Legions, or Royal Canadian Legions, were the great proving ground for new bands of every stripe. Even if you considered yourself in a rock band you and your mates had to play some Legions in and amongst the ski hill gigs ans school dances. However, you made sure you included some “old-fogie” standards to get you through the night.
I have to take my hat off to the Legions, and I’ve played many from coast-to-coast. There was always a Friday and Staurday night gig involved. When I started there were World War I veterans who were regulars and World War II guys and girls populated the place. Now, sadly, the membership has dwindled.
To get your friends in was difficult and, let’s face it, gigging was way more fun when your pals were in dancing. This was because you had to be a member or get a member to sign you in. So we would get members to sign our friends in which would make some of the regulars upset.
Set list? Tennessee Waltz was a must. So was Hound Dog, Blue Suede Shoes and a variety of polkas. After that it was anything goes.
I’m not sure if the Legions have entertainment at all any more, let alone live bands. But I sure thank the organiztion for allowing me to get my chops down.
Stumble it!