Ian Thomas - Hold on

[@gouduleme2]

Great song song, underrated artist. Santana version is a real cover identical Difficult to compare Alex ligertwood and him. Alex sing with fidelity but it’s true that Ian version is slightly better, wich is a great compliment. His voice is softer and Alex’ 5th double voicing harms Santana’ s version. Ian sings most like TOTO or David Robert, another underrated singer. The bass part is clearly better and funky than Carlos version. However David Margen could play like Ian. OK, there is no guitar solo in Ian original version and no bass slap in Carlos version. The best would have the 2 bands play hold on together ?!🤷‍♂️

[@tonybensley6246]

Ian Thomas's vocals and Carlos Santana's guitar playing would be absolute HEAVEN!

[@MrJohnnysaintjohn]

Would LOVE to hear that!

[@annec2960]

@@williambandyk327 ya i do know my shit lol music freaks usually do but auhh smoke a tokie don't u chokie 😉

[@annec2960]

@@williambandyk327 OK THNAKS 😉

[@annec2960]

@@williambandyk327 ic hehe nah didn't know coolness

[@glennwhite1953]

Anybody else here in December of 2023 still listening to Hold on by Ian Thomas?...music for your soul I say

[@A_Ramirez]

03-06-2024 here.

[@TheStuport]

August 2, 2024 AND from this day on! Salute 🤟

[@hckyplayr6]

I have emailed Canadian radio stations to tell them to play "our" original version. Santana was on Billboard is their response. We love the original Ian!

[@davejakubowski9088]

Feel the same way. Normally Canadian radio stations are very passionate about playing their countryman's music, but missed the boat on this one. It's NOT always about some BS billboard chart !

[@u686st7]

Did you try CFZM?

[@NintendoPsycho]

@@billybandyk0720 Easy. They are bought and paid for.

[@youngchool]

My 1st musical discovery of 2024! I have loved this song as Santana's best. That is until Today, wowow. Amazing!!! I love both this original.and Santana version.

[@MoonJD1]

Ian should have received more recognition than he did for his song. No matter how I'm feeling when I hear this song I feel better. It's one of those songs that heals me!

[@jeffreybarkin3177]

YES. Ian Thomas wrote and Produced one HELL OF AN ALBUM, but Three (3) Tunes were licensed Before the Album was RELEASED IN THE USA. It was a Time when Major Labels sought STRONG SONGS for their ESTABLISHED, Charted Artists. It was and IS STILL EASIER to Gain RADIO PLAY with an Established NAME ARTIST. The Songs "CHAINS" - CHICAGO [Transit Authority], "HOLD ON" - SANTANA and the TITLE Album Track, "THE RUNNER" - MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND, were licensed and CHARTED on GLOBAL CHARTS. The TITLE TRACK was actually the MOST SUCCESSFUL, globally. Now REMEMBER, Bruce Springsteen licensed Several Songs off his first TWO Albums before they were Ever Marketed as "SINGLES", and the Songwriters have Always ENJOYED Significant MONEY if their Songs get to CHART WELL. IAN THOMAS is an AMAZING GENIUS SONGWRITER and He's written MANY SUPERB TUNES! Listen To: "GOODNIGHT MRS. CALABASH" [title track] "LONG LONG TIME" "RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES" "PILOT" "TIME IS THE KEEPER" IAN THOMAS and his more current Band THE BOOMERS Surely DESERVE Far GREATER RECOGNITION, especially by PROGRAMMERS and his Host Country, Canada. Thank You for Letting me VENT, and Hope that you CHECK OUT my SUGGESTIONS, Too! Thank You, and MOST APPRECIATED. ❤ 😂

[@KeithDCanada]

Ian Thomas is a monolith in Canadian Music that should never be forgotten. Every time I hear his music it transports me back to a better time.

[@giovannitidona658]

True hanging at Pool Room with friends carefree days 2 $ Would last a day if you were carefull

[@roberteugene7295]

@KiethDCanada Indeed! Tunes like this remind me of those long ago days. A better, now beginning to be forgotten, time.

[@Fireneedsair]

i Love BOTH versions. But respect for Ian penning this brilliant song

[@averillhecht]

Yet another example of a great Canadian song and band!

[@GOODLANDLORD]

there is nothing like Ian Thomas, we are so lucky as canadian's that we have him

[@aujourd8]

Ian Thomas, what an amazing musician! He had his own distinctive brilliant sound..... he stands with the greatest Canadian musicians ever... Burton Cummings, Robbie Robertson, Geddy Lee, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Randy Bachman, ....so many others.....

