so many shows on the road.
There was a five-year gap between your two solo albums. What were you doing in between?
I was on the road. It was a weird relationship between me and the label. I spent some time writing with different people.
What was Brian Doherty doing during the break-up?
Brian had another band going and was also giving guitar lessons. Even back in college he was a little better at keeping the curriculum than me. He’s used to that good work. I don’t have the kind of patience to be a teacher.
What motivated you to get back together with Brian?
One of us called the other. We chatted away and turns out we were in the same place. It was two old friends reconnecting after getting some personal [stuff] out of the way.
Is there a chance of a third Big Wreck album?
I’m keeping all the options open but right now I’m writing some stuff for an acoustic album.
If someone asked you thirteen years ago (in 1997, when In Loving Memory Of came out), how you imagined the year 2010, what would you say? Any regrets over how things turned out?
I thought I’d have a couple of guys doing Christmas shopping for me (he laughs). Kidding. Nowadays there’s mouths to feed and I have a house and a wife. I don’t know if I was prepared for it back then. There are no regrets. There were times when I was deuced around by different people, in different places but I’m still making music and that’s all I ever wanted to do.
What are your plans for the future?
Sitting back and watching everything happen. Taking my time. There’s more music to put out. I have enough stuff written for five good albums or ten [crappy] albums.
Catch Thornley and Brian Doherty at these upcoming shows:
12.09 – St. Catharines, ON – Barracuda Pretty
12.10 – Barrie, ON – The Roxx
12.11 – Toronto, ON – Sound Academy
12.17 – Ottawa, ON – Capital City Music Hall
12.18 – London, ON – Norma Jeans
any chance of appearing in Buffalo NY or Niagara Falls? SOON??
Unfortunately, no shows scheduled at this time……. Sorry! You can message Thornley your thoughts on his Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Thornley Maybe if they get enough requests they will add a show.