Toronto Mike'd: The Official Toronto Mike Podcast - Sass Jordan: Toronto Mike'd #588

Episode Date: February 21, 2020

Mike chats with rock star Sass Jordan about her career in the music biz, being a judge on Canadian Idol, how rich she got from appearing on The Bodyguard soundtrack, her tryout to replace Sammy Hagar in Van Halen, and so much more.

Welcome to episode 588 of Toronto Mic'd, a weekly podcast about anything and everything. Proudly brought to you by Great Lakes Brewery, a fiercely independent craft brewery who believes in supporting communities, good times, and brewing amazing beer. Palma Pasta. Enjoy the fresh taste. The taste of fresh homemade Italian... Sasa's throwing me off my game. A homemade Italian pasta and entrees from Palma Pasta in Mississauga and Oakville. StickerU.com. Create custom stickers, labels, decals, tattoos

for your home and your business. The Keitner Group. They love helping buyers find their dream home. Text Toronto Mike one word to 59559 and Banjo Dunk from Whiskey Jack, one of the most celebrated roots, country, bluegrass bands in Canadian music history. I'm Mike from torontomike.com

and joining me this week is rock star Sask Jordan. Rock star. Are you okay with that billing? You know, I've probably read that intro perfectly the last 20 times. And then you were being silly in the corner of my eye and I could barely read Sass. I know, because of that music.

I'm like, yo, yo, yo, yo. You don't like my opening theme? Or do you love it? I think it's fabulous. I just was not expecting it. Because I don't look like a cool hip hop guy. Well, and I do. You were expecting something with banjos, maybe.

No, I was thinking more like metal bra. Well, I'm a multifaceted sass like yourself. Now, sass is not your real first name. There's no way that I just don't think that could be. It is my real first name. No. It is. Okay. It is my real first name. No. It is. Okay.

It totally is. Because if you call me by that other name that's on my birth certificate, I ain't going to answer right. Because it doesn't say. Might as well call me Patricia. Okay. What is. Can you say that name that I'm not supposed to call you?

Sarah. It's on Wikeypedia. I should have looked at Wikipedia. Okay. No, don't. Because it's full of bollocks. Well, we're going to find out. This is like your chance. You connect direct to the fans in this show,

because we don't have any third-party interruption. This is you direct to the fans, which will be a lot of fun. How cool is this? This is the coolest ever. And you can actually be yourself. You can swear and everything. I want you to be 100% sass. Which is so unlike me.

I don't want any PR. I want to tell people there's no PR interference. We don't see Eric anywhere. He's not here. There's no PR. There's nothing. It's just you and me, baby. It's just you and I freezing our asses off. Did Eric warn you what you're in for? I just want to make sure this is not surprising. I refuse to be warned,

Mike. So you have no idea. I think people should be warned about me. I can be very, very hard to keep in the bottle, so to speak. It's morning, nobody's had a bottle, and I think it's about time to decide that. It's 5

p.m. I offered you, so David Amber was here yesterday, and he gave me a bottle of wine. And it's awesome. And I showed it to you, and I feel like I should just crack it open for you. I feel like you should too, but, you know, everybody says, I don't know,

people get really right goddamn judgy with alcohol. Tell you what. Oh, do you drink every day? More like every hour. Is that true? No, clearly not, because I'd be reeking and roiling and reeking.

Sometimes. Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no. Are we talking like red wine, which is good for the heart? No, I like white wine. Okay, it's not as good for the heart. No, it's not as good for the heart? No, I like wine wine. Okay, it's not as good for the heart.

It's good for your mood, I'll tell you that. So here's the thing. I love red and I love wine. I love them all. I love wine. Wine is a wonderful thing. Is it good for your voice, though? It's perfectly good for my voice.

Actually, yeah. I'll tell you a story. Yeah. I have a friend who's in a, of, they were in a, he's in a band, strangely enough, because God knows how I know any goddamn musicians, right? Anyways, he's the singer in a band called Cheap Trick. Of course. I saw them live. Robin, my darling Robin, Bubba, also known as Bubba, Robin, Bubba. darling Robin Bubba, also known as Bubba, Robin Bubba.

Anyways, so he will use like a cognac or a brandy or a whiskey before he goes on as a gargle. He says it cuts the crap out of his vocal cords. I'm like, I love you, my brother. Well, you have a bit of that Janis Joplin rasp, if you will. Although if you listen to Janis Joplin and you listen to me, you go like, wow, a chick? And who's that dude? I sound like, I'm like,

and she's like, sorry about your ears, people, sorry. That's okay. Homemade feedback. We'll fix it in post. We'll fix it in post. But like you did play, you played Janis Joplin. I did in 2002, right after 9-11.

It was intense to be in that city. Five months straight at this theater. And because I wasn't I hesitate to say this publicly. Particularly a Janis Joplin fan. The whole reason I ended up there. Mike, seriously.

Is because they said they would fly me there to do the audition so fly me free flight to new york i'm like yo fuck to the yo to the yo yo yo i'm gonna go visit loretta i'm gonna hang out with loretta in the afternoon do this thing and then and then i and it's all free i'm like i'm on it brah so i So I go and somehow accidentally got the job, which I was so upset about because I didn't want

this damn job. Now I'm going to have to go live in New York, which is, that's okay. That's kind of cool. Wait, I hear the dulcet tones of something coming. Yes. In the winter of 65, we were hungry, just barely alive. I wanted to start with this Get you in a good mood

This is the first rock song I ever heard. Not that it's very rock, but that's the first song. That's the reason I wanted to start singing. Is it fair to say that this song is the reason you're sitting here today? Yes. So you weren't on Wiki of thepedia. What were you on? Well, I might have glanced at a couple of things here.

But I didn't realize you were a Sarah I know I'm not supposed to say that name you can say it but I'm not really a Sarah

because you're a sass yeah because you're sassy but I've been called sass my whole life right even by parental units

only police and hospital workers have ever called me Sarah oh sorry immigration the CRA whatever that is Canadian Recording Academy

Oh you don't know That's the tax people Oh them Yes I know them Intimately aware Just forgot their name I know them too By the way

Hello CRA So this song Which is Fucking brilliant It inspired Your desire To be a musician Essentially right

Yep Absolutely Do you remember Where you were When you first heard it Yeah in the living room On Sherbrooke It inspired your desire to be a musician, essentially, right? Yep, absolutely. Do you remember where you were when you first heard it? Yeah, in the living room on Sherbrooke and Claremont in Montreal with my brother. And my brother and I discovered you could turn the dial on the radio because all my parents listened to it was classical. And it was like, what the fuck is this? You can find other music.

Oh my God. But it was such a revelation. It was like, hallelujah, I've seen The Load and The Load is the band. In the movie, when they make the biopic, the Sass Jordan biopic. They won't do that. Well, I might do it myself.

There's going to be that scene where you turn the dial and you hear this. And then I'm going to have that your eyes are going to get big and we're going to have that. But I'm nine. Yeah. How are we going to dress you to make you look like a nine-year-old sass? I didn't say you'd be the actress. It's not a documentary. You were going to make it.

I'm the director. We'll put you in a blonde wig. And, well, I don't know how the nine-year-old acts. I'm going to play nine-year-old Sass. I have the right voice for it. Okay, so, this is, of course, the band at some good CanCon here. 1969's The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. Fantastic

song. And you realize then and there, you want to be in music. That's amazing. I was like, I want to do this. This is what I want to do. Screw this school stuff. I'll listen to the end. Although I know, Lauren, you're a Montreal girl.

I feel I should boot you. I don't know if we can do this. Why? Why? What do you a Toronto dude? No, I kid. I love Montreal people. But what we're doing right here is we're extending a hand across the chasm. Right.

Of Montreal to Toronto. Besides, Toronto got cooler in the past 20 years. Because, boy, it wasn't. Because it was so Protestant, right? Yes, it was Toronto the good. Oh, my God. It was so tight. We used to call it in French.

It was just, you know, sewed up asshole, basically. That should have been the city's motto. We used to be! Formally known as sewed up asshole. A little fun fact, though, that if I had a glance at the Wikipedia page, which I might have,

you're actually born in the UK, right? So what age are you when you come to Canada? 172. Is that true? I was three. I was three. I was three.

I have a three-year-old. You're very young. You don't remember anything about the UK. No, I don't. No. No, because we lived in France. I was like three weeks old or three months old when my parents moved to France. My brother was born in France and then we...

