Jack White Announces Big Sugar "500 Pounds" Reissue on Third Man Records

Pre-order Big Sugar's "500 Pounds" reissue on black vinyl here: thirdmanrecords.com/products/500-pounds
Pre-order "500 Pounds" limited edition Frosted Blues colored vinyl + bonus 7-inch record here: thirdmanrecords.com/products/500-pounds-limited-edition-frosted-blues-vinyl-7-vinyl
Third Man Records is happy to announce a partnership with Canadian born and bred blues rocker, Gordie Johnson, and his group Big Sugar on the reissue of “500 Pounds” releasing digitally and on vinyl (out February 16th). Pre-save the album digitally and pre-order the album on black vinyl. Find the limited edition colored vinyl with a bonus 7-inch record at TMR storefronts on release day.
In Third Man Records founder, Jack White’s, own words, this album is “the best blues based record to ever come out of Canada,” and an early inspiration and influence on his own approach to songwriting and guitar playing. Watch White give a rundown of the album on KZbin.
Big Sugar's well-known record "500 Pounds," first released in the U.S. in 1995, stands as a defining masterpiece in their discography. Produced by Gordie Johnson, Peter Prilesnik, and Tom Treumuth, this album marked a pivotal moment for the band, showcasing their ability to seamlessly blend blues, rock, and reggae. Gordie Johnson's soulful vocals and masterful guitar work, combined with the talents of the original lineup created a sonic landscape that resonated with fans.
"500 Pounds" is not merely an album; it's a musical journey exploring the complexities of life and love. Tracks like All Over Now, Still Waitin’ and Ride Like Hell exemplify the band's dynamic range, from heartfelt ballads to energetic, blues-infused rock anthems. The collaborative production efforts of Gordie Johnson, Peter Prilesnik, and Tom Treumuth played a crucial role in shaping the album's distinctive sound. This record's impact extended beyond Canadian borders, earning Big Sugar recognition on the international stage. With its release, the band cemented its reputation as pioneers in genre fusion, influencing subsequent generations of musicians.
"500 Pounds" remains a timeless testament to Big Sugar's artistic brilliance, and its enduring popularity attests to the album's lasting impact on the rock and blues landscape. The collaborative efforts of the producers, along with the distinctive performances, make this record a cornerstone in the legacy of both Big Sugar and Canadian rock. This is the first ever U.S. vinyl edition.
The legendary Big Sugar celebrate their ground-breaking "500 Pounds" deluxe vinyl release from Third Man Records with a 2 set theatrical presentation that spans their storied career from Hugo Boss suit days to their more recent Roots Rock Reggae vibes. Gordie Johnson's power trio breathe life into their early blues and jazz-tinged songbook that has influenced generations of guitarists. "The theatre setting gives us the opportunity to explore a much wider range of styles while still presenting a Big Sugar rock and roll show!" Tickets to The 500 Pounds Album Live! Tour are available now.
Follow Big Sugar:
Instagram: big_sugar_music
Facebook: BigSugarMusic
Website: www.bigsugar.com/
Follow Third Man:
Instagram: thirdmanrecords
Facebook: ThirdManRecords
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@thirdmanrecords
#ThirdManRecords

[@CanadianMusicandTV]

Thanks for giving some recognition to Big Sugar, Jack! I saw Jack play Ride Like Hell at his show in Toronto in 2022. Most of Jack's fans in attendance didn't know he was playing a Canadian classic. lol

[@mickd22]

The first album I bought with my own money was Hemi-Vision at 10 years old. Definitely made a big impact on me as well

[@timothyharrison8953]

So, I've been listening to Big Sugar for years. I already have all their music, but this will be good for newbies.

[@fernalicious]

Big Sugar have been part of my life since the early 90s, so elated to find out Jack is a fan from back then! So many great gigs, so much fun. 👍🎸👍

[@Dazlidorne]

He's a good salesman. I've never heard of this band and now I want this!

[@tambourini]

So glad you and Gordie are working together/know each other!!!

[@baseman00]

Holy hell! Jack White is into big sugar... Their bass player was a huge influence. God rest his soul moja!

[@rich.mahogany]

As a Canadian who wasn't necessarily a huge Big Sugar fan but grew up watching and very much enjoying Big Sugar videos on much music, this was a pleasant surprise. Much respect Mr. White.

[@GreyMatterShades]

Big Sugar is one of those bands that never really got the attention they deserve imo. Just recently bought their album Hemi-Vision on vinyl and I love it. Definitely adding 500 Pounds to my (long) list of records to buy.

[@Grestock]

I'm so happy to see Jack White was a fan back in the 90s. I saw Big Sugar nine times between '97 and '01 - and yeah, they were the best live band around and also the loudest. Looking forward to this re-release.

[@mattsimic9369]

Love Big Sugar. Bought 500 lbs on cassette in 93 at the Dr Disc in Windsor based on the cover. Proceeded to break the speakers on my parents 1983 minivan. Glad to see Jack White knowing this album and pressing it. Saw Big Sugar live in 96. Just an awesome command of grooves and volume. Gordie and Co deserve all the kudos they get. Drive On!!!

[@CMQ01]

Loudest band i ever saw. Saw them in '99 and my ears rang for a week. One of the best bands to see live. Love Gordie.

