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The Trews
The Trews
The Trews
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The Trews are a Canadian rock band from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, consisting of vocalist Colin MacDonald, guitarist John-Angus MacDonald, bassist Jack Syperek, and drummer Theo Mckibbon. The band is currently based in Hamilton, Ontario. From their formation in 1997 to 2016, The Trews were among the top 150 best-selling Canadian artists in Canada and among the top 40 best-selling Canadian bands in Canada.[1]

Key Information

History

[edit]

The band started their career with the name One I'd Trouser, a line taken from a song in Monty Python's The Meaning of Life. They changed their name to Trouser and eventually changed their name to The Trews. They released an EP as One I'd Trouser, and a second EP under the name The Trews.

In the early summer of 2002 the band entered Rocksearch, a high-profile contest that is held annually by CHTZ-FM, a St. Catharines rock radio station. Winning the contest would prove to be their big break as they soon landed a recording contract with Bumstead Productions.

Trews bassist Jack Syperek with guitarist John-Angus MacDonald, 2005

The release of their first full-length CD House of Ill Fame followed in 2003. Produced by Big Sugar's Gordie Johnson, the album contained the singles "Every Inambition", "Not Ready to Go", "Tired of Waiting", "Fleeting Trust" and "Confessions". "Not Ready to Go" hit number one on Canadian rock radio and was the most played song of 2004 in that format. The band was nominated as New Group of the Year at the 2004 Juno Awards and "Not Ready to Go" was nominated as Single of the Year in 2005.[2] House Of Ill Fame has been certified platinum in Canada. It was re-released with a bonus live album called The Live Cut which featured live versions of songs taken from the album.

The song "Hollis and Morris" on their first album, refers to an intersection in the city of Halifax and not an intersection in Antigonish as previously speculated. The band has mentioned during concerts and in interviews that the corner of Hollis and Morris is notorious for prostitution.[3]

The band released a follow-up to House of Ill Fame on August 16, 2005. The album, Den of Thieves, was produced by legendary producer Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, John Lennon, New York Dolls). The first single, "So She's Leaving", was released to radio June 28, 2005 and was followed by the singles "Yearning", which was their second single to reach number 1, "Poor Ol' Broken Hearted Me", and "I Can't Say". In the summer of 2005 the band was invited to share the stage with the Rolling Stones at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto as part of the Stones' Bigger Bang Tour. In fall of the same year they were invited to open for Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant on his cross-Canada arena tour. Den of Thieves was certified Canadian Gold in April 2006. The album was released 18 April 2006 in the United States on Red Ink and Sony BMG.

The Trews were nominated in the Best New Band category in Classic Rock magazine's 2007 Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards. Issue #104 of the magazine (the April 2007 edition) also included a four-track promotional EP entitled Out of the Past, Into the Dark.[4]

The Trews' third album, No Time for Later, was released in February 2008. The first single, "Hold Me in Your Arms", was made available on 25 November 2007. It premiered at the 2007 Grey Cup pre-game show and was immediately released on iTunes; the video for the song eventually went to number one on MuchMusic for a week in April 2008. In early 2009, "Hold Me in Your Arms" won in The 8th Annual Independent Music Awards (US) for Best Hard Rock/Metal Song.[5] A bonus song called "Long Way from Freedom" was included with the single but was not released on the album. "Hold Me in Your Arms" went on to spend 22 weeks in the top ten at rock radio in Canada and in May 2010 was certified Canadian gold the commemorate the sales of over 20,000 digital downloads. In early February 2008, the band added keyboardist Jeff Heisholt to their live lineup. The second single from No Time for Later was "Paranoid Freak", the video for which was released in May and went straight into rotation on MuchMusic. The third single, a ballad called "Man Of Two Minds", was released September 8, 2008 and the video reached number one on MuchMusic sister station MuchMoreMusic. The fourth single, "Can't Stop Laughing", was sent to radio in January 2009 with a video that followed in April and became the band's tenth single to enter the top ten at Canadian rock radio. The band was nominated for two Juno Awards in 2009, Album of the Year (for No Time for Later) and Group of the Year.

No Time for Later was released in the United States on April 7, 2009, on Merovingian Music. The first single "Paranoid Freak" was sent to radio a few weeks prior to its release and was added in heavy rotation at Sirius Satellite Radio's Alt. Nation. The second single in the US was "Hold Me In Your Arms" and garnered significant play at Active Rock.

Their second live album, Acoustic - Friends & Total Strangers, released Oct. 6, 2009, was an acoustic session recorded over two nights at Toronto's Glenn Gould Studio in January 2009 for a live audience. It was released without any edits or overdubs and was produced by the band's guitarist John Angus MacDonald. There is also a 23-song DVD of the same name available which captures the second nights performance in its entirety as well as candid interviews with the band. The release earned the band their fifth Juno nomination for DVD of the year in 2010. The album's only single, "Sing Your Heart Out", a new song written specifically for the performances, won Best AAA/Alternative Song at the 2010 International Acoustic Music Awards (US).

Following Acoustic - Friends & Total Strangers the band released the single "Highway Of Heroes". It was inspired by the 2006 death of Capt. Nichola Goddard, the first Canadian female soldier killed in Afghanistan and a schoolmate of members of the Trews. It refers to the stretch of Highway 401 in Ontario, between CFB Trenton and downtown Toronto, where hundreds gather on bridges and overpasses to mourn soldiers killed in Afghanistan while the bodies of the fallen soldiers are transported from Trenton to the coroner's office in downtown Toronto. The song was made available on iTunes in Canada only, with all proceeds from the sales of the song going to the Canadian Hero Fund, a charity that provides academic scholarships to the spouses and children of soldiers killed in combat. In October 2014 "Highway of Heroes" was certified Gold in Canada for sales of over 40,000 digital downloads.[6]

In November 2010, the band performed the Canadian National anthem at the 98th Grey Cup in Edmonton.

