Watchmen rock for Israeli bobsled team

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/09/2003 (8312 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DOGGED by breakup rumours based on a few kernels of truth, one of Winnipeg’s best-known rock bands returns home today to play — no, not a farewell show — but a benefit concert for the Israeli bobsled team.

Tonight at the downtown Delta Hotel’s Grand Ballroom, The Watchmen will play a $60-a-head fundraiser to help Israel’s three-member bobsled squad qualify for the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy.

That might seem bizarre, unless you know the connection between Prairie guitar-rock and Middle Eastern snow sports.

Watchmen singer Daniel Greaves is the brother of bobsled team member David Greaves, a dual Canadian-Israeli citizen who needs to raise $450,000 US to buy a bobsled and cover travel expenses for the next three years.

“There are only 12 tracks in the world. Most of the races aren’t at the River Heights Community Centre,” quips David Greaves, who hopes to raise at least $30,000 in Canadian funds at tonight’s fundraiser.

The problem is timing: in recent weeks, his brother’s band has been beset with breakup rumours, inspired by bassist Ken Tizzard’s plan to join Big Wreck singer Ian Thornley’s band and Daniel Greaves’ apparent connection to a new musical project involving Rob Higgins, a former member of Toronto’s Change Of Heart.

So, on the night before the Greaves family sits down to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year holiday, one brother’s decision to help out the other has brought extra scrutiny to The Watchmen’s status as a band.

“I can’t comment. I feel very awkward about this,” says Shelley Stertz, spokeswoman for The Watchmen’s management company, The Management Trust, in Toronto.

Officially, there’s no news in The Watchmen camp. In reality, there’s been a lot going on behind the scenes since January 2001, when original drummer Sammy Kohn left the band.

Still, fans who fear tonight’s show may be the band’s last ought to chill out, because it would be insane for The Watchmen to end its 15-year career by playing a benefit show many fans can’t attend.

For one thing, it would be a terrible PR move by a band that’s always maintained a strong connection with its audience. Secondly, an abrupt breakup by a bunch of guys who actually get along makes no sense, especially when they have a chance to offer fans a proper farewell.

An official statement regarding the band’s plans is expected within weeks.

What that means is tonight’s show is certainly not The Watchmen’s last.

“I’ve heard the speculation everyone has heard and I hope there are many shows to come,” says David Greaves, who can only say so much before he risks getting cold chicken soup at the family table tomorrow night.

‘Top gun’

“One of my favourite bands in the world is The Watchmen. Whether I was related (to Danny) or not, this is the band I would want to play the benefit.”

Along with David Greaves, the other members of the Israeli bobsled team are a pair of San Francisco residents: Aaron Zeff, a former “top gun” fighter pilot with the United States air force; and John Frank, a retired NFL player who won a couple of Super Bowls as a tight end with the 49ers.

The Winnipegger’s athletic achievements are more modest.

“My big claim to fame is I was a nationally ranked sprinter in junior high,” cracks Greaves. “Now, six seconds of speed is all I’m looking for.”

About 50 tickets for tonight’s benefit are available at the downtown Delta’s front desk. People with student cards are entitled to a $20 discount.

bartley.kives@freepress.mb.ca