Getting the cover of the Rolling Stone magazine has been a dream even before Dr. Hook devoted a whole song to that goal. Most bands have no shot at stardom, much less the chance to be featured in that treasured fashion, the epitome of success.
So even when the magazine runs a contest where an unknown band gets a chance at that coveted ideal, you still wouldn't think a band from Canada would have a chance, especially one from the prairies.
Well, The Sheepdogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan have won the contest, and yes, will be on the cover of the Rolling Stone.
If the cover was enough, that would be impressive. But the band also gets to cut an album (or whatever the &%$# the kids are calling it these days) with Atlantic Records and have received coverage on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on NBC.
From listening to and watching The Sheepdogs, you might have thought you were back in the time when people read rock and roll magazines with more fervor than, let's say, the 21st century. Less like Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and more The Midnight Special (ask your parents about that).
I first heard The Sheepdogs on a report from CBC radio when the band was part way through the contest. I confess I found the story to be charming, but never entertained that a Canadian band, especially one so different from the current scene, could pull it off.
People have their stereotype of Canadian bands from Rush and Triumph to Neil Young and the Guess Who to Gordon Lightfoot and Anne Murray to Alanis Morrisette and Sarah McLachlan to, yes, Celine Dion.
Well, The Sheepdogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan have put a new spin on what people will think about Canadian music. And you need no other proof than to check out an upcoming cover of Rolling Stone.
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