A Fistful Of Questions for Ron Chenier of Fist
Author: Stuart Roberts
Most hard rock fans around the world would know Fist (web link).
Formed in Ottawa in 1979, the band achieved international success, releasing ten albums, and producing memorable hits such as Hot Spikes, Thunder in Rock and Better Way to Go.
Some 44 years later, Fist are still rocking hard. They've hit the road again to tour their new album, “Alive," which begins in Kingston at Overtime Sports Bar on September 9 (web link). As they kick-off their tour, we caught up with Fist founder Ron Chenier for a retrospective on the band's legacy.
How did you come up with the band name, Fist?
RC: Actually, my parents gave me the idea for the band’s name. It was kind of a joke. We were rehearsing in the basement and when we were done my father asked, “Are you four idiots done?” I said, "Yes, us Four Idiots Singing Tunes are done." Then a light bulb turned on…
Over 40 years, Fist has released 10 albums, been on successful international tours, etc. If you were starting over today, is there anything you would do different?
RC: I don't think I would change anything, as a matter of fact. We don't rely much on radio airplay to promote the band, as it's mainly media coverage that all goes to your cell phone.
Do you have any notable memories from playing Ottawa venues in the band's early days?
RC: The memory that stands out the most is Barrymore's was going to close their doors and I asked the owner, Gord Rhodes, if I could have Fist play there for two weekends in a row at no charge, just to see if that picks up business. And sure enough it did, with Barrymore’s staying open for many many more years.
How do your North American audiences compare to those in Europe?
RC: I find North American audiences are really into it. As for European audiences, more like glove claps, but they know how to rock. Europeans appreciate rock music a lot more than North Americans.
What's the biggest highlight for Fist over forty-plus years of performing?
RC: I think the biggest highlight was playing with bands like Motorhead, Krokus, Triumph, and Molly Hatchett, to name a few. I'll never forget those events.
What inspired you to record a cover of War by Edwin Starr on your new LP, “Alive”?
RC: Jeff and I thought we could do a pretty good version of it, but a little on the heavier side, and it turned out quite well. I think it drives hard.
Over 44 years, how have you stayed inspired and motivated to create new music?
RC: It's in the blood. I've always been that way. If I'm sitting down watching a movie or a TV show and sometimes the music strikes a certain note, that triggers me to write a song.
What’s the best piece of advice you could give another musician starting out?
RC: Write some good songs that people can relate to and tap their foot to.
What can Kingston fans expect from Fist's performance on September 9 at Overtime Sports Bar?
A: Good, solid rock songs. No thrashing. Pure performance… and lots of punch! Posted: Sep 1, 2023 Originally Published: Sep 1, 2023
Formed in Ottawa in 1979, the band achieved international success, releasing ten albums, and producing memorable hits such as Hot Spikes, Thunder in Rock and Better Way to Go.
Some 44 years later, Fist are still rocking hard. They've hit the road again to tour their new album, “Alive," which begins in Kingston at Overtime Sports Bar on September 9 (web link). As they kick-off their tour, we caught up with Fist founder Ron Chenier for a retrospective on the band's legacy.
How did you come up with the band name, Fist?
RC: Actually, my parents gave me the idea for the band’s name. It was kind of a joke. We were rehearsing in the basement and when we were done my father asked, “Are you four idiots done?” I said, "Yes, us Four Idiots Singing Tunes are done." Then a light bulb turned on…
Over 40 years, Fist has released 10 albums, been on successful international tours, etc. If you were starting over today, is there anything you would do different?
RC: I don't think I would change anything, as a matter of fact. We don't rely much on radio airplay to promote the band, as it's mainly media coverage that all goes to your cell phone.
Do you have any notable memories from playing Ottawa venues in the band's early days?
RC: The memory that stands out the most is Barrymore's was going to close their doors and I asked the owner, Gord Rhodes, if I could have Fist play there for two weekends in a row at no charge, just to see if that picks up business. And sure enough it did, with Barrymore’s staying open for many many more years.
How do your North American audiences compare to those in Europe?
RC: I find North American audiences are really into it. As for European audiences, more like glove claps, but they know how to rock. Europeans appreciate rock music a lot more than North Americans.
What's the biggest highlight for Fist over forty-plus years of performing?
RC: I think the biggest highlight was playing with bands like Motorhead, Krokus, Triumph, and Molly Hatchett, to name a few. I'll never forget those events.
What inspired you to record a cover of War by Edwin Starr on your new LP, “Alive”?
RC: Jeff and I thought we could do a pretty good version of it, but a little on the heavier side, and it turned out quite well. I think it drives hard.
Over 44 years, how have you stayed inspired and motivated to create new music?
RC: It's in the blood. I've always been that way. If I'm sitting down watching a movie or a TV show and sometimes the music strikes a certain note, that triggers me to write a song.
What’s the best piece of advice you could give another musician starting out?
RC: Write some good songs that people can relate to and tap their foot to.
What can Kingston fans expect from Fist's performance on September 9 at Overtime Sports Bar?
A: Good, solid rock songs. No thrashing. Pure performance… and lots of punch! Posted: Sep 1, 2023 Originally Published: Sep 1, 2023