[@geraldburgoyne6644]

Myles Goodwin from April Wine should be on this list. He recently passed on December 3, 2023, in Halifax. RIP Myles, you are missed but will live on in your excellent music.

[@alanwhite6936]

Ian is a Great Underated Legend Love this Classic Tune

[@TheStuport]

I'm a grateful American in Ohio who was forever changed back in April of "75 when I heard Canada's Gift to Music.....RUSH! They will always be My #1....period. That being said...Geddy Lee mentioned Ian Thomas in an article when "The Great White North" and "Strange Brew" were at a high point. So naturally I had to go hear Ian Thomas and he absolutely Delivered The Goods! No doubt about it, Canadians ARE the nicest people around! Cheers From COW-lumbus, Ohio MOO 👋

[@badabing6852]

Pisses me off, Ian did so many GREAT songs, he never received the fame and fortune his talent certainly deserved. And as a songwriter well.........just listen!

[@blairyoung3876]

Yup.... Like Manfred Mann's version of The Runner which was the theme song of the LA summer Olympics? Another Ian Thomas song butchered by someone else.

[@HalleyDeVesternBand]

As the songwriter, though, Ian Thomas will still get royalties. Songwriting is where the money is.

[@fkhan577]

Man you're right! I loved both those songs when they were covers (never knowing) and I like the originals even better.

[@noofzoof]

I've heard this song so many times on the radio, but after hours of searching I've found it! I love how groovy the bass feels. I can vividly picture a couple dancing to it during the chorus. its so good!

[@mikepreston-engel8869]

So many people think this is Santana's tune. It was written and first recorded by the underrated Canadian artist, Ian Thomas, and he does this like no one else can. I love Santana's music, but his version pales in comparison with Ian's original.

[@roberteugene7295]

If memory serves, his brother is comedian/actor Dave Thomas, right?

[@annec2960]

i like this version better

[@kimbarnett619]

I learned something new Thanks

[@Justin-Hill-1987]

Santana's version is basically a note-for-note cover version with a Latin rock sound...

[@q2w3bn876]

@@Justin-Hill-1987 Yep, and Carlos' signature guitar tone

[@VA7RLI]

It’s so funny... I thought Santana wrote this song... then I heard This one not even 1 month ago... this version is much more emotional... more raw, more feeling... after a while, I’d remember this version so well, and can’t recall Santana’s. The bass is more groovy, the guitar has that raw fleet vibe, and the vocals... oh the vocals... that’s what I adore... especially “and now that’s gone forever...”. This is better. I need this in my life. You want this too... thank you Ian, one of the greatest Canadian artists of all time.

[@gilknutson]

I agree! Ian Thomas has always been so, so neglected compared to his real talent... both at writing songs and performing them. Personally, my all time favourite of his is "Pilot". Love it!!! One of my Top Ten songs of all time... just my humble opinion!

[@jeffsullivan2044]

Thanks to people like Ian, I'm all the more PROUD to be CANADIAN!! 🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@lalba07]

I grew up hearing Santana's version and yes I liked it a lot. I also heard this version a lot and I LOVE IT!!! 😊💖 Sorry but, Ian puts so much more life and BOOM into the song, by his voice and by the instrumental too! This version has so much more soul and feel in it. Written and first recorded by him... An under-recognized Canadian talent. He is such a PHENOMINAL singer/songwriter! Not to mention Runner bt Manfred Man and Chains by Chicago. I do admit I love Manfred Man's version more but I will always love Ian. As for Chains, I am huge fan of Chicage, I love those guys! But sorry again, Ian's version KICKS ASS!!! The guitar is AWESOME!!! Along with the rest of the instrumental and of course, the life of the song, HIS VOICE! So much life and soul in it! 🇨🇦 I AM CANADIAN 🇨🇦

[@mariawarren8575]

Not in a million years ..

[@Linda-wy8ni]

Still loving this in 2020, what a blest talent he is!!!

[@davidbuckle9154]

Ian never ceases to amaze us with his music. A natural talent

[@claytonpaulette2808]

I saw him play this live at my high school. Beautiful song. A few people have done very well with his songs - Santana, America, Chicago and Manfred Mann. Super talented Canadian along with his brother, actor/comedian Dave Thomas. Good memories!

[@flon57]

Used to see him and the boys every few months back in the day, Coronet in Kitchener Ontario, still 1 of my all time favourite singers

[@billybarkly7498]

love this song. it should have been more popular than it was. Santana knew a great song when he heard it.

