Although the Hanson Brothers are commonly confused with their distant cousins Mssrs. Wright and Holliston from NoMeansNo, the famous family from Cold Lake, Alberta, have been busting teeth and spraying beer worldwide since 1984. Their albums have routinely shot straight to the top of the Cold Lake radio station’s charts and their mum has rumored to be quite proud of her kin.
The Hanson Brothers, fresh from the minimum security facility in Surrey, are ready to embark on a European and US tour in Fall 2008, with a Canadian tour to follow in 2009. This time, hopefully, they’ll actually be able to play some shows!
On their previous outings, the band hastily departed many venues after a disastrous incident with a cabbage, one ref, and a mysterious bag. They are no longer allowed in any French villas, although most criminal charges have been dropped.
The Hanson Brothers will be releasing their 110% live elbum, It’s a Living, this fall on Southern Records. If there were any doubts whether this band could deliver the goods away from the safe confines of a recording studio, It’s a Living will surely demonstrate their ability to deliver impossibly high standards in performance and the most hallowed of all musical traits, chops. The fine acoustics of Coaldale’s Motor Inn provide a natural ampitheater for the Brothers.
Here’s what critics are saying about It’s a Living:
“I’m still waiting for a promotional copy” – Ned Raggett, Allmusic.com
“Tommy Hanson ruined three stage monitors, one directional microphone and two deli trays the last time he was in London. Why, I oughtta…” – Sean Forbes, NME and famous London promoter.
“I listened until I stopped!” – John Chedsey, ssmt-reviews.com.
The brothers Hanson are Johnny (Vocals), Robbie (Bass), Tommy (Guitar) and their newly reunited twin (separated at birth) Mikey (drums). Cousin Ernie, the skinsman behind the thunderous rhythm on It’s a Living, has not been since since last seen chasing a bunny into the LaBrea Tar Pit region of sunny Los Angeles.
- W. Buzz Ryan
The Hanson Brothers are:
Johnny Hanson:
Vocals, free agent (pending trial) Born March 28 1968, Itza Butte, Saskatchewan 6 ft 190 lbs. (often confused with John Wright, drummer for NoMeansNo)
Broke into the SOSHL with the Foam Lake Bullies in 1970. Inked first pro contract with the Attica Lifers in 1973. Led the AOKHL in penalty minutes 4 years straight. Suspended indefinitely for shooting pucks into the crowd during warm-up. When not carving his niche on the ice, Johnny's usually inscribing his initials in the bench in the penalty box. An avid sculptor.
Tommy Hanson:
Guitars, Kenora Cheeseheads, DUHHL Born ?, showed up at the rink 1971 6 ft 195 lbs. (often not seen in the same room as Tom Holliston, guitarist for NoMeansNo and Show Business Giants)
Last year's recipitant of the Dennis Kearns Trophy for Surliness On and Off the Ice. Past winner of the Minnesota Sport Writers' Award for Testiness, garnered while toiling for the DT'SHL, Hibbings "My-sister's-not-marrying-one's". Voted "Player most likely to be traded" by team mates. Also noted for repugnant personal odours. Has never missed a game due to injury.
Robbie Hanson:
Bass, Fort McLeod Dust-ups, KGBHL Born Feb. 23 and then again Mar 12 1962, Offal Springs, Saskatchewan 5 ft 11 in. 205 lbs. (not to be confused with Rob Wright, the famous bassist/vocalist for NoMeansNo and definitely an entirely different person than Authority Figure Mr. Wrong)
First player ever penalized for garrotting the opposition. Hockey player come poet; Robbie has recently published the autobiographical tome, "My Career as a Scythe Wielding Psycho". Operates a mink farm in the off season. Enjoys jumping into the stands and beating heckling fans senseless with his goalie stick. A renaissance man.
Mikey Hanson:
Drums. Born in Douglas, WY, on the date of June 31. Six feet four inches, many many pounds.
Former ballet instructor and parttime UFC rassler. Broke into WWHL after showing up to the wrong arena by mistake but showing great promise on skates. Known to weep after scoring a goal. A sensitive soul with a heart of gold, Mikey brings a touch of grace and class into anotherwise festering world of goonies.
Factoids: It’s a Living was released in Sept. 2008 on Southern Records. David Geffen is rumored to be indifferent.
There is no truth to the rumor that Robbie Hanson was arrested for indecent exposure at a nudist beach in May.
by the way, please don't send messages asking if your band can open for the Hanson Brothers. It is a waste of your time and mine as I do not control that sort of thing.
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