Danny MacLellan - Lead Vocals/Guitar
"As the front man for Bigg Medicine, I often reflect and realize what a great vibe we have and how fortunate I am, to be with these great musicians! I often find myself watching our fans (old and new) observe us with an appreciation for what we bring as musicians and our passion for performing ''A SHOW''! I have played with other bands that were on stage for the sake of a party and at the end of the day, getting the pay! Bigg Medicine has a different attitude which puts pleasing and entertaining those who are gracious enough to attend our shows! This requires professionalism, passion for the craft, talent and most importantly the drive to do so when you may be sick, sad or just a bit run down from a tough week. All of which, life will sometimes throw at all of us.
My inspirations in life are those who are no longer with us as it makes me realize how lucky I am to be doing what every body wishes they could do and I leave the stage realising it may have been my last performance and I gave it my all!
My favourite performer is Steven Tyler because he can sing and has great stage presence. Although I have never had any serious low points in my life, whenever I’m in a rut, music has brought me around. It is always there at the touch of a button and I am lucky enough to have this great medium to which I can get on stage and think of nothing but the moment in which I am 'PERFORMING'!"
My inspirations in life are those who are no longer with us as it makes me realize how lucky I am to be doing what every body wishes they could do and I leave the stage realising it may have been my last performance and I gave it my all!
My favourite performer is Steven Tyler because he can sing and has great stage presence. Although I have never had any serious low points in my life, whenever I’m in a rut, music has brought me around. It is always there at the touch of a button and I am lucky enough to have this great medium to which I can get on stage and think of nothing but the moment in which I am 'PERFORMING'!"
Dean Roberts - Guitar/Backing Vocals
A well respected Audio Technician, Production Coordinator and Guitarist. Dean's clients and experience range from the East Coast Music Association, the Canadian Country Music Association, multiple performance venues, numerous special events as well being a 27 year veteran of the guitar. Playing in Prowler, IV play, Julian Austin, Scattered Beans, Hemlock, Beggars Opera, The Heard, The Michael White Band, a 12 year break from live performance and now Bigg Medicine.
"After a 12 year break, I am surrounded by people that take it as seriously as I do without making a meal out of it ... it is a great feeling to grab a hold of the guitar, throttle it and know that there are some great guys that have my back and I theirs. I am always inspired listening to Danny, Sammy and Kevin when we are on stage ... I wouldn't change a thing."
Dean uses Ibanez, PRS, Gibson and Charvel guitars and Marshall amplification.
"After a 12 year break, I am surrounded by people that take it as seriously as I do without making a meal out of it ... it is a great feeling to grab a hold of the guitar, throttle it and know that there are some great guys that have my back and I theirs. I am always inspired listening to Danny, Sammy and Kevin when we are on stage ... I wouldn't change a thing."
Dean uses Ibanez, PRS, Gibson and Charvel guitars and Marshall amplification.
Sam Patterson (Sammy P!!) - Bass Guitar/Backing Vocals
SammyP, the newest member of Bigg Medicine began bangin' on a six string late in '87 after being cut from a semi high profile Bantam Hockey Team....the dreams of NHL greatness had been crushed and indeed it was time for a change! Wise choice as he was really only a mediocre player at best. "Fast on the blades but lacking hands" so Don Cherry once wise cracked! or was that coach Muise?
He started to work furiously like a bag of angry snakes on his guitar chops and all things rock n roll under the tutelage of local cat Mark Hill. The P then moved on to learn the "dope" musical facts at St FX University and somehow escaped with a BA in Music in 1996.....and probably a few bad habits much to his mom's dismay!
After years of pan handling, busking, eating lot's of kraft diner and living on the streets of Saint John, SammyP was enlisted (circa 2001) by west side country rock legends Sidekick to fill the shoes of a guitarist who had left NB for the greener musical pastures of Saskatoon. The Kickers cleaned him up, got him straight but as a result, he had to take an oath to dedicate himself to the tele twang of the likes of Alan Jackson and Brad Paisley.....this continued for years until sometime in 2009, the P was kidnapped by the Steve Waylon Band and awoke to find himself on a plane bound for Switzerland. As the grogginess wore off, he was made to understand he would twang his best for the fine and friendly Swiss folks or else......!!!
The excitement of the cowboy world was envigorating but SammyP always felt a hole in his musical heart due to an abandonment of his first love! No, not Dean Roberts!! Rock n Roll!
Early in 2010, a freakish accident left him only able to see and hear 4 of the strings on a guitar. Confused and bewildered, he picked up a bass and reconnected with an early love of the bottom end funk. Siting the likes of Duran Duran's John Taylor and RHCP's Flea as driving influences - Even in the face of a full recovery, the P hid his guitars under his bed for several months, only uncasing them to fullfil that decade old oath to the Sidekick camp or escape another kidnapping by the Steve Waylon band. He had morphed into a dedicated 4 string banger!
After months of fierce practice SammyP felt he was ready for the formidable challenge that the reformed Bigg Medicine had to offer ....there were bigg, tall, dark, and handsome, goliath-like shoes to fill! Well, the height never came ...looks are up to the beholder...he gets by on charm, a few good notes, the odd line of back up vocals and lots of tom-foolery on the Bigg Medicine stage.......the rest is history!
