Ian Thornley: Big Wreck's Triple Threat

In this episode I interview Ian Thornley, the singer/songwriter/guitar virtuoso behind the bands Big Wreck and Thornley. We cover Ian's influences, songwriting process, and guitar philosophy.
Get it here: rickbeato.com/
My Beato Club supporters:
Justin Scott
Terence Mark
Farren Mahjoor
Jason Murray
Lucienne Kilpatrick
Alexander Young
Jason Wagner
Todd Ladner
Rob Kline
Nicholas Long
Tim Benson
Leonardo Martins da Costa Rodrigues
Eddie Perez
David Solomon
MICHAEL JOYCE
Stephen Stubbs
colin stead
Jonathan Wentworth-Linton
Patrick Payne
MATTHEW KARIS
Matthew Barouch
Shaun Samuels
Danny Kurywchak
Gregory Reedy
Sean Coleman
Alexander Verbitskiy
CL Turner
Jason Pappafotis
John Fulford
Margaret Carno
Robert C
David M Combs
Eric Flatt
Reto Spoerli
Herr Moritz Adam
Monte St. Johns
Jon Beezley
Peter DeVault
Eric Nabstedt
Eric Beggs
Rich Germano
Brian Bloom
Peter Pillitteri

[@coolbyrne8676]

As a Canadian, it warms my heart to see this underrated musician get some love.

[@TheDavejmcknight]

As a fellow Canadian I applaud you, applauding Ian....lovely artist

[@roscoechance5155]

100% agree

[@michaeleaster1815]

Yes, though it is a bit weird that he is on the 2nd channel and not the massive channel... oh well

[@robertflood552]

100%

[@CaptCanada303]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@Wadey1960CS]

Criminally underrated band and musicians.

[@audioeye2803]

Inhale is still one of my favorite true fuckin rock tunes of all time.

[@mediocrecoverbandguitarguy2416]

Agreed!!

[@danhann6598]

Yes!!

[@josephvega3763]

Fuck yea!!!!!!!!

[@snevs]

They are brilliant!.

[@sianspherica]

"That Song" is an absolute classic of 90s Canadian alt rock and it blows my mind how the song was huge in Canada but barely known anywhere else. The song has a MASSIVE guitar tone.

[@6stringvillain]

Agreed. Another one with massive sound is Come Again under the Thornley umbrella.

[@BenJuan26]

@@6stringvillain Agreed. The chorus of Come Again is one of the thickest guitar sounds I've ever heard.

[@nvmbrsdoom5]

Here in the midwest U.S. hardly anyone knew that song, but thankfully I got turned onto this record when it came out, and to this day I think "That Song" is one of the all-time greatest rock songs I've ever heard.

[@mark7166]

It's funny. I LOVE Big Wreck, but I can't fuckin stand That Song. They have so much awesome music and almost none of it gets recognition. It's all just That Song and The Oaf. And if you're lucky, Blown Wide Open or Under the Lighthouse.

[@johnedwards5575]

I was fortunate to catch the in Winnipeg at the Pantages Theatre around ‘99?, where seats are all pretty close to the stage. I think at that time they were vibing off the crowd and song, and my brain tells me today that they decided to play That Song twice, and give an extended Blown Wide Open version. I hadn’t seen them since, but I think I have the next few days to figure out what they’ve been up to, and hear what Ian’s got to say.

[@nukequinlan]

Ian Thornley is, in my opinion, the most underrated guitarist in modern history. Skill wise, he is in the top 10 modern guitarists.

[@brendanoshea1472]

Top 5, at least. Not too shabby of a singer, either

[@bobabooey4537]

What is a modern guitarist? LOL

[@jivanbansi9640]

@@bobabooey4537 Anybody after Robert Johnson I guess.

[@edwardyazinski3858]

@@jivanbansi9640lol 🎉

[@SillyGoose2024]

Yeah, I don't know about that. Hes technically skilled but I don't really hear any memorable riffs from them.

[@simplrhealthctf]

Travelled 23hrs from Australia to see big Wreck in March 2023, JUST to see this band. Was worth every hour on that plane. The best kept secret in music, period.

