Goddo
Encyclopedia
Goddo is a Canadian band formed in 1975. Goddo had mixed major label success from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s. After reforming in 1989, they revived their career with several new studio and 'best of' packages. Goddo is currently signed to Bullseye Records Of Canada and continue to celebrate more than 30 years in the business.
, bassist Greg Godovitz formed Goddo with former Brutus
guitarist Gino Scarpelli and former bus drummer Marty Morin. The band toured clubs in Canada
with occasional forays into the United States
. In 1975, they released the single "Louie Louie" on A & M Records Canada which helped them secure more work on the Southern Ontario
bar circuit.
Marty Morin left in 1976 and was replaced by Doug Inglis on drums. In 1977, Goddo was signed to Polydor Records
. Their self-titled debut album was released later that year.
The follow-up album, If Indeed It's Lonely At The Top...WHO CARES...It's Lonely At The Bottom Too! (1978), features a barbed view of rock and roll lifestyles and the music industry in general.
'An Act Of Goddo' followed in 1979 along with a live performance in Toronto. The performance, called 'An Act Of Goddo In Church', has since been re-issued on DVD as "Live".
In 1980, Goddo were slapped with a lifetime ban from the The Forum at Ontario Place
in Toronto
, Ontario
, after an over-sold show lead to a riot at the general admission facility.
Now with a new deal through Attic Records
, Goddo decided to make a live album. 'Best Seat In The House' was recorded over two nights at the Roxy Theater in Barrie, Ontario and produced by Bob Segarini
.
Goddo followed the live LP with what would become their most successful commercial release with called Pretty Bad Boys. The title track which spent more than 16 weeks on the Canadian charts. But within a year of the release the band was broke and without a recording contract and disbanded.
In 1989, the Classic Rock revival in Canada was in full swing and Godovitz reformed the classic line-up for a series of limited shows that were sold out. Inspired that the band could have a second life, a "best of" package called 12 Gauge Goddo was released in 1990.
The reunited group recorded King Of Broken Hearts (1992) with producer Terry Brown
and produced a new single and video in "Was It Something I Said?". The band toured promoting the album and doing double bills with Hamilton punk band Teenage Head
In 1994, Godovitz returned to the stage as a member of The Carpet Frogs
who released one CD in 1995 called "Frog Curry". Godovitz and the band parted company in the late '90s and Godovitz returned to focusing on Goddo.
To celebrate Goddo's 25th anniversary as a band, a party was organized at Toronto's Warehouse Club in 2000 featuring the original Goddo (including Marty Morin), Ronnie Hawkins, The Partland Brothers, Andy Curran (Coney Hatch) and members of Godovitz's new British Invasion act The Anger Brothers including Bob Segarini
. The show and the subsequent tour that year became the basis for the sequel to 'Best Seat In The House', called "2nd Best Seat In The House". Goddo's first three albums were remastered and re-issued on CD by Bullseye Records to coincide with the tour.
Godovitz released his memoirs called 'Travels With My Amp' also on Bullseye Records. He toured Canada to promote the book through 2001. Footage from the book tour and a live acoustic performance at Hugh's Room in 2004 became the basis for his Bullseye Records solo DVD 'Up Close And Uncomfortable'. Featuring Goddo hits along with some rare tracks performed live as they were originally written on an acoustic guitar.
In 2003 Godovitz along with Bob Segarini
, drummer Doug Inglis, keyboardist Brad Lovatt, guitarist Steve Jensen and bassist MIke Pellarin, released a CD self-titled under the name The Anger Brothers.
The core of that band and that album became the basis for a brand new Goddo record—2004's "Kings of The Stoned Age" on Bullseye Records. The band toured Southern Ontario in support of the new album which saw two radio singles hit the airwaves - "Rock Star" and "Such A Fool".
2005 saw a change in the band's line up as guitarist Gino Scarpelli left. Taking his place on lead guitar was Steve Shelski of Coney Hatch
, who was joined by Anger Brothers keyboardist Brad "Mr. Anger" Lovatt, fleshing out the line-up with original Goddo members Godovitz and Inglis.
In 2006 Greg Godovitz along with Bob Reid began Rock Talk, a weekly Toronto based radio talk show.
That same year Godovitz began working in the studio producing the Canadian rock group Three Quarter Stone on their debut CD "It Starts Right Here". Three Quarter Stone's second album "Bullet With A Name" released in 2009 includes a cover version of Goddo's "Tough TImes".
