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Music of rock and roll pioneer coming to Dekker Centre

Mar 16, 2017 | 6:00 AM

When Roy Orbison tribute band, The Lonely hits the stage of the Dekker Centre on April 14, concert goers can thank an unlikely source for the performance.

“For me, because of my age, I grew up a Beatles fan and I missed most of that golden era of rock and roll,” said lead singer Mike Demers. “I had always been aware of the music of Roy Orbison, but it wasn’t until I saw the Black and White Concert on PBS that really got me hooked on the man and his music.”

The Lonely is a group of talented musicians and performers who have one thing in common: a deep love and appreciation for the music of Orbison. Demers, whose father was born in North Battleford, bears a striking resemblance to Orbison complete with signature black outfit, sunglasses and vocal range.

“Because I didn’t know a lot about Roy Orbison, one of the neat things for me was seeing the amount of songs he had,” Demers remembered. “When we went to start The Lonely two-and-a-half years ago, I was exposed to all kinds of songs that I might have heard, but wasn’t really familiar with it was like, wow, what a treasure chest.”

“When you look at our band, four members are in their thirties,” Demers joked. “They were children of Roy Orbison fans, that’s how I found them. I had no idea that there was resurgence in his career.”

Unlike other performers in tribute groups that try to channel the artists they are covering, Demers has a different approach when he is on stage performing Orbison classics.

“I really don’t think about Roy when I am performing,” said Demers. “I think about the woman, I think about standing on the corner, the heartbreak that we have all been through. That’s where my emotions go when I sings songs like Crying, and Running Scared.”

Tickets for The Lonely are still available at the Dekker Centre or by calling the Box Office.

 

Email: roger.white@jpbg.ca

Twitter: battlefordsNow.com