Billy Talent soldiers on with Afraid of Heights despite MS setback
Billy Talent's new album has tested their bond like never before. The veteran alt-rockers have been friends since their childhood days in Mississauga — but just as recording began on Afraid of Heights, their fifth studio album, the band learned that drummer Aaron Solowiniuk would have to sit this one out.
In the days leading up to their album drop, the Toronto band joins guest host Rachel Giese to share the story behind the band's "most devastating day" and perform two songs from the album they recorded without Solowiniuk.
In a two-part interview, Rachel checks in with lead singer Ben Kowalewicz, guitarist Ian D'Sa and drummer-on-leave Solowiniuk, who has been living with multiple sclerosis for 20 years.
"It just caught up to me," says the drummer, explaining that a downturn in his health left him too weak to play. His friends were immediately supportive. "The first thing they said is 'we'll wait for you'."
But Solowiniuk, who doesn't know when he'll be able to get back behind the kit, refused to put the whole project on pause.
"It was the most devastating day that this band's ever had," says Kowalewicz, adding that the band struggled with how to move forward without their friend. "There's no handbook ... no page 83."
Alexisonfire drummer Jordan Hastings has since been hired to fill in.
Mental strife and Mass shootings
In the second half of the interview, bassist Jonathan Gallant steps in to discuss the uneasy feeling running throughout the album, partly inspired by the unrest the band has seen all over the world. From climate change to mass shootings, harrowing headlines have trickled down into their lyrics.
"It's a reflection of what we care about and what we think about," says Gallant.
Since releasing their first record in 2003, Billy Talent have become one of Canada's most successful rock bands, with multiple No. 1 albums, Juno Awards and sold-out arenas to prove it.
This past June they played a major festival in Germany, after the Red Hot Chili Peppers. More recently, they opened for Guns N' Roses in Toronto.
Their new album drops this Friday.