In 2007 Linus Entertainment released the DVD "An Act Of Goddo In Church" called 'Live' featuring the band's 1979 broadcast from CHUM FM and City TVs first ever stereo multi-media simulcast.
In 2007 Canadian label Bullseye Records released the double-disc anthology set called "Under My Hat: Volume 1 - Active Goddo" featuring live material recording during their salad days of 1976-1977.
Summer 2008, Godovitz is working in Axe Music
in Calgary
producing new acts, including producing on the debut album "Out of the Pit" for heavy metal band Kobra and the Lotus
. and still performing live in Calgary usually as a guest artist with other acts as well as playing his solo show " Up Close and Uncomfortable". 2009 Godovitz returned to Toronto and played a few Goddo shows. The band featured Godovitz, drummer Doug Inglis, Mr.Anger, and the son of Goddo's original guitarist Gino Scarpelli, Gene Scarpelli on guitar.
Inspired by the “Anvil” Documentary, John Power of All Access Productions approached the band with the concept of making a documentary on the story of Goddo. One of Canada’s finest musical rock acts.
Along with the archival footage the band members had in their own private collections All Access Productions really wanted some current, up to date footage of the band. This inspired 2010’s reunion of the Original Goddo. Greg Godovitz, Gino Scarpelli and drummer Doug Inglis.
On March 28, 2010 Goddo, along with guest musicians, Ed Pilling “Fludd” ,Dr. John Bjarnason on harmonica, the bands original drummer Marty Morin on percussion and Scarpelli’s son Gene Scarpelli on a second Fender Stratocaster played a sold out show at Toronto’s Sound Academy. The show was filmed with the idea the current footage will be part of the documentary. The band however were so pleased with the results they are considering releasing this show as its own DVD.
With the making of the documentary now in full swing the reunited Goddo are once again enjoying playing there music to sold out houses all over Ontario and are planning some shows in Western Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.
When asked about the band recording any new material Godovitz replied “You never know. This band has lasted longer than any of our marriages”.
IN GODDO WE TRUST 2011
Band history
Following a stint with FluddFludd (band)
Fludd was a Canadian rock band in the 1970s, best known for their 1973 hit "Cousin Mary".The band had its roots in a band called The Pretty Ones, formed by Ed Pilling and Greg Godovitz. The band was briefly part of Toronto's Yorkville scene in the 1960s, but broke up before achieving much...
, bassist Greg Godovitz formed Goddo with former Brutus
Brutus
Brutus is the cognomen of the Roman gens Junia, a prominent family of the Roman Republic. The plural of Brutus is Bruti, and the vocative form is Brute, as immortalized in the quotation "Et tu, Brute?", from Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar....
guitarist Gino Scarpelli and former bus drummer Marty Morin. The band toured clubs in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
with occasional forays into the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. In 1975, they released the single "Louie Louie" on A & M Records Canada which helped them secure more work on the Southern Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
bar circuit.
Marty Morin left in 1976 and was replaced by Doug Inglis on drums. In 1977, Goddo was signed to Polydor Records
Polydor Records
Polydor is a record label owned by Universal Music Group, headquartered in the United Kingdom.-Beginnings:Polydor was originally an independent branch of the Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft. Its name was first used as an export label in 1924, the British and German branches of the Gramophone...
. Their self-titled debut album was released later that year.
The follow-up album, If Indeed It's Lonely At The Top...WHO CARES...It's Lonely At The Bottom Too! (1978), features a barbed view of rock and roll lifestyles and the music industry in general.
'An Act Of Goddo' followed in 1979 along with a live performance in Toronto. The performance, called 'An Act Of Goddo In Church', has since been re-issued on DVD as "Live".
In 1980, Goddo were slapped with a lifetime ban from the The Forum at Ontario Place
Ontario Place
Ontario Place is a multiple use entertainment and seasonal waterfront park attraction located in Toronto, Ontario, and owned by the Crown in Right of Ontario. It is administered as an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Located on the shore of Lake Ontario, just south of...
in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, after an over-sold show lead to a riot at the general admission facility.
Now with a new deal through Attic Records
Attic Records
Attic Records may refer to:* Attic Records , Canadian rock label* ATIC Records, Manchester, United Kingdom electronic / Hip Hop label, founded by Aim in 2005...