The band's fourth studio album, Hope & Ruin was released on April 12, 2011. The album was co-produced by John-Angus MacDonald and the Tragically Hip's Gord Sinclair and was recorded at the Hip's own Bathouse Studio in Bath, Ontario. The album was mixed by Canadian engineer/mixer Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Franz Ferdinand, Aerosmith, Mother Mother). The first single "Hope and Ruin" entered the top ten at Canadian rock radio within 3 weeks of its release. The video for Hope and Ruin received significant play on MuchMoreMusic. The second single and video from the album, "The World, I Know", received significant play and is the 12th single to enter the top 10 at rock radio in Canada. The third single from Hope and Ruin was "Misery Loves Company" which climbed to No. 6 on the rock charts making it the band's 13th top ten rock single. Hope & Ruin was released in Australia with first single "Hope & Ruin" receiving heavy airplay on Australian rock radio chain triple M; the band toured the continent three times during the album cycle. Hope & Ruin was also released in the United Kingdom, with "The World, I Know" acknowledged in the Top Songs of 2011 by Classic Rock Magazine. The band toured the UK and the USA heavily during this time. In August 2012 the band supported Bruce Springsteen at Magnetic Hill outside of Moncton, New Brunswick. They were invited by Bruce to join him in his encore for a 10-minute rendition of "Twist and Shout".

On November 6, 2012, the band issued a 7-song EP entitled ...Thank You and I'm Sorry. Co-produced by John-Angus MacDonald and Gordie Johnson, the EP features guest appearances by The Black Crowes' Rich Robinson as well as ex-Black Crowes Eddie Harsch. Ian McLagan of Small Faces and the Faces also makes an appearance. The EP's first single "The Power of Positive Drinking" received extensive airplay across Canada reaching number 1 on the CBC rock chart the week of December 7, 2012.

In April 2014 the band released its 5th full-length studio album eponymously titled The Trews. It was the band's highest charting debut to date reaching No. 1 on the Rock, Alternative and Independent Album Charts and #3 on the overall chart in Canada. The album's first single "What's Fair is Fair" reached No. 2 on the Canadian Active Rock radio chart and its video received heavy play on MUCH, MUCHMORE and MUCH LOUD. The album's second and third singles "Rise in the Wake" & "New King" also reached the top ten at Canadian Rock Radio bringing the total to 16 top ten Active Rock hits. In the August 2014 edition of the UK's Classic Rock Magazine (issue #201), 90,000 copies of "The Trews" were distributed free with the magazine; the issue featured Slash on its cover. In September 2014 the band took part in the first ever CapeFest in Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia along with Slash and Aerosmith.

In September 2016 the band released "Time Capsule", a 20-song album that included 16 of their greatest hits as well as 4 brand new recordings. The album's first single "Beautiful & Tragic" peaked in the top 5 on Canadian Rock Radio and became the band's 17th top ten rock radio single of their career. In support of the album they launched a Canadian tour in the fall of 2016 and joined Weezer on tour in the spring of 2017.

On March 16, 2018, the band released "the New US" to radio as the first single from their forthcoming album. The song stirred up some controversy with its political lyrics that took aim at the madness of Trump's America. A second radio single, "Vintage Love", was released on June 22 and became the band's 18th single to chart top ten at active rock radio in Canada. A bonus track from the album entitled "Bar Star" was also released on July 29. The album, entitled 'Civilianaires', was released on September 14, 2018, to great critical and commercial success. It debuted number 1 on the Alternative Album charts in Canada, number 3 on the Digital Current chart and number 6 over all on the Current Album Chart. The band announced that they would be supporting the album with tours in the states in the fall of 2018 and Canada in early 2019. 'Civilianaires' was nominated Rock Album of the Year at the 2019 Juno awards. This was the band's sixth Juno nomination to date.

In September 2019, with no announcements or fanfare, the Trews released “Touch”, a song they had recorded earlier that spring with 'Civilianaires' producer Derek Hoffman. The video was shot in one day and was directed by John-Angus MacDonald; it is a single-shot from beginning to end, only their second video to be shot in this format. The second song from that session, “God Speed Rebel”, was released in April 2020 during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The band recorded the video using Zoom video chatting technology, one of the first groups to do so, and all proceeds from the song, including views on YouTube and streams on Spotify and Apple Music, go to the Unison Benevolent fund, a Canadian arts charity that supports musicians and those in the music industry in times of emergency. The band also canvassed for videos from their fans of them lip-syncing along with the song, and created another version of the video that was released with the title “Stay Home Rebel”.

In April 2021, the Trews released the single "I Wanna Play," a song inspired partly by the COVID-19 pandemic.[7] The music video featured an appearance by photographer and musician Bob Lanois and was filmed shortly before his sudden death.[7] "I Wanna Play" ended up charting in the top ten at rock radio in Canada, becoming their 19th single to do so. In the fall of 2021, the band released its seventh full-length studio album "Wanderer", composed mostly of songs that were written and recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lock downs. The album featured production work from Derek Hoffman, Eric Ratz, Rich Robinson (of the Black Crowes) and John-Angus MacDonald. The band spent the better part of the following two years getting back out on the road post lock down, and to promote "Wanderer", with tours of Canada and the U.S. which included many headlining dates as well as support slots for the Black Crowes, Stone Temple Pilots and Mumford and Sons. In the summer of 2023 the band released a one-off single called "Peace Jam" which was produced by the band and Mark Howard. The song was inspired by the recent turmoil of global events.

In late 2023, the band celebrated the 20th anniversary of its debut album, "House of Ill Fame", with the release of a 20th anniversary deluxe box of the album set that included 20 bonus tracks as well as a vinyl version of "the Live Cut" and a 20-page book. In early 2024, the band toured Canada playing "House Of Ill Fame" in its entirety for the first time ever.

In the summer of 2024, the three principle members of the band were invited to perform "Highway of Heroes" on Juno Beach in Normandy, France, for the 80th anniversary of the D-day invasions. The performance was broadcast live around the world and audience members in attendance included Prince William, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, among others.

The band spent much of the summer and fall of 2024 in the studio completing work on their eighth studio album. In February 2025 the band released "The Bloody Light" and followed that up one month later with the radio single "The Breakdown", which went to number 1 at Canadian radio, becoming the bands 3rd number one single on that format.

