Forming in Calgary in 1983, Boulevard, or BLVD as they were originally known were signed to CBS Records Germany, of all places. However despite the band decamping to Germany and shooting a video for ‘Rainy Day in London’, both band and label were duly surprised to find that the single had made #45 in the German singles chart. Buoyed by the success of the single the band returned to Canada where they continued to write and record, and despite the odd line-up change they signed a major deal with MCA records in 1987 which led to the debut self-titled album being released in 1988.
MCA threw their weight behind the band and Boulevard scored two top thirty single successes in the Canadian charts. ‘Never Give Up’ and ‘Far From Over’, both had video support and were pretty much staples on Much Music in Canada. The further release of ‘Dream On’ gave the band yet another hit single making it inside the Top 40.
1990 saw the release of ‘Into The Street’ preceded by ‘Lead Me On’, which made it to #21 in the Canadian singles chart followed by the massive ‘Crazy Life’ which stalled at #47 following a record company clear out during which Boulevard found their support network at the label decimated in the shakeup.
The band went on extended hiatus in 1991 until a chance phone call in 2013 led to the band playing their first gig in 22 years at Firefest in the UK. Greeted like long-lost heroes by the faithful, and a somewhat more reserved greeting by the as of yet unconverted, Boulevard showed exactly why they are held in such high regard with a stunning performance that had 1900 people on their feet shrieking for more as the band ended what is now considered to be one of those once in a lifetime performances that only some ever have the chance to experience.
On returning to their native Canada the question was posed, “Why the hell aren’t we doing this more often?” The answer? Well no-one had one.
Going into the world renowned Warehouse Studios in Vancouver and playing thirteen of their best known songs including the five Canadian hit singles in front of a handpicked audience, each with a set of headphones receiving a perfect audio mix, just seemed like the right thing to do. Not only that, but to record it for DVD. Why? The answer is simple really, because despite numerous requests for one there was nothing usable from back in the day, so why not record exactly what people wanted to see and hear with brand new technology.
Containing thirteen tacks, stunning state of the art mix from what is essentially a front row seat in the house, this is a personal memento of how it should be done and is the first and only commercially available Boulevard live recording during the band’s 32 year history.
This is a LIMITED WORLDWIDE release! 500 copies only available in the USA and Canada in NTSC, and 500 copies only available in Europe in PAL format. The DVD can be ordered directly from www.rocktopia.co.uk in Europe and www.boulevardband.com in North American and Canada.
Pre-orders available from Monday November 30 and the DVD will ship from Monday December 7 - just in time for that perrfect Christmas treat.
