Paul Collins’ Beat

Paul Collins is a rock n’ roll icon, pioneer of the power-pop sound, and cult favourite, getting his start with Peter Case and Jack Lee in 1974. Their influential band The Nerves toured with The Ramones and recorded a song called “Hanging On The Telephone”, later made a hit by Blondie who covered it on their album, Parallel Lines.

Paul Collins formed The Beat in 1977, recruiting members of various rock bands to create a high energy group in the style of The Ramones, Blondie and The Dictators. Paul Collins’ Beat continued to tour and record albums throughout the ’80s. In 1992, Collins released his first solo record, a country/rock album including such special guests as: Greg Kihn, Cyril Jordan (Flamin’ Groovies), Jeff Trott (Sheryl Crow), Chuck Prophet, Dave Immergluck (Counting Crows) and key members of Chris Isaak’s band. 1993 brought the sophomore release by Paul Collins Band, entitled From Town To Town, featuring a country rock sound similar to that of The Byrds.

A new version of Paul Collins’ Beat surfaced more recently and resulted in an album of new material entitled Flying High – widely considered their best to date. The album gets back to the classic sound of The Beat, while combining the raw energy of Collins’ solo works. In 2004, Collins recorded Ribbon of Gold with Chips Kiesby (Helicopters & Nomads) using the Spanish band Vinck, Lopez & Cabanes.  In 2008 Collins moved back to his native New York and soon after recorded King of Power Pop and Feel The Noise with Jim Diamond (White Stripes) in Detroit, followed by the self-produced Out of My Head in 2018. 

For this special Sudbury, ON performance Paul Collins’ band will be made up of power-pop group Dany Laj & The Looks. This exclusive show puts the Sudbury-loved rock n’ roll trio as the rhythm section for their hero and friend, live on the NLFB main stage.