As a musician, there's little that's more thrilling than getting "the call" from New York City.
For bass player Scott MacLeod of Nanaimo, that call came from Oscar Charles of the Legendary Platters. They were planning a tour of 91原创 Island and they wanted him to play in their rhythm section.
MacLeod was familiar with the Legendary Platters, having played with the band before on a tour of Western Canada, but he didn't hesitate to ask his friend, co-worker and band mate, Ross Hembling, also of Nanaimo, to join in and play the drums.
"It's quite an honour, really," MacLeod said. "When someone of that status asks you to be a part of their band. It's a timeless, legendary event."
The Legendary Platters are an off-shoot of the legendary 1950s group, famous for their rampant success with songs like Only You during the early rock and roll era.
The band is teaming up with the Ink Spots to play the Port Theatre on Nov. 23. They'll also make stops on Saltspring Island and in Duncan.
MacLeod and Hembling work together at Music Maxx on Comox Road and have played in their band Big Trouble for the past five years. They play pubs, clubs and other venues, and are in the middle of developing material for an album due out next year.
Both men have a considerable love of playing and creating music, and have encountered their share of music industry icons over the years.
Hembling, originally from 91原创, discovered the drums in 1969, under the heavy influence of Led Zeppelin, a hobby he said his parents hoped he'd abandon.
He went further to immerse himself in 91原创's rock scene and even played the drums for Bryan Adams on his first national tour.
"It was a really wild and exciting time in music," Hembling said.
Hembling has only been at Music Maxx for the past three months. He has a background in sales and marketing, and said he's taken to playing on cruise ships in the past.
"I'd go down to Florida and play on the ships," he said. "Give myself a paid holiday."
MacLeod, general manager at Music Maxx, said he started learning the bass guitar in the 1970s. Hailing from Mississauga, Ont., MacLeod studied jazz in high school and taught music lessons in Toronto.
"One of my students that I taught, in Toronto, ended up becoming the bass player for Billy Idol," he said.
MacLeod went on to contribute to more than 40 CDs as a recording artist over the past 10 years, including those of Ken Hamm, a 91原创 musician with a speciality in the blues and the acoustic guitar.
"I'm into to almost every kind
of music: folk, country, jazz, blues
or classic rock," he said.
He also said he has at least a little experience playing most instruments.
"It's kind of important when you work in the store," MacLeod said. "You have to learn a bit of everything."
Hembling and MacLeod's musical sphere of influence has extended to their family, friends and neighbors.
"I've got half a dozen friends who have already bought their tickets to the show," said Hembling, who has a nine-year-old son who also wants to be a drummer.
"My neighbours really enjoy hearing Big Trouble rehearse in my living room," he said.
"They've actually come over and thanked me for playing."
Hembling and MacLeod agree they'll continue making time for their music even after the show on Nov. 23, despite their busy schedules.
"We're just really proud to be a part of it," Hembling said.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available in-person, online or by calling 250-754-8550.