[@patrickolivier1]

From Australia to Big Wreck, that has a “thank you Jeff Martin” tag attached to it eh?

[@keithmurray9241]

Makes my trip from DFW to Chicago look pretty silly. Good on you mate!! Wish I could see Dave Hole live..

[@eatingsound373]

​@@keithmurray9241 My dad took me to see him in a dive bar in Cairns when I was 17 (42 now). Was about 2 metres from his amp, amazingly powerful slide player - very loud.

[@neillough3844]

We did UK to see them last summer. Well worth the trip

[@fytakytemusic]

We need to start a petition to get Ian and BW to tour OZ! @BigWreckOfficial Would LOVE to see ‘em live here in Brissie!

[@princealexander6155]

Ian is one of the best vocalists in the world

[@keithmurray9241]

He can sing like an angel or rip through it like a chainsaw. What a voice.

[@JLE999]

Yeah great voice. I've been saying, if Soundgarden ever was going to do another tour as a tribute to Chris and for the fans, Ian would be the guy for that.

[@markdonatelli5742]

Seriously is and writer, master of melody, and shredddds the guitar. It’s insane the talent. 🤘

[@minkorrh]

@@JLE999He _would_ have been the guy for that. His voice isn't anything like you hear on Albatross anymore. I used to be of the same mindset. He had an amazing voice, but that type of vocal ability needs cultivation and protection to be able to be maintained.

[@s.h306]

​@@minkorrh saw them live just a couple months ago and Albatross sounded amazing.

[@bigEcatMan]

I'm so over the moon that you've interviewed Ian. He's one of my favorite guitarist and I was always hoping you'd get him on your network. Now if the rest of America would just jump on, he'd get the broad audience he so rightly deserves.

[@rcameron4091]

I agree . Just saw big wreck a few months ago . Fantastic and inspiring .

[@bryanweidler8992]

I'm onboard. Being in Erie, PA we got to hear 95.9 in London as long as there weren't strong Southerlies or heavy storms or lake effect snow. From there it was to the local music stores-fortunately a few in Erie that had imports. In Loving Memory quickly and easily fit into a personal top 100 of all time, although a case can be made for top 10 (even to this day with tens of thousands of new albums since then), although that's a list that could change so often so I would probably never narrow anything down below a 100 list anymore. Either way, so much great Canadian music in the 90s & Big Wreck are among the best, IMO.

[@davidjonorato3554]

It was so fun being behind the camera for this interview…absolutely one of the nicest and gifted cats on the planet. RAWK!!!

[@betbuk]

Were you the "Dave" that asked some of the questions? If so, thank you!

[@davidjonorato3554]

Yes :)

[@betbuk]

@@davidjonorato3554 Yeah, you seem to have a broader understanding of what Ian brings! It takes a bit of an investment because there are so many layers.... it's funny, one of the first "names" for the band was Still Waters.... amazing it's kinda played out like that.... runs deep.

[@docreynolds4697]

I completly agree!

[@mck974]

great work Dave! Ian is a gem! My best friend was Ian's first Guitar Tech and he went on the road with Big Wreck in the early days. He also built the flapjack guitars that Ian uses from time to time. He and I met up with Ian and the band on the road in Buffalo to deliver Ian a new Mouradian guitar. We spent a few nights tagging along with them in the bus and to a few gigs. This was before Brian Doherty's passing and before Sekou joined the band. Paulo Neta was with the band as well. We grilled in the parking lot of the hotel, caught a movie with the band... just chilled with the band all weekend! The experience was so great. They were so cool and nice! Ian is the most talented musician I've come across. What struck me was the sheer size of Ian's hands!! Up close there are veins going down his fingers!!! no wonder he pulls off those bends with ease!! oh, and he's like 8 feet tall!! I'm so glad you guys had Him on here... He flies under the radar, but those who know, know.... he's on another level. Triple threat!

[@mtham24]

Big Wreck is unbelievable! Highly underrated and Ian is a special musician!