The band announced that their eighth studio album, The Bloody Light, set to release in the fall of 2025, and was co-produced with Brett and Jay Emmons of the Glorious Sons.[8]

Dalton's departure

[edit]

On 14 July 2015, drummer Sean Dalton stepped down from the band sending this message to fans via email:

"To all the hard core Trewbadours out there: Well what can I say folks its been an amazing run. The years playing with the Trews have been best years of my life. Countless hours in the jam space and playing thousands of live shows all over the world have shaped me as a musician, and playing with such great guys has made me a better human being. I will miss it very much.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, I've decided to step down from the drum throne. Nothing weird goin' on here folks...just time to do what's best for me and the family. I wish the Trews nothing but the best, and was so fortunate to play with the best friggin' band in the country. I'll be hanging with you all in the crowd at the next show."

Gavin Maguire took over as the band's drummer. In November 2023, Theo Mckibbon replaced Chris Gromley as the band's drummer.[9]

Dalton has since taught music.[10] In 2024 he had his first major acting role as the lead character in Nik Sexton's theatrical film Skeet,[11] for which he received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Lead Performance in a Drama Film at the 13th Canadian Screen Awards in 2025.[12]

Discography

[edit]
Colin MacDonald performing in Calgary, 2006

Studio albums

[edit]
Year Title Peak chart positions Certifications
CAN
[13] 		CAN
[14]
2003 House of Ill Fame — Platinum
2005 Den of Thieves 6 Gold
2008 No Time for Later 4 Gold
2011 Hope & Ruin 9
2014 The Trews 3
2018 Civilianaires 30
2021 Wanderer 4

Compilations

[edit]
Year Title Chart positions Certifications
CAN
[13] 		CAN
[14]
2016 Time Capsule 23 Gold

EPs

[edit]
Release date Title Label
1997 The Trouser E.P. Bumstead Recording
2002 Trews E.P. Bumstead Recording
2007 Out of the Past, Into the Dark Classic Rock – ROC104-04-07H
2011 A Trew Holiday Gift Bumstead Recording
2012 ...Thank You and I'm Sorry Bumstead Recording

Live albums

[edit]
Release date Title Label
November 30, 2004 House of Ill Fame – The Live Cut Bumstead Recording
October 6, 2009 Acoustic – Friends & Total Strangers Bumstead Recording
November 25, 2015 Acoustic – Friends & Total Strangers: Deluxe Edition Bumstead Recording

Video albums

[edit]
Release date Title
October 6, 2009 Acoustic – Friends & Total Strangers

Singles

[edit]
Year Song Peak chart positions Certifications Album
CAN
[15][16] 		CAN
Rock
[17]
2002 "Confessions"
—
—
 Trews E.P.
2003 "Every Inambition"
—
—
 House of III Fame
"Not Ready to Go"
—
1
 CAN: Platinum[14]
2004 "Tired of Waiting"
74
8
 CAN: Gold[14]
"Fleeting Trust"
—
11
2005 "So She's Leaving"
42
5
 Den of Thieves
"Yearning"
20
1
2006 "Poor Ol' Broken Hearted Me"
58
3
"I Can't Say"
—
16
2007 "Hold Me in Your Arms"
34
3
 CAN: Gold[14] No Time For Later
2008 "Paranoid Freak"
84
6
"Man of Two Minds"
—
15
2009 "(I) Can't Stop Laughing"
—
10
"Sing Your Heart Out"
—
30
 Acoustic –
Friends & Total Strangers
2010 "Highway of Heroes"
61
29
 CAN: Platinum[14] Non-album single
2011 "Hope & Ruin"
78
5
 Hope and Ruin
"The World, I Know"
—
11
"Coming Home"
—
41
 A Trew Holiday Gift
2012 "Misery Loves Company"
—
8
 Hope and Ruin
"One by One"
—
—
"The Power of Positive Drinking"
—
15
 ...Thank You and I'm Sorry
2014 "What's Fair Is Fair"
92
2
 The Trews
"Rise in the Wake"
—
18
"New King"
—
11
2015 "Under the Sun"
—
30
2016 "Beautiful & Tragic"
—
14
 Time Capsule
2017 "Lotta Work/Little Love"
—
47
2018 "The New Us"
—
41
 Civilianaires
"Vintage Love"
—
16
"Bar Star"
—
—
2019 "Time's Speeding Up"
—
—
2019 "Touch"
—
—
 Non-album single
2020 "God Speed Rebel"
—
—
"1921"
—
—
2021 "I Wanna Play"
—
—
 Wanderer
"The Wanderer"
—
—
"Permission"
—
—
2025 "The Breakdown"
—
3
 The Bloody Light
"Manifest"
—
—
[edit]
Year Song Peak chart positions Album
CAN
[18]
2012 "I Wanna Know" (Maestro featuring the Trews)
—
 Orchestrated Noise
2021 "Ishmael & Maggie
(Hermitage Green featuring the Trews)
—
 Non-album single

Band members

[edit]

Current

[edit]
  • Colin MacDonald - rhythm guitar, lead vocals (1996–present)
  • John-Angus MacDonald - lead guitar, backing vocals (1996–present)
  • Jack Syperek - bass guitar, backing vocals (1996–present)
  • Theo Mckibbon - drums (2024 – present)

Touring

[edit]

Past

[edit]
  • Rose Murphy - drums (1996)
  • Ramsey Clark - drums (1997-2001)
  • Sean Dalton - drums, backing vocals (2001-2015)
  • Gavin Maguire - drums (2015-2018)
  • Chris Gormley - drums (2019-2023)

Timeline

[edit]

Nominations and awards

[edit]

Juno Awards

[edit]
  • 2004: New Group of the Year – Nominated
  • 2005: Single of the Year ("Not Ready to Go") – Nominated
  • 2009: Group of the Year – Nominated
  • 2009: Rock Album of the Year (No Time for Later) – Nominated
  • 2010: DVD of the Year "Acoustic: Friends and Total Strangers" – Nominated
  • 2019: Rock Album of the Year (Civilianaires)  - Nominated

East Coast Music Awards (ECMA)

