Waltons (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Founder | Jason Plumb, Keith Nakonechny, David Cooney |
| Defunct | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Regina, Saskatchewan , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Waltons were a Canadian folk rock ensemble predominantly active throughout the 1990s. They produced three studio albums and secured the Juno Award for Best New Group at the 1994 Juno Awards.
History
Originating in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1987, the group was founded by vocalist and guitarist Jason Plumb, bassist Keith Nakonechny, and drummer David Cooney. Initially performing under the name "Neurotic Paperboy," they later adopted the moniker The Waltons, inspired by a nickname previously associated with Plumb.
Before moving to Toronto, Ontario in 1991, The Waltons independently issued two demo cassettes titled 89 Demonstrations and Demo Sandwich. That same year, they self-released their first album, Lik My Trakter ("like my tractor"), which garnered nominations for two CASBY Awards presented by CFNY-FM. Subsequently, Warner Music Canada signed the band and reissued the album in 1992. Keyboardist Todd Lumley became part of the lineup that year. The album featured Top 40 singles such as "Colder Than You" and "In the Meantime," earning a CASBY Award for Best Debut Album.
In 1993, The Waltons supported Barenaked Ladies on a nationwide tour across Canada. The following year, they received the Juno Award for Best New Group and a SOCAN Award honoring "In the Meantime" as one of the most frequently broadcast Canadian songs. Additionally, they released the Simple Brain EP which included both original compositions and cover tracks.
Drummer David Cooney left the band in 1994 and was succeeded by Steve Pitkin for their 1995 release Cock's Crow, produced by Michael Phillip Wojewoda. This album featured guest appearances from members of Spirit of the West. Wojewoda’s production work on The Waltons’ track "End of the World" contributed to his Juno Award win for Producer of the Year.
Their 1998 album Empire Hotel was followed by a live recording titled Liv in 2001. After this period, the band entered a hiatus. During four years of inactivity, Jason Plumb focused on solo ventures before The Waltons officially dissolved after performing a final headline show on Canada Day at Regina’s Wascana Centre in 2005.
Following the breakup, Plumb established Jason Plumb and the Willing, releasing albums such as Beauty in This World (2007) and Wide Open Music (2009), which combined new songs with reimagined versions of Waltons material.
On the 2007 Rheostatics tribute compilation The Secret Sessions, Plumb collaborated with Barenaked Ladies on a live rendition of "Legal Age Life at Variety Store".
Discography
- 89 Demonstrations (1989)
- Demo Sandwich (1990)
- Lik My Trakter (1992)
- Simple Brain (1994)
- Cock's Crow (1995)
- Empire Hotel (1998)
- Liv (2001)
External links
- Musical groups established in 1987
- Musical groups disbanded in 2005
- Musical groups originating from Regina, Saskatchewan
- Canadian alternative rock bands
- Canadian folk rock bands
- Juno Award recipients for Breakthrough Group of the Year
- 1987 establishments in Saskatchewan
- Musical groups disestablished in 2005