[@freeborncanadian]

...and they're from Canada eh? ;-}

[@philipquesnelle152]

I coach youth volleyball near Toronto and at a tournament about 6 years ago I see a guy standing in the doorway of the gym that looks familiar. It finally hits me and after the match I walk over and ask are you Ian Thornley? He says yes and I say I love your stuff. He gets a big smile, shakes my hand and says thank you very much. He points out his daughter who's playing for one of the Toronto teams.. Just another proud volleyball dad and a super nice guy. Finally got to see them in concert this past new years eve. A couple of amazing memories.

[@mathtrixmusiclix4248]

WHAT !? Rick! You’re a BEAST! As a Canadian, I approve this interview! 🇨🇦

[@michaelgreene4816]

What????? What????? Alex and Geddy next!

[@JulianEstrada93]

There you have it, the best rock guitarist and vocalist alive. Finally some credit.

[@Tripoutski]

OMG! You did Big Wreck! I love this Rick! I dated a Canadian girl in the 90's and she said "You gotta hear this!" I have been a BIG fan ever since! Ian is awesome.

[@jayreynolds4556]

SO GREAT....I too had a "You gotta hear this" moment with Big Wreck!!!

[@ronamram3067]

I discovered Big Wreck about 6 months ago and haven't stopped playing them since. Ghosts is such an unreal album.

[@RX120D]

I love how Rick fawns over Ian at the start. Rick has interviewed some of the most widely known and famous musicians in the world, yet Ian is the guy that he clearly fanboy's over. That's a real testament to Ian as a musician. Top tier.

[@dirkdiggler13]

Otherworldly talented. The fact that he name drops my favorite King's X record made me giddy.

[@h-drumz]

Love this! He should be on your main channel. Ian is a treasure and unfortunately under exposed.

[@Kjell777Iverson]

"The biggest ego in the room always has to be the song". Never heard that before. Such a great approach to song writing / recording

[@davidsellers3639]

🎯

[@suomi35]

There is very comfortable number of Ian Thornley earworms living in my head

[@SylyS-fz2zcfer]

Ian is a BEAST of a guitar player and a national treasure in Canada. Saw them for the first time live a few years ago and he STILL RIPS as well as the whole band. going strong for 30 years or so. Amazing Canadian band.

[@Handyandy747]

I'm 50 now but growing up in Canada in the 90s we had (have) some killer bands. Big Wreck was always top of my list. But then there was Tea Party, Big Sugar, I Mother Earth, The Ghandharvas, Sloan, The Watchmen, Headstones. Man I wanna go back!!!

[@waynejohnstone3685]

Ha! I’m the same vintage. In university big sugar played our pub! Also road apples which was the best hip cover band I’ve seen- aka vegabond groove. I still think I’m a kid but now I’m the old guy in the dressing room lol. Cheers

[@LifeonEarthBand]

Don’t forget Wide Mouth Mason!

[@cmaxi]

@@LifeonEarthBandsaw Winde Mouth over 5 times. He shreds!

[@davidsellers3639]

Big Sugar too for sure 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Handyandy747]

Yes and still touring@@davidsellers3639

[@ttop23]

If you take nothing else away from this interview, let it be that it is possible to be unbelievably talented and incredibly humble and cool at the same time.

[@CBDguitar]

Well said! No "I'm a rock star, look at me!" ego whatsoever.

[@OliveAir26]

Honestly, I’ve never delved too deep into interviews or anything with Ian Thornley. I’m just a huge fan of everything he touches. But that “jelly finger” thing at the end of the interview had me HOWLING at the moon.

[@user-fj5qf7gt6n]

For a detailed interview on Ongoing History of New Music with Alan Cross there's an "In his own words" interview part 1&2 posted in January from a couple years ago. Including piano lessons at 5.

[@robpearson9526]

And most of all, be from, what used to be the best country in the world to live in! Well until 8 years ago!

[@robpearson9526]

AND, to be from, what used to be the best country in the world to live in. That was until 8 years ago!

[@Danumus14]

Ian is incredibly humble for someone who can sing and play so well.

[@Rishino]

Ian is *the* most underrated guitarist of all time. His axe-chops and vocal abilities are intimidatingly good. Surprised to see him on here, but thankful, because it is more than deserved

[@snowqueen835]

World’s most underrated artist right there!