[edit]
  • 2005: Group of the Year – Won
  • 2006: Video of the Year (So She's Leaving – Director: Stephen Scott) – Won
  • 2011: DVD of the Year (The Trews Acoustic – Friends & Total Strangers – Director: Tim Martin) – Won
  • 2011: Fan's Choice Video of the Year (Highway of Heroes – Director: Tim Martin) – Won
  • 2012: Fan's Choice Entertainer Of The Year - Nominated
  • 2012: Fan's Choice Video Of The Year ("Hope & Ruin") - Nominated
  • 2012: Group Recording Of The Year ("Hope & Ruin") - Nominated
  • 2012: Song Of The Year ("Hope & Ruin") - Nominated
  • 2012: Rock Recording Of The Year ("Hope & Ruin") - Won
  • 2013: Fan's Choice Entertainer Of The Year - Nominated
  • 2014: Fan's Choice Entertainer Of The Year - Nominated
  • 2014: Group Recording Of The Year ("...Thank You & I'm Sorry") - Nominated
  • 2014: Rock Recording Of The Year ("...Thank You & I'm Sorry") - Won
  • 2015: Group Recording Of The Year ("The Trews") - Nominated
  • 2015: Rock Recording Of The Year ("The Trews") - Won
  • 2015: Fan's Choice Entertainer Of The Year - Nominated
  • 2015: Fan's Choice Video Of The Year (What's Fair is Fair -Director: Drew Lightfoot) - Nominated

Independent Music Awards (US)

[edit]
  • 2008: Best Hard Rock Song ("Hold Me in Your Arms") – Won
  • 2009: Vox Pop best Concert Photo taken by Nancy Desrosiers
  • 2010: Best AAA/Alternative Song International Acoustic Music Awards (US) "Sing Your Heart Out" - Won
  • 2012: Rock Artists / Group Or Duo Of The Year - Nominated

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Trews

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Trews are a Canadian band formed in , in 1997. The band's core lineup includes vocalist and guitarist Colin MacDonald, guitarist John-Angus MacDonald, and bassist Jack Syperek, with drummer Chris Gormley and keyboardist Jeff Heisholt completing the current ensemble. Renowned for their 1970s-inspired rock sound featuring tight vocal harmonies and high-energy performances, The Trews debuted with the album House of Ill Fame in 2003, which spawned the hit single "Not Ready to Go." Over their career, they have released seven studio albums, multiple EPs, live records, and a compilation, achieving 19 Top 10 singles on Canadian rock radio, including two number-one hits. The band has earned accolades such as multiple East Coast Music Awards, a CIMA Road Gold Award, and a 2009 Independent Music Award for Best Rock/Metal Song, alongside several Juno Award nominations and certifications for gold and platinum albums. The Trews have built a reputation as prolific live performers, sharing stages with acts like and , while maintaining a strong fanbase through thousands of gigs across and beyond. Though occasional political themes in their lyrics, such as critiques of American politics, have sparked minor debate, the band remains focused on delivering straightforward without significant scandals defining their legacy.

History

Formation and early years (1997–2002)

The Trews originated in , where high school friends Colin MacDonald and his brother John-Angus MacDonald, along with bassist Jack Syperek and drummer , formed the band in 1997 under the name One I'd Trouser, derived from a line in Monty Python's "Penis Song." The group recorded their debut effort, the self-produced The Trouser EP, that same year, distributing it privately and establishing a local following through performances at school dances and venues in the Maritime provinces. By the late 1990s, the band had shortened their name to The Trews and continued gigging extensively in , honing a sound characterized by energetic live sets that drew comparisons to classic influences. In 2001, drummer Sean Dalton replaced Clark, stabilizing the rhythm section as the band relocated to to pursue broader opportunities. In summer 2002, The Trews won a radio talent contest, which led to a distribution deal with Canada and positioned them for national exposure ahead of their major-label debut. This period marked their transition from regional act to one gaining industry attention, with the core lineup of MacDonald brothers, Syperek, and Dalton laying the foundation for subsequent success.

Breakthrough with debut album (2003–2005)

In 2002, The Trews won the annual 97.7 HTZ-FM Rock Search contest in , securing prizes including new equipment and studio recording time, which attracted attention from executives and facilitated a deal with . This victory marked a pivotal shift from regional performances to national exposure, building on the band's prior independent releases and relentless touring schedule. The band's debut full-length album, House of Ill Fame, was released in 2003 through , capturing their raw sound influenced by classic and alternative elements. Produced with a focus on high-energy tracks, it featured 13 songs recorded in studios across , emphasizing themes of resilience and everyday struggle. The , "Not Ready to Go," propelled the album's breakthrough by topping Canada's national rock radio charts in early 2004 and becoming the most-played rock song of the year, driven by its anthemic chorus and radio-friendly structure. Sustained momentum came from exhaustive live performances, including over 200 shows in alone, which honed their stage presence and expanded their fanbase across through opening slots for established acts and headlining club tours. By mid-2005, the album's sales reflected this grassroots effort, achieving gold certification in for surpassing 50,000 units shipped, solidifying The Trews' position as a rising force in the domestic rock scene. In late 2004, they complemented the studio release with House of Ill Fame – The Live Cut, an EP of live recordings that extended the album's reach by showcasing their energetic concert delivery.

Mid-career albums and stability (2006–2013)

The Trews issued their fourth studio album, Red Leads the Way, on April 18, 2006, as their debut release in the United States via Red Ink and Sony BMG. The record built on the band's established hard rock sound, incorporating elements of alternative rock while emphasizing high-energy tracks suited for live performances. This album helped solidify their domestic fanbase in Canada, where they continued to garner radio play and perform at major venues. In February 2008, the band followed with No Time for Later, their fifth studio effort, which debuted on the Canadian charts and produced singles that received airplay on rock stations. Later that year, The Trews released the live acoustic album Acoustic – Friends & Total Strangers, recorded at Toronto's Glenn Gould Studio, showcasing stripped-down arrangements of their catalog and attracting praise for its intimate production. These releases demonstrated creative versatility amid consistent output. The period culminated in the 2011 studio album Hope & Ruin, the band's sixth full-length, issued on April 12 via Bumstead Records, which peaked on Canadian charts and featured collaborative songwriting that evolved their style toward more mature lyrical themes. Throughout 2006–2013, The Trews maintained stability through extensive touring, logging thousands of gigs across , the , and select international dates, including US residencies and headline shows that reinforced their reputation as a premier live act. This era saw nominations for MuchMusic Video Awards in 2006 and 2008, alongside a 2007 Classic Rock Roll of Honour nod for Best New Band, reflecting sustained industry recognition despite limited mainstream breakthrough.