Do you know what this is? See, now you know why I want you to wear headphones. Yeah, I'm totally into this. I love this show. No. Name that tune. I'm going to give you a bit of time. It sounds really early 80s.

And he would stop right there because I'd punch him in the throat. Punch him in the trout. You're going to punch me in the throat No, not you, whoever that is Okay, I'm going to give it a bit of time here Okay Oh fuck, I know what it is, Men Without Hats Am I right? Am I right?

It's okay This song Is called Come On, Baby Tonight by Boondock. Oh, same thing. Is it? Okay. You can tell me a little history here. It's, oh my God, the box. Okay.

So, yeah, right. All right. All right. All right. So. Boondock. I forgot about it. Boondock.

And Boon, I should say, is B-U-N, but that U has the dots. What's that called? Umlaut. Umlaut, so whatever. Boondock. Boondock. I can't believe this shit ever did anything. I had to, you know, I had to I had to search for this.

I can't even believe you found it. See, I didn't even know the name. But when you said that, I remember because they were one of the bands that he had. So it was this guy, Marc Durand. I have to be careful because... Because he might listen? No, I feel too comfortable on this show. But that's the whole point.

I don't want to say something. Say anything. This is the home of Real Talk. to say something. Say anything. This is the home of real talk. Say anything. This is our new song written by me and Mike. Say anything and you'll win. It's exciting to have a co-writing credit

on a song. That's good. Now why am I playing? You need to tell us. Why am I playing Boondocks? Come on baby today. I don't know why you picked this particular piece of joy, but the thing is that

I just spotted something on your table right there, and I think that's a maple whiskey thing that was attached to a whiskey. Am I right? Am I right? That's a gift from Heather Bambrick. It's Heather Bambrick from Newfound right? That's a gift from Heather Bambrick. That ain't it. It's Heather Bambrick from Newfoundland.

She's a jazz musician. Oh, how sweet. From Newfoundland. She's scratching some screech there, bye. So Boondock. So it was, this guy, Mok Tzura, had this stable of music, musician stuff. And the box was, no, Men Without Hats was the big, it was Alert Records, that's it.

Sorry, I'm all over the place. No, it's okay. This is my memory. It's like bits and bytes come out. But the music's supposed to, it's supposed to jog that memory. This is the whole idea. Yeah, it just took a bit.

Honestly, I forgot about Boom Doc. Boom to the doc to boom boom. Is it possible that you're a co-lead vocalist on this track? Is that a possibility? Like, is it possible? I can tell by your eyes. Yeah.

Like, I'm asking because I wasn't there but you were there. Yeah, but that doesn't mean a damn thing. I'll tell you what. This is 1980 something. 86.

I don't remember that far back. 86. Okay. I believe this is the first time you were billed as Sass Jordan. That's my belief

is on this song. I believe you're... Wait. That's you. Oh my fucking god. That's you. Wait. Here. Oh my God. I completely forgot this. I could tell.

I could tell you forgot. That's definitely me. That's 100% Sass Jordan. In fact, that's the first time we heard Sass Jordan and not Sass Turner. Like, this is the first time. Oh. Sass Turner. That's the% Sass Jordan. In fact, that's the first time we heard Sass Jordan and not Sass Turner. Like, this is the first time. Oh, Sass Turner. That's the pinups. I can't fucking believe you.

Okay, you're killing me over here. I need your research skills. And we're just starting here. We're just starting here. And here's the worst part, is you are finding stuff that I don't even fucking remember. I'm worried about you. How do you not remember 1986? How do you not remember your first time you were on a real track?

I had no... Because... Well, take a listen and maybe you'll figure it out. But you sound great on there. It's right for a show, ain't it? Bless them. And I don't mean anything against these poor people when I'm saying these

terrible things. Boondock. This album, by the way, is called Mauve. Mold? Mauve, like M-A-U-V-E. Is that how you say it? Mauve? Oh, I thought you meant moldy.

Like mold. Well, maybe. It's a little moldy, but... It's just a snatch on the moldy side. Not gonna lie. Mauve, I have to tell you, Mike, I forgot.

What else are you gonna... What else have you got in there? Okay, I got a bit more here since we I want to keep it turn it off it's killing me I'm gonna let it like

let's put something good on okay this is not me singing okay let's talk about that then okay so because this is where we find out what's going on

this is okay her name is Martine St. Clair. That's who's singing. But in the video, you're singing. Well, I'm going like this. I know, you're lip syncing.

Okay, so this is some revelation here. This is Martine St. Clair. Everybody thought it was me because I'm in the freaking video. Yeah, I thought it was you because you're in the video. Looking like a hooker. But yeah, no. Sadly, this is Martin. But listen and tell me,

does that sound like me? Baby. That does not fucking sound like me. I'd be like, closer together. That's not enough. But this is a better song

than the Boondog song. No, this song rocks the Western world. This song, Rulation. This is a Rulation type of tune right here. So what, I mean, I have, as people, I song rocks the Western world. This song, Rulation. This is a Rulation type of tune right here. So what, I mean, I have,

as people, I open it up to questions. I'm like, Sass Jordan's coming over, you got questions. And most of the questions about, like for example,

Tim says, Tim says, ask Sass if she's still in touch with the guys from the box and what they're up to now. So, so I guess the people

that are listening to you are from Montreal or ex-Montrealers. A lot of ex-Montrealers in this city. Lots of them. So is she... In other words, in touch. I mean, we

talk to each other a bit on Facebook. Well, that counts. Jean-Marc and Jean-Pierre. Those are my two buddy buddies. Holy crap. That is not me saying holy crap. That is the name of a person on Twitter who says, holy crap says tell us about your involvement

with the box and closer together. So you're telling me you're just in the video? Just in the video. Wow. And here's the best part. Let me hear. Wait, wait. Hold on. That's not you. Nope. I should, you know what?

Not even one single note. We're so fooled. I feel like this is a Milli Vanilli situation. Right? Right? Fuck. I just saw that guy. Dude, I just saw a fab more than.

Oh, because one's dead. Okay, yeah. So you saw the. I just saw the other guy in Amsterdam at the Paradiso when I was doing this Bowie thing in January. He was back there and he has... Just say it on the mic. Make sure you're on the mic.

Sorry. Okay. And he was doing, I guess, some kind of live blog thing because he was talking to his cell phone like this, like standing in the middle of the backstage. He's stunningly beautiful. He's a model. He's gorgeous. Like gorgeous.

And he's doing this thing and I'm like dude like he's not remotely embarrassed about doing this in front i swear to god you can tell how old i am i'm like that's just i don't know it's like kind of like what's the word like exhibitionism or something of course being a performer doesn't put you in that category at all. Yeah, I know. You're in Montreal, The Box. Yeah, so I end up singing with them. I do an audition.

This is right before, or two years before my first record came out, which came out in 1989. Right. So it was like 80, maybe earlier than that. I think this is 86. Yes, I think it's 86. Or maybe not. I that. I think this is 86. I think it's 86. Or maybe not. I don't know when this is exactly.

Maybe it's 87. I'm going to say now, I'm going to say maybe it's 87. Closer Together is the album name and it comes out in 87. There you go. And so we went to the Dominican Republic to do this video and we're in Puerto Plata and we filmed on in this old fort,

like a fort that they actually abandoned. So we get there early morning, everything's set up, blah, blah, blah. Do you think anyone has had the foresight to bring water to the not one? There is a goddamn bottle of agua on the chute. So they send someone out to get it. They can't find water. All they can find is the chute. So they send someone out to get it. They can't find water.

All they can find is beer. Cerveza. Por favor, de cerveza. Cerveza. So we basically drank beer all fucking day. We are absolutely hammered in that video. Wow. Because of the heat of the sun and the fact that there was no other liquid.

Everybody goes, what? You drank? Oh, my God. It was just beer the whole time. Ugh. And so, yeah, that's why we're sort of like laughing. But why are you in the video if you're not on the song? Is it because you're an attractive blonde?

And they said we need a… No. Martine Sainte-Claire was really pretty. I don't think she was interested, A. And she didn't want to be their backup singer because she was really well-known at the time in Quebec. So it behooved them to have somebody who was well-known on the track

instead of, you know, an unknown comme moi. Right. Like me. And there's two of you on the, like doing backups in that video. Obviously, Boom Dog didn't give a shit. Yeah, the other girl, Salphie, but she's not, Obviously, Boom Dog didn't give a shit. Yeah, the other girl, Salfie, she sang more on that actual recording,

not that song, but on that, in the USA, in the USSR. I'm in that one too. And I am actually going, we are all ordinary people. Which was a big hit even here. I love the box

they really that I love that band it's a good band unlike Boomdog it was this is this still me? is this something to do with me?

because I fucking have no idea right now I'm just saying patience patience oh is this that song Rain? Yes. Oh my God, I want to hear it. I want to hear it.