[@SpotWorksLNC]

My 26 year old son asked if I had heard of the band Thornley. I said no, and he played me their epic song Come Again. I relied, ya I’ve heard that song but didn’t know the band. I continued “the singer sounds like the lead singer of Big Wreck”. Thus began my deeper dive into both bands and Ian ‘s great talent. Love his incredible playing and voice.

[@BlackCatBonz]

Ian is one of the best guitar players in rock, an incredible improviser, and humble to boot. Another guy that makes you proud to be Canadian.

[@user-fi7ju4nj9b]

LOVE Ian! Had trouble accepting compliments. Loosened up talking about how much he likes King's X. Then Beato changed the subject to Zeppelin: "Which is the best Zeppelin record?" And Ian's vibe is like, "Shit, it's not like they ever made a Dogman." PURE music lover & musician. RESPECT

[@DonJoeBob]

For rock fans, if you don't love Big Wreck, you just haven't heard them yet. They're that good.

[@r0flgal0re]

A million days, in my opinion has one of the best guitar solos ever! Ian is a legend.

[@jeffwolinski2659]

It's phenomenal, check out my bud Kajun Kelley's video of him playing a harmony part along with it, well worth it!

[@marklaforest]

My band opened for Big Wreck once in Barrie Ontario on New Year’s Eve. It was an outdoor gig and it was -30° Celsius. Really friggin cold. We did our little set then they went on. They played their entire set despite the crowd being a little sparse on account of the weather. Ian did not complain about the cold once. Not only did he not complain about it, he didn’t even acknowledge it. To play at their level in that weather is next level shit.

[@syx3s]

ian deserves so much more reverence before he ages out of all of this. he is still currently one of the best guitarists that has ever lived. he should be regarded as so.

[@bradleystroup1457]

Ian is so underrated. Big Wreck has so many great songs. It's criminal how they're not superstars

[@virtuososo]

"The biggest diva in the room always has to be the song." Great quote from such a monster musician. Bravo.

[@BTSrocker]

One of the best triple threats out there. I found out about Big Wreck 3 years ago and ive never found a band that i can listen to their entire catalog and be so content. Ian has become a huge influence on my guitar playing since then.

[@flyingaxeman7343]

I love that Thornley likes Kings X , I'm going back to church this April can't wait. Ian Thornley is the hugest Canadian musical monster ever.

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

And Genesis!

[@jivanbansi9640]

Don't forget Scott Merritt!

[@GregWalker-by3ue]

This interview was such a wonderful surprise! I'm from Winnipeg, Canada and Big Wreck is a rock radio staple up here. I have to say I was never really a big fan, but this interview changed my mind! Ian Thorney is such a great interview, and , as always, Rick brings the best out of his guest. I was pleasantly surprised that Rick is a fan, as I thought Big Wreck was pretty much "only known in Canada band"...but of course, Rick being Rick - he finds the cool bands and guitar players from everywhere. If Rick's Sting interview was a delicious main course, this was a really sweet dessert that sends you home smiling and satisfied. Yeah, Canada, and great job, Rick!!!!

[@circleVI]

me too dude! Last time I saw these guys they absolutely blew the roof off the Morden Corn & Apple festival of all things 🤘

[@Th3DarkCanuck]

I've had the pleasure to see Big Wreck many times (mostly small bars) he's amazing live. A Canadian treasure!

[@CPutaansuu]

This is such a treat to have Ian Thornley on your show. I've been a Big Wreck fan since about 1997 and I just saw them live for the first time a few months ago. My mind was blown, and I smiled ear-to-ear the entire show.

[@chrismcdad]

Same story here! Last year I stood in awe and nearly in manly man tears, they moved me so much.

[@jj15ball]

This video is 4 hours old and already has over 12k views! Ian and Big Wreck have been a staple on my playlist since I first heard The Oaf. Criminally underrated in the US. Seriously one of the greatest singer/song writers on the planet, and he can shred without sounding mechanical like some metronome zombies.

[@radcochran]

The first Thornley record was an amazing rock record! From beginning to end, every song!!!!

[@WITELITE]

I can not think of a better songwriter, singer, and guitar player in one package. I hope you also put this on your main channel as well so your 4MM subscribers see it. This guy should be famous. Brilliant interview as always!!!