Drummer departure and lineup shifts (2014–2016)

In early 2015, longtime drummer Sean Dalton departed The Trews after over a decade with the band, citing the physical toll of extensive touring, associated partying lifestyle, and family challenges as key factors. The exit occurred amicably, with Dalton relocating to Antigonish, Nova Scotia, to prioritize personal well-being. The band confirmed the split publicly on July 14, 2015, via a joint statement expressing mutual respect and gratitude for Dalton's contributions since joining in 2001 as cousin to vocalists Colin and John-Angus MacDonald. To maintain touring and recording momentum, The Trews quickly recruited Gavin Maguire as Dalton's replacement later in 2015. Maguire, tasked with mastering the band's extensive catalog spanning five albums, integrated into the lineup comprising Colin MacDonald on vocals and guitar, John-Angus MacDonald on guitar, and Jack Syperek on bass. This shift coincided with broader operational changes, including management and label transitions, but preserved the core songwriting dynamic among the MacDonalds and Syperek. The new configuration enabled the release of on July 29, 2016, a career-spanning compilation featuring four original tracks that reflected the lineup's evolving sound post-Dalton. Maguire's tenure stabilized live performances through 2016, allowing the band to navigate the transition without extended hiatuses, though it marked a period of adaptation amid prior instability noted by members.

Post-reformation era and recent releases (2017–2025)

Following the departure of drummer Gavin Maguire in 2018, The Trews integrated Chris Gormley, formerly of Big Sugar, into their lineup alongside vocalist/guitarist Colin MacDonald, guitarist John-Angus MacDonald, and bassist Jack Syperek; Gormley contributed to songwriting and helped solidify the band's post-shift configuration. This era marked a return to consistent output, with the band emphasizing live performances across while navigating independent releases. The group's sixth studio album, Civilianaires, arrived on September 14, 2018, via Cadence Music Group, comprising 13 tracks recorded at Jukasa Studios and produced with a focus on raw rock energy. Key singles included "Vintage Love" and "Leave It Alone," reflecting themes of personal resilience amid societal shifts. The release followed the 2016 compilation and represented a creative rebound, earning praise for its unpolished production and live-wire guitar riffs. In November 2021, The Trews issued their seventh studio album, Wanderer, independently through Known Accomplice Records, featuring 13 songs such as "I Wanna Play" and "Enemy," which highlighted introspective lyrics over driving rhythms. The record, self-produced with an emphasis on thematic cohesion around transience and defiance, underscored the band's evolution toward more autonomous production. A bonus live edition of prior material, No Time for Later, emerged in 2020, bridging gaps with re-recorded cuts. Gormley exited in November 2023, replaced by drummer Theo McKibbon, who joined for subsequent tours and recordings, maintaining the quartet's momentum into 2025. The band announced their eighth studio , The Bloody Light, on June 6, 2025, with a release date of October 24, 2025, co-produced by Brett and Jay Emmons; "Don't Get Lost in the Dark" previewed its intense, riff-heavy sound. Comprising 12 tracks, the album debuted amid a North American tour, including dates at Sadlon Arena in on November 14 and The in on December 6. This period affirmed The Trews' endurance, with over 75 concerts logged in 2017 alone and sustained activity through 2025.

Musical style and influences

Core elements and evolution

The Trews' core musical style centers on characterized by guitar-driven riffs, anthemic choruses, and high-energy performances. The band's sound features dual guitar interplay between brothers Colin and John-Angus MacDonald, paired with bassist Jack Syperek's rhythmic foundation, creating a "" texture that emphasizes hooks and melodic accessibility. Vocalist Colin MacDonald's raw, powerful delivery adds emotional intensity, often evoking urgency while avoiding overly polished production in favor of organic drive. Influences drawn from 1960s and 1970s rock traditions underpin these elements, including the ' melodic structures, Aerosmith's swagger, and the ' blues-infused grit, blended with swagger and occasional nods to Elvis Costello's angular songcraft. This foundation yields a mainstream yet distinctive rock identity, prioritizing fist-pumping accessibility over experimentalism, with heavier moments bordering without venturing into metal extremity. Over their career, the band's sound has evolved gradually through incremental refinements rather than radical shifts, maintaining core vigor amid lineup changes and production tweaks. Their 2003 debut House of Ill Fame established a raw, massive garage-to-arena energy with unrefined hooks like "Not Ready to Go," setting a template of hooky, riff-heavy tracks. Subsequent albums, such as 2005's Den of Thieves, incorporated layered harmonies and subtle synth elements reminiscent of ELO, adding textural depth without diluting guitar dominance. By the mid-2010s self-titled release, maturation as songwriters yielded polished anthems like "Age of Miracles," blending organic rock with broader appeal akin to Canadian peers , while retaining fist-pump choruses. Later works, including 2016's No Time for Later, introduced acoustic strummers and ballads for variety, lightening the attack amid persistent hook-driven rockers, reflecting adaptive touring demands and post-drummer stability. Into the 2020s, albums like 2021's Wanderer sustained arena-filling scale with uncompromised artistic freedom, evolving toward resilient, hope-infused themes without abandoning foundational riffs and energy. This progression underscores a commitment to roots, refined through experience into a versatile yet consistent ethos.

Key influences from rock traditions

The Trews' musical style is rooted in traditions, particularly drawing from the high-energy riffing and blues-infused swagger of 1970s acts. Guitarist John-Angus MacDonald and vocalist Colin MacDonald, brothers who formed the band's core, have cited as a foundational influence, evident in the band's aggressive guitar tones and anthemic structures on tracks like "Not Me" from their 2003 debut House of Ill Fame. Similarly, ' raw, rhythm-driven energy permeates their songwriting, with loose, groove-oriented bass lines from Jack Syperek echoing the Stones' mid-period funk-rock hybrid, as heard in songs like "Hold Me Down." Another prominent strain comes from Southern-tinged rock, including ' cosmic R&B-infused jams, which inform The Trews' extended live improvisations and soulful vocal deliveries. This is complemented by the Faces' rugged boogie riffs, contributing to the band's bar-band ethos and emphasis on live camaraderie, a hallmark since their Antigonish origins in 1997. ' melodic hooks and harmonic layering also surface, particularly in Colin MacDonald's songcraft, blending pop accessibility with rock grit, as in the layered choruses of "Long Enough to Figure Out." Less overt but structurally influential are blues-rock progenitors like J.J. Cale, whose laid-back grooves shaped John-Angus MacDonald's guitar phrasing, promoting a -style minimalism amid the band's harder edges— (1976) was a staple on their early tour bus. Humble Pie's fusion of mod soul and heavy blues further underscores their affinity for working-class rock anthems, prioritizing raw power over polish. These traditions coalesce in The Trews' avoidance of or alt-rock trends, favoring timeless rock formalism that prioritizes guitar-driven dynamics and communal energy.

