Footloose was a Canadian band that had a hit in 1979 with "Leaving For Maui". The membership included Tim Feehan and later, Doug Riley.

Footloose
OriginEdmonton, Alberta, Canada
Years active1978–1984
LabelsMustard Records, Hilltak Records
Past membersTim Feehan
Dwayne Feland
George Goodall
Terry Medd
Curt Smith

Background edit

Formed in 1978 in Edmonton, Alberta,[1] the group was made up of Tim Feehan on vocals, Dwayne Feland on drums, George Goodall on bass, Terry Medd on guitar and Curt Smith on keys. They all had a leaning towards the funky rhythm and blues sound. Dwayne Feland had played in the HUB Cigar band prior to his being with Footloose, and Tim Feehan and George Goodall had been in the funk-oriented dance band, Buckeye. Terry Medd had been playing in gigs with Curt Smith and he had also been in the band Missouri.[2]

The members of the band never had the intention of being a serious band. They were just trying to make some money. But their song "Leaving For Maui" got into the Canadian Top 10. It took them to Hawaii where they also played.[3]

Career edit

The single, "Leaving For Maui" bw "Dancing Feelin'" was released in Canada on Mustard M-123 in 1979.[4] It was released in the US on Hilltak PW 7905.[5][6]

For the week ending September 8, 1979, the record was getting played on Keith James' show at CHED Edmonton, Rosalie Trombley's show at CKLW Windsor, and Don Stevens' show at CKLG Vancouver.[7] By September 24, it was also a chart at CKY Winnipeg.[8]

By December 8, Record World had it as "Single Pick". The reviewer mentioned the smooth pop vocals and classy arrangements and even compared them with an early Hall & Oates.[9] The song eventually made the Canadian Top 10, staying in the charts for six weeks.[10][11]

In 1981, Tim Feehan left the group to become a solo artist. He was replaced by Doug Riley.[12] His solo album Sneak Preview was released on Mustard M 1004.[13] Feehan would also do a duet with Canadian singer, Vicky Moss who he met in Hawaii while with the band. [14]

Later years edit

The album was re-released by Cool Sound, Inc. on 10 December 2001.[15] It was reissued again by Super Oldies in 2017. Containing work from 1979-1983, it included the album which was taken from the original master tapes. It also included four bonus tracks. Two on the bonus tracks, "Dream Come True" and "Caroline" were previously unreleased, featuring Doug Riley on vocals.[16][17]

Discography edit

Singles
Act Release Catalogue Year Notes
Footloose "Leaving For Maui" / " Dancin' Feelin'" Mustard M-123 1979
Footloose "Time Is Right" / "It'll Take Some Time" Mustard M-127 1979 [18]
Tim Feehan and Footloose "Jamie" / "Thanks I Needed That" Mustard M-132 1981 [citation needed]
Footloose "Who's Lovin' Her Now" / "Betty-Lou" Mustard M-144 1983 [19]
Albums
Act Release Catalogue Year Notes
Footloose Footloose Mustard M-1003 1980 [20]
Footloose Footloose World Records WRC4-127
(M-1003-C)
1980 Cassette [citation needed]
Footloose Footloose Cool Sound, Inc. COOL-084 2001 CD Japan release[21]
Footloose Footloose Super Oldies, USA SOCD20 2017 CD US release[22]

Further reading edit

References edit

  1. ^ citizenfreak.com (© Museum of Canadian Music) - Footloose
  2. ^ The Edmonton Journal, Nov. 5, 1979 - Leaving for Maui an international hit (with video)
  3. ^ Gigcity.ca, March 21, 2017 - HISTORY: From Hawaii to hockey to Hollywood
  4. ^ 45Cat - Footloose (Tim Feehan) - Discography
  5. ^ 45Cat - Footloose (Hilltak) - Discography
  6. ^ Record World, December 8, 1979 - Page 14 Record World Single Picks
  7. ^ RPM Weekly, Volume 31 No. 24 September 8, 1979 - Page 26 PROGRAMMERS, __TRENDSETTERS__, ROCK ORIENTED
  8. ^ RPM Weekly, Volume 31 No. 24 September 8, 1979 - Page 29 PROGRAMMERS, ROCK ORIENTED HITMAKERS
  9. ^ Record World, December 8, 1979 - Page 14 Record World Single Picks
  10. ^ GetSongbpm - TIM FEEHAN, Canada, Biography
  11. ^ Canadian Bands.com, April 11, 2022 - Tim Feehan
  12. ^ citizenfreak.com (© Museum of Canadian Music) - Footloose
  13. ^ Billboard, January 16, 1982 - C-7 AND WARMIN' UP THE BULLPEN
  14. ^ Melodic Rock Info, September 6, 2022 - FOOTLOOSE (feat. Tim Feehan) – Footloose 1980 (Canadian remastered reissue +4 bonus) (2017)
  15. ^ Muuseo - > Adult Contemporary Music in Japan > Museum 31F T: Tim Feehan > Footloose
  16. ^ Super Oldies - FOOTLOOSE, 1979-1983
  17. ^ Muuseo - > Adult Contemporary Music in Japan > Museum 31F T: Tim Feehan > Footloose
  18. ^ 45Cat - Footloose (Tim Feehan) - Discography
  19. ^ 45Cat - Footloose (Tim Feehan) - Discography
  20. ^ MusicBrainz - Footloose ~ Release group by Footloose
  21. ^ Muuseo Inc. - > Adult Contemporary Music in Japan > Museum 31F T: Tim Feehan > Footloose
  22. ^ MusicBrainz - Footloose ~ Release group by Footloose

External links edit