Last week, for the eighth year in a row, I MC-ed the Maimonides Battle of the Bands, a fundraiser for an important geriatric hospital in Montreal.
Like all other years, this two-night event featured eight bands made up of doctors, lawyers, accountants and other business people.
Unlike other years, this year we added a "ringer" into the mix. To shake things up, to inject an air of newness into the familiar proceedings, we enlisted rock 'n' roll legend Randy Bachman to close out each band's set by joining them on stage for a classic Guess Who or BTO tune.
When I first proposed this at a board meeting a few months ago, the reaction was, shall we say, mixed. There were some immediate "oohs and ahhs." Most agreed that the formula was getting a little tired--with people now buying tickets out of obligation instead of desire--but many felt that the added expense of a real rock star would simply add more expense than excitement.
Cut to Thursday morn, the aftermath of the event, and the feedback--from both crowd and performers alike--was unanimously buoyant and ecstatic. Perhaps this snipped of an email from Merv Middling, a member of The Dynamics, summed it up best:
"I was one of the skeptics who didn't believe that an aging Canadian rock genius could add anything to a formula that worked so well for so many years.
"I was soooo wrong!
"The energy and dynamism on display last night was absolutely priceless and I want you to know that all of the musicians that I have spoken to feel that it was truly a night to remember..some saying that it was the highlight of their musical journey."
Slight feelings of vindication (and relief!) aside, what I found truly incredible those nights was the way the bands reacted to playing with Randy. I've witnessed all these guys and girls perform over the years and while they're more than merely competent musically, the way I saw them soar to a new level with a pro in their midst was not just noticeable, but tangible.
The presence of Randy Bachman forced each band to raise their bars, as nobody wanted to come across half-assed in his presence. The added pressure also added a new sense of achievement, accomplishment and purpose.
So actually, I learned two things this week:
1) You gotta have the guts to kill the "formula that works so well for so many years." Either you kill it and change fast, or be ready to fade away with it.
2) Working with someone better than you raises your game. A-players look for A-Plus-players. B-players look for C-players.
As soon as I have pix of the event, I'll append this post with 'em so that you can share in some of the very obvious excitement.
Until then, here's a way weaker consolation prize--a picture of me singing at last year's Battle.