Discography

Studio albums

TitleRelease dateLabel
House of Ill FameAugust 2003Bumstead Records
Den of ThievesAugust 16, 2005Bumstead Records
No Time for LaterFebruary 2008Bumstead Records
Hope & RuinApril 12, 2011Bumstead Records
The Trews2014Universal Music Canada
CivilianairesSeptember 14, 2018Cadence Music
WandererNovember 19, 2021Known Accomplice
The Bloody LightOctober 24, 2025Cadence Music Group

Extended plays and compilations

The Trews released their debut extended play, The Trews EP, in 2002 through Bumstead Records, featuring early material that showcased the band's raw rock sound prior to their full-length debut. This self-titled EP included tracks that helped build their initial fanbase in Canada. In 2007, the band issued Out of the Past, Into the Dark, a four-track EP on the Classic Rock label (catalog ROC104-04-07H), containing songs such as "So She's Leaving," "Tired of Waiting," "Montebello Park," and "Got Myself to Blame," which drew from their evolving alternative rock style with punk influences. The release served as a bridge between albums, highlighting live-favored cuts and B-sides. A Trew Holiday Gift, a seasonal EP, followed in 2011 via Bumstead Records, featuring holiday-themed originals like "Coming Home," aimed at providing fans with festive content during the promotional cycle for Hope & Ruin. Among compilations, Time Capsule (2016) compiles 21 tracks, including remastered versions of hits like "Not Ready to Go" and "Tired of Waiting," alongside fan-voted selections and rarities such as "Lotta Work/Little Love," released independently and crowdfunded via PledgeMusic to celebrate the band's career milestones. Similarly, The Vault (2018) is a 20-track rarities collection of previously unreleased studio recordings, demos, and outtakes, including "Served My Time" from Den of Thieves sessions and "Ishmael and Maggie," offering insight into the band's creative process across two decades. The Trews have released numerous singles throughout their career, primarily drawn from their studio albums, with several achieving notable airplay success on Canadian rock radio charts. Early singles like "Not Ready to Go" from their 2003 debut House of Ill Fame established their breakthrough, peaking at number 1 on the Canadian campus radio chart. Subsequent releases such as "Tired of Waiting" and "So She's Leaving" (2005, from Den of Thieves) followed, emphasizing their raw rock sound. By the late 2000s, "Hold Me in Your Arms" (2008, from No Time for Later) became a staple, while "Highway of Heroes" (2010) resonated patriotically, honoring Canadian troops returning via the dedicated highway route and featuring a collaboration with .
TitleYearAlbum/SourceNotes
Not Ready to Go2003House of Ill Fame; peaked #1 on Canadian campus charts.
Tired of Waiting2003House of Ill FamePromoted debut album's gritty style.
So She's Leaving2005Den of Thieves single highlighting melodic hooks.
Hold Me in Your Arms2008No Time for LaterKey track from third album.
Highway of Heroes2010Standalone singlePatriotic anthem; featured .
Ishmael & Maggie2013Hope & RuinReflective single from sixth album.
I Wanna Play2021Standalone singlePandemic-inspired release.
The Breakdown2025The Bloody Light from eighth album.
Love or Pain2025The Bloody LightRecent promotional single.
Manifest2025The Bloody LightAccompanying album track release.
Featured appearances by The Trews are limited, with members occasionally contributing to collaborative or tribute efforts. A notable example is their joint performance and recording of The Tragically Hip's "Grace, Too" with bassist Gord Sinclair in 2025, released as a single honoring the late band. The band has also guested on live sessions, such as an acoustic rendition of "In the Morning" with in 2014, though this primarily featured her vocals on their composition. No extensive guest vocal credits on other artists' studio tracks were identified in primary discographic sources.

Band members

Current lineup

The Trews' current lineup consists of and rhythm guitarist Colin MacDonald, lead guitarist John-Angus MacDonald, bassist Jack Syperek, and drummer Theo McKibbon. MacDonald brothers Colin and John-Angus, along with Syperek, form the band's longstanding core, having originated in , in the late 1990s before relocating to . McKibbon joined as drummer in November 2023, succeeding Chris Gormley, and has since contributed to live performances and recordings, including the band's 2024 album The Bloody Light. The group occasionally incorporates keyboardist Jeff Hartstock for touring and studio work, enhancing their rock arrangements with additional texture. This configuration supports the band's ongoing tours, such as dates scheduled through December 2025 in .

Former members

Sean Dalton performed as the band's drummer and provided backing vocals from 2001 until January 2015, anchoring the rhythm section during the release of key albums including Den of Thieves (2005) and Red Leaders' Assembly (2014). His departure stemmed from the physical strain of relentless touring and associated lifestyle demands, compounded by family challenges, prompting him to relocate to . Gavin Maguire succeeded Dalton as drummer in 2015, contributing to live performances and the transition period before the 2018 album Civilianaires. The band parted ways with Maguire in March 2018, issuing a statement expressing well-wishes for his future endeavors. Gormley, formerly of Daylight for Deadeyes, joined as drummer in 2018 and remained until November 2023, participating in recordings such as Wanderer (2022) and extensive touring. He was succeeded by Theo McKibbon, with no public details disclosed on the reasons for his exit.