Keep, keep, turn it up. Turn it up. Oh my God. Jeez. Full Brie. Full fat Brie. Full fat brie. It's amazing how these early 80s type... They sound... Yeah, I know.

They all sound the same. The drums have that... That God awful... Bill Collins thing he did. It really dates it though. It does, doesn't it? Sin drums, though. It does, doesn't it? Syndrome, yeah. I don't know if I'm singing on this.

I wrote the lyrics, which is terrible. My understanding is, and you can tell me I'm wrong, but you... I probably won't know. Oh, wait. I am... I think you just wrote this So I think this song Rain From Michael Breen's self-titled album In 1987 was written by

Sass Jordan Well no I wrote the lyric But you were co-writer Yeah Do you like this song? It's all right. So this is like, you're like the Bernie Taupin or whatever. Like, he's like the Elton John.

Is that how it works? I wish I was Bernie Taupin. God dang, I would have been rocking it. Okay, next, next. This is exciting. Okay, well, the next one is a song everybody knows as a Sass Jordan joint. But, well, I'm going to bring Sass Jordan joint but well I'm gonna bring down Michael

but here I'm gonna take a moment oh no while Michael sings in the background no oh okay no

I'm gonna give you a few gifts for coming here oh I thought you were gonna say I'm gonna open up a beer because you're not

obnoxious enough as it is you're welcome it's your beer you can do what you want with it oh Great Lakes can I actually take it

it's 100% really yours oh thank you Great Lakes Brewery. We love you, we love you, we love you. They're a local craft brewery and they produce fresh, tasty beer. And you know what, most importantly, they support shows like this

so we can cut out the middleman. They need to put me on here, not this hockey dude. I don't even know who that is. That's Mike Lackey, he's the brewmaster. He just turned 50. Oh, then, okay, you know what? Then you should be there, bro. Wait, what else we got?

Like, there's Pompous Ass, for example. Oh, that's me right there. That's my wine, right? I mean, beer. That's my jam. Pompous Sass. Oh, my God, yes. Oh, we could totally create some Pompous Sass.

Oh, I'm fucking loving that one. It's this dude who's got to have long blonde hair. They got great artists over there english ale right because you're from england pompous sass english ale i'm into it i love it awesome okay so thank you great lakes for sending over a six pack for sass palma pasta palmapasta.com they sent over a. They sent over a lasagna for you. That's true. I have lasagna in my freezer for you. I hope it doesn't happen. I have a vegetarian lasagna for you.

Thank you, thank the Lord. Because you don't eat meat. Thank you, sweet Lord. You don't eat meat. Not really, no. That's becoming more common these days. Well, I've always been. It's not new for me.

When did you have your last hamburger? You don't even like thinking about it. Okay, but that's not new for me. When did you have your last hamburger? It's a veggie burger. Okay, but that's not a hamburger. By the way, I am in no way judgmental of anyone. If you want to eat meat, go for it. Why shouldn't you? I don't like it, that's all. Oh, okay, so it's not like an ethical thing.

No, no, no, no. You're not trying to save the planet or save the animals. No, because it won't. Right, but it's better than doing nothing. You've got two options, right? You could do something. Here's what you got to do. Tell us.

Be happy. End of fucking story. And if you're happy, everything's going to work out. Oh, I'm happy right now. Are you happy? So we're good. I'm fucking having the time of my life over here. Walk through memory lane.

Things I didn't even know I did. Toronto Mike. Is this for me too? That's for you too. Okay. That's courtesy of StickerU, StickerU.com. When you make your,

when you, you know, you perform as Sass Jordan, you can sell stickers and stuff that you made at StickerU.com and it's a good idea. And that's a Toronto Mike sticker.

You can put it anywhere you want. I hope you don't put it on that disposable coffee cup because, because we're trying to save the planet here. I thought you'd, you know,

you'd put it on your guitar. Come on or something. I don you don't have a guitar okay accordion okay i'll put it on my purse you can find somewhere to put that accordion your ukulele thank you sticker you anyone can go to sticker you.com uh they're great people great product but also they have a store on queen street not far from bathers like can Can you actually walk in and say, I want 25 stickers like this and they can make it on the spot? That would be through stickeru.com where you upload the image and say, I want 20 this size.

It's amazing. At the store, they have stickers they sell. Pre-made, ready-made. Also, there's a sticker museum. You can go to this sticker museum at 677 queen street and i've been there and it's amazing it's like the history of stickers like you got uh yeah like it's actually pretty cool including the chiquita banana sticker right this is a big deal so lots

of cool stuff going on to sticker you uh there's a book i'm giving you that uh i don't know if you've ever met stomp and tom connors you missed out there should have been a sass jordan stomp and tom collaboration at some point okay excuse me stop the freaking press right here because what does tom what is he quoted as saying on the cover of this oh what did i just fucking say we're here to have a good time that's the main ting stomping tom connor you and stomping tom are on the same wavelength you're gonna enjoy this book is by duncan frem. I call him Banjo Dunk. There he is right there.

My good times of Stompin' Tom. How cool is that? While you catch your breath there, we're going to hear a little bit of Banjo Dunk. Here is my buddy Banjo Dunk. Woo-hoo! This is Banjo Dunk, and for the last few weeks,

you've been hearing my ads on Toronto Mic'd about the big Stomp and Tom show coming up on April 16th 2020 but there's another banjo dunk production that's happening very soon my music buddy Douglas John Cameron and I known internationally as Doogie and Dunn are going to be performing in Oakville at the Moonshine Cafe on February 27th, not too far from Toronto Mike Head Office. So, if you live in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, Milton, and surrounding areas, you'll find all the information you need at themoonshinecafe.com.

We look forward to seeing you on February 27th. Seth, what were you saying there? I was going to say, I think this is my favorite interview I've ever done. Is that right? And you've done a lot of interviews. It's not as much of an interview

as it is just hanging out and having fun. That's the idea. That's the fact that you have found stuff that I'm like, what? I clearly forgot about it.

Like, I totally forgot about that. Because I do my homework. You know why I do my homework? Because I give a shit. See? I don't like to know about myself. Thank God. Well, you're about it. Like I totally forgot about that. Because I do my homework. You know why I do my homework? Because I give a shit. See, I don't like to know about myself. Thank God. Well, you're enjoying it. I think people say that.

I'm having a blast. Yes, you're having a blast. This is so fun. Where do you, like, are you willing to tell us where you live? I live on planet Earth. Okay. But you live in Ontario? I live in Ontario, part of planet Earth.

And do you have any desire to live in Toronto? That would be a big bad no. Big negative Nelly right there. Okay. If you, though, change your mind, or any of your friends have any questions about living in Toronto, you have to do me a favor.

You got to text Toronto Mike. One word, Toronto Mike. You got a phone? You text Toronto Mike to 59559. The Keitner Group have partnered with Toronto Mike to fuel the real talk, and I sincerely believe Austin Keitner can help. So this would be a big deal for the show,

and it would help you as well. Again, Toronto Mike to 59559. Beat Down Sometimes I feel like I'm dancing on low. These guys are moving, feet's in control. Don't let me down, never be the norm. Tell somebody, tell somebody, tell somebody,

let's try and make the music go. Tell somebody, tell somebody, tell somebody, shout. He's down and dirty, he's got dirty He's got dirty You know, this song holds up. We talked about 80s jams. Sounds 80s.

It sounds 80s, but it sounds like good 80s. I got so many questions. Where do I begin? Firstly, this is the first Sass Jordan hit. Yes, it's got to be.

You know why? I was listening to Q107 at the time and they played it every hour, so it was a big deal. It was good. I'd have been like, can we fucking stop playing that song? Yeah, I think it is. That sounds right.

I love the fact that I don't... You must know your first hit, Sass. I seriously don't. I don't look back. Are you sure that's coffee? Let me smell it. It's coffee. I trust you.

