Toxic Shock has been banging out their metal-rock blend since they were 12 years old, and have since dominated the sound systems of our Battle of the Bands® shows. The band's "ball-crushing" sounds have also won them 1st place at the Caledonia Fair and a spot on Y108’s Get Hammered segment featuring the best Hamilton indie rock.
Combining influences like Guns n’ Roses, Motley Crue, and Texas rock heroes Broken Teeth - who have also given the band nods, Toxic Shock delivers a unique range of musical talent and personality every time they hit the stage.
So who are you, and how each person fits into the band?
Josh Harrison: the funny guy, the shredder. Josh is the front man and lead guitarist of Toxic Shock. He is the one who would be pulling all of the pranks on the other band members and the one coming up with crazy new riffs.
Craig O’Connell: the party guy, the showman. Craig is the rhythm guitarist. He has tons of stage presence, which makes a show. He is the guy you would find partying the next morning after a late exhausting gig.
Kevin Parkin: The chill guy. Kevin is the bass guitarist. He is the one who you can just hangout with or have an all night jam session with. His talent for playing bass adds a lot of feel to our music.
Martin "the animal" Bellamy: Martin summed up is the happiest of all the band members. He is "the animal" and an amazingly talented, crazy drummer who can play almost any instrument.
What’s your band’s history? Hailing from the small town of Caledonia
(20 km south of Hamilton, Ontario), Toxic
Shock formed in 2002 with three members
aged 12. We spent many years as a trio,
however the right fit eluded us until
2007 when Kevin joined the band as bassist.
We began playing covers then naturally evolved, writing a collection of original songs; including fan favorites Easy Sleazy, and My Head. Appreciated by a diverse group of fans, we rock locally in the south western Ontario area, regularly lending our talents to promote local music and charitable causes.
Opening up for Broken Teeth in June 2007 was also a cool experience. Front man Jason McMaster (formally of Dangerous Toys) told us he loves our sound has offered to work on our album, and has kept in touch since. We hope to someday soon visit Texas and play once again with this awesome band.
We have a unique 80’s metal meets new age rock vibe. All of our songs will stick in your head for days.
What's been the most rewarding experience about being in the band?
Being the center of attention; fan appreciation gives us our drive. Knowing others can relate and appreciate our music is the coolest thing. Seeing people at our shows singing our songs, and new fans becoming familiar faces is a really sweet thing. And last but not least, with gigs comes girls.
Was there a moment when you realized you wanted to pursue music full time?
Being featured on Y108’s Get Hammered segment in April 2008 was definitely a turning point for us. They liked our sound and featured it, wow! Andre Schikolenko was cool and hearing our track on a major radio station certainly made us think of taking our music to the next level.
How do you want people to perceive your band?
We always put on a good show and are a fun band. We want people to perceive us as professional musicians, doing what we love. Entertaining the world is our ultimate goal.
Where’s your favorite place to play?
Our favorite place to play is anywhere with a big stage and lots of people who like to party and listen to Rock n Roll.
Who would you love to tour with?
Touring with Motley Crue!! It would definitely be the most fun party tour ever and their shows out-beat any others.
If you had to choose one album to listen to on repeat for the rest of your life, which album would you pick?
We could not decide between two albums; Saints of Los Angeles by Motley Crue, and Appetite for Destruction by Guns n’ Roses.
Anything else we should know about your band?
We have the coolest fans. Thanks for your support, and keep on listening! You make us want to turn it up.