He started to work furiously like a bag of angry snakes on his guitar chops and all things rock n roll under the tutelage of local cat Mark Hill. The P then moved on to learn the "dope" musical facts at St FX University and somehow escaped with a BA in Music in 1996.....and probably a few bad habits much to his mom's dismay!
After years of pan handling, busking, eating lot's of kraft diner and living on the streets of Saint John, SammyP was enlisted (circa 2001) by west side country rock legends Sidekick to fill the shoes of a guitarist who had left NB for the greener musical pastures of Saskatoon. The Kickers cleaned him up, got him straight but as a result, he had to take an oath to dedicate himself to the tele twang of the likes of Alan Jackson and Brad Paisley.....this continued for years until sometime in 2009, the P was kidnapped by the Steve Waylon Band and awoke to find himself on a plane bound for Switzerland. As the grogginess wore off, he was made to understand he would twang his best for the fine and friendly Swiss folks or else......!!!
The excitement of the cowboy world was envigorating but SammyP always felt a hole in his musical heart due to an abandonment of his first love! No, not Dean Roberts!! Rock n Roll!
Early in 2010, a freakish accident left him only able to see and hear 4 of the strings on a guitar. Confused and bewildered, he picked up a bass and reconnected with an early love of the bottom end funk. Siting the likes of Duran Duran's John Taylor and RHCP's Flea as driving influences - Even in the face of a full recovery, the P hid his guitars under his bed for several months, only uncasing them to fullfil that decade old oath to the Sidekick camp or escape another kidnapping by the Steve Waylon band. He had morphed into a dedicated 4 string banger!
After months of fierce practice SammyP felt he was ready for the formidable challenge that the reformed Bigg Medicine had to offer ....there were bigg, tall, dark, and handsome, goliath-like shoes to fill! Well, the height never came ...looks are up to the beholder...he gets by on charm, a few good notes, the odd line of back up vocals and lots of tom-foolery on the Bigg Medicine stage.......the rest is history!
Kevin Shephard - Drums
Kevin has been a member of NFA, Gopher Soda, Big Easy, Boondoggle, HarmZway, Krawlspace, McKrazy, Nebula Crossing and has recorded with NFA, Glen Creamer, Mr Distant, Andrew Clarke, Len Higgins, Sean Roach. Saint John, New Brunswick-born, he received his first drum kit at the age of 16. Taking weekly lessons from close friend, Scott Collier, and playing along to songs by the likes of Robert Palmer and Toto, Def Leppard, Metallica, and Pink Floyd, Kevin began developing a style that focused on groove, great feel, and playing drum parts that complimented the songs. His consistent tempo and groove is likely in part due to years of playing along to such professional recordings.
Local sound engineer/drummer, and long-time closest friend, Malcolm Boyce, has helped Kevin to understand much about musical theory, listening closely to songs and artists, as well as about the art of recording itself.
Kevin joined Jason Ogden's NFA (Not From Athens at the time, later notfunnyanymore) in the late 80's, playing many shows and giving him his first experience recording. Also during this time, Kevin began jamming with some close friends, many of whom would later form local Saint John bar-favourite Gopher Soda. Kevin joined another local favourite, Big Easy, in 2002. Big Easy would earn "Band of the Year" at the 2009 Saint John Music Awards, and Kevin took home the "Drummer of the Year" award that year. Kevin received the "Drummer of the Year" award for 2010 as well. Big Easy disbanded in August 2009, and in early 2010, Kevin joined the other "BIGG" band in town, and feels extremely lucky to be making music with such stellar musicians as these bandmates.
Kevin has many years of experience performing live and in the recording studio, always focusing on "making sure it sounds and feels right". Musical influences include Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Porcupine Tree, Sting and Toto, and for drummers, Jeff Porcaro, Gavin Harrison, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Stewart Copeland.
Kevin uses Pearl Masters drums, Zildjian Cymbals, and Vic Firth drumsticks.
Local sound engineer/drummer, and long-time closest friend, Malcolm Boyce, has helped Kevin to understand much about musical theory, listening closely to songs and artists, as well as about the art of recording itself.
Kevin joined Jason Ogden's NFA (Not From Athens at the time, later notfunnyanymore) in the late 80's, playing many shows and giving him his first experience recording. Also during this time, Kevin began jamming with some close friends, many of whom would later form local Saint John bar-favourite Gopher Soda. Kevin joined another local favourite, Big Easy, in 2002. Big Easy would earn "Band of the Year" at the 2009 Saint John Music Awards, and Kevin took home the "Drummer of the Year" award that year. Kevin received the "Drummer of the Year" award for 2010 as well. Big Easy disbanded in August 2009, and in early 2010, Kevin joined the other "BIGG" band in town, and feels extremely lucky to be making music with such stellar musicians as these bandmates.
Kevin has many years of experience performing live and in the recording studio, always focusing on "making sure it sounds and feels right". Musical influences include Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Porcupine Tree, Sting and Toto, and for drummers, Jeff Porcaro, Gavin Harrison, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Stewart Copeland.
Kevin uses Pearl Masters drums, Zildjian Cymbals, and Vic Firth drumsticks.