[@billybarkly7498]

I find it hard to believe this song didn't get on the Billboard charts. It is so superior to many of the songs that have been. This tune got a lot of play on the station I listened to at the time. Santana knew a good song when he heard it. It is too bad many people didn't know it was an Ian Thomas tune. On the plus side he would scoop up some royalties.

[@lalba07]

billy barkly I can't agree more Billy. Ian is underrated. He is an amazing singer/songwriter. Nothing against my American neighbours/family but bet ya many of them still don't know to this day that Ian is responsible for Santana's cover. I love Santana but Ian's version KICKS ASS!!! 🇨🇦🎸🎤🎶🎵🇨🇦

[@billybarkly7498]

Thanks for your input Lisa. It is too bad a talent like Ian Thomas didn't get the attention worldwide he should have. Manfred Mann did a cover of The Runner which did well for him. In fairness he spiced the tune up in the 80s style with an Olympic style passion. But as we said Hold On should have hit bigger for Ian Thomas and Pilot as well is a great song.

[@susanrhodes8605]

My new favorite version. Phenomenal musician. Amazing vocals.

[@aujourd8]

Ian Thomas = hidden gem

[@dalemcmillan7231]

Fantastic Song from a Fantastic album!! ❤ love it!! ❤

[@A_Ramirez]

Underrated? Not by his fans. If you're looking at sales and promoted popularity then you might miss what the rest of us continue to love. Ian Thomas is a delicious secret to his following/fans. Santana never would have picked up bck in the day to cover if not. Truly, I'd love a live vid of Ian Thomas and Santana on Hold On. That would be so very beautiful.

[@Miknitro]

I listen to this often, excellent music i got to enjoy in my youth and still do 👍

[@Schmoople]

This brilliant man is underrated. I much prefer his version of this song to Santana's.

[@tor378a]

Agree, Santana's version is good enough but Ian's is much better. Love it.

[@bradozarko2443]

this is a great song i believe written by ian but sorry santana's version is much superior. very smooth while the guitars on this one are disjointed. santana all the way!

[@blairyoung3876]

I'm sorry but the bass line, especially at the end, is VASTLY superior on the Thomas track. If you're a resident of a seniors home, then yea, I guess the milquetoast version by Santana is better, but dude it is sooooo sloooowwwwwwww.

[@lalba07]

D Thomas AGREED 100% 🖒😁

[@lalba07]

Blair Young Yes slowwww.

[@planetmusicsamos]

i love Santana's Version but this one gives way more feeling! Beautiful song ! One of the best songs i've heard in my life .Simply timeless.....

[@allanburton8115]

This was my favorite song when I was in 4th grade. Both Ian Thomas AND Santana. I am 🇨🇦 as well.

[@chrisbeaudin1694]

Searched for a long time for this song. I didn't even know the name of it, or who it was sung by. I found it by chance. I heard it all the time in the 80's on CFAN 790

[@peludo2947]

"Hold On" is a song written and first recorded by the Canadian singer and songwriter Ian Thomas, on his 1981 album The Runner. In 1982 the Latin rock band Santana, featuring lead vocalist Alex Ligertwood, covered the song for their album Shangó. It is the second track on the album and was released as the album's first single. The song reached number 15 on the U.S.

[@tor378a]

what a great tune. I remember seeing Ian on SCTV for a guest appearance with his brother Dave and he performed "Hold On". Fun.

[@trfesok]

In my Santana playlist, since they covered it. Thanks for the upload!

[@utubesgreat7777]

love him..love this song...God I miss the 70's

[@tajames68]

I was today old when I learned about this version and that this was the original version. There is something about it that tops Santana's version (good as that is).

[@peterdowney2394]

Many great memories of Ian and so many more Canadian acts at the Riverside in Oakville

[@Ryoufriggingserious]

Such heart felt and artist music. I miss those days!

[@rogelionunezperlado2450]

Recien en este 2021 me entero que la version original no es de Santana...me encanta esta versilon... Saludos desde Perú.

[@alanwhite4949]

One of my Favorite Canadian Stars Underappreciated as compared to Anne Murray or Gordon Lightfoot Who I also love Different Stars Attain Different levels of Fame I grew up listening to Ian I was a Hell Raising 18 in 1979 I can Relate to this Timeless Classic.

[@Motocicleiros]

Wow, cool! I didn't knew this version and since I heard it back first in 1982 I thought that it was a Santana's original... Thanks for sharing this!

