The Pointed Sticks in Vancouver

December 21, 2009 | Filed Under Music 

On Saturday made the trip over to Vancouver too see a band that I’d seen many times before but not in 30 years. A lot of bands started in Vancouver  during the early punk rock years and only a few have survived. The Pointed Sticks were the one band that, at the time, seemed destined for stardom. Great music, stage presence etc etc. But it never happened, one of those things. But…they’re back, a new album and some gigs including Saturday’s at the Rio. I went with my 19 year old son, who is the same age I was when I was attending the original shows. The show was amazing, the band sounded great on the songs both new and old. My son got to see an act he’d only heard when Dad had rare control of the cd player. It’s always great to see a band prove they are still a viable act not just an oldies show.  I didn’t bring my camera, this was probably the first show I’ve been to in 30 years where I didn’t shoot but here’s a few photos from those early shows I’ve dug up.

For more info PSticks .

UPDATE: Scott Beadle, the encyclopedia of Vancouver punk, filled in the missing photo info: See comments below.

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Kind of a Lou Reed look on Nick

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The blazer look, with Colin Griffiths on guitar as well.

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Is that Ian on drums, it’s not Dimwit? Scott says, yes it is Ian.

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Backstage somewhere.



Comments

2 Responses to “The Pointed Sticks in Vancouver”

  1. Scott Beadle on December 22nd, 2009 1:26 am

    Wow, those photos are amazing Don! Yes, that’s the early Pointed Sticks with Ian Tiles on drums; and Colin Griffiths on guitar, taken at the Quadra Club on Homer St. The stage with drapery (and Nick in Lou mode) is possibly the Commodore Ballroom, at the (second) Georgia Straight Battle of the Bands. In the backstage shot Nick has his arm around Gerry Barad, of Quintessence Records retail store and label. This Battle of the Bands (that the Sticks won) was October 1978. The Quadra photos may be from their public debut in August 1978 (opening for DOA).
    It’s a treasure Don, thank-you so much for posting them!

  2. Nick Jones on December 30th, 2009 2:24 pm

    Wow!Don those are great photos….the backstage one,is right after the Commodore shot,Bills still got the shirt half on…and yes,I think its the night we won the battle of the bands,and changed the Vancouver music scene forever…thanks for posting them,and if you have more,send em!!!If we could post them on our website,we’d be sure to give you credit!!

    Best, NJ

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