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The Watchmen (band)
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The Watchmen are a Canadian rock band. They were one of the most commercially successful bands in Canada in the mid to late 1990s. During their peak years, the band had one platinum record (In the Trees) and three more gold records (McLaren Furnace Room, Silent Radar,[1] and Slomotion). The band has toured Canada a number of times, were the opening act for The Tragically Hip, and co-headlined a national tour with Big Wreck.
Key Information
History
[edit]The Watchmen first came together in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1988. Founding members were Daniel Greaves, Joey Serlin, Sammy Kohn, and Pete Loewen.[2] After performing together for several years, they released their debut album, McLaren Furnace Room, in 1992.[3]
In 1994, Loewen left the band and was replaced by Ken Tizzard. That same year, the band released their second album, In the Trees. The album was certified Platinum in Canada and is the band's most successful album to date.
The band released the albums Brand New Day and Silent Radar in 1996 and 1998, respectively.
In 1999, the band performed as part of Humble & Fred Fest at Fort York in Toronto.[4] Kohn had left the band when they recorded their 2001 album Slomotion; the percussion tracks were created electronically.[5][6] A single from the album, "Absolutely Anytime" was in the Top Ten on the Canadian charts for several weeks.[7] While touring to support the album, the band took on drummer Ryan Ahoff.[8]
In 2003, the Watchmen announced their farewell tour and their intention to disband.[9] They returned to Winnipeg to perform at a fundraiser for the Israel national bobsleigh team.[10]
In 2010, the Watchmen came together for a reunion show at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto.[11] They have since continued to perform occasional shows across Canada. In May 2023, Daniel Greaves and Joey Serlin (working as Serlin Greaves) released an album entitled Sad Songs For Sale.
The Watchmen are members of the Canadian charity Artists Against Racism.[12]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Year | Title | Peak chart positions | Certifications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAN [13][14] |
AUS [15] |
CAN [16] | ||
| 1992 | McLaren Furnace Room | – | – | Gold |
| 1994 | In the Trees | 32 | – | Platinum |
| 1996 | Brand New Day | 37 | – | |
| 1998 | Silent Radar | 28 | 68 | Gold |
| 2001 | Slomotion | 6 | – | Gold |
Live albums
[edit]- Live Radar (1998)
- Last Road Trip Download Series (2004)
- Live and in Stereo (2017)
Singles
[edit]| Year | Title | Peak Chart Position | Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAN [17] |
CAN Alt [18] |
CAN Content (Cancon) [19] |
AUS [15] | |||
| 1992 | "Cracked" | 87 | – | 2 | – | McLaren Furnace Room |
| "Run and Hide" | – | – | – | – | ||
| 1993 | "Must to Be Free" | – | – | 8 | – | |
| 1994 | "Boneyard Tree" | 29 | – | – | – | In the Trees |
| "Wiser" | 74 | – | – | – | ||
| "All Uncovered" | 23 | – | 5 | – | ||
| 1995 | "Lusitana" | 65 | – | – | – | |
| 1996 | "Incarnate" | 26 | 10 | – | – | Brand New Day |
| "Shut Up" | 48 | – | – | – | ||
| "Zoom" | – | 24 | – | – | ||
| 1998 | "Stereo" | – | 5 | – | 51 | Silent Radar |
| "Any Day Now" | 39 | 3 | – | – | ||
| "Say Something" | 45 | – | – | – | ||
| 1999 | "Brighter Hell" | – | – | – | – | |
| 2001 | "Absolutely Anytime" | – | – | – | – | Slomotion |
| 2002 | "Holiday (Slow It Down)" | – | – | – | – | |
| "Slomotion" | – | – | – | – | ||
References
[edit]- ^ Bettsy Powell (16 January 1999). "There's no place like home". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. pp. and 58. ISSN 0006-2510.
- ^ "The Watchmen: Hi-tech, Lo-hype". Chart Attack, May 31, 1999. by Sarah Chauncey
- ^ "Go Canada: My list of the greatest Canadian bands to never win a Juno". By Dean Pilling, Calgary Sun, April 01, 2016.
