Happy Birthday Peter Zaremba!

Raising a glass to Count Zaremba with a Fleshtones performance in Hamilton featuring Teenage Head's late great Gordie Lewis.

Goodbye to Hamilton's rock 'n' roll outpost This Ain't Hollywood

Lou Molinaro's venerable night spot This Ain't Hollywood is closing as the James St. N property has been sold to Toronto-based investment firm Amaprop.

Here's the scoop...
"After 11 years of owning the property on James and Murray Avenue, we would like to inform all of you that we have sold the building. As many of you know, the property has been on the market for some time so we knew this day might come. It saddens us to inform you that this will also mark the end of This Ain't Hollywood.
"Over the last 11 years, we have been very fortunate to host thousands of shows, as well as being a strong foundation for our music community. Operating a live music venue tosses out a lot of challenges and risks. While the industry and infrastructure is changing, we felt that it was a proper time for our departure. The Covid-19 Pandemic, also brought a lot of uncertainties for the near future.
"Our goal on day one was to open a neighbourhood friendly bar offering Hamilton a variety of music, and art. While we are saddened by the end of this era, we look upon the last 11 years as a truly special chapter in Hamilton's illustrious musical story.
"We want to take a moment to say thank you to our staff (present and past) who have represented us so well. Without them, we wouldn't have been able to exist as long as we have. A committed team who believed in us and uniquely sprinkled their magic to make this venue a one of a kind spot.
"We also want to thank you to all of you for your tremendous support over the past 11 years. You have added so much energy and heart to This Ain't Hollywood. Your enthusiasm definitely inspired us along the way.
"While we are saddened by this announcement, we look at the memories with lots of pride, and happiness.
"The closing date for the sale of the building is August 4th. At this point, we have not determined a last date for the venue but we will definitely keep you informed. Please stay tuned to our social media pages for more updates on some unforgettable farewell shows.
Live music, art installations, book launches, bingo, fundraisers, film and video shoots..... there will never be another This Ain't Hollywood." Lou, Glen and Jodie

LINKS
Hamilton Spectator Landmark Hamilton rock club This Ain't Hollywood sold
CBC News The end of This Ain't Hollywood
Global News Owners saddened by the closing of iconic Hamilton music venue

Teenage Head record release @ Hamilton's This Ain't Hollywood, Saturday

Here's a Teenage Head interview and performance from 1981 followed by two versions of "Picture My Face" from 1978 and 2019. 

Radio Birdman doc screens in Hamilton November 20

On November 20, The acclaimed documentary, DESCENT INTO THE MAELSTROM - THE UNTOLD STORY OF RADIO BIRDMAN will screen in Hamilton at This Ain't Hollywood (345 James St. North). Director Jonathan J Sequeira will also be in attendance and DJ Tim Hanna will be spinning a whole bunch of great rock 'n' roll tunes before and after the movie! Advance tickets are  available online. There is also a Toronto screening being planned for Duggan's Brewery on November 23 at 9 pm. Watch for details to be posted soon.

Catl went to the Hammer and all we got was this bloody video

Hogtown hotshots catl had to travel all the way to Hamilton to find the right kinda vibe to shoot a video for their enjoyably confrontational jam F.U. Blues. Watch as catl singer/drummer Sarah K. encounters unsolicited advances from various creeps then turns the tables with blood-spattering results. Pretty much a typical day on the road.

Directed, produced and edited by 5th Monkey Productions – a Hamilton-based operation consisting of Ian Steinberg, Khalm H'erbin, and Cole Sutton-Greenhalgh – the video was shot entirely on location in the Hammer with a starring role played by the city's venerable live music hangout This Ain’t Hollywood where catl is holding a video release party tonight (Friday January 9) joined by Noble Savages and The Squids. Along with Sarah's real-life sidekick, catl singer/guitarist Jamie Fleming, the video's cast includes such Steeltown music celebs as Snowheel Slim (Ginger St. James) and Jim Fitzgerald (Frankie and Jimmy).

This is catl.’s second video from their latest album This Shakin’ House, recorded with Adam Hill (Ranconteurs, Jack White) and released back in May 2014. Catl's video release victory lap continues with shows at DSTRCT in Guelph on January 10, Jane Bond in Waterloo on January 24 and eventually The Horseshoe in Toronto on January 31. Here's the clip.

The only Hamilton bar that matters

This Ain't Hollywood (345 James St. North)

Simply Saucer sighting in Hamilton

Simply Saucer live @ This Ain't Hollywood Feb. 26, 2011