WEEKEND RIDE - KICK AXE (1981) - RARE AUTOGRAPHED Independent 45RPM (Heavy Metal, Canadian Rock)

Kick Axe is a Canadian rock band that formed in Regina, Saskatchewan, in the mid 1970s before becoming based out of Vancouver, British Columbia. The band had a strong club-circuit following, blending original songs like Heavy Metal Shuffle with classics from Led Zeppelin and other popular rock bands of the era. In 1981, before recruiting George Criston on vocals, the band independently released this 45 single featuring Charlie McNary on vocals. (McNary left the band in 1982.) Weekend Ride was recorded at Vancouver's Water Street Sound and was produced by Canadian heavy-weight musicians, Brian McLeod and Bill Henderson. McLeod was best known for his work with Chilliwack and with The Headpins, while Henderson was, and has remained, the leader of the popular Canadian band, Chilliwack. In 1981, I helped their management team promote this record throughout western Canada. Their live performance, brilliant guitar work and ability to capture an enthusiastic fanbase, gave me much confidence that Kick Axe would soon be signed to a major label. At one of their shows, they all autographed my 45 for me as a keepsake. Kick Axe released their debut album, Vices, on the Pasha label in 1984. Three more albums followed before the group disbanded in 1988, reforming in 2002. At the time of this 45's release in 1981, Kick Axe was: Larry Gillstrom - Guitars Brian Gillstrom - Drums Ray Harvey - Guitars Victor Langen - Bass Charles McNary - Vocals On August 12, 2025, Kick Axe announced Larry Gillstrom's sudden passing the day before. Larry had battled cancer but had continued to perform and record with the band. Kick Axe were amidst recording a new album at the time of Gillstrom's death. Lyrics Here we go again Cruisin' at a hundred-and-ten Gotta have a party tonight Gonna make you feel alright And it's so crazy can't keep it inside Really gotta meet, just can't be denied Been waitin' all week For my weekend ride I'm lookin' for a girl High-heels and long dark curls I'm lookin' for some fun Do my roamin' 'til the mornin' sun And it's so crazy can't keep it inside Really gotta meet, just can't be denied Been waitin' all week For my weekend ride Weekend ride! Take me away Weekend ride! I got it in my blood Weekend ride! And it's makin' me wild Weekend ride! Ah! I want a woman in heat And I'm cruisin' up and down the street We ain't exactly sane But we ain't had nobody to blame And it's so crazy can't keep it inside Really gotta meet, just can't be denied Been waitin' all week For my weekend ride My weekend ride! Woah! Weekend ride! It's takin' me away Weekend ride! I got it in my blood Weekend ride! You know it's makin' me wild Weekend ride! Woah!

Added 8 Jul 2026