- ^ "Live Reviews: Humble & Fred Fest August 28, 1999 Historic Fort York, Toronto". Chart Attack, Howard Druckman, August 28, 1999
- ^ "CD REVIEWS: The Charlatans UK, Spiritualized, The Watchmen and many more". Chart Attack, September 25, 2001
- ^ "Watchmen release innovative collection". UWO Gazette, Volume 95, Issue 25 October 17, 2001
- ^ "The Watchmen Cometh". Chilliwack Progress, December 7, 2001. Page 34
- ^ "Butt-rocking show". IAN NATHANSON -- Ottawa Sun, Sep 7, 2004
- ^ "The Watchmen Pack It In, Look Towards New Projects". Chart Attack, Nov 17, 2003
- ^ "Watchmen rock for Israeli bobsled team". Winnipeg Free Press, 09/25/2003
- ^ "Concert Review:The Watchmen with Birds of Wales". Panic Manual, September 25, 2010
- ^ "Artists - Artists Against Racism".
- ^ "The Watchmen Top Albums/CDs positions". RPM. Retrieved 2011-03-18.
- ^ "THE WATCHMEN CHART HISTORY". Billboard. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
- ^ a b Australian chart peaks:
- Top 100 peaks to December 2010: Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 297.
- "Stereo": "ariaNET The Chart! Top 100 Singles – Week Commencing 5th April 1999". Retrieved 2016-09-13 – via Imgur.com (original document published by ARIA).
- ^ "Gold/Platinum". Music Canada. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
- ^ "The Watchmen Top Singles positions". RPM. Retrieved 2011-11-20.
- ^ "The Watchmen Rock/Alternative positions". RPM. Retrieved 2011-11-20.
- ^ "The Watchmen Canadian Content positions". RPM. Retrieved 2011-11-20.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- AllMusic Guide page
- The Watchmen discography at Discogs
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
The Watchmen (band)
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Formation and early career
The Watchmen were formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1988 by vocalist Daniel Greaves, guitarist Joey Serlin, bassist Pete Loewen, and drummer Sammy Kohn, Greaves' first cousin.[1] The band drew its name from the DC Comics graphic novel Watchmen and quickly began performing in the vibrant local music scene, sharing stages with acts like the Tragically Hip at venues such as Le Rendez-Vous.[4] These early gigs helped build a grassroots following amid Winnipeg's thriving alternative rock community.[5] Seeking greater opportunities, the band relocated to Toronto in 1990, where they continued honing their sound through club performances, including sold-out shows at the Horseshoe Tavern.[2] After producing independent demos that caught the attention of producer Chris Wardman, the group secured a distribution deal with MCA Records Canada in 1992 via Wardman's Sumo Productions.[6] The band's debut album, McLaren Furnace Room—named after a rehearsal space in a Winnipeg McLaren dealership—was released that same year and marked their entry into the national market.[2] It achieved Gold certification in Canada by the Canadian Recording Industry Association in 1996, selling over 50,000 copies. Initial singles such as "Cracked" gained early radio airplay on Canadian stations, followed by the socially conscious track "Run & Hide," an anti-spousal abuse anthem that broadened their exposure.[2] In 1993, bassist Pete Loewen departed amicably to focus on family life, prompting manager Jake Gold to recruit Ken Tizzard, a Newfoundland native and former member of the band Abe, as his replacement.[2] This lineup change shifted the band's songwriting dynamic toward greater collaboration among Greaves, Serlin, and Tizzard while maintaining their core alternative rock energy.[7]Rise to prominence
The Watchmen's rise to prominence began with the release and subsequent promotion of their second studio album, In the Trees, in 1994, which achieved Platinum certification in Canada by selling over 100,000 copies.[2][8] The album's lead single, "Boneyard Tree," along with "All Uncovered" and "Lusitana," received significant airplay on MuchMusic, helping to establish the band within Canada's burgeoning mid-1990s alternative rock scene.[2] This breakthrough propelled the band into extensive national touring, solidifying a dedicated fanbase through high-energy live performances that showcased their dynamic blend of rock and introspective songwriting.[9] Building on this momentum, the band signed with EMI Music Canada and released Silent Radar in March 1998, produced by Adam Kasper, which earned Gold certification for sales exceeding 50,000 units.[10] Hit singles such as "Stereo," "Any Day Now," "Brighter Hell," and "Say Something" dominated MuchMusic rotation, contributing to the album's commercial success and earning the band a MuchMusic Video Award for best use of new technology.[2] The album's promotion included rigorous Canadian tours and an international stint in Australia in 1999, where they shared stages with acts like The Screaming Jets and appeared on ABC-TV's Recovery, further expanding their audience.