BIG WRECK: The UNTOLD STORY Of the Band Behind 'The Oaf' & 'That Song'

Big Wreck: The Untold Story of the Band behind hits like the Oaf, That Song & Blown Wide Open.

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In this YouTube video, we embark on a fascinating exploration of the history of Big Wreck, the Canadian-American rock band that emerged from Berklee College of Music in 1992. The group, comprising guitarist/vocalist Ian Thornley, guitarist Brian Doherty, bassist Dave Henning, and drummer Forrest Williams, had diverse musical influences that shaped their distinctive sound.

Thornley's upbringing in Toronto exposed him to folk and blues music, influencing his gravitation towards melodies. His early interest in Led Zeppelin's folkier side and harmonies of groups like Supertramp laid the foundation for Big Wreck's unique musical blend. Thornley's classical piano background and a brief detour into basketball added further dimensions to his musical journey.

The quartet met at Berklee, where Thornley's penchant for noise infractions led to dorm-hopping and eventual collaboration with his future bandmates. Their focus on groove over technical chops defined their approach to music. Leaving Berklee, they became full-time musicians and adopted the name Big Wreck, though its origin remains unclear.

The band's eclectic influences, ranging from metal to jazz, southern rock to Supertramp, made categorizing their sound challenging. Often labeled as post-grunge, proto-progressive, or progressive, they drew comparisons to diverse acts like Soundgarden, The Who, Collective Soul, and more.

Big Wreck faced a challenging start, playing countless gigs, selling tapes, and enduring numerous rejections from record labels. A three-year touring stint across Canada and the eastern U.S. laid the foundation for their debut album.

Their breakthrough came unexpectedly when, attempting to cross the border, they faced complications due to Thornley's expired visa. Stranded in Toronto, Thornley shopped the band's demo, catching the interest of Management Trust, the same company managing The Tragically Hip. This connection opened doors, leading to a recording deal with Atlantic.

The band's debut album, "In Loving Memory of…" (1997), produced by Joseph Puig, featured tracks like "The Oaf" and "That Song." The former, created in a spontaneous jam session, became a significant hit. Despite success in Canada, the album struggled in the U.S., echoing the pattern seen with The Tragically Hip.

The video explores the band's challenges, influences, and the dynamics of their success. Thornley's outspokenness on the state of rock music in the 2000s and his relationship with MuchMusic personality Rebecca Rankin add personal dimensions to the narrative.

The story takes a turn with the band's second album, "The Pleasure and the Greed" (2001), marked by experimentation and challenges in an evolving music landscape. The video covers the dynamics within the band, their perspectives on commercial success, and the changing industry landscape.

Big Wreck's breakup in 2002, attributed to various pressures, internal issues, and external factors, sets the stage for Thornley's solo career. The video delves into Thornley's solo albums and his audition for Velvet Revolver, providing insights into his musical journey during the band's hiatus.

The narrative takes an unexpected twist with Big Wreck's reunion in 2010, driven by Thornley and Doherty reconnecting. The video highlights their third album, "Albatross" (2012), and subsequent releases, as well as the tragic passing of guitarist Brian Doherty in 2019 due to lung cancer.

The exploration of Big Wreck's journey serves as a testament to the band's resilience, evolving sound, and enduring impact on the Canadian rock scene. The video encapsulates the highs, lows, and the enduring spirit of a band that continues to shape the landscape of rock music.