Well, as the old saying goes, "I can die happy now!" was the feeling I had after leaving the American on Saturday night, after seeing the Young Fresh Fellows perform live for the first time in over 30 years and quite possibly the last. I traveled halfway across the country for this show and since they probably won't play anywhere near Winnipeg ever again, I had to take the initiative, get off my ass, buy the concert ticket, book a flight, secure accommodations and just do it! No regrets! I chose the Vancouver date, because it was in Canada (no border crossing for me anytime soon) and I have relatives I can stay with and besides, Vancouver is a beautiful city I know quite well already and it gave me a chance to explore some great record stores. I've previously said, that I saw the Fellows back in 1992 at the Commodore in Vancouver and was excited to return and see them perform a headlining set and to hopefully record the show. It all went without a hitch (more on that later) and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. So many highlights, I'm sure others have reviewed/commented about the show and posted tons of great photos, but I'll give you kinda an "outsider" perspective and observations.
- Opening the evening was, Like Whatever, a female fronted band that blasted a loud, menacing sound that really caught your attention. Not many rock bands are fronted by a saxophone playing vocalist and they pull it off well (the rest of the band is rounded out with the traditional, guitar, bass and drums) and they were entertaining. I'm not familiar with the songs, but what I heard was good and they have an EP, Baby Steps that would be worth checking out for a more focused listen. If you have a chance to see them live, go for it!
- The next band was the Tranzmitors, who have several members that were (at some point) in the Smugglers and sported a similar look and sound, with the suits and an energetic pop-punk rock sound. They remind me a bit of a Winnipeg based band, Novillero (fronted by Rod Slaughter from Duotang) who also embrace a British Mod-pop style and the Jam. The Tranzmitors rocked much harder with a straight forward rock 'n' roll sound that is infectious, fun and sweaty. I would definitely see these guys again if I lived in Vancouver!
- The Tranzmitors set featured special guests, Andrew Molloy from BUM and the evening's host and former Smuggler's front-man, Grant Lawrence. Both performed 2 songs with the band, then Andrew and Grant joined in together for a last song, the Dictator's, Stay With Me. The Smuggler's bass player, Beez also joined in to add more vocals. I also recorded the Tranzmitors set and I'll post it along with more photos soon.
- The Young Fresh Fellows began their set after an introduction from Grant Lawrence, who managed to convince the band to return to Vancouver. Lawrence's band, the Smugglers shared many gigs throughout the years with the Fellows and my first introduction to his band was in 1991, at a lunch hour show the day of the show in Winnipeg at the University of Manitoba. The school paper said the YFFs were playing the nooner, but when I showed up (taking time off work!), much to my surprise (and disappointment?) it was the Smugglers dressed in their suits and rubber boots. They did win me over, though most of the crowd ignored the band on stage and I was pissed that evening when they were "squeezed" out of the opening slot, but the Fellows brought them up for a mini set within their own set. The headliners were the Hoodoo Gurus.
- The setlist touched on most of their career, with an emphasis on songs from the latest album, Loft. The new songs benefited being played live, that brought a freshness and energy to the songs and the more I listen to the album, the more I like it. Of course, they played all the songs I wanted to hear, Groovy Town, How Much About Last Night, Taco Wagon/Picture Book, Ringo, Get Outta My Cave, Pest Control and the YFF Theme. I wanted to hear, Teenage Dogs In Trouble, for obvious reasons, but they did play it in Tacoma the next night. I'm always pleased by the covers, especially Jonathan Richman's, Someone I Care About and Picture Book by the Kinks. Heaven And Hell (The Who) and the Sonic's classic, Strychnine closed out the show.
- After the show, I bought the "original" Loft record, the one they sold only at a couple of shows in 2025, since I already had the limited edition Record Store version. Scott was at the merch table so he signed it and I also got Jim and John to autograph it. Unfortunately, I didn't see Kurt, so no luck. They were selling that cool gig poster (see last post) for cheap, but I didn't buy one because it was cardstock and unrollable (it will bend), so I couldn't risk bringing it in my carry-on luggage home. A nice girl in line had a setlist from the stage, who generously allowed me to take a photo, thanks!