I trust you. Of course, there's a little shot of, you know. Okay, tell somebody. I literally tweeted the video today and said it's still a killer jam. This is a big fucking hit for you, man. Let's hear it. What was it like when you first, you know, for example, you first hear it on the radio

and then suddenly it's a bonafide Canadian smash hit. Do you have any memories of this? 88. You know what? They played the video on Much Music a lot. Like a lot. Yes. So I remember within two weeks going from relative obscurity to being like, everywhere I went, people would be like,

Oh, you're the girl in that video. Because people were watching it back in those days. No, you're absolutely right. In the 80s, yeah. Were you living in Montreal at the time still? I was, yeah. Okay. And I was like, this is my cue to get out of town, bro

So where is out of town? Where would you go? I went to LA, where all good Canadians go The graveyard of Canada To hang out with the Alan Thicks And everybody who was hanging around, right? Everybody does it I thought I was being original

The reason I really wanted to go there in the first place Is because of my favorite When I was a kid, I wanted to be David original. The reason I really wanted to go there in the first place is because my favorite, when I was a kid, I wanted to be David Cassidy, the Partridge family. And that was all centered in Los Angeles. And that was still in my head. It was like, I've got to go to L.A. I've got to be where David Cassidy was

because that's what I want to be. Boy, I'm fucking glad I didn't end up being David Cassidy. That's all I can say. All right, here's my connection to David Cassidy really briefly. I produce a podcast on Ontario horse racing. It's called Down the Stretch. Yes. For Peter Gross.

And I am told by many conversations of Peter Gross about Ontario horse racing that David Cassidy was a really, he owned horses and was a key guy in this community of horse racing. Yes. And he's dead now, by the way. I know. I have a picture of me and him together. Okay, good. Good.

At my birthday party. Do you have a picture of Danny Baraducci? What was the... No, but I did his radio show. Oh, wow. Is he still alive? He's alive, right? Okay.

He was... He is... David Cassie had issues. Danny Baraduce did too but somehow managed to you know what about the daughter on that show do we know what she's up to

Susan Day she wanted nothing to do with them ever again I read all this stuff I am a part of your family special what else Susan Crowe is dead. Remember the Monkees revival?

Okay, there's a Monkees revival in like the mid to late 80s. And Much Music suddenly started playing Monkees and guys my age started discovering the Monkees. Wow. Building on that though, they picked up the Partridge family on Much, which I want to ask you about in more detail. Whoa.

This is fully a true segue. But I totally watched a lot of Partridge Family because of Much Music. That makes sense. Yeah. You know, you're saying late 80s? Yeah, mid to late 80s. By then I had moved on a snatch.

Okay, I understand. I was more into like, you know. Because I thought you were younger than me, but apparently my research... Oh my God, no. I'm not younger than anybody. You can't be because... I'm older than everybody. That can't be true. This is why I'm not younger than anybody. You can't be because... I'm older than everybody.

That can't be true. This is why I'm an icon. So how does it... You have a record label? How does your video get in the hands of the 299 Queen Street where much music was? The first record? Yeah. Tell somebody.

My record label was Aquarius. Aquarius Records at that time which was you know the home it had been created for April Wine back in the

70s or 80s fuck I don't know and you know I think I'm going to rewrite history right now everyone if you don't mind

you can I'm going to double check everything I'm going to double wait a minute hold on while we talk

double to the double. Oh yeah. Another video. Right. I've listened to that. The drums sound like dead fish. You're a hell of a singer. Do you know that?

Has anyone ever told you that? Yes, but I don't believe that. It's interesting. It's interesting. Keep it on the side. Never, ever let it show. This is saying it's dirty. And she's a no-no.

I don't normally like female singers much. You got a bit of a Melissa Etheridge, maybe? I know you don't want to hear that. Tell me why you're making that face. No, it's not your fault. It was at that time, I think. Yeah, because everybody said that. And I was like, for Mark's sake. I think I'm older than her, for God's sake.

Somebody bring me some water, right? Can't you see I'm burning alive? I didn't love the comparison because to me, her approach is very hardened white. It's a very square, white kind of square. And mine is definitely much more on the brother side of the thing. Much more R&B-ish-y. You got more soul. We shouldn't say soul because she's definitely soulful in her way,

but she just has a different approach. It's a different way of phrasing it. Now, pardon me. You're the TMZ expert, so I ask you now. TMZ! Did she carry David Crosby's baby, or was there a surrogate mother? Or was it her wife?

No, here's the deal. This is what I think, and I could be wrong. I'm making up stories again, as usual. Her wife. So I think her wife, they commissioned spermumatoza from the testicle of Mr. Crosby. Have you seen that Crosby? Documentary?

Yeah, I just watched it. Why would you watch that? Yikes! He's a prickly guy. I think everyone who worked with him left hating him. Why would you want his babies? Well, he's got musical talent. I think you better off with him left hating him. Why would you want his babies? Well, he's got musical talent. I think you're better off getting Mr. Toronto Mike.

Toronto Mike's babies. For the record, I made four babies. Much nicer, better looking, trust me. Nicer voice. You've already made four babies. I've made four, and you can see them and see that they're smart and attractive people. So here's my thing. I was actually thinking in 2020, one of my goals is to get a vasectomy.

This is a real talk. Don't do that. Don't do it. Don't, don't. Are you suggesting I sell my sperm? I would. Are you allowed to sell sperm in this country? I don't think so.

Well, then go into the country that you can. Here's the thing. Do not get a vasectomy. Do not get the V. But why? Because it's not good for you. Tell me more. Dr. Jordan is telling you right now it's not good for you.

It's not good for you energetically. Don Dr. Jordan is telling you right now it's not good for you. It's not good for you energetically. Don't do it. Just, you know. Okay, what's better for you? One person to have a vasectomy or someone's partner to be on a birth control pill? Neither is good. There's other ways of doing this and we can't talk about it on this. Why can't we?

Because I am not a qualified medical personnel. I just don't want to make any more babies. I hear you. I hear you. I hear you. And your partner does not want to take the pill because that's horrifyingly bad for you as well. There are definitely ways you can do this. But why am I suddenly the sex expert?

It's just, no. This is why people tune into Toronto Mike. They don't know what they're going to hear and it's real talk. I was curious what method do you want me to practice of birth control? Just tell me. You know that the female is only fertile for like four days

in the month. Oh, so this is like the rhythm method. Is this the term? Well, I'm just saying it's better than getting your cut off. It's not a good idea. I'm telling you, just trust. But a lot of people I know have got this procedure. Yes, I know.

I know a lot of people who have too, and I'm telling you. Okay, because I haven't done it yet. Don't do it. Dr. Jordan says don't do it. There's other things we can do here. We can do the research. One more jam from this album. What was, let's see if you remember,

what was the name of your first album? 50 bucks if you remember. The name of my first album? Right. I think you just played it. No, that was Double Trouble. It was called Tell Somebody. Tell Somebody.

Tell Somebody. and tired but it's so hard In your eyes I'm seeing that you don't notice me and it's so hard Straight up, and I don't tell this to every guest, but your vocals are fantastic. Like, I know you don't like the sounds around your vocals, but your vocals are fucking fantastic. Well, you don't tell that to your

hockey player guests. I didn't tell David Amber his voice. David Amber, your voice smokes the competition. I might have told him that actually, but he has a really good voice. I don't know how he sings. Thank you, by the way. Thank you, Mike. I very much appreciate that. I really do. I wish

I could... Compliments make you uncomfortable. They do. I need to get over that. That's a problem. Me too. When's your get over that. That's a problem. Me too. When's your birthday? June. 20 or earlier. June 27. Cancer baby. You're the opposite of me.

Capricorn baby. I heard Jesus was a Capricorn. No, he was a Pisces. That's a big fucking lie. A lot of lies in that story. There's a lot of lies in that story. Speaking of virgin births. Now that we're...

I heard Joseph had a vasectomy. Now that we're experts on reproductive methods and religion, shall we move on to something even less controversial like politics? Well, here's something I want to ask you about, which is that we, okay, tell somebody who's a bonafide smash in this wonderful country I live in called Canada. I live in it too. I agree. But you're in LA because I'm guessing you want to be. No, no, no, no, I'm not in LA yet.

Not now, but. Oh, not yet. Yeah, that's like it came out in 1989 and I moved to LA on January 4, 1990. But your goal, I'm guessing, because everyone has this goal, is to crack the US market because it's so much bigger.

Yeah, and also you would get taken more seriously in Canada if you did well in the United States. Oh, right, like a Shania Twain or a...

