Offenbach (band) - Reunion

Reunion

In 1996, Gravel, Leboeuf and McGale reunited as Offenbach for a reunion tour, enlisting Bob Saint-Laurent on drums and Bernard Quessy on piano. For vocals, they selected Martin Deschamps, who had recently won Quebec's L'Empire des futures stars competition. They toured extensively for two years, and released a greatest hits compilation in 1999. A second volume of hits followed in 2002.

In 2005, the band released Nature, which consisted of acoustic versions of their classic hits. It also includes one new song "L'amour est cruel" (Love is cruel). The music was written by Gravel in the 1980s and the words were later added by Deschamps.

In January 2007, Leboeuf was announced as the new bassist for April Wine, replacing the departed Jim Clench.

As of 2012, the band is still touring and performing shows all over Quebec as well as in Ontario, New Brunswick and France. WIth the addition of new band members, fans continue to appreciate the music during their performances and have voiced their appreciation for keeping the music alive after the passing of its former leader on numerous occasions.

The band's current line up consists of:

  • John McGale: Vocals, Guitar, Saxophone and Flute
  • Johnny Gravel: Guitar
  • Michel Landry: Vocals and Drums
  • Robby Bolduc: Vocals and Bass
  • Bernard Quessy: Hammond B3 Organ and Piano

The band is also currently working on a new album of original material, the first since 1985. Recorded during the winter and fall of 2012 and the winter of 2013, no official release date has been set. However the band is hoping for release in the spring of 2013.

Read more about this topic:  Offenbach (band)