Origins

Joe Fraser’s Early Bands

Joe Fraser’s early bands were Colosus, Sawyer, Merlin and Snowy Owl. Joe began playing electric bass in bands in high school in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Colosus was known to put on quite a show. Joe formed new bands Sawyer, Merlin and Snowy Owl when he moved to Ottawa after high school .

Here’s a quick look at those original bands.

1984, Snowy Owl

Snowy Owl band with Joe Fraser — Joe Fraser, Tony Ve and Pete MacCormick.

Snowy Owl was a band of mostly originals and the occasional cover tunes. Joe Fraser, Tony Ve (later with Shock) and Pete MacCormick.

1983, Merlin

Merlin band in Ottawa with Joe Fraser — Tony Ve, Joe Fraser and Greg Kenny.

The band Merlin was also in Ottawa. Featuring Tony Ve (later of Shock), Greg Kenny and Pete MacCormack on drums. Joe doesn’t know why he’s grimacing in the photo.

1982, Sawyer

Sawyer band playing live in 1982 — Greg Kenny, Joe Fraser, Pete MacCormick, Wendy, and Tony Ve.

Joe moved to Ottawa in 1981. It took him awhile to get settled and into a band. Then he found a group of people to form Sawyer. Regular members were Greg Kenny, Joe Fraser, Pete MacCormick, Wendy, and Tony Ve.

1981, Colosus

Joe Fraser playing bass in a kimono — Joe Fraser

Colosus band on stage in 1981 — Joe Fraser, Tyrra Marion, Rob Bertini on drums, Rick Spasis.

This is where it all started, in Windsor, Ontario. Colosus had a stage show like no other band in high school. 3 foot high, 10 x 10 drum riser, 40 foot wide backdrop, and a custom-made light-up sign a la KISS. They blew stuff up real good, too.

Close-up of Colosus band singer and drummer with lights — Tyrra Marion and Rob Bertini.

Colosus band drawing — Joe Fraser, Tyrra Marion, Rob Bertini, Rick Spasis.

Steve Fraser, who is quite the artist, drew this piece of the Colosus band.

Read about bass player Joe Fraser on the About page.