The Demics - New York City

  A slow burn, Canadian classic on the blog today from The Demics.

  Formed in London, Ontario, in 1977 and consisting of Keith Walker (vocals), Rob Brent (guitar), Iain Atkinson-Staines (bass) and Jim Weatherstone (drums) they honed their sound playing weekend gigs in front of enthusiastic locals before supporting name bands of the calibre of The Viletones, The Dead Boys  and Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers. Walker was from Manchester, England, and named the band after the slang term for wanker. Their debut ep, Talk's Cheap, featured the song New York City which became a radio hit and made enough of an impression to be named many years later as the greatest Canadian song of all time by readers of Chart magazine.

  Despite the accolades that were coming their way it wasn't long before they disbanded but they soon got back together with Steve Koch stepping in on guitar. They put out a self titled debut album but it's luke warm reception and "internal tensions" saw them call it a day in 1981.

  Tragically, Keith Walker died of cancer in 1996. This post is dedicated to him. Here's their "hit", New York City......