[2] That year, they also headlined events like the Humble & Fred Fest at Toronto's Historic Fort York, drawing large crowds and reinforcing their status as a staple of Canadian rock festivals.[11] The band's peak continued with the 2001 release of Slomotion, their fifth studio album, which incorporated experimental electronic elements and was certified Gold in Canada.[12] Singles including "Absolutely Anytime," "Holiday," and the title track received radio play, though the album's dual-disc format—pairing new material with a greatest hits collection—reflected a transitional phase amid industry shifts toward digital formats.[2] By this point, the Watchmen had sold over 250,000 albums through certifications alone, cultivating a strong Canadian following in the alternative rock landscape.[13] However, internal changes, including drummer Sammy Kohn's departure after the Silent Radar tour to pursue opportunities in the music industry, began to strain the lineup, with percussion on Slomotion handled electronically and by new drummer Ryan Ahoff, signaling reduced activity ahead.[2]Hiatus and reunions
Following the release of their 2001 album Slomotion and its supporting tour, The Watchmen officially disbanded in November 2003, citing creative differences and personal exhaustion after over a decade of intense touring and recording.[2] Band members pursued individual paths, with guitarist Joey Serlin venturing into acting roles in films such as Fugitives Run (2005) and Mad Shadows (2003), while also establishing himself as a music producer and executive at Vapor Music Group.[14][15] Vocalist Daniel Greaves focused on production work and solo endeavors, including collaborations and venue ownership in Toronto.[16][17] The band staged a brief reunion in fall 2008 with their classic lineup—Greaves, Serlin, bassist Ken Tizzard, and keyboardist Sammy Kohn—for a short tour of select Canadian dates, marking their first performances together since the breakup.[2] This one-off effort was prompted by Kohn's initiative and served as a nostalgic return without plans for new material, though the band followed with new singles "Trampoline" and "Miss Monday Morning" in 2009. A more formal full-band reunion occurred in 2010 to celebrate the release of the documentary DVD All Uncovered: The Watchmen, featuring anniversary shows in Toronto and Winnipeg that sold out quickly and reignited fan interest.[2][18] These events led to occasional live performances thereafter, maintaining the band's presence through sporadic gigs rather than a permanent comeback. In 2014, the band released the career-spanning book Uncovered: The Story of the Watchmen. In 2021, Serlin and Greaves released their collaborative side project album Sad Songs for Sale under the moniker Serlin Greaves, blending introspective lyrics with elements of the Watchmen's alternative rock sound alongside fresh compositions focused on mental health themes.[19] The duo's work highlighted ongoing creative synergy between the pair, though it remained separate from full Watchmen activities. Recent years have seen continued intermittent touring, including a headline performance at the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival's Montebello Rocks event on September 25, 2025, alongside Lowest of the Low; a show at Toronto's Danforth Music Hall on June 14, 2025, following a postponement from November 2024 due to health issues within the band; and a performance at the Grey Cup Festival in Winnipeg on November 13, 2025.[20][21][22] As of November 2025, The Watchmen remain active on a part-time basis, with upcoming dates such as a co-bill with The Trews and Skydiggers in Niagara Falls on January 15, 2026; the band has released new merchandise through their official site but announced no plans for a new full-group studio album.[22][23]Band members
Current members
The current lineup of The Watchmen consists of the four core members who reunited in 2008 and have maintained stability through ongoing activities as of November 2025.[6][2] Daniel Greaves serves as lead vocals and keyboards, a role he has held since the band's formation in 1988. He is recognized for his songwriting contributions and also plays harmonica.[6] Joey Serlin plays guitar and provides backing vocals, having been a member since 1988. He is noted for his charismatic stage presence and co-leading the songwriting process.[6] Ken Tizzard handles bass and vocals, joining in 1993 and becoming a long-term member. He delivers harmony vocals and has co-written several songs.[6][2] Sammy Kohn plays drums, having joined around 1992 and remaining through the band's reunions. He departed temporarily after 1998 but returned in 2008.[24][2] This configuration supports the band's tour schedule across Canada as of November 2025, with no reported personnel changes.[22]Former members
