Toe Jam Mondays: The Looking Glass
I look at my dad sometimes and see a great father, creative advertising executive and cottage putterer, but definitely not a rock star. This weekend I had the pleasure of attending a benefit concert for musician Alex Piccirillo in Niagara Falls and my eyes were opened to a side of my father I had never seen.
A couple of years ago as we were cleaning out the garage, I found a box of old pictures that I had never seen before and they looked like something you would find in a 60s version of Teen Beat. I grabbed the old pictures and went inside to ask some questions – the answer I got surprised me. The conversation with my mother went something like this:
“What are these pictures from? Is it a band you used to like?”
“That’s your dad”
“What are you telling me? Am I the love child of a torrid love affair with a rock star? How could you keep this from me?”
“No, that is the dad who lives in this house”
“What!? No way…the same man that wears t-shirts you find in beer cases and watches cooking shows on Sundays”
“That would be him”
Needless to say, this intrigued me. I had to get to the bottom of this. I asked my dad who these guys were he told me they were a band he was a part of called The Looking Glass. My dad isn’t one for re-living the past, so The Looking Glass has been somewhat of a mystery to me and I was determined to find out more.
My questions were finally answered this year when I watched a DVD called The Big Story of Small Potatoes by Paul Miil. This was a look at the history of the music scene in St.Catharines, Ontario during the 60s and my key to the mystery that was The Looking Glass.
The opening clip sets the scene perfectly. When asked who inspired them to get into music, there is an astounding montage of musicians saying “The Beatles” and from there, The British Invasion of bands like The Rolling Stones, The Kinks and The Who. These kids loved the whole package – the look, the sound, the style, but they had no outlet.
Enter Ronn Metcalfe and a place called The Castle. This was the premiere venue for a band to play to an audience. It was a place that kids couldn’t wait to get to on a weekend in hopes of seeing the next big thing or a local favourite. It was a place that Alex Piccirillo, Joe Colonna, Dave Papernick, Dave VanDuzen, Stephen Hogg and Stew Farago would play in separate bands such as The ModBeats, The Druids and Scarlett Wizard before forming The Looking Glass. Ronn was instrumental in guiding The Looking Glass towards stardom, so it was a sad day when Ronn passed away at the early age of 38.
Even though Ronn was a great mentor to the band, they were not successful because of him. They were successful because they wrote and performed timeless music that fans loved – playing packed houses across Canada and into the United States.
I know I am the daughter of a member of The Looking Glass, but unfortunately that doesn’t mean I’m an expert. I learned a lot about this band from Paul Miil’s amazing documentary and doing as much research as I could. But something I do know, is that their album Through The Looking Glass is still relevant, even after 40 years. There is something to be said about an album that I’m sure would have been a hit in 1968, and still makes a weekly rotation on my iPod.
The band released a single called “Get It Down” which got local air play and was supposed to be a teaser for their recorded, but never released, album. Come on, how can you resist that opening cow bell? And the instant intensity of this song makes for a great party jam.
The Looking Glass – Get It Down
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/12-Get-It-Down.mp3|titles=The Looking Glass – Get It Down]
I’m not sure of the exact reasons as to why their record was never released, but my dad said it’s a complicated story, so that’s something for the history books. The music speaks for itself and I think what its trying to say is “watch out world, because we’re putting St. Catharines on the map.”
Here are three unfinished tracks from a 40-year old two-track stereo tape that Dave vanDuzen found of the band’s New York recording session. Too bad it never got finished.
A favourite song of mine from the album is “Elevator Man”. It’s catchy right off the bat and has that classic 60s sound. Simple, yet memorable.
The Looking Glass – Elevator Man
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/02-Elevator-Man.mp3|titles=The Looking Glass – Elevator Man]
Looking for something a little slower? Waterfall is the track for you. I’m no musician, but I think that’s a Wawa peddle, and mixed with the keyboard? I am loving it.
The Looking Glass – Waterfall
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/01-Waterfall.mp3|titles=The Looking Glass – Waterfall]
The Looking Glass parted ways after 2 years together but each member continued to play music, some professionally and others as a past time. It has been over 40 years since the band has played together and although it was the passing of member Alex Piccirillo that brought them back together, watching them felt like I had gone back in time. My grandma used to always say that her body may have been getting older but she was still a 21 year old on the inside. The older I get, the truer this statement becomes for me. I could see the same sentiment watching The Looking Glass perform, it was like they were all back in 1968. I guess our bodies age, but our passion never does.