[@robmcq2298]

GREAT Canadian Tune Eh!!!!

[@bobjohnson205]

Eh! lol

[@dakotanorth1640]

Awesome song. Ian Thomas is great!

[@bob4analog]

Indeed, the 70's were a great time for music.

[@magyarsrac100]

This was written and recorded in 1981, and Santana's cover came out in 1982...so in a way, very late '70s, I guess. :-)

[@quinthooper9656]

Wow! Great song from my childhood!

[@soundproof714]

love that song my friend,awesome!!

[@bob4analog]

Wow I never knew he wrote this song. Santana covered it, but I like this one far better.

[@rg2027x]

what a _tune_ brothers & sisters

[@8122304401]

outstanding talent

[@quinthooper9656]

Love it! Great song. SCTV version is the best.

[@maccarole09]

love this tune !!!!!!

[@jonathanzabel5363]

I am impressed : so Santana was playing a cover ! No matter : I still love Carlos's guitar and this song definitely fits the mood of the " Shango " album . You're right about Ian Thomas though : extremely soulful - good music comes from the Great White North , eh ? Beauty .

[@hypnoswede7943]

A Life In A Song - Awesome!!!

[@xtophermarley]

Hold On Lyrics Don't rush me, just this once I want to make this moment last Slow down the pace, there's no hurry I can't let another pass me by again Let me be the one to say when I've had enough Just let me, close my eyes, memorize The way things are this minute So when you're gone, I can go on If memory can hold within it what I'm feeling Should time try fading or stealing something away Hold on, nothing's the same Tell me why I feel this way Life wouldn't be worth living without you All along I've been the pretender But now that's gone forever Nobody's ever loved me like you do Nobody's broken through Got to concentrate, file away Every last detail I don't want to lose what's going down I want to remember everything I'm feeling Should time try fading or stealing something away Hold on, nothing's the same Tell me why I feel this way Life wouldn't be worth living without you All along I've been the pretender But now that's gone forever Nobody's ever loved me like you do Nobody's broken through (Nobody's ever loved like you) Nobody loves me like you do (Nobody's ever broken through) Nobody's ever broken through (Nobody's ever loved like you) (No nobody's loves like you) Nobody's ever broken through (Nobody's ever broken through)

[@JERRYF16]

Whoa .... Never knew he was original for the song. Always thought Carlos performed.. Very much enjoyed the upload and education.. Awesome song sung by both !!

[@BlackDesertZen]

ian thomas great tunes ~stands the test of time !

[@Kayakmiami]

this version pretty awesome too. overall great song by both groups

[@dalem8332]

Such a gem! Brilliant music and lyrics! The entire album , The Runner, was fantastic! Had the pleasure of seeing Ian and his band live when the album was out. Solid and tight sooo good live!

[@thevoice464]

Man this is the best bass player

[@kenbarthSimAV8tor]

Thanks for the music Ian! Love your tunes eh!

[@julierichardson7434]

i miss the 70's so much

[@TrainmasterCurt]

80’s

[@HellaPranteMs]

He is awesome!!!

[@glenmoore4744]

I watched Ian Thomas and his band perform 'Hold On' and 'Pilot' on SCTV back in the day. It was the first time Bob and Doug McKenzie appeared off their usual 'Great White North' set. One of the best episodes of that show in my opinion. Dave Thomas (Doug McKenzie) is Ian's brother as I'm sure most people know.

[@quad5186]

Thanks, I remember catching that ep in syndication around ‘85. I loved watching SCTV late nights after getting home from work. Thanks for the info, see you at the brewery- or the loony bin !!!

[@Neejay36]

simply awesome!

[@54Fighting]

this song is so great. how do I get them to hear it? It's my secret.

[@HalleyDeVesternBand]

Love this

[@charlessandino1102]

This song of the Ian Thomas Band is a Grand Slam, words and music and singing. Santana matches the guitar music, but still only as cover. In video production Santana has the edge because he had the resources. Thanks to our neighbors to the North for this inspired song.

[@WatchVenusSpa]

Ian was the best bass player Canada ever produced. And considering the fact that Kim Mitchell and Geddy Lee are Canadian, that's saying something.

[@ryanallen3191]

Steve Hogg was Ian's bass player, & yes he is amazing!!.....

[@WatchVenusSpa]

I don't know who's more underrated, Ian or Mike Henderson and Chilliwack. (Neither are in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.)

[@tyme4mike]

+Venus Spa NOBODY...and I mean NOBODY out of Canada ever handled a bass better that Geddy Lee.

