Canadian classic rock legends Moxy continue to impress at The Rockpile

Michael Drukarsh
6 minutes ago
3 min read

By: Michael Drukarsh

Etobicoke, Ontario - Everything is bigger in Texas. For Canadian band Moxy, who formed in Toronto way back in 1973, this is not just a slogan... it is gospel! After getting major airplay on San Antonio’s KISS-FM thanks to DJ Joe Anthony, Moxy was given their first headlining show in the U.S. The opening act? Some young upstarts going by the name AC/DC. To this day, the band continues to get airplay and hits like “Can’t You See I’m a Star” and “Moon Rider” remain as staples on Texas radio.

Through the years, Moxy has gone through many lineup changes and has included some pretty impressive names including Tommy Bolin (The James Gang, Deep Purple), and Mike Reno (Loverboy). The one man keeping the legacy alive and only original member, guitarist extraordinaire Earl Johnson, brought the legacy of Moxy to the stage on May 9th at The Rockpile, much to the delight of the fans in attendance.

Timeless

Getting the crowd warmed up for Moxy, Timeless took the stage first. Fronted by James Alcock (who according to sound engineer extraordinaire Jake Disman, is the hardest working tribute artist on the circuit right now), Timeless delivered a chart topping set that not only put Alcock’s vocals to the test as he seamlessly moved from Journey's Steve Perry to Dio to Accept’s Udo Dirkschneider, it also showcased the rest of the band’s ability to go from top 40 tunes to heavy metal classics. A kick ass set from start to finish, with tunes such as "Separate Ways", "Rebel Yell", "Wild Child", and "Crazy Train", Timeless lived up to its name as it kept the classic sounds of our youth alive and rocking.

Timeless Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)

Moxy

With current lead singer Baz Littlerock (who coincidentally was called the hardest working singer on the circuit by Alcock during his set), Moxy opened their set with the 1976 hit "Midnight Flight". From there the crowd of avid Moxy fans were treated to a set full of hits and stories provided by Earl Johnson as he put his lead guitar wizardry on display. There were even a few surprises such as, former drummer Danny Bilan stepping in behind the kit for “Maybe I’m a Dreamer” off the 1978 album Under the Lights.

Discussing the origins of "Fantasy" off their 1975 self-titled debut, Johnson shared the not so subtle story of taking “some sort of drug” and driving down the 401 before being pulled over by a cop. Instead of getting arrested, Johnson was escorted home using a migraine as an excuse for driving at 20 km an hour on a major highway. This, along with other tales such as hearing one of their biggest hits “Can’t You See I’m a Star” off the same album on the radio for the first time while driving home from the Gasworks really highlighted how deeply ingrained Moxy is in the Canadian music scene.

Earl Johnson performs live at The Rockpile. Photo By: Michael Drukarsh

Focusing heavily on the first three albums, Moxy and Moxy II, and Ridin’ High, the band did showcase a new song written by the current lineup titles “Freedom” that was very well received by the crowd as its lyrics reflect a new world we are living in and the “evil power and greed” we must defeat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHlJjhwcVAE

Moxy delivered exactly what the audience wanted. Being able to witness Earl Johnson’s solos in such an intimate setting and getting a chance to go back in time when songs like “Moon Rider”, "Sail On Sail Away", and “Ridin’ High” dominated the 1050 Chum charts, made for a perfect Saturday night.

Moxy Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)