Goodbye Crankshaft, Hello Big Suit

Popular local band Crankshaft is calling it quits...sort of.

Crankshaft has been playing on the local bar circuit for about half a decade. Made up of some of this city's most talented and respected rock musicians, George Ravlich, Ed Young, Brian Oja and Jamie Case, the group has experienced both critical and popular success. Known for playing popular songs by AC/DC, Big Wreck, Stevie Ray Vaughn, the band members are especially well respected in terms of musicianship. Two special shows at Foggy Notions on December 10th and 11th will wind up this chapter of the band’s career.

AN UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT

Those who follow the local music scene know that the band hasn’t performed live in recent months. About six months ago, lead guitarist Jamie Case had the tips of three of his fretting fingers crushed in an unfortunate accident. This traumatic incident may have been an important catalyst in making the band re-evaluate their musical goals. "We decided that if I were able to play again and we were to continue as a band, we would pursue original music," says Case.

Two of Case’s fingertips healed to the point where he could play guitar once again but was forced to relearn the guitar without the use of his middle finger. His success is no small feat in just a few short months. Once the band members reconvened to discuss their future, they decided that it was time to disband Crankshaft and refocus on original music.

George Ravlich organized a special one-time only, grand finale weekend for band that will serve to effectively put a nail in the coffin of what was known as Crankshaft. "We are doing this show out of respect for all the people who used to come out to see us play as Crankshaft," says bass player Ravlich. "For those people, this will be the last time they see use perform many of these old songs. It will be the last time they see us play other people’s songs.”

OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW

The death of Crankshaft signals the birth of a new, more significant contribution to the local music scene. The band’s members, who have always enjoyed playing together, decided that after their farewell show, they would reconstitute the band as Big Suit. They have just finished a full-length CD of original music and will be officially debuting the band in the New Year.

"Our weekend at Foggy Notions will give Crankshaft a proper farewell," says Case. "It is our chance to have a great farewell party with Crankshaft’s audience and go out with a bang." Crankshaft's farewell weekend at Foggy Notions (708 Queen St. E.) is being held on Friday and Saturday, December 10th and 11th. Show up early if you want to get a seat to this final performance as it is sure to be a capacity crowd.