It's not pathetic. Alanis Morissette. Or Celine Dion. Brian, yeah, Celine Dion. There's a lot of big Canadian acts in the United States, and most of them become Americans. Note, note, note. Neil Young's American, right?

He didn't get his. Joni Mitchell, Alanis Morissette. They all became Americans. They defected to Canada's cellar while we remained in America's attic. Right. Like even Gino frickin' Vanelli, right? That prick.

That prick Gino. What do you think of Gino? He's a Montreal guy. I think he's awesome. He's amazing. I had a very lovely experience with the man, so I don't accept criticism of him. He's a brilliant musician. But he had a U.S. hit, so he had a big U.S. hit.

I don't want to be criticizing anybody. You can criticize anybody you can i don't want to i don't like it okay ain't right ain't right well then this uh this episode's over uh this all right sass do you is there any particular reason these great rock songs that we all ate up like candy did not uh resonate uh with us like you blame the industry tell me like tell me straight up why weren't you rock songs that we all ate up like candy did not resonate with U.S. Like, you blame the industry. Tell me, like,

tell me straight up. Why weren't you a bigger deal in the U.S.? I don't blame you, but I would say that would have been me. You weren't willing to work it? No. Oh God, that's such a long story.

I don't even know where to, how do I, I need to, I need to, I need to make this into more of a Reader's Digest version. Fuck, this is hard now. It's really... Just let it out.

I know, but I just don't know where to start. It was... It depends who you're surrounded by and who you're working with. And it depends who you're surrounded by and who you're working with. And it depends on, there, there came a time, a point where I was just like, I don't really like this.

I don't like this fame thing at all. Like I really fucking don't like it. I'm over it. Cause I know how to deal with it now, but I didn't mend. And so every move I made, I'd find a way to sabotage myself i was really good at it like so good that that's like suppressing your thing oh my god but the other thing is is my timing was always just off are you going what the fuck is that popping noise no no every once in a

while i glance down and make sure the levels are good. Anyways, yeah. I always fell into the crack before the next thing happened. Oh, like you're ahead of the curve. Yeah. Is there a wave you think if you had been part, you could have been, is it like an Alanis Morissette type thing?

Cheryl Crow. Yeah, Cheryl Crow. Sorry, what the fuck is Cheryl? When Cheryl Crow, that would have been the wave. Tuesday Night Music Club. But I came out like six months earlier. And also, I did not pick a style of music that was particularly appealing to people from a female.

Interesting. I know it's so funny. No, that is interesting because rock is the domain of the man. It's man. It's male. And I get it. I totally get it. In that time frame, it's always got to be in context.

People are not comfortable with that type of aggressive sort of anger-fueled, sex and anger, those two things from a female. They would not play my song Pissing Down on the radio in the United States because they said women should not say the word pissing. I'm not fucking lying. Now listen to every single Nicki Minaj and all of them and hear what they're saying. Right.

Or even like a Meredith Brooks has a song called Bitch, right? Exactly, yeah. But that was like a thing. Right. But they managed to get it. And she's right in the Atlantis wave anyways. Yeah. So anyways, it was really interesting.

Super interesting stuff. I could do the whole episode about this. I always ask that question when I have on somebody, I don do the whole episode about this. But I always ask that question when I have on somebody, I don't know, you name it. Like, I don't know, Moe Berg. Okay, later we'll talk a little bit about... I know Moe.

Moe Berg. I know Moe. He talked about dropping off his video for I'm an Adult Now at 299 Queen Street. And they stick it in high rotation. Yeah, it's an amazing song. But the mountain equipment co-op is now built. I know what it is. and they stick it in high rotation complete yes amazing song but you know the mountain equipment co-op is on

the is now built Queen and Spadina yeah is where the parking lot is where that video was filmed yes it should have been a heritage site right they should have protected it I agree but only people our age would care but Mo getting the much music exposure that completely changed

the history of the pursuit of happiness. Because now, the whole country is watching this one, and yeah, it was a great time where the whole country is watching the same,

if the music fans are all watching the same thing. And it even went across the border and into like Buffalo and all the like, the border towns.

And they all preferred Much Music to MTV if they were clever dogs. Yeah, clever dogs. So you're, okay, and I loved Much Music and yeah, that's probably, I mean, I dogs. So you're, okay, and I loved much music. And yeah, that's probably, I mean, I mentioned I heard you a lot on Q107,

but the two combine and you're a big fucking deal. The fact you're not an American success story is completely unknown to people like me who live in Toronto. Like, how the hell would we know or care? And then, yeah, I learned that, oh, they weren't singing along to Double Trouble. The Racine, which is the next record, actually sold 450,000 units in the United States, which is 50 short of gold. I'm going to get to Racine in a second. First, I want to ask you, where do you keep your Juno Awards?

Like you won a Juno Award. There's only one. Okay, you won one. Take the S off Juno Awards. My apologies. You wereo Award. There's only one. Okay, you won one. Okay, take the S off Juno Awards. My apologies. You were voted. Take the S off the S. What do you get?

You were nominated a few times, but you won in 1989 for most promising female vocalist of the year. Where is that Juno Award right now? To be honest, where is it? Did I give it to the... I may or may not. Goodwill?

No. It's the archives, the University of Toronto archives. Okay. Media archives. They have a lot of my stuff. Because... You didn't want to keep it.

Well, when am I going to do that shit? I don't know. It could be in. Well, when am I going to do that shit? I don't know. It could be in the back. When am I going to do that shit? Well, congrats on winning that prestigious award. Whoa, this song.

This is Stevie. Oh, yeah. Okay, there's a question. I'll ask it here. Okay. Hold on. BasementDweller asks, what was it like

writing and recording with the vastly underrated guitarist-singer Stevie Salas? Yeah. And any great stories about recording that amazing cover version of Robin Trower's Two Rolling Stoned, which we're listening to right now? Well, we ripped the song off. I know that voice. That's me, that's not Stevie. I know that voice. That's me.

That's not Stevie. I can't believe you weren't on Closer Together. This is really bothering me. Listen to the voice now, you know what? You can tell. I should have.

It was too ladylike. Any story about Stevie you can share for Basement Dweller. Basement Dweller's his handle. Stevie Snell. What can we say about Stevie? Just tell the truth and then we'll move on.

And then we'll get to a Ray scene. Yeah. Can I tell about Stevie? I like watching you squirm, actually. I'm not squirming. I'm not letting you off the hook here. I'm trying to think of a good story about Stevie. The, uh, yeah.

So, yeah, he's, he is very talented. And, um, we did a lot of work together. And fought a lot. Were you like oil and water? Yep. Pretty much, yep. Yep. Interesting.

But we did some pretty cool stuff. All right, I'm going to go to... This is me andeknair. Oh, so you actually recognized this song. Yes, I do. You know what I wish you had? What? I wish you had something under nothing.

Some of my son stuff. That shit's good. Well, at some point at the end, if you have time, I'll just go to find it on YouTube and play it. I can play anything on YouTube too. Oh, fantastic. Yeah, I have such a wonderful setup here. You're in the big leagues.

Have you ever seen a studio this amazing? Have you ever experienced anything like that? Have you ever done an interview in some guy's basement? You know, knowing me and my memory? Probably. Probably. But I don't recall. This is my favorite.

You can hear how happy I am. That's my Minnie Riperton riff there. Right. I have a 10,000 octave range. Did you hear that? No. Is that true? 10,000?

But you've got a great range, and that's a great... Oh, my God. I can fully Mariah Carey it there. Do you hear me? Wow. No glass broke, I can tell you right now. What you need for that, ladies and gentlemen, is whiskey, cigarettes, and late nights. That's the secret formula.

Do not try this at home. Okay, so, I mean, Basement Dweller, again, he's like, he notices, like we all do. This guy is seriously into this. I like this guy. Just curious, but that quite noticeable change in sound between Tell Somebody and Racine and wondering what led to this outstanding musical evolution.

And then if you go further than Racine, you go to Rats, there's another massive change. Then you go to the next one, another massive change. It depends on who I'm working with. The thing is, I love music. And I love all kinds of music. And every time I hear something that I'm madly into, I want

to do something that sounds like that. The fact that I haven't managed to pull off a Steely Dan yet is depressing. Because I love Steely the Dan. I love that band. I love every phase of their shit. Anyways, but I mean, and there's some... So it's whoever I'm working with,

but I go to work with those people because they can do that kind of whatever I'm into well. Now, the first record was All Machines, and it's rather ghastly to my ear at this point. But you've you gotta play all those hits, right? When people want

the hits? The only one I play from that is So You Must Do Double Trouble and Tell Somebody. No? No, ma'am.

