BIG JOHN BATES (CND)

We’re celebrating 25 YEARS of BIG JOHN BATES! The unique style of this band is something best experienced live, so they’re heading out on an EU tour in May – June 2025. Bates has been sharpening his sound over eight LPs since the frst 7” release in 2000. This trio of Hellfre rockers have torn thru festivals and tours around the world powered by John’s big Gretsch hollowbody. And since 2009 the band has featured Brandy Bones’ Hofner upright, in 2024 Tim Huston brought his vintage Ludwigs to the garage; they’ve stripped everything to raw rock’n’roll for these dates.
We probably don’t need to mention it but John’s career began as co-founder, singer and songwriter for Canadian thrash legends Annihilator. Bring a friend and tell the neighbours cause it’s time for some old-school, hell-raising live music.
With 2000 performances across Europe, North America and Japan, their last four LPs have been released by Rookie Records (Hamburg). They have found success on campus charts and community radio across Canada, the USA and all over Europe.
Their style encompasses psychobilly, garage rock, punk-blues, Americana and Exotica – hell, it’s all rock’n’roll. And the Big John Bates YouTube Channel has tens of thousands of plays while companies as varied as Jagermeister, Dayton Boots, Hofner and Gretsch have all reached out with sponsorships.
Bates has shared stages with artsts as varied as the Blasters, Andre Williams, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Nick Oliveri, The Fuzztones, Murder by Death and Agent Orange. The band has appeared on Snowpiercer (Netlix 2020), Batlestar Galactca (Sci-Fi 2006) and their musichas been featured on soundtracks, books and glossy mags worldwide. Annihilator is best known for the songs John co-wrote and originally sang during his years in the band including Alison Hell, Welcome to Your Death, I Am In Command and King of the Kill among many more.

“Headless Fowl is cool indeed” – Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys)
“A voodoo guitar player to watch” – Total Guitar Magazine (UK)
“One of Vancouver’s most notorious musicians” – The Globe & Mail (CAN)