Martin Deller, Cameron Hawkins and Claudio Vena - FM in the 21st Century.

After months of rehearsal, FM took it to the streets last Friday, July 16, in a 'special performance' for friends and neighbours at Toronto's funky latino club, The Hacienda.

Around 100 dedicated FM fans, many from out of town (hey, Woodstock!) and some from as far away as LA, got an earful of the earliest and latest material from the band as it prepares for a return to the international stage at this Saturday's NEARfest 2006.

"I'm personally very attached to this music", said Martin Deller (Drums, Percussion). "But what's so exciting is that there are people all over the planet who have the same feeling. That's the reason we're trying to push the boundaries this time - to be more explorative in our performances.

"But I should also confess that the task of keeping up with my 27 year-old self - the one who originally composed and played these complex drum parts - that's been a challenge all on it's own."

Nevertheless, the music was there for all to hear and FM showed their true colours. Some fan feedback:

"...the new violinist is a perfect fit..."

"...Marty was super crisp on the drums..."

"...Cameron was commanding on keyboards and agressive on the bass..."

The Friday night concert was the debut performance by Claudio Vega (Viola, Mandolin, Vocals) with his new band mates. Energetic, eclectic and most definitely electric, Claudio looked like he was born to play in the band.

"What I love about this band is that I get to rock it out", said Claudio, who's most recent performances range from the celtic roots of tenor John McDermott, to the majestic heights of the stage production of The Lord of the Rings.

"The biggest challenge for me has been the choreography of switching between viola and mandolin while coordinating the effects cues - several times within the same song. It keeps me busy!"

Stepping into the role previously held by Grammy Award winner Ben Mink and the enigmatic Nash the Slash, Claudio proved himself more than capable of handling material written by both of FM's alumni. He's even written a song for the band, 'Planet Vega', which was the opening song of FM's 90 minute set.

Another new composition, Trial by Fire, was debuted on Friday, together with material from Black Noise, Surveillance and City of Fear.

"There's nothing in the world like playing for an audience", said Cameron Hawkins (Synthesizer, Bass, Vocals). "Especially the one at the Hacienda. It was like a family re-union. Come to think of it - it was! Marty's 19 year-old daughter saw her Dad perform for the first time. My 77 year-old Aunt and her fiance were there, too."

"For me, the hardest part this time out was finding the time to write, arrange and rehearse for this show - what with career and family commitments. But NEARfest represents a defining moment in FM's story - a chance to share the stage with the absolute purest of prog-rock gentry, for an audience that's informed and enthusiastic, put on by a production team of the nicest people you'd ever want to meet."

If Friday night's performance is any indication, FM at NEARfest is going to be a blast!

The new FM includes some familiar faces behind the scenes, too. Peter McMullin, FM's long-serving front of house soundman has pledged his time and effort to the cause. Peter was behind the mixing console at The Hacienda and will travel with the band to NEARfest as well.

Peter described the jubilance felt by all after last week's show. "I did it for fun -- and it worked!"

You can enjoy a taste of the new FM experience by downloading clips from last Friday's show. (see Related Files below.)

Please use the "Add Your Comment" feature below to post a comment about this article.