Wow. No, but it depends on, again, what show are we doing? Like right now, I'm doing, I'm gonna be doing mainly stuff

from the blues records. Right. Oh yeah, there's new stuff we're gonna get to. I know, it's like, luckily I'm not that prolific. We're almost there records. Right. Oh, yeah. There's new stuff we're going to get to. Stay tuned. I'm sorry. Luckily, I'm not that prolific.

We're almost there. We're almost there. Actually, there's a question I've been dying to ask. Okay, well, I just want to... You said it already. No, there's a question I've been dying to ask you forever, and it's coming up next. Uh-oh. But I just need to say, you've already said it.

I'm going to say it again. That this is, Racine is your biggest seller. And you said 450,000 units. In the States. Right? Yes. Which, like like 500 was gold. It was a shot of gold. Good for you.

I think it was double platinum in Canada. Unless I'm wrong. I don't know. Yeah, I think 100,000 in Canada. No. What do I know? Here's the big question. Ready? Okay. What's that? What do I know? Yeah, you're right. Here's the big question. Ready? Okay. Oh, wrong.

What's that? This is vaguely familiar, and I know I don't like it. Oh, it's the bodyguard. Right? Okay, right. So here's the question, okay? Yeah, yeah. To let everyone listening at home, or wherever the hell you are, maybe you're not at home.

What do I know? You could be in a car. Maybe you're in the basement with us. Maybe you're working out at the gym. Who knows? A lot of people listen to podcasts when they work out. This in the basement with us. Maybe you're working out at the gym. Who knows? A lot of people listen to podcasts when they work out. This is the big thing. It makes sense.

Yeah, it makes sense. So many people are sweaty right now, and they're just listening to our conversation now. But wait, is this live? It's not. It's semi-live. I got you. I got you.

The podcast is definitely not live. Okay. So, Trust in Me. This is a Joe Cocker, Sass Jordan duet that appears... Hold on. Where are you?

Oh, you're coming in a bit. Yeah. Flushed in me When you can't go on If loving me Is what you need Flushed in me Okay, the Bodyguard soundtrack has sold approximately 27 million units. It's 31.

31, Sass tells me. Oh, you're off the mic, though. Sorry, everyone's reading the wrong Wikipedia page. Oh, here you are. Hold on. I can see why people thought it was Tina Turner. Did they?

Oh, yeah. That's a high praise for you. It's a huge compliment. Yeah. But I can see why. This is the first. I get it now. Oh, yeah.

Sure. It's nice to hear you and Joe Cocker, the voices kind of dancing together. It's got good textures to your voices. Now, multiple questions, but the first question would be, how much money do you see from having a song on an album that's so...

So funny. This is the second time I've been asked this today. I'm just saying. Really? Who asked you the first time? Who have you talked to? I'm not your first today. John.

No, you're not my first. Sadly. A guy named John. I can't... You don't remember who you talked... Are you going to remember this? John Moore was his name. Oh, that's 1010.

1010. So you're cheating on me with John Moore from 1010. Oh, my God. Okay, so John, I didn't know. I didn't listen to this interview with John, but I'm sorry you stole my thunder, but more people are going to hear this. Now, 30 million plus is a lot.

That's just one of the biggest sign-ups of all time. It's totally insane, and no, I didn't make any. I made 20 grand. Is that legal? And I certainly didn't make it. And I didn't make it all for me. I had to share it with everybody else too. You know who made the most money on that album? It's probably Dolly Parton.

Probably. I would imagine that Whitney didn't do too bad either. Right. But Dolly did write the big killer right there. I will always love you. How did you end up on the Bodyguard soundtrack? So it was Kevin Costner who was the guy that I think he wrote, produced, and directed the Bodyguard. And he was the actor.

He was the main actor. Right. And he loved Joe Cocker. And he wanted to use this particular song, which Joe had recorded about four years prior in Australia with an Australian singer, singing the part that I'm singing. And he wanted to update the song

with a new singer who was out then. And he was driving around LA one day, heard Racine on the radio, heard Make You Believe on the radio, and went, that's the voice I want. And that's how it happened. That's an amazing story. And it sounds like his part was in the can already.

And you're not actually... It was. He wasn't there at all. And then I went on tour with him afterwards. Just like... It was not accidental but it had nothing to do with the recording of this song i toured with him for four months okay and i'm like i didn't meet him once because i was opening and i had to leave after the every night after the show i have to leave for the next show i didn't meet him till the last night of the

goddamn tour and i said man it was so amazing singing with you on that song and he looks at me and he goes what? what song? and you know that is he had no fucking idea I was on it I mean when you're on an album that sells 30 million

like a lot of people well it hadn't sold that much yet no not yet okay yeah it wasn't out unless people buy the album

and they play the I Will Always Love You and then shut it down is that what they're doing? no it could be no you're right some people are doing that.

Oh, for sure. Keeping by the single. Come on, what's going on? But I'm sorry to hear that you made 20k on that because it feels like we should file a lawsuit or something. Oh, you can't. It's the past, baby. It's the past. Good on Kevin Costner for listening to the radio and saying I want

that voice and it was your voice. That's pretty damn cool. It is. I know. I'm going to play something from Rats here. Hold on here. Oh yeah! I don't need to be that old face I used to see Cause that's the one that left me all alone

Took my feelings and hung them out to dry Never gave a reason why Cause I know I fell from grace before But all that's gonna end Sun's gonna end. Sun's gonna rise again. I'll be listening

to those lies again. Sun's gonna rise again. You mentioned Sheryl Crow, but this is better than any of that.

What the hell? But this is also your first ever Billboard Hot 100 song. You're on the Billboard Hot 100 with this song. Yeah. FYI. I don't know if you know. I don't know if Casey Kasem shouted you out or whatever. But I would imagine that Make You a Believer would have been bigger than this.

I'm of the opinion this is your Billboard Hot 100 debut, Sun's Gonna Rise. How is that even possible? What do I even know? Nobody knows. Is this your favorite album or Racine? You like Rats better. Yeah. What makes this one your preference?

Because a lot of people either go Racine or Get the Fuck Out. Yeah, most people like racing but I like heavy bluesy guitars that's my thing and I love intense drums

everything I just like it better it's more for me yeah it's just it's it's more

intense is this George Martin producing this holy smokes it is no it's it's more intense. Is this George Martin producing this? Holy smokes. It is. No, it's Nick DiDia. That's Stevie playing. Stevie and I wrote this song.

Oil and Water. Oil and Water. Yeah. I never listen to this shit. You didn't know you were coming over for a listening party? No. Should I be recording this? Just kidding, sis. I'm recording.

Am I recording? Hold on. Yes, I am. Okay. So I realized, I asked the question, I want? Hold on, yes I am. Okay, so I realized, I asked the question, I want to know if you got rich off of

The Bodyguard, and actually that's, I have another burning question, but. I didn't get rich off of pretty much anything.

But you're happy. Happy as a clam. Would you be happier if you were richer? Nope. I'd just still be happy. Because you're not, like you're not

living under a bridge. No. Okay. No, I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm just not be happy. Because you're not living under a bridge. No. No, I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm just not super loaded or nothing. Of course, that's all relative, isn't it? You own a home? Yes.

You're rich. You're in the 1%. You know what? When I'm around the house and I sing, it's Sass Jordan. I've just spent a week with Uber. You spent with Jeff Bezos. Is that where you were? Who are you spending this time with?

No, but more in that vein. Get out of here. Are you going to drop a name? No, I'm not. That one's off the charts. Yeah, I couldn't do that. But it's hard. Get out of here. Are you going to drop a name? Well, that one's... No, I'm not. Because I want to do that. That one's off the charts. Yeah, I can do that. But it's hard to even conceive of that. It's like...

It's just another world. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

Oh, my God. Oh, my God. I feel like doing closed captioning. Sass has taken a marijuana joint to her mouth. Yeah, even though I don't, because that shit makes me paranoid. So now that you probably preferred it when it was illegal, because you were doing dangerous things, and now that it's legal,

it's like, I don't need to do that anymore. I stopped doing it when it was illegal because you were doing dangerous things. And now that it's legal, it's like, I don't need to do that anymore. I stopped doing it when I was like 21. We used to smoke hash in Montreal. Interesting, but at 21, okay. So it's been 10 years since the last time. I don't know. Okay, so rats. And again, I'm going to confirm later if sun's going to rise.