[@jmac4313]

Yes please, post to the main channel. I would love for people to discover Big Wreck, you absolutely will not be disappointed. I blew a car speaker playing Wolves, truly one of my favourites.

[@77Musicnut]

Big Wreck is a killer band and Ian Thornley is an absolute GENIUS musician. So thankful that Rick has put a spotlight on them

[@crazedzealots]

Ian is one of the best live singers i've ever seen. When I first heard him I thought he was copying Chris Cornell. But, when I saw him live and bought his albums I learned he is so much more. He's incredible, absolutely incredible live. I've seen him three times and everytime it's one of the best vocal performances i've ever heard or felt. I was a singer in a band and could sing just like my idols when I was in my prime. But Ian man he's one of the best ever. He's one of the best talents to come out of the 1990's just like Layne Staley, Eddie Vedder, Chris Cornell, Scott Weiland, Kurt Cobain, Jeff Buckley.

[@chrismcdad]

IMHO Ian was FAR better live than the former Mr. Cornell.

[@scottbabb4485]

FINALLY! I've been a fan since '97. As a MA native, I still consider Big Wreck a hometown band. Whenever they come to Boston, I'm there. Ian has been such an influence on my playing. Just a monster player and prolific songwriter.

[@longboard3816]

Seen Ian live many times. Unreal guitar player, and his voice is frighteningly good. Rivals Cornell. Very underrated.

[@cherrypickerguitars]

I love Big Wreck! Ian’s former drummer, Chuck Keeping, got his start in my Blues bar in London Ontario, the good old Other Side of Five! Cheers, Chuck!

[@winston67]

Props to Rick for having this amazing musician on your show. Criminally underrated musician.

[@psychofunksoldier02]

Immediate thumbs up for Ian Thornley!!

[@imr438]

I've just discovered this band, and they are amazing. So glad they're getting some exposure. The Pages EP is wall to wall excellence.

[@donovanjones4175]

I have another take, a lot of Canadian truckers listen to this band, loud in the truck. His lyrics really hit home with a lot of us who are working long lonely hours and his words ring deep in our souls. Thank you Ian, you won’t read this as you say, but know this, you help us get through our sometimes shitty world, the songs are really how we feel.

[@thwiftlythwept7023]

The world needs a Big Wreck version of Give Me Forty Acres lol.

[@billdoebler643]

Rick, I’ve been watching your channels for years and have just been waiting for you to talk to Ian. I’m in Buffalo, NY, so like you were saying about Rush, I felt that Big Wreck was just a “local band”. Thank you for doing what you do and for giving us all the opportunity to meet these amazing musicians!! Bill

[@LilSeizures]

"That Song" is my favourite song ever written. Absolutely genius.

[@mikestillwagon5675]

What I love is that all of his stuff- his soloing, writing, lyrics, everything- is entirely devoid of cliches yet somehow manages to sound and feel familiar.

[@Metal-Josh]

I’ve always been an Ian Thornley fan, pretty well since the first Big Wreck album. Something about his range of styles, sounds very good. Totally underrated talent. Bands like Big Wreck are the reason why I grow as a music fan. I like my rock and metal, but then guys like Ian make me appreciate prog, and blues riffs. Real talent

[@screamingliner]

Ohhhhhh myy gosh! Big Wreck on Beato! Sweeet. Band deserves a bigger audience.

[@danielkaaska54]

I remember when i found Big Wreck i was completely in shock why this band isn't huge. They are awesome and so underrated!

[@andresrestrepo6039]

Sekou is a fantastic drummer. He's a bad ass drummer that is versatile and adaptable to many styles. Such great feel and killer shops.

[@jontannermusic]

Thornley is one of my favorite musicians, song writer, vocalist and live performer. A total Monster and super underrated!

[@BillBensen]

I just love Ian. The word amazing, doesn’t begin to describe him. I’m a sucker for songs and Ian, just gets it.

[@martinlaporte2112]

Ian is one of the greatest musicians of his generation. A true master all-around. And as a die-hard Big Wreck fan, this interview is absolutely incredible.

