Who Were These Guys?

In early 1997 Rockin' Rich had an idea. This was rare.He phoned up Country Jim. He said "Let's put a band together." Rich and Jim had been working together on recording projects for over ten years as the 'Satisfactory Guys'. Before that, in the early eighties, they had been in a dance band called the 'Rational Numbers', which also featured the late, great Kevin Green. Country Jim thought it was a good idea. He had been in several bands since the Rational Numbers, including Stoop Solo(1983-1985) and The Funguys (1987-1989). He right away suggested that a fellow 'Funguy', Darwin '2 dogs' Gagne, might make a good addition to the proposed 'Super Group'. A quick phone call located a drummer who would come out to audition. A practise was arranged atRockin' Rich's place. The rest is history. Unfortunately, or possibly fortunately, the first drummer suffered from lack of commitment and was replaced after one practise. The new addition was Too-Loud MacLeod, who Country Jim had met when the two of them had been involved in a Co-Val production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" in April, 1984. After several rehearsals at Too-Loud's studio space, the band performed at an Arden School family dance/ Corn Roast September 11th, 1997. Then, again at an outdoor event at the Black Creek Hall in September 1997. There was another Black Creek Hall gig two months later, Saturday November 8th. Soon, word of mouth took over and the band was booked into Merville Hall, Kingfisher Inn, Fishermen's Lodge, etc. Then came a string of Family dances at schools including Maple, Oyster River, Ocean Grove, Miracle Beach, Cumberland, and Tsolum. In December, the cd "If That Really Is Your Name - Elmer Thudd" was released. It was really a Satisfactory Guys project which Country Jim and Rockin' Rich had finished off by adding two tracks featuring the Elmer Thudd members. In the past three years, Elmer Thudd has become an integral part of the local pub scene. They've played the Arbutus a couple of times, the Fishermen's frequently, a few at the Hideaway, the Marina, the Edgewater, the Cumberland Bar, and countless other places including private parties at all the local dance halls. The band is also known for it's frequent involvement in 'benefits' aimed at raising money for worthwhile causes including cystic fibrosis, cancer treatments, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments for kids. During their over four years together, the band members have gone through a lot of styles of music including rock, classic rock, country, rockabilly, blues, soul, accordion style cajun, and pop. At present their set list, probably the longest in town, is being beefed up with a bit more 'top forty' material. Stories of the band's escapades at the Thudd Mansion, and of their elusive mentor Elmer J. Thudd have been featured in the local press throughout the band's career. Nicknames such as "The Kings of Wock & Woll" and "The Best Six Beer Bar Band on the Island" have been well earned. Tales of their refusal to go to Nashville, their plans to buy a Fast-Cat Ferry from the provincial government, their dismissal of all the band members named "Eric", their generous giveaways of 'dinners-for-two', and their search for a wife for their mentor are followed in the local newspapers by their legions of 'Thudd-Maniac" fans. In August year 2000, drummer Don 'Too Loud' MacLeod had some personal issues which made it impossible for him to continue on with the band. Too-Loud was eventually replaced by 'Hot' Rod Campbell.Rod played his first gig with the Thudd on Sept 29, 30th, 2000 at the Hideaway Pub. In February 2001 the band made Campbell River history by being the first band to play in the brand new, state of the art 'Campbell River Community Center'.The dance was a benefit to help send the Campbell River Childrens Choir to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York.

They ended up liking working 3 piece and Darwin left the group. About a year later the band went 4 piece again as The Molly Hogans, featuring Doug Folkins. You can see what they're up to by going to

Molly Hogans