Sean McCann made memories all over the world during his two decades touring with iconic Canadian folk band Great Big Sea, but the East Coast musician said he’s looking forward to making some new ones in Haliburton next month.
The folk-rock legend, who performed vocals, bodhran, guitar and tin whistle as a founding member of Great Big Sea from 1993 to 2013, is bringing his ‘Sink or Swim’ solo tour to Haliburton United Church Sept. 4.
It will be a first time performing in the Highlands for McCann, who was “the shantyman” of Great Big Sea. He specializes in providing high-energy vocals with a traditional Maritime twang.
“There aren’t many places left in Canada that I haven’t played, so I’m stoked to finally get up there,” McCann said during an Aug. 7 interview.
While he’s used to playing in bigger cities and venues, McCann was convinced to bring his show to the Highlands during a visit earlier this year, when he saw our small cottage country community “come alive” for the season.
He promised an intimate musical experience for fans, pulling original music from his latest album, Sink or Swim, other original works and favourites from Great Big Sea’s greatest hits.
“A lot of the themes of the songs, especially in Sink or Swim, are about the way our society has become divided in recent years. I think a lot of it has to do with technology and people not fully recovering, socially, from the pandemic,” McCann said. “One thing that has worked for me, helped to bring joy to people, is live music.
“It used to be a very normal thing to do, to put your phone down, get off Facebook and drive down to your local community hall or church to sit next to strangers and sing songs… we’re going to try and bring it back. It’s a real form of rebellion,” he added.
It’s been 12 years since McCann quit the band – something he still refers to as the hardest decision of his life. Two decades on the road had taken a toll, with McCann turning to alcohol and drugs to sustain his rockstar lifestyle. He prioritized his long-term health by stepping away from music completely.
When he eventually returned, McCann said he wanted to use his platform to spread positivity.
“No matter how bad something looks, the future is unwritten. We have the opportunity to change – I think that’s an important message today,” McCann said. “I try to instill a little hope in all my songs. We have the power to make the world what we want.”
Asked if he thought there would be a Great Big Sea reunion, McCann said there have been conversations with bandmates Alan Doyle and Bob Hallett.
“At the end of the pandemic, I went to them and asked them to do a show, and they said it’s not a bad idea, it just hasn’t happened yet,” McCann said. “I still love the band… I hope someday there will be a reunion.”
Reflecting on standout memories from his career, McCann recalled how, in 2000, he and his Great Big Sea bandmates went out in Toronto following that year’s Juno Awards ceremony. They ended up in a small club in the downtown where AC/DC played an impromptu set.
“Nobody knew they were there. They just walked in, went up on stage, plugged in their guitars and started with Dirty Deeds. They just floored the place,” McCann said. “There were other acts there and nobody cared – AC/DC just had everyone fanning out.”
He’s hoping to create a similarly raucous atmosphere in Haliburton. Tickets are available online at seanmccannsings.com/ concerts.