[@roberteugene7295]

tyme4mike Honestly, I can't say I've ever heard a better Canadian bassist than Geddy Lee. Mike Levine of Triumph is another really good one. So was Steve Lang of April Wine.

[@wayne3340]

Spider Sinnaeve.

[@billybobhammer]

Great writing.

[@poodlesrock2266]

Ian Thomas all the way...100%..the heart of this man and the way he pushes the words..incredible... nice try santana...swing and miss..

[@m1t2a1]

He played in Meaford last night. Loved it.

[@TravisTarrant]

My first exposure to this was an appearance he made on SCTV which his brother Dave Thomas was a star on.

[@Lisarata]

This is the first version I heard, then I heard it was a Santana song, and I thought my original memory wasn't right but now I see it was.

[@MookEva]

Loving the melodies

[@MattFolx]

Am I the only millennial who enjoys listening to this song??

[@gilknutson]

Hope not.....

[@TheRatesMusic]

In the 80's I used to work at a small AM radio station playing middle of the road format. Lots of Anne Murray and Kenny Rogers and Celine Dion. On my shift I'd pull the coolest songs I could find in the racks, barely enough to fill my 6 hour shift. The boss thought this one was too rocky for his tastes but I said "hey, we have to play 20% Canadian content and this counts" and he'd go away until next time.

[@jason75]

+TheRatesMusic Where was this at?

[@TheRatesMusic]

+jason75 CKRP radio, Princeton BC

[@jason75]

+TheRatesMusic Your up in B.c as well. Im up in Vancouver

[@TheRatesMusic]

+jason75 That was a long time ago. I live in Australia now. Where in Vancouver? I lived in Surrey for a while.

[@jason75]

+TheRatesMusic I live in Richmond, used to live in Vancouver.

[@СлаваУкраїні-с3л]

The way he says "nobody's loved me like you do" sounds so much better then Santana. Other then that they are both amazing songs but ian thomas makes it more real.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Awesome song! I've never heard this version of *"Hold On."* The only other group I've heard sing this song was Santana. Another awesome version of this song.

[@MIG29K1]

Absolutely right

[@mohnisamaze]

This is Thomas's song.

[@anitataylor4287]

OMG Jason!! I just came from James Taylors Shower The People and I remember seeing you in the comments there!! You have great taste in music!!

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Thanks. I love listening to music, pretty much every genre.

[@anitataylor4287]

@@jasoncarpp7742 Same...saves my sanity lol

[@nomadchopper]

Going to see him play soon good times 🎉

[@Roof_Pizza]

Dave Thomas approves of this song.

[@roberteugene7295]

Strangely enough, I first heard this version while visiting Toronto. At first when hearing Santana's hit I mistook it for Ian Thomas...then came Carlos Santana's unmistakable guitar. If you added Carlos Santana to Ian Thomas' band for this one song, it would have been a special collaboration.

[@53mango]

first time I heard this song was at the gardens they backed up the beach boys .Way ahead of their time ,I walked out of the concert and bought all their lps

[@luismatos7753]

Live wouldn't be worth listening if weren't because great musician's like Ian Thomas had always put so much effort into it we still love you after allt this year's all mighty IAN THOMAS thank you so much for everything a fantastic fan loyal and faithfull

[@ZoltanSzamosi]

Nagyon tetszik ez a szám! Santanával is!

[@dannelson4209]

great song.

[@raider7829]

Awesome!! Memories!!

[@saraphinn]

Ian Thomas was all a particular as CanCon. So this song we didn't know any better how awesome this song was.

[@Danielvegan1]

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jerome2022]

I miss CJOM fm from Windsor played all their music

[@jason75]

Ya you and me both, I was a kid in the 70s had a great time. 70s was better then this insulin of a mock of a generation which is today. Everything was better music, televison, food, people spoke differntly, people where nicer. back in the 70s. Anyways keep on rocking in the 70s, I know I will.

[@JayNatter]

Love this tune❤❤❤

[@GenXtasy]

I like his voice.

[@MrRudyhj]

I grew up listening to both Ian's and Santana's version, and while they're equally good, I prefer the original.

[@americaradioonline8877]

Recien me entero que es la version original, muy buena

[@steveflanagan4604]

Wow, two thumbs down! They must have realized it wasn't a santana song!

[@victorialaurent7263]

Thank you Mike for your coment, everyday we learn about artists

[@aleks1939]

Wow! I'm only familiar with the Santana version. But this original version is so good too!

[@mikealley8691]

I really like this song