Glass Tiger’s lead vocalist, Alan Frew has been set a target by his band mates as he recovers from a stroke suffered last Thursday which has damaged the right side of his body including his dominant right hand.
Keyboardist Sam Reid announced that Glass Tiger will execute a national coast-to-coast tour in 2016 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of the band’s debut Thin Red Line album and original band members guitarist Alan Connelly and bassist Wayne Parker fully expect Frew to be front and centre for the tour.
“We know it will be an emotional tour for fans to see him dancing around again,” said Reid in a prepared statement. “But the band is really looking forward to it.”
Frew a 58-year-old native of Coatbridge Scotland (and devout Glasgow Rangers FC supporter), said on an instagram that he is “Fighting the warrior’s fight” and promises his fans that he will release his latest CD and perform live as soon as he can.
On his Face book page, Frew thanked the many musicians and fans who had sent him messages of encouragement. “I may have missed a few names but a big # thank u to many of my fellow musicians who have taken the time to send me emails and texts filled with love and encouragement. It means a lot to me guys. #Peace, #Love and NO #Strokes to you all.
“Glass Tiger band mates were shocked to hear the news that Alan had suffered a stroke last week but we are relieved that he seems to be making a full recovery,” said Reid in his statement. “Alan called me when it happened and I rushed to the hospital fearing the worst. But I was so glad to see him sitting in bed and talking about it. Seems that each day has been a steady improvement with the feeling in his right arm and leg which is where the majority of the stroke had its effect.”
Formed in Newmarket Ontario in 1984 and originally called Tokyo, Glass Tiger exploded on to the scene in 1986 with the release of their debut Thin Red Line record, produced by Jim Vallance. The album, powered by two hit singles; “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone) and “Someday”, went to No.1 on the Canadian charts (selling over 400,000 units – 4x platinum) and No 2 on the U.S charts (going Gold), winning three Juno Awards in 1987 and earning a Grammy nomination (losing to Bruce Hornsby).
Their follow up release “Diamond Sun” sold double platinum in Canada in 1988 and their third release “Animal Heart” went platinum in 1991 before the band took an extended hiatus. Frew went on to record two solo records (`Hold On” in 1994 and `Wonderland” in 2000) and co-wrote the official theme song for the 2012 Winter Olympic Games, “I Believe” with Stephan Moccio.
An accomplished public speaker and author, Frew also made his acting debut as Ewan McCauley in the 2010 Canadian comedy, `Gravy Train’.
Photo by Charles Hope.
[youtube width=”600″ height=”400″ video_id=”Tu8JFZw3L6A”]
Comments are closed.