Almost 40 years after he gave up his musical career to begin working in the automotive industry, Hyundai Dealer Principal and Executive Rein Knol is returning to his rock and roll roots in a big way — when his Led Zeppelin tribute band Redd Raven plays at the historic El Mocambo in Toronto, Ont., on Saturday night.
Canadian auto dealer attended his band’s performance in Port Dover last week and attendees are in for a treat. More information and ticket details can be found here.
Knol, who is a keyboardist, never played at the El Mo during his days gigging with various groups.
“You never even dreamt of it back in the early days,” said Knol in an interview before Redd Raven played at the Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover last week. “For sure, the El Mo was always on the bucket list. The Rolling Stones played there. I know a lot of time has passed, but it’s such a cool place.”
The band is promoting the event on the Toronto radio station Q107. Redd Raven is hoping to play with the Pink Floyd tribute band, Pink Floyd Niagara, on a possible double bill at Massey Hall, another major Toronto music hall, when they can secure a date.
“Massey Hall would be the ultimate goal for us after the El Mo,” said Knol.
The band takes its name from a mythical creature The Red Raven, as guitarist Jimmy Page referenced many mythical creatures while recording Led Zeppelin II.
Besides Knol, Redd Raven consists of lead vocalist Darrell Crumb, guitarist Rick Carter, drummer Larry Passmore, and bassist Pat Hardy. All but Hardy grew up together in Dunnville, which is part of the Golden Horseshoe — about 45 minutes from Hamilton.
Redd Raven is considered the premier Zeppelin tribute band in Canada, but the members, all of whom are in their 60s, don’t dress up as Led Zeppelin because they don’t want to imitate the band. What they do is try to recreate the sound. Though Led Zeppelin only had four members, bassist John Paul Jones also played the keyboards.
Knol said the key to Redd Raven is having a lead singer who has the range of Robert Plant, and a drummer who has the playing ability similar to Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham and his oversized kit.
Passmore concludes the first part of the two-hour show with an extremely lively and physical drum solo, reminiscent of Bonham. “The drummer and the vocals put the icing on being a Zeppelin tribute band,” said Knol.
Carter plays some songs with a bow string that was one of the hallmarks of Page.
Back in the late 70s, Knol played keyboards for a husband and wife band called The Raes, who had a variety show on CBC and also toured across Canada. They later played as the house band at a venue in Yorkville. Knol left the group rather than relocate with his wife to Toronto.
He played locally in and around the Niagara region before his life and career changed dramatically. When he and his wife were shopping for a Jeep, the manager of the now-defunct Garden City AMC Jeep Eagle Renault dealership read that Knol was a musician on his credit application. The manager attended some of Knol’s shows and then offered him a sales job, which he took.
“I knew I wanted to be a rock star, but the timing and how everything rolled out and the people you would meet and the way you would write wasn’t catching on, and you’ve got to know when to get out,” said Knol. “Then you get into having a family and I wasn’t going to be touring across the country to struggle financially as a cover band.
“It makes no sense and, quite frankly, over the years I was grateful I didn’t make it, because it’s not a great life. These tours are gruelling, you’re gone all the time. I get a lot of that in the business world, too. If I look at the guys in the bands I used to play with, some of them are still doing the same thing. I’m happy I didn’t do that.”
From sales, Knol moved up to management roles and eventually ownership with Performance Auto Group in Hyundai and Genesis stores. He is also the Chairman of the Hyundai Canada National Dealer Council.
“As soon as I got into the business side of things, I just liked the process,” said Knol. “It was just something that I inherently enjoyed.”
He has maintained his musical interest with Ruckus, a band he was involved with in the 70s-80s. It regularly does a fundraiser, Rock4Paws, in Welland for the Niagara SPCA and Humane Society. Hyundai sponsors the event that raises about $25,000.
Redd Raven began 35 years ago and Knol joined the group five years ago. Redd Raven was playing a set of Led Zeppelin songs, but Knol suggested the group focus on being a full tribute band and go from playing bars to theatre-style venues.
The band has an interesting visual display to start the show with some Led Zeppelin references in the movies Wayne’s World and School of Rock. There’s also footage of Led Zeppelin displayed during the show.
Knol said his favourite Led Zeppelin song to play is No Quarter, which has a lengthy keyboard intro. His favourite Zeppelin song is Stairway To Heaven.
“It sounds corny, but I think it’s a classic,” said Knol. He added that Redd Raven’s favourite song is Kashmir, which ends the show.
“I’ve always loved Zeppelin,” said Knol. “Growing up in the 70s and going to high school, you grew up with Zeppelin. I really enjoy it. When we’re playing, you’re in the moment for sure. It feels great, lots of endorphins going on.
