Headstones coming to The Kee

Tuesday, 5 August 2025 00:05

From punk-rock roots and a challenging hiatus to a powerful comeback and a Hollywood parallel, The Headstones' story is one an of enduring Canadian rock band.

The Headstones, a foundational band in Canadian rock, are back and ready to electrify audiences. They've just released a powerful new single, "Navigate," featuring City and Colour, and their new album, Burn All The Ships, is set to drop on September 1st. You can catch them live at a must-see show at The KEE to Bala on Saturday, August 9th.

Formed in 1987, The Headstones, led by the enigmatic Hugh Dillon, alongside Trent Carr on guitar, Tim White on bass, and Dale Harrison on drums, quickly carved out a reputation for their raw, unbridled energy and hard-hitting sound. In an era often dominated by grunge and alternative rock, they brought a fierce punk-influenced edge that was uniquely Canadian. Their early career exploded with their 1993 debut, Picture of Health, which quickly went platinum, propelled by tracks that captured a visceral, no-holds-barred attitude. They solidified their commercial success with subsequent gold albums like Teeth and Tissue (1995) and Smile and Wave (1996), earning Juno Award nominations along the way.

The band's success came with significant challenges, as the pressures of touring and the music industry took their toll. Frontman Hugh Dillon's personal struggle with addiction was a major factor, and the band ultimately went on hiatus in 2003. During this break, Dillon pursued a successful acting career.

Beyond his music, Hugh Dillon established a highly successful acting career, often portraying complex and intense characters. His breakthrough role came in 1996 in the cult classic Hard Core Logo, where he played Joe Dick, a fictional punk band's lead singer. This part perfectly utilized his real-life rock-and-roll persona and helped cement his reputation as a formidable on-screen performer.

Dillon's work in television has been extensive and highly successful. He had a significant role in the Canadian dramatic series Durham County (2007-2010), playing a homicide detective. This led to his breakout role as Sergeant Ed Lane in the critically acclaimed CBS/CTV co-production Flashpoint (2008-2012). In Flashpoint, Dillon played a lead role as a sniper in an elite Strategic Response Unit, a performance for which he won a Canadian Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role in 2014.

Following Flashpoint, Dillon continued to appear in various high-profile series. He joined the cast of AMC's The Killing (2013), and also had roles in Showcase's sci-fi police drama Continuum, and the DirecTV series Things You Shouldn't Say Past Midnight.

More recently, Hugh Dillon has become a familiar face to international audiences through his work with creator Taylor Sheridan. He played the recurring role of Sheriff Donnie Haskell on the popular series *Yellowstone* for four seasons. His character's departure from that show was linked to his expanded role in the Paramount+ crime drama *Mayor of Kingstown*, where he not only stars as Ian Ferguson but also serves as a co-creator and executive producer, demonstrating his evolution from an actor to a creative force behind the camera.

Beyond television, Dillon has also appeared in a number of feature films, including Dance Me Outside (1994), Assault on Precinct 13 (2005), Trailer Park Boys: The Movie (2006), and Taylor Sheridan's film Wind River (2017). His ability to portray honest and complicated characters has been a hallmark of his acting career, allowing him to carve out a distinct and impactful presence in both Canadian and international productions.

The story of The Headstones is one of remarkable resilience. A pivotal moment for their return came unexpectedly around 2010. A longtime friend and collaborator, Randy Kwan, who co-wrote their popular song "Cemetery," became terminally ill. The band reunited to play a benefit concert for him, and that experience reignited the camaraderie and passion that had brought them together in the first place. This led to a full reunion in 2011, and they seamlessly picked up where they left off, releasing new music and hitting the road. Their comeback album, Love + Fury (2013), was a triumphant return, proving their enduring relevance and hitting the Top 10.

Their latest single, "Navigate," showcases the band's continued evolution while retaining their signature grit. The collaboration with Dallas Green of City and Colour, a surprising yet perfectly executed pairing, adds a new layer of melodic depth to their already powerful sound. It's a testament to The Headstones' willingness to experiment and grow, without sacrificing the raw intensity that defines them. The upcoming album, Burn All The Ships, promises more of this dynamic material, swinging from snarling punk to moments of unexpected restraint.

The Headstones aren't just a band that had a moment; they are a vital thread in the tapestry of Canadian rock. Their story of formation, meteoric rise, challenging personal battles, and triumphant return is a powerful narrative of perseverance. Their ability to consistently create relevant, hard-hitting music, and still pack venues like The KEE to Bala, speaks volumes about their lasting impact and their unwavering connection with their dedicated fanbase. This isn't just a comeback; it's a testament to a band that truly burns all the ships, leaving no option but to push forward.

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