CANADA'S CLASSIC BAND - STILL ROCKIN'
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It's been 35 years since Lighthouse reunited in 1990. When the band got the call to perform at the Calgary Stampede that year, Skip Prokop and Paul Hoffert decided it was time to get back on the road. It's been a celebratory run, but inevitably there's been some changes.
The original line-up included the Canadian "Fab Four" - Skip Prokop, Paul Hoffert, Ralph Cole and Bob McBride. Dan Clancy was the only choice that was considered when McBride left in 1992 and he's been the heart and soul of the band ever since. Donald Quan (keys and violin) was replaced with Don Paulton in 1993 and trumpeter Chris Howells added his own stratospheric high notes when he joined the horn section after Rick Waychesko returned to Nova Scotia in 2000.
Skip Prokop was dealing with serious health issues and in 2014 the dynamic engine who had powered Lighthouse from the beginning, passed his drumsticks to his son Jamie. After Covid, Paul DeLong climbed aboard that storied throne and is powering the band with astounding solos and elegant might.
Ralph Cole, who performed on every gig and every album since the band was formed, retired in 2023. Guitarist Marc Ganetakos pays loving tribute while carving out his own space with remarkable fretwork and mesmerizing solos. When Lighthouse's renowned saxist Steve Kennedy retired that same year, the band of brothers welcomed an actual one. Michael Stuart, with his fluidity and lyricism, joined the brass to play alongside his brother Russ Little. The section continues to anchor the band with that unique and glorious Lighthouse horn sound. Don Paulton, whose blazing organ solos and soaring vocals added so much to the overall sound, retired this year. Vocalist James Naro is the newest addition and he's adding his awesomeness to the fabulous Lighthouse vocal blend.
As the saying goes, we stand on the shoulders of giants, and all the new members are wonderful interpreters of their predecessor's genius. Beginning in 1969, there have been many wonderful iterations of the band. Those early years in the glory days of '70s rock are part of Lighthouse history and that story can be viewed here. A complete list of Lighthouse members can be viewed here. None of them will be forgotten. Their music and spirit will always be a part of Lighthouse.
The current line-up is:
Dan Clancy - vocals
Paul Hoffert - keyboards, vibes and vocals
Marc Ganetakos - guitar & vocals
Doug Moore - bass and vocals
Paul DeLong - drums
Russ Little - trombone and vocals
Chris Howells - trumpet and vocals
Simon Wallis - baritone sax, alto sax, flute and vocals
Michael Stuart - alto sax, tenor sax, flute and vocals
James Naro - vocals
The original line-up included the Canadian "Fab Four" - Skip Prokop, Paul Hoffert, Ralph Cole and Bob McBride. Dan Clancy was the only choice that was considered when McBride left in 1992 and he's been the heart and soul of the band ever since. Donald Quan (keys and violin) was replaced with Don Paulton in 1993 and trumpeter Chris Howells added his own stratospheric high notes when he joined the horn section after Rick Waychesko returned to Nova Scotia in 2000.
Skip Prokop was dealing with serious health issues and in 2014 the dynamic engine who had powered Lighthouse from the beginning, passed his drumsticks to his son Jamie. After Covid, Paul DeLong climbed aboard that storied throne and is powering the band with astounding solos and elegant might.
Ralph Cole, who performed on every gig and every album since the band was formed, retired in 2023. Guitarist Marc Ganetakos pays loving tribute while carving out his own space with remarkable fretwork and mesmerizing solos. When Lighthouse's renowned saxist Steve Kennedy retired that same year, the band of brothers welcomed an actual one. Michael Stuart, with his fluidity and lyricism, joined the brass to play alongside his brother Russ Little. The section continues to anchor the band with that unique and glorious Lighthouse horn sound. Don Paulton, whose blazing organ solos and soaring vocals added so much to the overall sound, retired this year. Vocalist James Naro is the newest addition and he's adding his awesomeness to the fabulous Lighthouse vocal blend.
As the saying goes, we stand on the shoulders of giants, and all the new members are wonderful interpreters of their predecessor's genius. Beginning in 1969, there have been many wonderful iterations of the band. Those early years in the glory days of '70s rock are part of Lighthouse history and that story can be viewed here. A complete list of Lighthouse members can be viewed here. None of them will be forgotten. Their music and spirit will always be a part of Lighthouse.
The current line-up is:
Dan Clancy - vocals
Paul Hoffert - keyboards, vibes and vocals
Marc Ganetakos - guitar & vocals
Doug Moore - bass and vocals
Paul DeLong - drums
Russ Little - trombone and vocals
Chris Howells - trumpet and vocals
Simon Wallis - baritone sax, alto sax, flute and vocals
Michael Stuart - alto sax, tenor sax, flute and vocals
James Naro - vocals