[@provincialfish]

I saw them around the same time at a tiny festival in Janetville ontario and even outdoors they were loud and great. I remember my friend telling me a story of seeing them in a small venue in Barrie ontario and he said it was so loud you could feel and see the air, whatever that means lol

[@CMQ01]

@@provincialfish I know exactly what he means. I think the volume of that show bent the gravity around us 😆

[@tambourini]

Loudest band I've ever seen/heard!!! Incl. Gordie's "Texas metal" band "Grady"! Check 'em out!

[@Grestock]

Yep, they sure were loud. I remember walking home from the first show of theirs that I saw and I wondered, "Why is that ambulance I can hear in the distance not getting closer or farther away?" Then I realized it was my ears ringing.

[@gregj.vanhaaften3580]

I still remember the first time I heard Ride Like Hell. It was on Much Music, back when they still played music videos. I was hooked then and haven't stopped. Every album is a gem in its own right, but going through the entire catalog... it's been an amazing journey to go on. Thanks for everything GJ.

[@likemostthings]

I made that piece of crap! LOL and I'm the idiot playing bass in the video too! LOL

[@provincialfish]

Awesome, I'm from Ontario and was in high school at the same time. This album and the next few they put out were amazing, but this one in particular was it. It was on a different level from the subsequent releases. The next ones were more rock than blues, but they were still great. I'd love to see the first album on vinyl too it was a special album, but do check this one out.

[@johnpearl1246]

both sides of the boarder in rock & roll stereo, doesn't get much better then that! Jack & Gordie, now that would shake this planet UP (: (white sugar) sweet.....

[@ryancrowther1657]

Gordie Johnson’s guitar tone always gives me goose bumps. And usually his rig is just him plugged straight into a Garnet Herzog tube head, into a loud af clean amp. I still remember seeing Big Sugar in high school and specifically it 1. being amazing and 2. Being deafeningly loud.

[@i35photo]

Remember seeing Big Sugar for Robben Ford back in 94/95 or so.... Been listening to this album since then. So pumped for this!!

[@R-compoundR-code]

After listening to this album, it's clear it had an influence on Jack and his style. The guitar, the drums. You can hear it. Especially in Ride Like Hell.

[@francisswings]

Such a fuckin’ great record. Deserves way more recognition.

[@leegrant7333]

i always thought so too...always went to see them when they came to town

[@kenny-d]

I shall be purchasing one. ⚫️

[@ricklanglois8557]

Heading to Red Deer tomorrow to see the album played live! Seeing them again in April in Vancouver. Big Sugar and Gordie Johnson are f

[@TheBhannah]

Love me sum Sugar !

[@matthewleclair6817]

SAW BIG SUGAR 21 TIMES FROM 1995 AT THE RPM TO WHEN GORDIE STARTED GRADY. THEIR LIVE SHOWS WERE AS GOOD AS IT GETS AND THE MULTIPLE POWERED HEADS OF 100 WATT MARSHALL POWER, OHHHHHH YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[@scottthompson3493]

Going to see them tonight!!!

[@MithrilMagic]

My Dad had this album and I loved it! He bought it from a used record place and we would listen to it all the time. Unfortunately my parents home burned in 2019 and all of his albums were lost. I’ll definitely be purchasing a copy!

[@MedalionDS9]

Big Sugar, Canada's Blues Rock answer to alternative rock during the 90's... very very loud and musically eclectic, from Rock n' Roll and blues and reggae sometimes. Quite an honor to get props from Jack White who made his mark with Blues Rock inspired stuff during the 2000's

[@jetsamperes5762]

Big Sugar's 500 Pounds. Sugar never tasted so good.

[@jackdavey9633]

💙

[@dwaynejessome1728]

Remember seeing Big Sugar as a 3 piece with a white guy, double bass player open for Mojo Nixon & the Arc Angels, in a shit hole basement bar in St. Catharines, Ontario. Great night!!! Saw Big Sugar many times after that - You couldn't go to a bar without them playing there for a few years. Always fan friendly and willing to talk if you'd strike up a conversation

[@nonnascafe7335]

❤

[@larryjensen4308]

Hi Jack, are you allowed to re-release their 2003 Hit & Run on vinyl, or is that not how it works? Epic!!!

[@provincialfish]

Im curious what other Ontario/Canadians bands you were into in the 90s, the early 90s was a great time for the Toronto and area music community, lots of great albums fykm that time

[@danlovepeaceunity]

Like who?

[@Muhdah1972]

😎

[@ChadWorthman]

My 2021 copy has original release as 1993?

[@stevej73]

Original release in Canada was '93 with different cover. Original US Release was '95 with a different tracklist. Third Man version is the US one.

[@fernalicious]

​@@stevej73 Thanks for clearing that up. Explains why I never saw this cover art.

[@leegrant7333]

oh yea....would get out in the minus 30 to see them when they came to town....

[@SLOPMAXXING1]

Who’s the man in the painting behind Jack?

[@BigSugarBand]

“The” Man, Charlie Patton!!!

[@SLOPMAXXING1]

@@BigSugarBand Thank you.

[@h3d0n1st]

The loudest Canadian bar band ever.

[@boothxplosion]

While I mostly agree with you Mr White, it is a great album, but I think the best blues based record to come out of Canada would be Out of the Woods by David Wilcox, repress that shit please!

[@jmac5937]

Everything Big Sugar put out after 500 Pounds was a disappointment to me. Definitely in my top 10.