, Goddo decided to make a live album. 'Best Seat In The House' was recorded over two nights at the Roxy Theater in Barrie, Ontario and produced by Bob Segarini
Bob Segarini
Bob Segarini is a recording artist, singer, songwriter, composer and radio host. During a professional music career primarily developed between 1968 and the early 1980s, Segarani was particularly popular in Canada...
.
Goddo followed the live LP with what would become their most successful commercial release with called Pretty Bad Boys. The title track which spent more than 16 weeks on the Canadian charts. But within a year of the release the band was broke and without a recording contract and disbanded.
In 1989, the Classic Rock revival in Canada was in full swing and Godovitz reformed the classic line-up for a series of limited shows that were sold out. Inspired that the band could have a second life, a "best of" package called 12 Gauge Goddo was released in 1990.
The reunited group recorded King Of Broken Hearts (1992) with producer Terry Brown
Terry Brown (record producer)
Terry Brown is a record producer involved in a variety of work, but most noted for his involvement with the Canadian rock band Rush and the British/Canadian band Cutting Crew. Brown is currently working with emerging Ottawa roots-rockers Ken Workman & The Union. He is referred to fondly by the band...
and produced a new single and video in "Was It Something I Said?". The band toured promoting the album and doing double bills with Hamilton punk band Teenage Head
Teenage Head (band)
Teenage Head is a Canadian rock group from Hamilton, Ontario and was one of the most popular Canadian punk rock bands during the early 1980s....
In 1994, Godovitz returned to the stage as a member of The Carpet Frogs
The Carpet Frogs
The Carpet Frogs are a Toronto based rock band. They are best known for their work with Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings.-Band members:Nick Sinopoli - Percussion and vocalsDavid Love - Guitar and vocals...
who released one CD in 1995 called "Frog Curry". Godovitz and the band parted company in the late '90s and Godovitz returned to focusing on Goddo.
To celebrate Goddo's 25th anniversary as a band, a party was organized at Toronto's Warehouse Club in 2000 featuring the original Goddo (including Marty Morin), Ronnie Hawkins, The Partland Brothers, Andy Curran (Coney Hatch) and members of Godovitz's new British Invasion act The Anger Brothers including Bob Segarini
Bob Segarini
Bob Segarini is a recording artist, singer, songwriter, composer and radio host. During a professional music career primarily developed between 1968 and the early 1980s, Segarani was particularly popular in Canada...
. The show and the subsequent tour that year became the basis for the sequel to 'Best Seat In The House', called "2nd Best Seat In The House". Goddo's first three albums were remastered and re-issued on CD by Bullseye Records to coincide with the tour.
Godovitz released his memoirs called 'Travels With My Amp' also on Bullseye Records. He toured Canada to promote the book through 2001. Footage from the book tour and a live acoustic performance at Hugh's Room in 2004 became the basis for his Bullseye Records solo DVD 'Up Close And Uncomfortable'. Featuring Goddo hits along with some rare tracks performed live as they were originally written on an acoustic guitar.
In 2003 Godovitz along with Bob Segarini
Bob Segarini
Bob Segarini is a recording artist, singer, songwriter, composer and radio host. During a professional music career primarily developed between 1968 and the early 1980s, Segarani was particularly popular in Canada...
, drummer Doug Inglis, keyboardist Brad Lovatt, guitarist Steve Jensen and bassist MIke Pellarin, released a CD self-titled under the name The Anger Brothers.
The core of that band and that album became the basis for a brand new Goddo record—2004's "Kings of The Stoned Age" on Bullseye Records. The band toured Southern Ontario in support of the new album which saw two radio singles hit the airwaves - "Rock Star" and "Such A Fool".
2005 saw a change in the band's line up as guitarist Gino Scarpelli left. Taking his place on lead guitar was Steve Shelski of Coney Hatch
Coney Hatch
Coney Hatch is a Canadian hard rock band who released 3 albums in the 1980s. Based in Toronto, Ontario, the band consisted of vocalist and guitarist Carl Dixon who would also go on to play with April Wine and a Burton Cummings-less Guess Who for several years, as well as touring solo and releasing...
, who was joined by Anger Brothers keyboardist Brad "Mr. Anger" Lovatt, fleshing out the line-up with original Goddo members Godovitz and Inglis.
