EXIT (The Cobourg Ontario, Canada Version)
Yes...we know the name sounds familiar. Over the years there have been several bands using the name in the USA and one in Western Canada that we know of. No doubt the simple generic nature of this name has contributed to it’s popularity, if not it’s downright over use. Upon discovering this possible conflict we did, for a very short time, consider a name change. At the risk of sounding defensive, however, we have gone under this name since 1980 and have been recording under it since 1984 so we have decided that it’s a little late now for an identity crisis. Suffice to say that we won’t go away quietly. We therefore ask that you simply think of us as the “Canadian version” - eh!
Originally EXIT was a club circuit band playing mainly covers of everyone from The Stones and David Bowie, to Van Halen, Led Zeppelin and Judas Priest. In other words, in today’s terms, a “classic rock band” (although it was all new then!). The band consisted of Maurice Kelly - Guitars and Vocals, Tony Tarleton - Lead Vocals and the occasional Synth, John Ashley - Bass Guitar and Vocals, and Steve Ward - Drums.
Over the years there were a few lineup changes (John leaving for the greener musical pastures of Toronto and being replaced by Don Mitchell) finally culminating in a 3 piece lineup with Don, Maurice and Steve continuing after Tony went on to begin his career on business side of the music business.
These many years later, as we have all gotten older and are raising families, reality forces us to at least pretend to have gown up. As a result EXIT has settled into begin a project band where various members at different times come together to write (drink), record (drink even more), and release original material on our own label - “Alter Ego Music”.
Random Thoughts of a Raving Lunatic is our most recent work having been completed in late 2005. We hope you like it. Our first album Sense of Adventure will also soon be available finally on CD. (Originally only available on vinyl - cause that’s what they used in those days) Currently we are at work on writing new material (and of course drinking) for a new project which John plans to lend his considerable talents to and which we hope Tony will also have time to be involved in. Stay tuned.
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