Shooter (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Defunct | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Shooter, which was first known as the Greaseball Boogie Band, was a Canadian rock ensemble active during the early 1970s. They received a nomination for the Juno Award in the category of Most Promising New Group at the Juno Awards of 1975.
At its inception, the group presented itself as a Canadian equivalent to Sha Na Na, with members including vocalist Duncan White, keyboard player Ray Harrison, saxophonist Wayne Mills, guitarists John Bride and Michael Holman, and drummer Tommy Frew. Their 1973 debut album, released through GRT Records, featured exclusively covers of 1950s rock classics such as "Be-Bop-A-Lula" and "Blueberry Hill". Although the single "Be-Bop-A-Lula" received some radio exposure, it did not enter the music charts.
Soon after, the band transformed its identity to Shooter, embracing a 1930s gangster-themed image. During this transition, Holman and Frew left the lineup, replaced by Norm Wellbanks on bass and Sonnie Bernardi on drums. Shooter’s self-titled album from 1975 included renditions of songs by contemporary artists like Leo Sayer, Neil Sedaka, and Roger Cook. They attained chart positions on Toronto’s CHUM Chart and Canadian RPM listings with singles such as "Long Tall Glasses (I Can Dance)" (#13 CHUM, #22 RPM), "Train" (#23 CHUM, #69 RPM), and "Hard Times" (#69 RPM). Unfortunately, the bankruptcy of GRT Records in 1976 prevented any further album releases.
Following this setback, the band signed with Casino Records and issued singles "Cherokee Queen" and "Flows Like a River" in 1978 while preparing a subsequent album. However, Casino Records also ceased operations before that album could be released. Members Harrison, Mills, and Bride went on to establish the Cameo Blues Band, whereas White and Frew briefly continued with new musicians from Crowbar. By 1980, Shooter had dissolved without producing additional recordings.