Doug and the Slugs
Being an early 80’s kid, I was privy to being brainwashed with Doug and the Slugs music – knowing the words but not understanding the context behind the hilarity of ‘Making It Work” (bedroom fables) or funny “Too Bad” (cheater shaming). At a young age all I knew was that their music was so much fun to sing and dance to, and my parents didn’t hold back when hauling us 3 kids to concerts we were allowed to attend – (thank you 1980’s loose bar law days!).
It wasn’t till years later I realized Doug Bennett (RIP) and I had similar sense of humour & energy to entertain others despite looking like a… well, anyways…
Fast forward 20 + years later…
2011
About a month after emergency brain tumour surgery I moved back with Mom as was wheelchair bound and couldn’t live alone. I was choking with guilt about feeling like such a burden despite being reassured I wasn’t. It wasn’t right! Parents shouldn’t have to deal with such a heavy burden of their adult children!
I had an idea…. Since Mom was such a big fan of ‘Doug and the Slugs’, I emailed their website asking if someone could contact my Mom to wish her Merry Christmas. I shared what big fans we are- and for me, especially the song “Day By Day” (and title of the book I was currently writing). A song-turned-mantra.
A couple weeks later, my Mom and I are sitting in the living room- watching the usual Christmas specials
“OH MY GOD!” I remember Mom looking up at me from her computer in shock. Simon Kendall of Doug and the Slugs had emailed her! I remember saying to her with a quivery voice, “Merry Christmas, Mom” fighting back the tears. They later connected on the phone, where Mom floated around like royalty after, as if she was officially accepted into the clan of the ‘cool kids’ in school.
As I continued recuperating from surgery, Doug and the Slugs’ music would play on the radio at the best of the worst times. I still remember being at the rehab hospital, taking little laboured steps on the parallel bars (learning to walk again) when what comes on the radio? Day By Day <3
“Bad news don’t ruin my appetite
don’t let the papers
tell me if it’s wrong or right.
I just do what I do and I do it
day by day by day by day….
Day by day, I’m feeling stronger –
Day by I’m lasting longer”
2014
Simon Kendall kept in contact with us – updating how I was doing. To my surprise Simon emailed me to share the band was going to DEDICATE ‘DAY BY DAY’ TO ME in concert the next day in Calgary, Alberta. I remember Mom and I (Ontario gals) looking at each other in silence with a creeping smiles with the same crazy idea….
WHAT IF?….
We took a flight from Toronto to Edmonton the next morning to catch the show. WoW! SO EXCITING!
The dedication was awesome – Mom and I danced and belted out the lyrics to ‘Day By Day’. After the show, we were able to hang out with the band in the green room (who were so incredibly kind, and funny). Wally even gifted me the drumsticks he used for that night!
Months later- Thanks to red wine, I had the courage to call and ask Simon if he would do me the honour of writing the foreword of my book, “Day By Day“. With no hesitation, he did! <3 <3 <3
A few years later Mom and I flew to Vancouver to celebrate their 40th Anniversary with a packed concert at The Commodore Ballroom!
We were even interviewed for an upcoming documentary ‘Doug and the Slugs and Me’, Director Theresa Alfeld)! I’m thinking we didn’t make the cut because so was Mom (lol, I might want to edit this later!). So. Much. Fun. (Doc available at www.dougandtheslugs.ca)
I am so incredibly grateful that Doug and the Slugs continued performing their music after Doug Bennett’s passing at 52 (RIP). 1996 to this day, Ted Okos carries the torch as the lead singer of the band with the original (recorded) band members. Thank you Simon, John, Richard, Steve and Wally!
From fun sounds, to heart-filling moments-
THANK YOU
you’ve helped me (and unknowingly) helped me stand back up, day by day.
My book: Day By Day (2014)
Standing Back Up: Musical Muses
Doug and the Slugs (’11-’22), Guitar Raffles (’15, ’16, ’17), Guinness Record Break (2017)