In 2006 Greg Godovitz along with Bob Reid began Rock Talk, a weekly Toronto based radio talk show.
That same year Godovitz began working in the studio producing the Canadian rock group Three Quarter Stone on their debut CD "It Starts Right Here". Three Quarter Stone's second album "Bullet With A Name" released in 2009 includes a cover version of Goddo's "Tough TImes".
In 2007 Linus Entertainment released the DVD "An Act Of Goddo In Church" called 'Live' featuring the band's 1979 broadcast from CHUM FM and City TVs first ever stereo multi-media simulcast.
In 2007 Canadian label Bullseye Records released the double-disc anthology set called "Under My Hat: Volume 1 - Active Goddo" featuring live material recording during their salad days of 1976-1977.
Summer 2008, Godovitz is working in Axe Music
Axé music
Axé is a popular music genre originating in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil approximately in 1986, fusing different Afro-Caribbean genres, such as Marcha, Reggae, and Calypso. It also includes influences of Afro-Brazilian music such as Frevo, Forró and Carixada. The most important creator of this music...
in Calgary
Calgary
Calgary is a city in the Province of Alberta, Canada. It is located in the south of the province, in an area of foothills and prairie, approximately east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies...
producing new acts, including producing on the debut album "Out of the Pit" for heavy metal band Kobra and the Lotus
Kobra and the Lotus
Kobra and the Lotus is a female fronted heavy metal band from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The musical style is often compared to classic NWOBHM, Iron Maiden, Dio, and early Metallica or Iced Earth.-Biography:...
. and still performing live in Calgary usually as a guest artist with other acts as well as playing his solo show " Up Close and Uncomfortable". 2009 Godovitz returned to Toronto and played a few Goddo shows. The band featured Godovitz, drummer Doug Inglis, Mr.Anger, and the son of Goddo's original guitarist Gino Scarpelli, Gene Scarpelli on guitar.
Inspired by the “Anvil” Documentary, John Power of All Access Productions approached the band with the concept of making a documentary on the story of Goddo. One of Canada’s finest musical rock acts.
Along with the archival footage the band members had in their own private collections All Access Productions really wanted some current, up to date footage of the band. This inspired 2010’s reunion of the Original Goddo. Greg Godovitz, Gino Scarpelli and drummer Doug Inglis.
On March 28, 2010 Goddo, along with guest musicians, Ed Pilling “Fludd” ,Dr. John Bjarnason on harmonica, the bands original drummer Marty Morin on percussion and Scarpelli’s son Gene Scarpelli on a second Fender Stratocaster played a sold out show at Toronto’s Sound Academy. The show was filmed with the idea the current footage will be part of the documentary. The band however were so pleased with the results they are considering releasing this show as its own DVD.
With the making of the documentary now in full swing the reunited Goddo are once again enjoying playing there music to sold out houses all over Ontario and are planning some shows in Western Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.
When asked about the band recording any new material Godovitz replied “You never know. This band has lasted longer than any of our marriages”.
IN GODDO WE TRUST 2011
Albums
- 1977 Goddo (Polydor)
- 1978 If Indeed It's Lonely At The Top...WHO CARES...It's Lonely At The Bottom Too! (Fat Cat/Polydor)
- 1979 An Act Of Goddo (Polydor)
- 1981 Pretty Bad Boys (Attic)
- 1982 Live: Best Seat In The House (Attic)
- 1990 12 Gauge Goddo (BEI/MCA)
- 1993 King of The Broken Hearts (Justin/MCA)
- 2001 2nd Best Seat In The House - Lighve Bullseye Records
- 2004 Kings of The Stoned Age Bullseye Records
- 2008 Under My Hat - Volume 1: Active Goddo Bullseye Records
Singles
- 1975 "Louie Louie" (A & M)
- 1977 "Under My Hat (Fat Cat/Polydor)
- 1978 "There Goes My Baby (Fat Cat/Polydor)
- 1979 "Chantal" (Fat Cat/Polydor)
- 1980 "Fortune In Men's Eyes" (El Mocambo)
- 1981 "Pretty Bad Boy" (Attic Records)
- 1981 "If Tomorrow Never Comes" (Attic Records)
- 1993 "Was It Something I Said" (Justin/MCA)
- 2004 "Rock Star" Bullseye Records
- 2004 "Such A Fool" Bullseye Records