Toronto is a city known for being the birthplace of numerous talented musicians, writes torontoski.info. Many of these artists chose to begin their careers in their hometown, bringing additional fame and recognition to Toronto.
The musical history of Toronto features many celebrated names, and it is not limited to solo performers. Bands have also played an integral role in shaping the city’s music scene, with some achieving widespread success and acclaim. This success is reflected in the awards and accolades earned by Toronto-based groups and the dedicated fan bases that follow them.
One such band is Alias, a Canadian rock group formed in Toronto in 1988. Over time, Alias became wildly successful, amassing a large and loyal fan base. Each of their performances turned into an eagerly anticipated event.
Like many bands, Alias started its journey with a backstory rooted in a previous group. Founding members transitioned from a former band that had dissolved, using that experience as the impetus for Alias’s creation. This transition perfectly illustrates the saying: “Everything happens for the best.” With that mindset, the musicians set out to create something new.
Here’s a closer look at their journey.
The Backstory
Freddie Curci and Steve DeMarchi were members of the Canadian rock band Sheriff from 1979 to 1985. Sheriff enjoyed a degree of popularity, catching the attention of Capitol Records, which led to the release of a self-titled album. The band’s songs received significant airplay on radio stations.
However, tensions arose among the band members, eventually causing Sheriff to disband in 1985.
A New Beginning
Following Sheriff’s dissolution, Curci and DeMarchi turned their attention to establishing a recording studio where they worked on new songs. Many of these tracks would later form the basis of Alias’s debut album.
In 1988, their song “When I’m With You” topped several music charts. By 1989, Curci and DeMarchi attempted to reunite Sheriff, but other members declined the offer. Undeterred, the duo focused on creating a new band, which they named Alias.
The Debut
Alias released their debut album in 1990, which went gold in the United States and platinum in Canada. The album included several captivating ballads, with “More Than Words Can Say” becoming a massive hit.
The band’s growing popularity led to numerous appearances, including a performance on The Tonight Show in 1991.
Another Album
In 1992, Alias released their second album. During this time, Curci began working on his solo album, which was released in 1994. Meanwhile, DeMarchi collaborated and performed with The Cranberries.
In 2005, songs from Alias’s second album gained renewed attention as they were featured in various commercials, providing the band with additional exposure and revenue.
A Long-Awaited Performance
On August 21, 2014, Alias performed at the Sturgis Canada Motorcycle Rally and Music Festival, marking their first full live performance in years. The event was a highlight for fans, celebrating the band’s enduring legacy in the Canadian rock scene.
Photo Credits: discogs.com, metal-archives.com