[@art_by_di]

Ian is probably my most favourite musician. Singer, songwriter and one hell of a guitar player. I’m a Big Wrecker for life! 🤟❤🤟

[@blairmichaelhogan4502]

Incredible. We Canadians are no strangers to feeling like no one else cares about our best bands, but Ian and Big Wreck must be the most criminally underrated players/singers/bands in history.

[@The_Fat_Turtle]

I haven't always liked your content, but giving Ian a platform to gain new audiences is incredible. The world needs to hear songs like "Ladylike".

[@NeXusZT]

This man deserves all the recognition he gets. And I honestly don't think Ian gets enough. A true guitar virtuoso and masterful songwriter.

[@sheldonb9002]

Ian Thornley is a master vocal melody writer.

[@chuddleywindston]

I discovered Big Wreck after Ian's interview with Andertons years ago, and have been a huge fan of the band ever since. I've seen them twice and both times were simply incredible. I'm excited for everyone who is gonna discover them through this video

[@rcameron4091]

Being from Ontario also , it is fantastic to see Ian Thornley on a international platform like your channel . I've seen Big wreck from the early day's in clubs to present , and the dedication to giving an inspiring performance to their fans is unwavering . One of the few truly authentic and inspiring bands of this era .

[@danielgingras2427]

I will never understand how Big Wreck is not mega huge??? Ian is the total package with his guitar, vocals and song writing ability. Love their latest album and that tone on the first song. Wish they do more songs in that style.

[@psyguitarguy]

A truly brilliant musician deserving of accolades and yet so humble. Being able to play guitar like Ian Thornley is one thing, but to play and have such an amazing voice is truly rare. Big Wreck are an amazing live act. Catch them when they come to a town near you.

[@ovivan79]

Such an amazing talent. This makes me so happy to see Rick interview Ian Thornley. "Come Again" still makes me tear up every time I listen to it on headphones. Massive and so musical.

[@user-fj5qf7gt6n]

Best solo showing him lost in the zone is 2012 on waynexploits channel. Eyes closed, face contorted, so good. Dunlop sessions is technically great but cold imo.

[@carlwrobel1525]

Thornley has the best rock singing voice in the game! Fan since 1996 from Niagara Falls NY.

[@clubstone1]

At the legendary evening Star concert hall

[@jeffreymusser8450]

A friend of mine texted me about this interview because he knows I’m the biggest Big Wreck fan, maybe on planet earth… But I gotta say, Rick sort of dropped the ball on this interview… It’s cool to talk about artists that influenced the artist you’re interviewing and all…and have that artist show off some guitar licks…etc… But to ONLY talk about Big Wreck’s debut album is CRIMINAL… They have been on an absolute HEATER since Albatross…album after album - all they’ve done is write incredible melodic rock tunes… The best thing to come out of this interview is that it sounds like I have 18 new Big Wreck songs coming soon… Can’t wait!!!

[@betbuk]

Yeah man! Pages .1 has 6 varied KILLER tracks and the remaining 12 are JUST as good! They keep upping their game! Yeah, Rick needed to spend some hours with the albums.... much to digest!

[@user-fj5qf7gt6n]

I would add that this interview is from June so yes, some of that new music is out in Pages 1.

[@jeffreymusser8450]

@@user-fj5qf7gt6n - the interview was recorded back in June??? The 18 song recording session makes more sense now… I didn’t even realize the November Pages release was the first of 3…that explains the 18 songs Ian refers to… I love the way they’re releasing new material in small bursts…

[@ranger5281]

Ian is such a talent... fantastic voice, writes interesting songs, and is a seriously talented rock guitar player (one of my probably top 20 favorites). I only wish this interview was twice as long with 3x as much playing. Big Wreck is a rock revelation waiting for people to discover. Go for it.

[@SmoothSailingMusic]

Just saw big wreck for the first time in December @ History in Toronto. Had no idea Ian was as skilled as he was as I only knew a couple singles. I came away from that show amazed and believing that he’s gotta be one of if not the best guitarist/vocalists in Canada right now. More people need to know about him.

[@marclepage3306]

Ian is totally the triple threat. So glad to finally see Ian on this channel! The world needs to know Ian and Big Wreck! I could listen to hours more of this! :)

[@alexd1685]

As a Canadian kid who discovered alt-rock in the 90s, this was a most welcomed surprise!

