Wednesday (Canadian band)
| Company type | Pop vocal ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Headquarters | Oshawa , Canada |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Wednesday was a pop vocal ensemble originating from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. In 1974, they secured a spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 with their rendition of "Last Kiss", which climbed to No. 34. That same year, they earned a nomination for the Canadian Juno Award in the Most Promising Group category. The single achieved significant success domestically, reaching No. 2 in Canada and topping the Canadian Billboard 100 chart at No. 1. Their next single, a cover of "Teen Angel", marked their last appearance on U.S. charts. The album Last Kiss was released through Ampex Records in Canada, Sussex Records in the United States, and A&M Records internationally.
Before and after adopting the name Wenzday in 1976, the band continued to enjoy Canadian popularity. Under this new name, they attained their second most successful hit with an Elton John cover titled "Loving You Baby", which reached No. 6 on Canadian charts.
Wednesday briefly reunited for concerts in both 2003 and 2017, drawing enthusiastic audiences. Paul Andrew Smith embarked on a solo path, releasing albums such as A Stranger in My Own World, Above the Stars, and The Power of Schnoz under Moondog Records' Black Violet Project.
In September 2022, Wednesday was honored with a lifetime achievement award during their induction into the OMA Hall of Fame, an accolade presented by their longtime producer John Driscoll.
Drummer Randy Begg passed away on December 20, 2022, at age 71 due to a heart attack.
Members
- Mike O'Neil – guitar, banjo, vocals
- Paul Andrew Smith – guitar, keyboards, vocals
- John (Jose) Dufek – bass, harmonica
- Randy Begg – drums, vocals (deceased December 20, 2022)
- Jeremy Thornton – keyboards, vocals
Albums
- 1974 - Last Kiss - Ampex AC-10152
- 1976 - Loving You Baby - Skyline SKY 10160
- 1977 - Nearly Made It (released as Wenzday) - Skyline SKY 10164-V
- 2003 - The Singles - Moondog Records EMC 0403
- 2003 - Limited Edition - Moondog Records EMC 0402
- 2004 - The Singles - compilation of all charted singles
- 2017 - Afterlight - greatest hits collection
Singles
- 1971 - "Hang On Girl" / "Velvet Colours" - Ampex AC-1304
- 1973 - "Last Kiss" / "Without You" - Ampex AC-1325 [CAN #2, US #34, AUS #68]
- 1974 - "Teen Angel" / "Taking Me Home" - Ampex AC-1355 [CAN #15, US #79]
- 1974 - "Roses Are Red" / "Ride" - Ampex AC-1362 [CAN #43]
- 1974 - "Fly Away" / "Good Time Girl" - Ampex AC-1365 [CAN #21]
- 1975 - "She's a Woman" / "Good Time Girl" - Ampex AC-1370
- 1975 - "Here Today Gone Tomorrow" / "What's on My Mind" - Skyline SKY 001X [CAN #49]
- 1975 - "Loving You Baby" / "Don't Let Me Wait Too Long" - Skyline SKY 003X [CAN #6]
- 1976 - "Doing the Best That I Can" / "Could You Refuse Her" - Skyline SKY 006X [CAN #52]
as Wenzday: