In November 1986, one of Vancouver’s legendary Ska bands was born. SkaBoom! exploded onto the Vancouver Music scene with sold out shows since their first gig on February 8th 1987 at the Town Pump. SkaBoom was one of Vancouver’s most popular bands and has performed across Canada and became a regular headline act at many of Vancouver’s Live Music Venues such as the Town Pump, Commodore Ballroom, the Roxy & 86 St.
The members of the band are: Dave Neal on Vocals & Guitar, Dexter on Vocals & Keyboard, Chris Grant on Vocals & Bass, Leigh Grant on Drums, Graham Howell on Tenor Saxophone, Bruce Nicholson on Trombone and Kevin Lee on Trumpet.
SkaBoom plays Ska Music which is an energetic style of dance music. Ska is a hybrid of Jamaican Reggae and British Rock. The Music is typically symbolized by a Black & White Checkered motif which symbolizes the cross between Black & White Music. Ska music has been an underground musical style since the 1950’s.
With SkaBoom’s popularity in the 80’s, they recorded and released a self titled record under the Checker Bomb Recording Label. The record received radio airplay on many local radio stations such as CFOX & CFMI. SkaBoom’s record was also aired on radio stations in the USA, and even reached ..2 on Calgary Radio charts. With the record release, SkaBoom filmed a music video of their hit tune “Love & Affection”. The band stayed together for 6 years and disbanded as members went in separate directions.
After a decade passed, SkaBoom reunited with all original members except for our drummer. Replacing our former drummer is Leigh Grant who is the brother of bass player, Chris Grant. SkaBoom has been back performing and is working on revamping old favourite tunes as well as writing new material. After many years of silence, it has been a pleasure to be back together and working towards new musical goals. Fans from our early years have been coming out to see our shows and we are hoping to make new fans.