- I was impressed by the sound at The American, as I didn't know what to expect from this venue. It seems to be a restaurant/bar complete with a pool table and a wall of pinball machines and other games. There was an open floor in front of the stage and tables and chairs behind, as well as a raised seating area at the back. I tried to position myself close to the middle, not too close up, but about midway back on the floor. The recording turned out quite well, maybe one of my best, or at least one of the most important. It's balanced, with clear vocals and the volume was perfect. I've been anxious about taping the show before I arrived, but once the music started and the settings were adjusted, I was much more relaxed and enjoyed the show. Before the Young Fresh Fellows set, I spotted a fellow taper (we share the same mic) and it was cool to compare notes and talk "shop", something I rarely do since I've never met another taper at the same show. Very cool!
Overall, it was a wonderful experience! Seeing my favourite band in another city really was a dream come true. To me, the Young Fresh Fellows are a special band that I came to discover and love by chance at a record store in Fargo, purchasing Topsy Turvy and The Men Who Loved Music on a whim (sight unheard) and the rest is history. Their music has been an essential part of my soundtrack for almost 40 years and seeing the band live (3x now), where they really shine, is something that is beyond memorable. Now go buy their records and see them live when you have the chance!
Enjoy!
Please do NOT sell or profit from this recording!
Do NOT convert to lossy formats, except for personal use.
Please share!
YOUNG FRESH FELLOWS
The American
Vancouver, BC
April 11, 2026
Audience Master
Sony ECM-DS70P mic> Tascam DR-07> SD card > 16 bit Wav>
Direct Wave MP3 splitter> FLAC> rar
01. Intro
02. Where Is Groovy Town?
03. Down By The Pharmacy
04. I'm A Prison
05. Never Had It Bad
06. 99 Girls
07. Killing Time In Union Square
08. Hang Out Right
09. How Much About Last Night Do You Remember?
10. Three Gasconading Saints
11. Taco Wagon
12. Picture Book
13. Tad's Pad
14. Lamp Industries
15. Hillbilly Drummer Girl
16. Destination
17. Sittin' On A Pitchfork
18. Whispering Hole
19. I Don't Let The Little Things Get Me Down
20. Get Outta My Cave
21. Someone I Care About
22. My Friend Ringo
23. Rock 'n' Roll Pest Control
ENCORE
24. Backroom Of The Bar
25. Still There's Hope
26. All I Want For Christmas Is A Dead President
27. Heaven And Hell
28. Young Fresh Fellows Theme
29. Strychnine
30. Outro
The American
Vancouver, BC
April 11, 2026
Audience Master
Sony ECM-DS70P mic> Tascam DR-07> SD card > 16 bit Wav>
Direct Wave MP3 splitter> FLAC> rar
01. Intro
02. Where Is Groovy Town?
03. Down By The Pharmacy
04. I'm A Prison
05. Never Had It Bad
06. 99 Girls
07. Killing Time In Union Square
08. Hang Out Right
09. How Much About Last Night Do You Remember?
10. Three Gasconading Saints
11. Taco Wagon
12. Picture Book
13. Tad's Pad
14. Lamp Industries
15. Hillbilly Drummer Girl
16. Destination
17. Sittin' On A Pitchfork
18. Whispering Hole
19. I Don't Let The Little Things Get Me Down
20. Get Outta My Cave
21. Someone I Care About
22. My Friend Ringo
23. Rock 'n' Roll Pest Control
ENCORE
24. Backroom Of The Bar
25. Still There's Hope
26. All I Want For Christmas Is A Dead President
27. Heaven And Hell
28. Young Fresh Fellows Theme
29. Strychnine
30. Outro
Scott McCaughey- vocals, guitar
Kurt Bloch- guitar, vocals
Jim Sangster- guitar, vocals
John Perrin- drums