Alex’s brother Charlie and his nephew Sal put together the benefit to honour Alex’s life and his passion for music. It was an amazing night that included a roster of bands, both old and new, from across the Niagara region. But what I think a lot of people were waiting for, was the reunion of The Looking Glass. The crowd filled the church auditorium and, although they were missing a key member, they began to play – sounding better than the old recordings on my iPod. My dad Stew and Steve took over vocal duties for this show, but it used to be Alex and Stew that shared the duties, and boy could Alex belt out a classic R&B vocal. A good example from the album is on the track “Hold on I’m Comin'”. It’s a great track.
The Looking Glass – Hold On I’m Comin’
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/11-Hold-On-Im-Comin.mp3|titles=11 Hold On I’m Comin’]
The benefit was a great success and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been able to witness a band of that caliber. I was very proud to be a Farago this weekend and loved watching this band in action.
If you are a music fan, I suggest you check out The Big Story of Small Potatoes on YouTube, its a great look back at what started it all. (4 parts)
This post was only a small look into what The Looking Glass was all about. I would love to hear comments and stories from the members, fans (new and old) of what this band meant to you and the St. Catharines music scene in general.
Happy Listening!
* If you are a member or manager of the above band and you would like your track removed, please contact us and we will swiftly oblige. Fans – new or old – please support these bands by using your coffee money to buy their records.
Thanks for your story Monica. I was there on Sunday and enjoyed stepping back in time with some of Niagara’s finest musicians. They all played so well. To see and hear The Looking Glass reunited was a great moment in music history. It was an honour to be part of the celebration. Good job. Well done.
Nice story Monica, it brought back a lot of old memories about the Castle, British Modbeats, etc..nnDarryl Perryn
Hey Monica, you’ve told the story better than I ever could. I’m so glad our whole family was there (too bad Jordan couldn’t make it though). As nervous as I was prior to the show, it was nothing but fun once we started playing. Just being on stage with those guys again and sharing memories from 42 years ago was such an amazing experience. I know that Sunday’s event is exactly what Alex would have wanted. Thanks for this blog. It means a lot to me. Love you. By the way, thanks for the flattering description, “the same guy that wears T-shirts that come in beer cases.” Ha! Nice one.nnStew (aka Dad)
love you too Dad! It was such an amazing experience to see you performing like that. I”m used to the guy who played piano to put us to sleep, not to get us moving. Great job this weekend – hopefully we can persuade you guys to do it again soon!
Good post Mon! It was a wicked show and I hope that it can happen again some time for all the people that couldn’t make it.nI’m also loving the actual album. I have been listening to it alot!
Very nice read and I like the tunes..nn-Get it down is totally rocking out Doobies/ELO style…love the cowbell intro and base line, belting vocals, trumpets and is that a sax or tuba?n-Elevator man sounds like the Beatles, interesting keyboards and nice harmonies n-Waterfall has its own feel, itu2019s cool how much they are doing with a slow rolling tune..this is what I like about that era of music, everything is so simple nownnThanks for sharing,nMatt
HI Monica,nGreat article written from your perspective of learning all about your dad’s ‘rockstar’ past. I’m sure that this history lesson has brought you and your dad closer together. I was there on Sunday as well and was glad to finally meet the other band members. Who knows? Maybe they’ll play together again. It’s never too late to do something you love.
I’m so excited to see that you guys are diggin these tunes too. I cannot stop playing the album, and like Matt said, songs were interesting, layered and precise back then. Hopefully we can persuade The Looking Glass to play another show! I know I would be there! Front row!nnThanks so much for all those who were at the show, or grew up going to The Castle for sharing comments. I love reading them! Keep ’em coming!
well done Miss Farago,for two months over tears, fears, and lots of emotion,i wanted to give people a chance not only to hear the looking glass,but feel the essence i knew they still posessed, the goal was to let people have a chance to really go back in time “THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS” peace and love …. sal piccirillo, nephew and organizer oh yeah, bass player 😉
Awesome post Mon. Its a shame i couldnt make it Sunday to experiance The Looking Glass Live! If there is ever another show, i’ll be there front row.
