On The Road Again

More of the same but different

Hi folks,

After taking the winter off, The Lightfoot Band is preparing for its first shows of 2026, and I’m champing at the bit to get started. I’m like an avid seafarer who’s been ashore too long. Ever since I started in this business in 1974, I get a little stir crazy when I haven’t played in a while. 
During the breaks I don’t stop banging away at the piano. That’s an everyday thing. I compose and record as well, but there’s really nothing like getting up on stage and letting it rip. Of course, the intensity of the thrill depends on how good the band is and how appreciative the audience seems. 
It’s a real luxury to be able to depend on both of those things, and ever since this band’s first show, a little over two years ago, that’s been the case. 
Things will be a little different this year. For personal reasons that have to do with family responsibilities, our lead guitarist, Carter Lancaster, gave his notice to leave at the end of the last tour. The departure is amicable, and we wish him the best. He did a great job for the last eleven years that we toured with Gordon Lightfoot and for the two years of this project.
The new guy in the band is Bill Bell. An experienced A-list musician, he has the same passion for Gord’s music that we do. He fit right in musically from the first rehearsal. He’s also a great guy and suits our culture like he’s been here for years. 
I’ll be posting during the four days we’re away. Hopefully, I’ll be doing one for each of the four shows. Brockville, Ottawa, Markham (a suburb of Toronto), and Fergus (a town west of Toronto near Guelph and Kitchener).
I’m driving my own vehicle for this trip, and so far, nobody’s going with me. 
The advance sales are excellent for all four shows. This will be fun. Travel with me vicariously by regularly checking this blog.
See you on the road!