Is your first Billboard Hot 100 hit? I think it is. I have no idea. Here's the big question. High Road Easy, by the way, is a great sing-along. I'll just sing it randomly around the house. It's got a great hook to it. Yeah.

Who wrote this hook? Me. I know. I just wanted you to say it. It's another song Stevie and I wrote together. Good, you two. Okay. Well, we wrote all of Rats together, so there's that.

Were you really being considered as the lead singer for Van Halen? Oh, for fuck's sake. Did John Moore ask you about this? No, he didn't. Oh, no, he didn't. Where's that Kim Crawford shit you got up there? You're holding out on me.

What time is it, bro? I don't even drink wine. My wife likes wine. Oh, well, I was going to say, well, then you'll just have to give it bro? You know I don't even I don't even drink wine My wife likes wine Oh well I was gonna say Well then you'll just Have to give it to me But I cannot take it Out of the mouth of wine

And she saw it already Yeah Then it could happen I know But I would let her You should care with her I can't take it I forgot the question

The question is The big question is What Were you In fact Oh and Van Halen Mike So here's the thing

Who freaking knows All I know is I was with them for three months Me, Alex, and Ed And Scotty, Ed's Guitar tech At Ed's House in Laurel, well, not Laurel Canyon

Oh, with David Cross It's Coldwater Canyon, it's off of Coldwater Canyon. Coldwater, because I lived right down the street from them. And I was friends with Ray Daniels who managed them for a hot minute in the 90s.

One day I'm at home and the phone rings. This is before cell phones. And the phone rings. I answer the phone phones, right? So the phone rings. I answer the phone, and this voice goes, Is this Sass? And I'm like, Yeah, who's this? I can't tell you that, but I just need to know.

Can you come up? I'm going to give you an address. I want you to come here and just sing some stuff. And I'm like, What the fuck? What the fuck is this? Like, shut up. No. Who are you?

Tell me your name. Wouldn't tell me, wouldn't tell me. And I just finally hung up on him. Two seconds later, phone rings again. It's Ray Daniels office going, did Alex just call you? And I'm like, who the fuck is Alex? Some dude just called. Alex Van Halen. They want you to go up. And I'm like, that was

Alex Van Halen. What's with the covert underdog vibes? Underdoggy vibes. What's with that? Well, then I found out later because, I mean, he's just like, he is super spy undercover of the night.

Anyways, but the most wonderful person I loved, I totally love Al. Anyway, so yeah, and that's, and so I ended up going up there and basically what I did, I was their bum boy for about three months because they were publicly on the wagon but privately not and somebody had to buy the booze

wow wow somebody had to buy the beer right because these boys could go they would be like this watch this ass

like and the whole fucking thing down like a frat boy I'm gonna tell you what it was impressive anyway so and we just hung out and talked and babbled and just had a great time.

And they played me some stuff. And I'm like, what am I doing here? Listen, let me speak on behalf of fans everywhere. Okay, so Sammy Hagar leaves Van Halen. And then the guy they end up replacing him is. Gary Sharon. Right, from Extreme. And that did not go well.

It did not end well. You would have been a much wiser choice perhaps but I am the one that responsible for looking at them one day and going you guys aren't actually thinking of having like a female singer in this band are you oh that's not a good move because then they won't pick you because I was horrified the thought of a female singing off for teacher didn't do

it for me back in 19 whenever the hell that was and I couldn't see my and then all I could think of, Mike, was the idea that what if it was a disaster and I for the rest of my flipping life would be considered

the girl, the woman that destroyed Van Halen. I was like, you know, I ain't fucking doing this. It could have been like Yoko Ono. But it could have been the opposite. That's all I could think of so that was the end of that I'm good at that well they made the wrong choice but I'm glad you finally for the record

by the way that sounds like they were auditioning they were because Ray told me Ray said yes of course they were but I told them it was the worst idea they ever had in their entire lives I said so did I so we're on the same page here bro how did you end up as a judge on Canadian Idol? They asked me.

They asked me to audition. They asked me to audition. Sorry, I was like, no, no. Do you happen to know any of the, I'm guessing they had like,

they wanted one person to be, like, I know that the American Idol was modeled after three judges, but you had four. Yeah. And some other countries had more than that. The really weird story is that in 1981,

I lived in Montreal and I had a roommate named Martin Milhewish, who's an author, does all kinds of music stuff. Anyways, Marty was my roommate. One night, Marty comes, he used to hang out. You're not from Montreal at all, so you don't know what I'm talking about. But on Crescent Street, there was this bar that Thursdays, it was called Thursday, infamous place.

Anyways, he comes home, and he's got this young kid in tow, and he was British. Marty was British, is British. This young kid's British. And he goes, Sass, this is Simon. And he has this band called the fucking, I don't remember the easy beats or some crap. That's not the name. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

The something beats. Anyways, or the crocodile. I don't know or some crap. That's not the name. Wrong, wrong, wrong. The Something Beats. Anyways. Or the Crocodile. I don't know. Some shit. And he wants to be a manager. And he brought the band over from England. And they've run out of money.

And they got kicked out of the hotel. And I said they could stay in the basement. Do you mind? I said, of course I don't mind. I mean, I don't give a shit. I'm like 20. Right. Anyways.

So he got all the kids. All young british dudes are all sleeping in the basement for the next like two weeks anyways we're great friends simon goes back to england comes back over hangs out in the basement again goes back to england and then gets hired by this huge management company in the uk is and so he, like three months later, he's a junior manager. Three months later, the artist that he's brought into this fold has a worldwide hit called 19. The song was Paul Hardcastle.

The song was. I know the song very well. Yeah. The average age of the Vietnam soldier was 24 years old, but he was 19. I love that song. That was his artist. So all of a sudden, he's like the big kahuna, right?

Then he finds the Spice Girls, and then he starts this thing called Pop Idol in the UK. His name is Simon Fuller, not Simon the other one. Not Cowell. Not Cowell. This is Simon Fuller. That motherfucker had not one cent, lived in our basement, is Simon Fuller. Not Simon, the other one. Not Cowell. Not Cowell. This is Simon Fuller. Gotcha. That motherfucker

had not one cent, lived in our basement, is now one of the most wealthy people in Europe and is still the sweetest guy in the world.

Anyways, he had nothing to do with me getting hired. That's just a coincidence. It's a coincidence. Isn't that weird? That is so weird. So, okay,

can you name the other judges? Like, do you remember your... On Canadian? On Canadian Idol, yeah. Of course name the other judges? Like, do you remember? On Canadian? On Canadian Idol, yeah. Of course I can. I know.

Farley. Farley Flex. Yeah, Farley Flex. Is he? Okay. Yeah, he managed Maestro Fresh West. That's right, I think. He definitely did. You know, you're the third.

I should point out, you're the third Canadian Idol judge to be on Toronto Mic'd. You bastard. But definitely. You've been cheating on me. You were messing around with John Moore this morning. Who's John Moore to ask you the bodyguard soundtrack question?

You were messing around with the other three fuckers on this show? This is so wrong. Okay, so hold on. Alright, so Farley Flex, I had a great chat with Farley. I really like him. Yes. Okay. So hold on. All right. So Farley Flex, who I had a great chat with. I really like him. He's awesome. I haven't seen him in 15 years.

I'm not lying. I'll reintroduce you guys. You're both FOTMs. He's a great guy. Do you know what FOTM stands for? No. Friend of Toronto Mike. And you're both FOTMs.

Okay. That's so sweet. Also on this program. Jake and Zach. Now, Zach I've never met. But Jake Gold's been on this show. What kind of a person is Jake Gold? I love Jake.

He's like a wonderful, when he's your friend, he's really your friend. Like he'll give you the calls off his back. What if he's not your friend? Then you are a sorry MF. Then I'm glad he's an FOTM. He's an FOTM. I don't know if Farley's listening right now, but I know Jake's listening right now,

so you just make sure you don't say anything you're going to regret, Zach. I didn't. Okay, and Zach, I've never met Zach, but I think he's in the East Coast or something now. Maybe you've lost touch with Zach. Did you get along with Zach? Yeah.

Is that an oil water situation, or were you just... No, he was... He was Zach. Okay. So, Zach Werner. He was exactly Zach. Exactly Zach. But for... And I can't...

Remind me, how many seasons does Canadian Island go? Six. Six. I know. Insanely long. Unbelievable, man. I couldn't believe it lasted six years. But that was...

