Music/Live Reviews

Who: Michel Pagliaro
Where: Phoenix Concert Theatre
When: Sat., Sept. 30
Vibe: Rock god casually blows minds of the faithful
Highlight: Two-in-a-row versions of Lovin You Ain’t Easy
Rating: NNNNN (out of 5)

TWO DAYS after being honoured, along with 12 other acts, at Rock of Fame ceremonies at Massey Hall, Quebec music legend Michel Pagliaro almost blows the roof off the more downscale Phoenix Concert Hall with a blistering set in French and English that blends punk rock attitude and pop masterpieces.

Perhaps indicative of the somewhat diminished gig, in the darkness before the set begins, I note Pag’s silhouette as he self-roadies and helps get gear in place.

After the darkened stage empties, former MuchMusic VJ Michael Williams continues his role as Pag’s hype man and struts out introducing the singer, just as he did earlier in the week at Massey.

I share Williams’s enthusiasm for Pagliaro despite having never managed to see him perform before this week. While not exactly a Looking for Sugarman situation — he was never broke — despite having hit songs in English, as well as a massive career in Quebec, Pagliaro is barely known in the rest of Canada. The singer of English pop classics, including What the Hell I Got, Some Sing Some Dance, Lovin’ You Ain’t Easy and Rainshowers, remains largely anonymous outside of the province from which he rarely ventures to perform.

So, despite a one-song teaser at the Rock of Fame event, I have no idea what to expect from this rarely-seen performer who hasn’t released new music in years, though he claims to be constantly writing and recording.

Pagliaro sweeps on stage brandishing his guitar like a weapon or a hockey stick, clad in a slightly tight denim jacket and jeans, his curly locks a mixed mass of grey and white. Three much younger musicians, appearing to be half Pagliaro’s 72 years, join him on stage, unleashing a wall of sound powering his opening track in French that couldn’t be further in intensity from the majestic pop that briefly put him atop English charts.

And it is awesome. From the first song, Pagliaro gives his shredding lead guitarist full opportunity to let us know his set will be blistering and showy — which seems to delight the veteran performer.

It feels almost punk rock with a muscular-playing drummer in charge of the beat with fluid support from a relentless woman on bass. The opening song energy is full on for every note with Pagliaro commanding the stage like a blend between a grizzly bear and the Big Lebowski.

He chats between most songs like a cool and kooky uncle commenting on each slide in a family slide show. He seems startled that anyone in the crowd speaks French and is even more surprised when those who don’t speak it are happy to hear him sing in that language.

But, of course, when he confidently launches into What The Hell I Got, the room explodes and Pagliaro seems thrilled when he brings the song to a triumphant close saying, “Maybe I should come to Toronto more often.”

He remains confidently self-deprecating throughout the night and offers apologies no one is needing to hear for singing so much in French and playing songs that “are over 50 years old.”

But they don’t sound old — just timeless, poignant pop songs that could be outtakes from long-lost Beatles or Badfinger sessions. He performs his English hits Some Sing, Some Dance and Rainshowers remarkably close to the originals, always with extra room to showcase his amazing band.

“Let’s hear it for my friends who drove down from Montreal today to play with me,” says Pagliaro approvingly of the talented reinforcements that came to town after his Massey cameo.

Pagliaro’s French tracks are almost all full-on, powerfully performed rockers. Before launching into a sizzling version of one of his biggest hits from home, J’entends frapper, he says, “This is what I’m sort of known for in Quebec,” and it’s easy to see why.

When he slaps the majestic opening chords, followed by a trademark drum roll and launches into Lovin You Ain’t Easy, the song just grows in intensity — Pag and band adding layers of richness to the song and, yes, the perfect sizzling, showy-as-fuck guitar solo that makes a familiar song fresh.

How good is it?

When it finishes, Pagliaro’s “Did you like that one?” is met with predictable screams of approval.

And then, with a twinkle in his eye and a huge smile, Pagliaro says something I’ve never heard a performer say at a show.

“Want to hear it again?”

And, of course, we do — after a few confused looks are shared, we realize he’s serious. And somehow the second time through is even better.

After another French rocker, Pagliaro and his “friends” proudly depart the stage leaving a delighted crowd in their wake, no doubt rolling east on the 401 as fast as they can.