Membership timeline

The Trews formed in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, in 1997 as a high school band with cousins Colin MacDonald on lead vocals and guitar, John-Angus MacDonald on lead guitar, Jack Syperek on bass, and Ramsey Clark on drums. In 2001, Sean Dalton replaced Clark as drummer, solidifying the core recording lineup that released the band's debut album House of Ill Fame in 2003. Jeff Heisholt joined as a touring keyboardist in 2008 to expand the live sound. Dalton departed in January 2015 amid personal and family challenges, prompting Gavin Maguire to join as drummer later that year; the band continued touring with Maguire through releases like the 2016 compilation . Maguire exited in 2018, replaced by Chris Gormley (formerly of Big Sugar), who contributed to albums such as Civilianaires (2018) and Wanderer (2021). In November 2023, Theo McKibbon succeeded Gormley on drums, marking the latest change while the founding trio of MacDonald, MacDonald, and Syperek remains intact. This succession of drummers has sustained the band's touring schedule, with no reported shifts in the primary songwriting core.
PeriodDrummerNotes
1997–2001Original lineup formation and early recordings. (Note: Used for timeline verification; primary sourcing from band histories.)
2001–2015Sean DaltonKey era of commercial breakthrough and multiple albums.
2015–2018Gavin MaguireSupported U.S. expansion and compilations.
2018–2023Chris GormleyContributed to recent studio output.
2023–presentTheo McKibbonCurrent touring member.

Touring and live performances

Major tours and headlining runs

The Trews have maintained a rigorous touring schedule since their inception in 1997, with headlining runs forming the core of their live performances, particularly across where they have played over 1,000 shows as headliners. These tours typically support album releases and feature high-energy sets drawing from their rock catalog, often at mid-sized theaters, arenas, and festivals. Early headlining efforts focused on building a domestic fanbase through consistent regional runs in , expanding westward by the mid-2000s. In 2008, the band executed a multi-leg Canadian headlining tour, captured in official montages showcasing performances and interviews from coast-to-coast dates, including stops in Ontario and Atlantic provinces. This run aligned with promotion for No Time for Later and solidified their reputation for marathon live sets amid growing commercial traction. The 2014 Rise in the Wake Tour marked a significant headlining push, launched to support their self-titled album, with dedicated announcements for VIP meet-and-greets and extensive Canadian routing starting in October. Featuring staples like "Highway of Heroes" and new tracks, the tour included Western Canadian dates where emerging acts like the Glorious Sons opened, highlighting the band's role in nurturing regional rock scenes. Subsequent major runs included a 2016 U.S. headlining tour promoting Friends in the West, with dates announced alongside collaborations like Kid Rock's guest vocal on "Highway of Heroes." By 2018–2019, post-Civilianaires efforts encompassed fall U.S. legs and early-year Canadian headlining dates, emphasizing their cross-border momentum despite a primary focus on home markets. These tours underscore the band's endurance, averaging dozens of headlining shows annually through theaters like the and Club Regent Event Centre.

Festival appearances and collaborations

The Trews have performed at various Canadian music festivals, contributing to their reputation for high-energy live shows. Early in their career, they appeared at the Evolve Festival in 2004, delivering sets that showcased their raw rock sound drawn from influences like and . More recently, the band played the Meadows Music Festival in , on June 1, 2024, as part of their summer touring schedule. In 2024 and 2025, The Trews continued festival engagements, including Crewfest Music Festival at Lion's in , on July 19, 2024; Revelree Music Festival in , on July 18, 2024; Rockin' Thunder Music Festival in , on July 11–12, 2025; and Festival of Friends at in , on August 1, 2025, sharing the bill with acts like and Peter Elkas Band. They also performed on the Summer Stage at the , a major annual event featuring live music amid and cultural programming. Beyond festivals, The Trews have engaged in notable collaborations with other artists. In 2016, they partnered with for an alternate version of their song "Highway of Heroes," a tribute to Canadian that amplified the track's patriotic themes through Rock's country-rap style. Earlier, in 2014, singer contributed vocals to their cover of "In the Morning," blending her folk-infused tone with the band's rock arrangement. In recent years, the band collaborated with Brett Emmons and Jay Emmons of on elements of their 2025 album The Bloody Light, marking an initial artistic exchange between the groups that built on shared Canadian rock roots.

Awards and nominations

Juno Awards

The Trews have earned multiple nominations at the over their career, recognizing their contributions to Canadian , but have yet to secure a win. These nominations span categories such as emerging artist recognition, single performance, group achievement, album production, and live recordings, reflecting the band's consistent output and live appeal.
YearCategoryWorkResult
2004New Group of the YearN/ANominated
2005Single of the Year"Not Ready to Go"Nominated
2009Group of the YearN/ANominated
2009Rock Album of the YearNo Time for LaterNominated
2010Music DVD of the YearAcoustic Friends & Total StrangersNominated
2019Rock Album of the YearCivilianairesNominated
The band's 2009 double nomination highlighted the critical reception of No Time for Later, their third studio album, which showcased matured songwriting and production. Similarly, the 2019 nod for Civilianaires underscored their enduring relevance in rock, produced with a focus on raw energy and thematic depth.

East Coast Music Awards and others

The Trews have received several East Coast Music Awards (ECMA), recognizing their contributions to Atlantic Canadian music. In 2005, the band won Group of the Year at the ECMA, honoring their early breakthrough with the album House of Ill Fame. In , their self-titled album The Trews earned Rock Recording of the Year. The following year, they achieved CIMA Road Gold certification from the Canadian Independent Music Association for selling 25,000 concert tickets across in a 12-month period. The band secured another ECMA in 2023 for Rock Recording of the Year with Wanderer. Beyond ECMA, The Trews won the Independent Music Award in 2009 for Best Hard Rock/Metal Song with "Hold Me in Your Arms" from No Time for Later. The track also received four nominations at the Independent Music Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Live Performance.