What a nice article Monica. I have to tell you…. when I was transferring the reel to reel tape to a work CD for the band I had a good listen and I wasn’t sure we could all pull it off but after the 1st rehearsal I was so impressed with your dad’s singing … and thought… man .. these guys sound just like the record!
I’m so happy that you liked the post…I guess all we need now is to get you guys back in the studio!
We only ever had 1 copy of the 45…who knows where that is these days…can’t wait to make a copy of the CD and play it over and over for my daughter. She was at the show with me and loved every tune! You guys rocked it out like you were back in ’68. I, like Monica, only know the edited version of the Looking Glass story. However, I discovered photos when I was 5 and took one to “show and tell”…the one when you all were the house band for an exotic dance club! Not really the most appropriate picture to bring to a kindergarden class…but I was proud then and even more proud now of my dad’s talent!
First time, in a long time, that I’ve had my heart rate over 80 …. just listening to that GREAT MUSIC. Stew, ya gotta do another concert soon…..all the best
Monica, your ability to write these amazing blogs each week are only matched by The Looking Glass’ talent. I was very interested in what you had to say about the band and I could have read on and on if you hadn’t stopped typing. I’m so happy I got to see them play live- we all had such a good time! :)nnKeep up the great work you do here. And Mr. Farago- another show should MOST definitely be in order! You’ve got fans waiting….n
Great job on the Looking Glass Monica ! and your dad is a star besides a good guy all around and now I see he has a talented daughter.nI wish I had met at the concert but papa must have been hiding you.
I’m David Papernick’s daughter and was filled with joy and pride to see my dad make it through the show on drums. It was my first time seeing him play drums with a band and about 6 years ago, I didn’t think he would even make it to 2011, let alone playing the drums for a full set!
there is a complete dvd being made of the whole show and we should have it by the beginning of summer,i’ll make sure who ever wants one will get one “sal piccirillo”
count me in for a copy!
absolutely,your dad autographed my bass drum skin that also has autographs from all my favourite drummers i’ve played with including elvis’s drummer, your dad is a kindred spirit i.m glad i put this show on,count on getting one of the first copies when there done..peace and love, sal piccirillo
I met Stew years ago while working for his brother-in-law John Ebos. Stew wrote our theme song for the “Turtle Tour”, an annual pilgrimage to the golfing mecca of Myrtle Beach. I knew that Stew wrote music and did advertising but this is a whole new side of Stew that i never knew. I only found out about his today while having coffee with John Ebos. I’ll be checking out future “Looking Glass” concert dates and looking into their music. Wow!! what a surprise, Stew! nBruce “Buck” Laing
Its something special to look back on something with a fresh perspective, especially one from another generation. Given your and Anna’s characters, my reflexes tell me that we shouldn’t be surprised. Congrats to all of you for having this moment together while playing homage to Alexn
I can’t tell you how happy I am to find this post and the downloads. Allow me to explain. I am a distant relative of Steve Hogg’s from the UK (so distant he probably hasn’t even heard of me). If I have this right, my father’s aunt, Ivy Hogg, was Steve’s grandmother. When Waterfall came out as the B-side to Get It Down, he sent a copy of the single to my great auntie Ivy, since he had written and sung lead vocal on Waterfall. If I recall correctly, it was released on Polydor. Great auntie Ivy passed the single onto me. However, I lost the single years ago in a house move, and have been searching ever since then to see if there were a CD or download available of it somewhere. To come across your site tonight, to read about your father and the reunion, and to put the songs into iTunes, has been a great joy.u00a0nnI believe Steve went on to record production or engineering after the band – is that right?The only Looking Glass I ever recall having been played on British radio had a song called Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl), but I’m not sure that was the same band. Does anyone know? They have an album of that title and a compilation called Golden Classics available on Amazon UK. There’s also a 2 LPs on 1 CD title of Looking Glass/Subway Serenade, but no track listing on the site. If anyone knows whether any of these is the Looking Glass we’re discussing here, I’d be curious to know. Please email me on revddf AT gmail DOT com.Anyway, thank you so much. If there are any other songs available … 🙂
Dave, just saw this and thought I’d let you know. The band with Brandy, was not Steve’s. That was a US band, same name.
Thanks for the confirmation, Brenda.