The Watchmen's original lineup included drummer Grant Page, who served from the band's formation in 1988 until early 1992, prior to the recording of their debut album McLaren Furnace Room. His departure occurred during a transitional period for the group as they prepared for their first major release.[25] Bassist Pete Loewen was a founding member, contributing from 1988 to 1993. He left the band amicably following the release of McLaren Furnace Room to spend more time with his family. Loewen's exit facilitated the recruitment of Ken Tizzard on bass, which solidified the band's core quartet lineup moving forward.[2] The band has occasionally employed touring and session musicians, such as auxiliary drummer Ryan Ahoff during the early 2000s, including the Slomotion tour and select reunions, though no other permanent members have departed.[2]Musical style and influences
Genre and sound
The Watchmen are primarily known as a Canadian alternative rock band, incorporating post-grunge and pop rock elements that blend muscular riffs with melodic hooks.[26][27] Their sound draws from the 1990s Seattle grunge scene, evident in the raw energy and guitar-driven intensity that permeates their work, particularly on albums produced in that milieu.[28][2] The band's debut album, McLaren Furnace Room (1992), features a raw and energetic style with harder-edged alternative rock leaning into pop-folk undertones, establishing their early foundation in unpolished, live-wire performances.[29] Over the 1990s, their sound evolved toward a more polished, radio-friendly production, as heard on Silent Radar (1998), where layered guitars and vocal harmonies create accessible yet dynamic textures influenced by grunge's brooding aesthetics.[2][30] This shift emphasized catchy hooks that propelled singles like "Stereo" to commercial success.[28] Instrumentally, The Watchmen's hallmark is Joey Serlin's prominent guitar work, delivering incisive riffs and textures that anchor their alternative rock core, complemented by Ken Tizzard's driving bass lines that provide rhythmic depth and groove.[31] Sammy Kohn's dynamic drumming adds propulsion and intensity, evolving from straightforward patterns in early recordings to more nuanced contributions in later albums.[2][32] Production techniques transitioned from analog warmth in their initial releases to digital effects and programming in the late 1990s and beyond, enhancing clarity and incorporating subtle electronica elements while maintaining an emphasis on hook-laden arrangements.[2] This evolution allowed the band to retain their rock essence amid changing industry trends, with Silent Radar—recorded at Seattle's Studio Litho—exemplifying the blend of traditional instrumentation and modern polish.[28]Songwriting and themes
The Watchmen's songwriting process evolved from being primarily the domain of guitarist and vocalist Joey Serlin in the band's early years to a more collaborative effort following the addition of bassist Ken Tizzard in 1993. Thereafter, the majority of songs became group compositions, with Serlin and vocalist/keyboardist Daniel Greaves sharing lyric-writing responsibilities.[2] Lyrically, the band's work frequently delves into themes of relationships, introspection, sorrow, and redemption, delivered through reflective and narrative-driven storytelling that captures everyday struggles. Songs like "Boneyard Tree" exemplify this approach, portraying the haunting loss and heartbreak of a failed romance, where the narrator grapples with memories of betrayal and emotional abandonment.[33][34] Vocally, the band employs a dynamic interplay, with Greaves providing vulnerable and genuine lead performances that convey emotional depth, often supported by Serlin's raw, emotive contributions on select tracks. This combination, along with their harmonies, fosters a layered and anthemic quality in the delivery.[35] These thematic elements draw from the members' personal experiences shaped by their Winnipeg upbringing and the broader 1990s Canadian alternative rock landscape, including frequent tours opening for contemporaries like The Tragically Hip.[36]Discography
Studio albums
The Watchmen's discography includes five studio albums, released between 1992 and 2001, each showcasing their evolution from raw alternative rock to more polished, introspective sounds. These records achieved varying commercial success in Canada, with certifications reflecting their domestic popularity during the 1990s alternative rock boom. While the band has not released a full-group studio album since 2001, members Joey Serlin and Daniel Greaves issued the duo project Serlin Greaves in 2021, featuring original material outside the band's core lineup.[37][6][38] The band's debut album, McLaren Furnace Room, was independently released in Canada on June 1, 1992, via SUMO Productions, with a wider MCA Records distribution following in 1993. Featuring 12 tracks, including "Cracked" and "Run & Hide," the album captured the group's early energetic alternative rock style, drawing from post-grunge and roots influences with dynamic guitar riffs and urgent vocals. It earned Gold certification from Music Canada on March 6, 1996, for sales exceeding 50,000 units, marking their breakthrough in the Canadian market. Early singles like "Cracked" and "Run & Hide" marked breakthroughs on Canadian college radio.