November 8, 2024

The 80s Relived: The Box and Images In Vogue Summon Big Spirit

Images In Vogue_The Box photos by Andrew McNaughton_Patrik Pigeon

The Box and Images In Vogue, two of Canada’s most illustrious bands of the 1980s, will unite for a one-off show at Toronto’s Revival Bar. Hosted by The Sousa Groupand Music Express Entertainment‘Back to the 80s II’ will take place on November 22. Offering a fantastic lineup of live music straight out of our favourite decade, all proceeds will go towards supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities. Break out your 80s style and dance away the night with these hit-makers in a state-of-the-art music entertainment venue.

Hailing from Quebec, The Box are a quintessential Canadian 80s pop-rock band and the hit-makers well known for “Must I Always Remember” to ‘My Dreams of You’ to ‘L’Affaire Dumoutier’ to their smash hit ‘Closer Together’. Founded in 1981 by singer Jean Marc Pisapia, the band quickly gained attention from labels in their hometown Montréal and released 4 gold and platinum selling albums with 9 consecutive hit singles in Canada and one abroad. After touring relentlessly for many years, the band broke up in 1992.

Pisapia went on to write music for TV commercials, films and documentaries and eventually reformed The Box in 2004 with a new lineup, producing new releases in 2005, 2009, 2012 and their latest ‘Take Me Home’ EP in 2018 while touring consistently. The 6-member band delivers the same energy and enthusiasm for which they are well known, with music and themes that transcend time and are still relevant today. 

“It’s always a great thrill to come play T.O. again… Keep in mind, Toronto embarked on The Box bandwagon way before our hometown Montreal did!! The Box has no particular cause in mind and usually participate in any charity whether it’s for the Ronald Mc Donald Foundation, LEUCAN or any other benefit for that matter,” says The Box frontman Jean Marc Pisapia.  

 

New wave pioneers Images In Vogue formed in Vancouver in 1981. Comprised of Don Gordon, Gary Smith, Joe Vizvary and Kevin Crompton (a.k.a. cEvin Key of Skinny Puppy). Under the management of Kim Clarke Champniss (later a popular Muchmusic VJ), Dale Martindale came to become IIV’s vocalist. Their distinct sound fueled their growing popularity with hits ‘Call It Love’, ’Save It’ and ‘In The House’ to the ever popular ‘Lust For Love’. The band has toured with Depeche Mode, Brian Ferry, Duran Duran and Bryan Adams, among many other notable artists.

Signed to Capital Records and WEA, Images In Vogue have received four CASBY awards, as well as being nominated for a Juno and were under management by Ray Danniels of Anthem Records (Rush, Extreme, King’s X and Van Halen). The band unofficially went on hiatus in 1991. 

The band’s current lineup includes Dale Martindale, Joe Vizvary, Glen Nelson, Ed Shaw, Time Welch and Derrick Gyles. After a 2012 reunion show at Toronto’s Revival Bar, Images In Vogue toured Ontario with The Spoons in 2013 and periodically continue to perform. 

With all this music being truly fabulous and danceable, both bands brings on a good 80s vibe for a night to be remembered. The concert will take place from 8:30 to 11:30pm at Revival Bar (783 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M6G 1C5). 19+ event. Tickets are $45 (advance), $50 (door) and $75 (VIP) plus HST. General Admission and VIP tickets are available at www.ticketscene.ca/events/27162

Images in Vogue will also be playing a separate sold-out show on November 24 at Classic Bowl in Mississauga as part of the Rock and Bowl Sessions intimate & interactive concert series, organized by The Sousa Group with proceeds going towards the Canadian Mental Health Association. The Glen and Joe Show (the duo of IIV’s own Glen Nelson and Joe Vizvary) will open the show in their first-ever Ontario performance.

 

Keep up with The Box
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | iTunes | Jean Marc Pisapia Facebook

photo by Patrik Pigeon

 

Keep up with Images In Vogue
Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Spotify | iTunes

photo by Andrew McNaughton

 

 

 

About Mike D 282 Articles
Hey people I'm Mike D from Athens GR (43). I'm a sound engineer, radio producer, and certainly a music "freak." I couldn't be anything else, you see: I grew up in a musical home (my father was a composer), and wanted to be a rock-star but wasn't patient enough to study music. Instead, I studied the technical stuff and went really "nuts" when I started writing articles about the bands and artists I love. It all started back in 2002 in a printed magazine (Sound Maker - RIP) and I still do it because I really like sharing my libraries, discotheque, info, connections, knowledge, and all. I'm involved in all "waves" music (new wave/darkwave/post-punk/shoegaze), punk, industrial, EBM, alternative rock, indie, electronic, avant-garde/ experimental/ freestyle...but on the other hand I can easily throw a classical CD in the player, or a jazzy tune, or...ok you get it: Music! I'd like to read your comments on my writing because you know how it goes, and you all know the glorious song by Placebo,"Without You I'm Nothing"...Thanx and enjoy Freedom and Music, Loud!
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