[@craigf.5855]

one of the first songs i learned on guitar was "that song". I could have sworn the g sharp bend was a slide, until I learned it. I warm up with it almost daily and I absolutely love it, 25 years later. Ian, you are a gem to this Country.

[@timvuylsteke4951]

Been a Big Wreck, Ian Thornley fan since we began hearing them on the radio. I've always likened Ian as our Canadian version of Chris Cornell. Awesome range on vocals, excellent guitarist, just an incredible person as well. Thankyou for showcasing this Rick.

[@jpchan9318]

So glad to watch this interview! Ian is a great vocalist and guitarist. Next on my wish list would be Ritchie Kotzen, another phenomenal guitarist AND vocalist!!!

[@heycisco]

To me listening for Ian's influences is the whole fun of it. It's like a game of what has inspired him recently. Judging on the recent albums, 80s prog was in heavy rotation. But this is never a rip off, it's just an ingredient that makes this beautiful Big Wreck's noise.

[@AUTOSAD777]

This was a surprise. Man, Big Weck is such a buried gem for fans of hard alternative rock. I saw them live and they were EVEN BETTER than the recordings, which is rare.

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

I’ve been waiting for this. I’ve seen Big Wreck twice and hope to see them more. Ian is ridiculously good. He makes me sound stupid.

[@spkr4thdd]

Probably my favourite guitarist of the past 20 years, every single album has something which is just “wha…! 🤯” Thank you for this! The email telling me that my copy of the “7” triple vinyl has (finally) shipped arrived while watching this. And so humble! Every interview he’s just “nah, there are much better players”.

[@ChingoMandinguez]

The first Thornley album is an absolute master class of modern rock. I actually had never heard of Big Wreck, I just saw Ian Thornley in the title and instantly got excited about this video!

[@joshuabucy1814]

Holy shit, you’re about to have your world rocked.

[@Nut-ml5wc]

Bro, don't sleep on Big Wreck!

[@justinerb6975]

Oh man, the Thornley albums are good but everything Big Wreck is way better.

[@winston67]

Props to mentioning the legendary Kings X Dogman record ❤🤘🏼

[@aaronwongiscool]

Crazy underrated band; love Big Wreck

[@thinker8699]

As a Canadian and a HUGE Rush fan, I was offended when he said that he wasn’t a fan, but loved the guys. Then I thought, I do not love every band everyone else loves. I appreciate this for opening my eyes.

[@krob5375]

Been a fan since the beginning. Ian has a pretty unique style and its just gotten better over the years.

[@epicjuicebox]

Ian is hands down my favorite rock musician playing music today. Everything he does is interesting, colorful, bombastic, and honest. Such an individual!

[@zukacs]

why is Ian demoted to second channel?

[@Hakabas01]

What if Brad Pitt was canadian and an amazing guitar player? the answer is Ian Thornley. Love that his guitar is basically a good ol' slab of honest clear finished W O O D. No neon-cotton candy tomfoolery, not another ye olde sunburst, no eggnog strat, just a good ol' honest slab of wood. No lies. Just wood.

[@japanjay]

Went to high school with Ian, we had a couple of classes together. Cool guy. I remember he showed me a chord on guitar when I was playing with a friend in the hallway at lunch. He wouldn’t remember that but it’s always stuck with me.

[@ADDG880]

Ian and the musicians he plays with are always incredible to see live. Thank you for bringing Ian in Rick. Another Canadian gem could be Rick Emmet from Triumph!

[@princellvanlouie7999]

i discovered them last 2 years!! they are awesome!!!

[@fredsystra7584]

such an underrated artist. he deserves at least 3 hits worldwide

[@dvscool]

In my humble opinion, Ian is the best singer, song writer, and yes, guitar player Canada has. He has such a killer voice, a unique feel and always has a the right tone. He ticks all the boxes. It's shocking how many people don't know about this dude.

[@CBeeee]

Easily my favourite band in the last 2 years. Ian is an insanely talented man

[@thefishingmusicians]

Canada's top guitarist, fantastic vocals and songwriter. Has been going for decades. Legend.

[@DavidByrski]

The most underrated guitarist on the planet. An absolute guitar / songwriting genius.