Reception and legacy

Critical assessments

Critics have generally praised The Trews for their energetic live performances and straightforward rock sensibility, often comparing them to influences like and acts, though studio albums have received mixed assessments for lacking innovation or depth despite consistent craftsmanship. The band's debut album, House of Ill Fame (2003), garnered positive reviews for its mature, polished production and catchy hooks, with Exclaim! noting a spirit akin to barroom anthems while highlighting the band's impressive guitar work and flow. rated it 7.1 out of 10 based on aggregated user and critic input, emphasizing its solid foundation. Subsequent releases faced more divided opinions. Den of Thieves (2005), produced by Jack Douglas, was lauded by Glide Magazine as guitar-heavy and soulful, evoking unrecorded material, and by Sea of Tranquility as a feel-good summertime record with radio-friendly appeal. However, criticized it as overly long and bland, assigning a 4.9 out of 10 score and faulting its lack of memorability. users described it as fresh and strong overall, particularly tracks like "So She's Leaving," but noted basic lyrics. Later albums like the self-titled The Trews (2014) were viewed as evolutions toward a comfortable, mature rock sound with memorable riffs and choruses, per Rock Review Phil, though outlets like 100% Rock acknowledged great songs but suggested had yet to deliver a fully transcendent effort. No Time for Later (2010) earned commendation from as a robust 13-track set appealing to fans of John Fogerty-style rock. Aggregated critic scores remain modest, with Album of the Year listing a 40 out of 100 based on limited professional reviews, contrasted by stronger user appreciation around 62. Reviewers frequently highlight the band's tight instrumentation and Colin MacDonald's distinctive, gruff vocals as strengths, enabling huge live sounds from minimal setup, but critique occasional balladry or formulaic elements as weaknesses. Daily Vault encapsulated this as heartfelt energy that captivates over time, positioning The Trews as a reliable but underappreciated act in mainstream rock.

Commercial success and fanbase

The Trews have recorded steady commercial achievements in , with two gold-certified albums denoting combined sales exceeding 100,000 units and career totals surpassing 350,000 units as reported by their management in 2015. Their discography includes 19 top 10 singles on Canadian radio, two of which reached number one, underscoring strong airplay support that bolstered domestic visibility. The band's 2014 self-titled album achieved their peak chart position, debuting at number 3 on the Canadian Albums chart, number 1 on the Nielsen SoundScan Rock/Alternative and Independent Album charts, and number 6 overall on Canada. By 2016, cumulative sales ranked them among Canada's top 40 best-selling bands and top 150 artists overall. Streaming metrics reflect sustained interest, with the band garnering approximately 205,000 monthly listeners on and individual tracks like "Not Ready to Go" accumulating over 8 million plays. However, international penetration remains limited, with primary revenue deriving from Canadian markets through radio, sales, and touring rather than global streaming dominance. The Trews' fanbase is characterized by loyalty, particularly among Canadian rock enthusiasts, fostered by over two decades of consistent touring and high-energy live shows that encourage repeat attendance and merchandise purchases. Supporters, often from and urban centers like and , demonstrate dedication through engagement and archival concert participation, though quantifiable metrics such as size are not publicly detailed. This following has sustained the band amid fluctuating industry trends, prioritizing authentic connections over mass-market appeal. The Trews have incorporated political themes sparingly in their discography, often addressing social issues through introspective lyrics rather than overt partisanship. The 2008 track "," from the album No Time for Later, was composed shortly after the campus shooting on April 16, 2007, which claimed 32 lives. Guitarist and co-founder John-Angus MacDonald described the song emerging from band discussions in their apartment, reflecting on firearm-related violence and policy responses. Lead singer Colin MacDonald has characterized it as one of their vaguely political works, alongside tracks like "Paranoid Freak," noting its potential to interpret broader societal anxieties. The song's direct engagement with gun policy elicited mixed reactions, with some critics praising its timeliness while others dismissed its approach as overly simplistic in tackling complex regulatory debates. In the era, the band has acknowledged the risks of political content, with MacDonald observing that platforms amplify immediate backlash compared to earlier releases. This awareness underscores their restrained approach, prioritizing musical expression over . During the , their 2021 single "I Wanna Play" articulated the "desperation and frustration" of prolonged lockdowns, capturing personal longing for normalcy amid restrictions. John-Angus MacDonald highlighted the unusual global alignment on virus containment measures while emphasizing the emotional strain they imposed. The track intersected with ongoing public debates over balancing health mandates with individual liberties, resonating with audiences experiencing similar tensions without endorsing specific policies. These instances represent isolated forays rather than a defining element of the band's oeuvre, with members consistently affirming a focus on rock fundamentals over ideological . No sustained controversies or boycotts have arisen from their expressions, though the songs have prompted niche discussions on platforms like music blogs and interviews, where interpretations vary based on listeners' views on the underlying issues.

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  100. https://exclaim.ca/music/article/heres_the_full_list_of_2023_east_coast_music_awards_winners
  101. https://www.coastreporter.net/atlantic-news/david-myles-the-trews-kellie-loder-among-winners-at-east-coast-music-awards-6956050
  102. https://saobserver.net/2012/03/16/award-winning-trews-latest-band-to-sign-onto-roots-and-blues/
  103. https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/the-trews-lead-indie-music-awards-with-4-nominations-1.833618
  104. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/39598/The-Trews-No-Time-For-Later/
  105. https://getreadytorock.me.uk/blog/2014/10/album-review-the-trews/
  106. https://exclaim.ca/music/article/trews-house_of_ill_fame
  107. https://www.allmusic.com/album/house-of-ill-fame-mw0000501152
  108. https://glidemagazine.com/3018/the-trews/
  109. https://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=3727
  110. https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/06/05/the-trews-den-of-thieves
  111. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/3530/The-Trews-Den-of-Thieves/
  112. https://100percentrock.com/2014/05/cd-review-the-trews-2014-the-trews/
  113. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/artist/62762-the-trews/
  114. https://nightmaircreative.com/2010/11/the-trews-kamloops-show-review/
  115. https://dailyvault.com/toc.php5?review=7078
  116. https://smartistu.com/larry-wanagas-bumstead-productions-interview-the-trews-manager
  117. https://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/brand-awareness-takes-spotlight-off-the-trews-4616291
  118. https://musiccanada.wordpress.com/2017/06/30/top-150-overall-selling-canadian-artists/
  119. https://ca.billboard.com/fyi/trews-vintage-love
  120. https://www.therockpit.net/2010/interview-colin-macdonald-the-trews/
  121. https://ijustreadaboutthat.com/category/music/the-trews/
  122. https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/the-trews-on-the-desperation-and-frustration-of-their-pandemic-laced-rock-anthem/article_d37f5e64-0390-502e-b1fc-e2ecf92f4fd7.html
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