[39][40][41] In 1994, In the Trees became the band's commercial pinnacle, released on July 26 via MCA Records with 12 tracks such as "Boneyard Tree" and "All Uncovered." Produced by Mr. Colson, the album refined their sound with layered melodies and introspective lyrics, blending alternative rock with folk-tinged elements. It achieved Platinum certification from Music Canada on May 31, 1995, surpassing 100,000 units sold, and propelled singles like "Boneyard Tree" to heavy rotation on MuchMusic, solidifying their rise in Canadian rock.[42][6][43] The third album, Brand New Day, arrived on September 17, 1996, also on MCA, comprising 12 tracks including "Zoom" and "Incarnate." This release experimented with brighter pop-rock arrangements and electronic touches, reflecting a more accessible evolution amid shifting industry trends toward electronica-infused alt-rock. Unlike prior efforts, it did not receive Gold or Platinum certification, though it maintained fan support and charted modestly in Canada.[44][45] Silent Radar, released on March 31, 1998, via EMI Music Canada, featured 12 tracks like "Stereo" and "Any Day Now," fusing grunge-inspired grit with pop hooks for a radio-friendly edge. The album's production by Adam Kasper emphasized rhythmic drive and emotional depth, contributing to its success on MuchMusic and Canadian airwaves. It was certified Gold by Music Canada on July 30, 1998, for over 50,000 copies sold.[31][46][28] The final full-band studio album, Slomotion, emerged on October 9, 2001, through EMI, structured as a double-disc set with 10 new tracks on the first disc—such as "Slomotion" and "Soft Parade"—paired with a greatest-hits collection on the second. Reflecting a mature, laid-back sound influenced by the post-grunge decline and personal shifts, it incorporated slower tempos and reflective themes amid a contracting music industry. The new material earned Gold certification from Music Canada on October 16, 2001.[47][48][49]Singles
The Watchmen achieved significant success on Canadian radio and charts through a series of singles released between 1992 and 2001, with a focus on alternative rock airplay. The band issued approximately 15 singles during this period, many of which promoted their studio albums and garnered heavy rotation on stations like those tracked by RPM and MuchMusic. These releases emphasized the band's melodic, guitar-driven sound and helped establish them as a staple of 1990s Canadian rock radio.[6][2] Subsequent singles from In the Trees (1994) solidified their presence, including "Boneyard Tree," which peaked at #29 on the RPM100 Hit Tracks chart and received strong rock radio support. "All Uncovered" and "Lusitana" also charted modestly, with "All Uncovered" reaching #23 on RPM100 Hit Tracks, contributing to the album's promotion during extensive Canadian tours. These tracks highlighted the band's rootsy, introspective songwriting and were key to their rising popularity in the mid-1990s.[50][6] The 1996 album Brand New Day yielded singles like "Incarnate," which peaked at #26 on RPM100 Hit Tracks and #10 on the RPM CanRock chart, and "Shut Up," further boosting airplay. The band's commercial peak came with Silent Radar (1998), producing multiple hits: "Stereo" reached #5 on the RPM Alternative 30 chart and #24 on all-time Canadian rock radio lists, while its music video earned heavy rotation on MuchMusic. "Any Day Now" followed, peaking at #39 on the RPM Singles chart and charting at #29 on MuchMusic's weekly countdown, with the video nominated for a MuchMusic Video Award. "Say Something" and "Brighter Hell" also saw notable promotion, reinforcing the album's gold status in Canada.[51][52][53] The final studio album, Slomotion (2001), featured "Absolutely Anytime" and "Born Broken" as promotional singles, with "Absolutely Anytime" entering the top 10 on Canadian charts for several weeks and supporting the album's dual-disc format of new material and greatest hits. These releases marked the end of the band's active single output during their initial run. Following reunions in the 2010s, the Watchmen have not issued new singles but have included re-releases and live versions of classics like "Stereo" for anniversary editions and tours.[2][6]| Single | Year | Album | Notable Chart Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boneyard Tree | 1994 | In the Trees | #29 RPM100 Hit Tracks[50] |
| All Uncovered | 1994 | In the Trees | #23 RPM100 Hit Tracks[50] |
| Incarnate | 1996 | Brand New Day | #26 RPM100 Hit Tracks, #10 RPM CanRock |
| Stereo | 1998 | Silent Radar | #5 RPM Alternative 30, #24 All-Time Canadian Rock Radio[51][52] |
| Any Day Now | 1998 | Silent Radar | #39 RPM Singles, #29 MuchMusic Weekly[53] |
| Absolutely Anytime | 2001 | Slomotion | Top 10 Canadian Charts[6] |