Colin James

In their home country of Canada, The Trews have consistently released top ten-charting albums, also gaining several top ten singles in the Canadian Rock charts. With two Gold-certified records to their name, The Trews are one of the most successful Canadian hard rock bands. The band take influence from classic rock bands such as Led Zeppelin and The Allman Brothers Band, as well as more contemporary acts like Pearl Jam and U2.

The band formed in high school in 1997, featuring brothers Colin MacDonald (lead vocals/rhythm guitar) and John-Angus MacDonald (lead guitar/backing vocals), cousin Sean Dalton (drums) and friend Jack Syperek (bass). In 2002, they decided upon the name, The Trews, before then entering and winning southern Ontario’s 97.7 HTZ-FM’s annual talent contest. This success garnered the attention of Big Sugar singer, Gordon Johnson, who then offered to record and produce their self-titled debut EP.

Moving to Sony Music Canada, The Trews produced their debut album, “House of Ill Fame,” which found the band a significant audience, achieving Gold certification. The Trews then embarked on extensive tours, playing over 400 shows in the following years before returning to the studio. Their second record, “Den of Thieves” followed in 2005, also being certified Gold.

Four more albums followed, “No Time For Later” (2008), “Friends & Total Strangers” (2009), “Hope & Ruin” (2011) and their self-titled sixth album in 2014, all charting in the top ten of the Canadian charts. The band have toured internationally, supporting the likes of the Rolling Stones, KISS, Bruce Springsteen, Robert Plant and Guns ’N’ Roses.