Weekend Whiskey Band

The Weekend Whiskey band originated in Grafton Ontario in the late 70’s, founded by Greg Eagleson (J.D. eagle), Terry Davey, and Danny Burns. Starting out as just a weekend band, at a very young age opportunity arose for the band to work with such legendary artists as Stonewall Jackson and Canada’s own Honey West. Realizing his passion for the music industry, Greg as well as Terry headed south to Nashville to pursue a career in the music business. Bobby Rich and Charley Gore (the bass and steel players for Stonewall Jackson) were both very instrumental in the beginning, introducing the boys to various people in the industry. Charley Gore managed to set up a demo session with the famous studio guitar player Gerry Shook, giving the boys a basis to shop the band in the United States. In no time, they were picked up by manager and agent Denny Ski from Nashville Tennessee and were on their way. By the early 80’s they had played such remarkable venues as fan fair in Nashville, the world famous Palomino in Hollywood, Cajun’s Wharf in Nashville (owned by Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys) and many more. In a west coast swing the band opened up for Garry Morris and Gus Harden in Los Angeles and followed Rickey Nelson into the Palomino. Life was fast and exciting for the young band that was still very green in the industry. During the palomino show manager Denny Ski had arranged for the owners of pike records in Bakersfield to hear the band. Within 2 days they had a development deal and were headed to Quad Tec studios (owned by the respected Burnett family) to lay down some tracks. Although they had the added edge of having Bobby Burnett produce for the Weekend Whiskey Band, the album did very little. realizing they were still to green to compete in the recording game they headed back to their homeland of Canada to tour and hone their craft. Over the next four years JD Eagle replaced and regrouped nothing short of 30 players, consistently improving. The Weekend Whiskey Band was fast becoming a household name. During this time they opened up for various artists as Johnny Paycheck and Tanya Tucker, as well as scoring a small part in an ABC movie of the week “American Harvest” starring Wayne Rodgers of MASH and Earl Hollerman from Police Woman. Still not content with his success, JD continued to make changes including adding Rob Sutherland, a well known bass player from Western Canada. Rob had his own band Nechko, who originated from Prince George B.C. This was the change Greg (JD) needed. The two became inseparable on and off the stage both driving for the same goal. Soon after they landed a spot on an up and coming syndicated television show. During the shoot they had the privilege of standing on the same stage as the Desert Rose Band (Chris Hillman from the Byrds, Jeff Jorgensen, Billy Joe Royal and many more). As fate would have it, the show never came to air, but the band moved forward now adding guitar player Doug Camire from Calgary and shortly after James (sparky) Westbury of Brandon, Manitoba playing drums. This was the Weekend Whiskey Band and to this day these four members will always be associated as such. The band was always a 5 piece act, going through various keyboard players such as Vince Schieveletto of Edmonton, Dewey, Dave Edwards, George Kinsmen and Fred Kerr. Back in the studio Rob and Greg had new songs and new ideas and decided to produce the album on their own. “One step closer” was recorded in Edmonton and has had strong success with a number of songs including the title track as well “Tonight”, which is likely the best known for the band. The song was nominated for video of the year as well as top 10 status in 5 countries. Oddly enough not in their own country. By now the band was one of the most sought after live acts in North America touring from Vegas, Reno, California and Texas and as far north as Dawson City in the Yukon. They opened up for some of the best in the world from Vince Gill to the Little River Band and Lonestar to Buffalo Springfield. Live they were second to none, but still needed a major hit to take it to the final level. Even though this never came to be, with no regrets from Greg...