The Party: Max Webster Box Set Release Q&A

Max Webster. The late 70’s. A high school gym with low lighting. There may have been some shenanigans. At this point, I’m not 100% sure this memory is even real… but I’m pretty sure Max Webster played my high school dance. And of course the memory is awesome.

Fast forward to today and ole Label Group has released Max Webster’s – The Party. A Canadian box set to rival all box sets. The Party is being released on both vinyl and CD.  The set contains 8 albums or CDs and it has newly re-mastered albums, exclusive unreleased live and studio songs, plus the long-out-of-print Kim Mitchell self-titled EP and a comprehensive booklet packed with rare photos and memorabilia. All the Max Webster you could possibly want and more.

In anticipation of the release, we chatted with Mike Tilka, Max Webster’s original bassist about the box set, memories, and who he’s listening to right now. Thanks again to Mike, he’s a funny and talented guy.

Q&A

Q) We’re really excited about the upcoming The Party release on September 29, 2017, we’re wondering, why now?

MT) I assume it had to do with Anthem selling off their label masters to ole Media a while ago and the new label deciding they needed a plan to get their new investments working for them. Good timing, because if they had waited any longer we would have to go to our gigs & interviews with walkers (or not at all!). Also, our original audience would all be needing hearing aids just to enjoy the product.

Q) Do you have a favourite Max Webster track?

MT) “Gravity” — great tune. It was challenging to perform live — just try playing & singing that chorus at the same time. A fun deal all around!

Q) Would you mind sharing a tour memory with our readers?

MT) Of course not, but remember “what happens on the road stays on the road” or is that Vegas? When you are young and have a purpose as exciting as playing new music, touring is fantastic! Just walking into the Fillmore in San Francisco, knowing you are going to play there that evening is an amazing buzz. Lots of those moments when on tour.

Q) What differences will we hear on the newly remastered versions?

MT) Louder – more bottom! Mastering techniques have changed in the last ten years so things should sound better.

Q) Can you share with us anything about the previously unreleased tracks?

MT) Ten years ago, Q107 had a 30th birthday party at the Docks and Max did a reunion gig to help celebrate. A great night with lots of crazy fans. Kim and I mixed “Let Go The Line” from that show. It is one of the bootleg tracks for the Box Set.

Q) Name 3 bands that you’re currently listening to?

MT) I have been listening to Left a new CD by Monkey House, Don Breithaupt’s fabulous ode to Steely Dan – great tunes, amazing players, etc. One of my favourite guitar players, Kim Mitchell, is featured on one of the tracks. He does a great job but you will never be able to convince him of that. I got into Ryan Adams recently. His songwriting is wonderfully simple and understated. Nice voice as well. I am going through all his solo and band CD’s.

The new self-titled Odd Cue CD is also on my current playlist. It is my new project with guitarist Shane Cloutier, a fabulous singer/songwriter. We plan to release it this October so watch for it. Exciting stuff. In addition to these, lately I have been listening to: Jeff Beck’s LIVE+, Hamilton, Drug Plan, Avishai Cohen’s CD Continuo – the list never ends!

Q) For me, as a fan from day one (and owner of the original vinyls), I’m thrilled to see the vinyl box set included in the re-release, tell us about the extras that come along with the vinyl set.

MT) There are a bunch of new/old photos and great cover-art. Also, there is a “Bootleg” record with some live tracks and demos never released before. Not sure if the used drum-sticks and guitar picks made it to the package.

Q) Is there any chance we’ll see a live reunion performance?

MT) I’m in, but I really don’t know if there is a chance of another live reunion gig. Kim would be the one to ask.

Thanks to Mike for taking the time to answer our questions and we’re definitely hoping for that reunion gig. You can get your copy of The Party here: Vinyl or CD

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Trish Cassling

Writer/Photographer/Editor

Toronto Music Blogger