Six seasons. That's a lot of Canadian television exposure. So you got some coin out of that too. Yes, sir. People are so interested in how much money you make. How much money did you make from Canadian Idol? I don't really know, but a lot. Good. Relative to what I make now.

Well, that could mean anything. Precisely! Now, other than, nowadays when people talk about canadian idol the only name i hear that comes up they talk about carly ray jebson because yeah and melissa o'neill melissa o'neill's like a she's on um the ricky and she did like broadway she's amazing she's my favorite okay cool i mean they also they also i like carly too carly's great sweet human being right right right right right uh can i just play a tiny clip from Canadian Idol?

Is it the fart? No, I'm not. Is there a fart? You farted on Canadian Idol? Oh, my God. No, I did it. Oh, yeah. Ben Mulroney was on Canadian Idol.

Yeah. I love Ben. I thought this was interesting. Canada's very own Ben Ben. So this is a clip of Sloan's Money City Maniac. This is just, I know. I just think it's amazing. What the fuck is this?

I know. No, what is this? Seriously. Yeah. What is it? This is the top eight or something, or top six or something. Top six are just, they're all singing together, like a medley, Money City Maniacs by Sloan on Canadian Idol.

I have zero memory of this. But you don't remember a lot of things. Correct. So that's okay. This is how you stay young. I just think it's amazing that there was a show in this country where they would all get together

and it wouldn't be like, I don't know, a Wade Houston song or whatever, but they're all going to sing a song by Sloane. That's awesome, isn't it? I know. I think that had a lot to do

with the producers as well, though. They were very Canadian-centric as they should have been. It was Canadian Idol after all. uh a couple of quick quick hits here before we get to the rebel moon blues which is actually not by the way rebel moon blues and i'm going to play a track from that in a moment uh is actually not available until march 13th so uh that's coming soon but that's exciting we're gonna talk about then i just gotta ask you because i've been collecting uh blackie and the radio kings so steven fearing and uh well he's the one i'm missing because he doesn't live around here I just got to ask you because I've been collecting Blackie and the Radio Kings so Stephen Fearing

Colin well he's the one I'm missing because he doesn't live around here but Tom Wilson has been on the show I love Tom I recognize that he's such a great, I love that guy I love that guy too, he's coming back on the show because apparently his mother-in-law and his brother-in-law

are diehard fans and they want him back he was texting me the other day so yeah, Tom, that's a voice Apparently his mother-in-law and his brother-in-law are diehard fans and they want him back. So he was texting me the other day. So yeah, Tom. Say hi to Tom. I will. I love Tom.

I can't even imitate Tom. This is too deep. I can't do it. But what was it like working with Colin Linden? Phenomenal. He's an amazing guitar player. He's actually from Montreal too. No, he's not. He lived in Montreal or something like that. I can't remember.

But anyway, yeah. No, he's phenomenal. Love him. Love that guy. Haven't seen him in years either. Makes two of us. Okay. Who's coughing? Oh, that's Steve!

Okay, so Steve's coughing. And I'm laughing like I never do. Well, I went upstairs to pack my leaving truck. I ain't seen no blues whiskey, baby. Sloppy drunk, I ain't never seen no whiskey. Said the blues made me sloppy drunk. Wow. I'm going back to Memphis, baby Where I had much better luck Look how mama, you told me, you asked me Be your king

She said, you're kidding, man, if you want it Keep it here, but please don't let my heart fall My main man, catch you here All right. Talk to me, Sass. Okay, this is leaving trunk from the first cut, actually, from Rebel Moon Blues. Because even though it's not available until March 13th, I have connections. Yeah. And also they put out Am I Wrong? You want to hear?

I can play. Okay. Yeah, please. Yeah, I will dig that up. I want you to tell us what inspired this project, what exactly it is. Talk about Rebel Moon Blues, and I'm going to... Find out.

Rebel Moon Blues happened because I was asked to make a blues record, said no, and then got talked into it by smarter minds than myself. And I realized that it's such a broad genre that you can like half of what I've done before

is pretty much blues but it's blues rock so you take the rock off it and just keep the blues this is what you get do you know what I'm saying? totally totally so I'm like

I'm thrilled with this stuff plus it's bringing just because you call it something different It's amazing how it changes Okay if you were going to Sorry I'm sorry to trample over you I was going to ask you Pick a song from Rebel Moon Blues

You'd like me to play Well what about Am I Wrong And you don't have to play the whole thing This is it. Chris Cadell! Sweet boy Tell me, am I wrong? Holdin' on to you so tight

Tell me, tell me, am I wrong? Holdin' on to you so tight If your other man Come to clean you You better be ready Ready for a long, long fight Well, I gotta be strong Well, I know you're depending on me

So yeah Amazing. Are you going to tour this bluesy stuff? Yes, ma'am. Because right now you're doing some David Bowie stuff? Okay, so what's the Because right now you're doing some David Bowie stuff.

Okay, so what's the Bowie stuff? The Bowie stuff is called a Bowie Celebration, and it's the brainchild or the pet project of Mike Garson, who was Bowie's piano player, his keyboard player, for like 40 years in all sorts of different lineups. And the rest of the band are all alumni of different lineups of bands that Bowie had. So it's really, really cool. And I mean, that catalog, it's undeniable. I mean, it's just phenomenal. I grew up, well, I really got it. Like when I was 13, 14 years old,

very first show I ever saw, concert I ever saw live was Bowie's Diamond Dogs. And he was just such a huge inspiration, I'll say, rather than influence. Because my music isn't very Bowie-ish. But, well, maybe some of it. But you know what I mean? Sure. He made it okay to feel different to me. So is there going to be a Sass Jordan tour?

Yeah. Well, actually, we're doing the blues stuff in the Netherlands in May. We've got a week we're doing in the Netherlands in May. And right now, my fabulous agents are working on any kind of stuff that we can do. We've got a show in Buffalo, I think. Then there's a show. But I want to do like a whole bunch together. So that's what we're trying to do.

String them all up. No, cool. Now, what was the jam you wanted me to play from YouTube? Okay. So the song is called. So the band. So it's going to be Something Unto Nothing. Such a silly name i know but something unto

nothing and you could do does it have burned is the is the song burned on there or no yes indeedy miss tweety in squeedy. I just realized, I just realized that. Something Unto Nothing is Sun. I'm so smart. Now you're really smart. Do you know how many bands are called Sun? Can we discuss? Anyway, so yeah.

Okay, so. There's a lot of cool shit on this. Okay, and this song's called Burned. But you can't get this record. This is way out of print The best you can do is YouTube Go to YouTube like I just did Sass, how was this experience for you?

What? Which one? The 90 minutes we just spent together Right now, shooting the shite That was 90 minutes? Close, I think Felt like 15 Let's just keep going That was amazing 90 minutes? Close, I think. I think so. Felt like 15. Let's just keep going.

That was amazing. I had a blast. I loved it. I loved it. So much fun. Found out shit about myself I didn't even know. Did you ever play with Lowest of the Low? No.

No, I only ask because... What is that? Is it a band? It's a Toronto band. You know, I... Is this them? This is them. I like it. This is Rosie and Gray,

and I've closed every, all 588 episodes with this song. 588? Do you have any tattoos? And you're just now getting to me? I thought you were out of my range. I thought you were too big a star. Do you have any tattoos?

Right. No. Okay. I want you to get a 588 tattoo. Just to commemorate this. Why don't you get any tattoos? Right. No. Okay. I want you to get a 588 tattoo. Just to commemorate this. Why don't you get a 6? 6, 6, 6. Then you'd have to come back.

Would you come back for episode 6, 6, 6? I will. I will. Because we are. We're in the belly of the beast. And we're about to be born. And that brings us to the end of our 588th show. You can follow me

on Twitter. I'm at Toronto Mike. Sass, you're at Sass Jordan. Did you know that? How boring is that? Montreal's ass! Our friends at Great Lakes Brewery are at Great Lakes Beer. Palma Pasta's at Palma Pasta. Sticker U is at

Sticker U. The Keitner group are at the Keitner group and the Keitner group is K-E-I-T-N-E-R for Keitner. Banjo dunk is at banjo dunk with a C. Thank you,

Sass. That was amazing. Had a blast. High five. See you all next week. Ciao. See you all next week. Ciao! This podcast has been produced by TMDS and accelerated by Rome Phone. Rome Phone brings you the most reliable virtual phone service to run your business

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