Band
It’s been asked, what’s in a name? If you are thinking the hard rockin’ quintet from Calgary, Alberta, dubbing the band’s moniker is not only a funny story, but also a philosophy.
It was in November, 2009, while driving through the city streets, they happened to spy a homeless man urinating on a bus shelter. It was the slip of the tongue, and instead of the words “look over there” something that sounded more like “look open ‘der” were uttered. Later, when urged for a name prior to their first official gig, they recalled that absurd inner-city moment, and “Open Air” was born.
Pulling from their musical influences, which include Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Jet and The Answer, Open Air brings back everything that was wonderful about 1970’s Brit Rock, but with an updated, modern taste.
So modernly old school, Open Air’s “no fear” stage show and no frills approach to music making has garnered the band attention from fans and industry players alike. Their goal is to bring back musicianship, relying on talent rather than machines to manipulate or doctor their sound. It’s time to fill neighborhood clubs and halls with live music, and Open Air is on a mission to tune the world into rock, one club at a time; a fresh approach from men born in the 90’s!
In the summer of 2011, they released a six song EP, titled All My Queens. A great representation of the band, at the time, All My Queens is raw, basic, bare bones rock! Crank it up and let your mind wander back to a time when rock was still growing.
Since the release of All My Queens, Open Air hasn’t wasted any time, and with the addition new guitarist, Garrett Greenhall, have been busy writing new material, preparing for a sophomore release. With this new material comes an evolution of Open Air, as they explore new ideas, to create a more dynamic and mature, but just as pure and heavy sound as before.
It’s a new music revival courtesy of Open Air!
OPEN AIR IS:
Steven Mansfield
Born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, Steven moved with his family to Canada when he was 6 years old. He played bass in his teens, but always wanted to sing, just like his twin brother. Lead vocals for Open Air is his first time fronting a band, and has clearly found a home at center stage.
Tyler Bourne
Tyler has been playing for the last decade, starting on the guitar but switching to bass with the first band he joined. He counts such greats as Geddy Lee, Tool’s Justin Chancellor and Pink Floyd as his influences.
Josh Hearnden
He may be the baby of the group, but don’t let his age fool you. Josh first sat behind a drum kit at the tender age of five, and has been playing every day since. He lists Tommy Lee, John Bonham, Eric Singer and Keith Moon has some of his influences. Taking notes from Moon’s playbook, Josh regularly stands while playing, and during one practice session, took a tumble, breaking three ribs. After the wound was washed with Captain Morgan, he proceeded to drink and jam the night away!
Garrett Greenhall
The newest member of the band, this self-taught axe-man has been playing guitar since his early teens. Garrett signed on to Open Air shortly after the release of All My Queens, and has been dubbed “the missing link” by his bandmates. He counts Deep Purple, Jimi Hendrix and Iron Maiden as some of his influences and together with Steve Lilley, Garrett’s versatility adds to Open Air’s guitar rock sound.
Steve Lilley
A huge history and Poly-Sci nerd, Steve first started on the keys when he was six years old, and moved onto the guitar at 15 years of age. A versatile musician, Steve lists Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Thin Lizzy as some of his influences, but he’s also been known to indulge in some Queen, Billy Joel or Hall & Oats now and then.
