Thrush Hermit

Thrush Hermit
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1991 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Founder	Joel Plaskett, Rob Benvie, Ian McGettigan, Michael Catano
Defunct	1999
Headquarters	Halifax, Canada
Area served	Canada
Products	Music albums, EPs, singles

Thrush Hermit was a Canadian alternative rock group active during the 1990s, recognized for their dynamic and often unpredictable live shows.

History

Originating in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1991, the band was formed by Joel Plaskett (vocals, guitar), Rob Benvie (vocals, guitar), Ian McGettigan (vocals, bass), and Michael Catano on drums. In 1994, Cliff Gibb replaced Catano behind the drum kit; Gibb departed in 1999 and was succeeded by Benn Ross.

The band signed with Murderecords in 1994 and released the Smart Bomb EP, which included Benvie's track "French Inhale" and Plaskett's "Hated It." The song "French Inhale" gained airplay on MuchMusic, while "Hated It" was featured in the soundtrack of the film Mallrats.

Following the release of The Great Pacific Ocean EP, produced by Steve Albini, Thrush Hermit secured a deal with Elektra Entertainment in 1996. Their debut full-length album, Sweet Homewrecker, was issued by Elektra in 1997. Although the album highlighted songwriting contributions from Plaskett, Benvie, and McGettigan, it did not achieve commercial success, resulting in the band being released from their contract.

After returning to Canada, they unveiled their final album Clayton Park through Sonic Unyon in 1999. This release received widespread critical praise and garnered a nomination for a Juno Award. That same year, Thrush Hermit performed at prominent events such as Humble & Fred Fest at Toronto's Fort York and the Horseshoe Tavern before announcing plans to disband.

Originally slated to participate in the triple-headliner "Front Man War Tour," they withdrew due to Plaskett’s health issues. Once recovered, they embarked on a farewell tour across Canada in December 1999 before officially dissolving.

Among their significant appearances were performances on the main stage at Edgefest in 1995 and their debut national television feature on MuchMusic; both showcased cover songs rather than original compositions.

Following the band's breakup, Plaskett pursued a solo career fronting The Joel Plaskett Emergency. Benvie released music under the moniker "Tigre Benvie" and joined The Dears. McGettigan transitioned into producing Canadian rock bands such as The Flashing Lights and later became part of The Joel Plaskett Emergency. Additionally, Benvie and McGettigan collaborated as members of the collective ensemble Camouflage Nights.

Thrush Hermit briefly reunited for a performance during a Joel Plaskett Emergency concert in Halifax on December 31, 2005, followed by an eastern Canadian tour in March 2010. That same year, New Scotland Records issued an extensive box set compiling their recordings.

In 2019, the band announced a reunion consisting of 14 shows commemorating the 20th anniversary of Clayton Park, accompanied by a vinyl reissue of the album.

Tribute record

In 2008, Gooseberry Records released Songs For The Gang: Thrush Hermit Tribute, an album featuring Canadian artists such as The Meligrove Band and Two Hours Traffic covering Thrush Hermit songs. The tribute was made available on CD and as digital downloads through Zunior.

Albums

1997: Sweet Homewrecker (Elektra)
1999: Clayton Park (Sonic Unyon)

EP Releases

1993: Ammo (Cinnamon Toast Records)
1994: Smart Bomb (Murderecords)
1995: The Great Pacific Ocean (Murderecords)
1997: Rock and Roll Detective (Elektra)

7" Vinyl Singles

1993: "Marya" (Genius Records)
1994: "French Inhale" (Genius Records)
1995: "Take Another Drag" (Bong Load Custom Records)
1997: "Giddy with the Drugs" (Murderecords)

Compilation

2010: The Complete Recordings (New Scotland Records)

External links

Biography of the band Thrush Hermit – MapleMusic Ltd., Toronto, Ontario