When three good friends from high school set aside some time in September of 2000 with an aim to satisfy their collective urges to rock; they had no idea what there were about to spring to action. Citing early influences to the likes of Weezer, the Foo Fighters, and AC/DC, to name a few, Adam Vrieling, Luke Gibbons, and Dave Chin, emulated these artists to begin their interpretation of a great rock band. The creative process, for the time being, would be cast in the background while Adam on guitar, Luke on bass, and Dave on drums, built a solid chemistry to which would be the foundation of the band’s future success. The band was an immediate smash and well received as they continued to improve as the year proceeded. As the band was gaining momentum, including playing their first few public performances at local venues, school intervened and Dave was off to London to continue his education, while Luke and Adam remained in Ottawa doing the same. Prior to Dave’s departure, the trio decided to take the band in a more serious direction based upon the response they had received at previous shows. Over those long winter months, Adam and Luke began working on the first BUCKSHOT originals.
As Dave returned the following spring, Adam and Luke had a full arsenal of material ready to be thrust upon the public’s awaiting ears. During a home recording session, the band realized that their sound was not yet complete. The band decided to recruit their close friend, Evan Kerr on lead guitar. Evan brought amazing musicianship influenced by the great rock guitarists of the ‘70s and ‘80s, and was a perfect fit to the band’s distinctive chemistry. With all four corners of the band’s foundation strong and intact, the band evolved into its own aggregate of styles, influences, and musicianship.
Adam leads the group with his dynamic stage presence, unique song writing and hypnotically catchy rhythm guitar. On lead guitar, Evan brings forth his heavier musical edge and his amazing lead guitar prowess. Luke fills out the low end of things with his smooth, melodious bass lines and works in great conjunction with Dave, who’s booming, artistic, and inventive drumming round out the rhythm section.
With brilliant, catchy, high-energy songs, BUCKSHOT continues to make its voice heard across Ottawa gracing The Rainbow Bistro, Babylon Club, local talent hotspot Café Dekcuf, Zaphod Beeblebrox and the legendary Barrymore’s Music Hall. The band continues to make appearances at these venues and has completed their debut full-length album, which hit stores in June 2005.
