the Fimisters

They say that music is the language of the soul, and nothing could be truer for these five friends. Composed of a group of inspirational musicians and skillful performers, the artists behind The Fimisters have earned their reputation as a talented band to look out for. From live gigs to studio sessions and more, they continue to earn the admiration and affection of critics and fans alike.

The story begins in 1993 with some high school friends that wanted to share their love of music. The
band was formed by original members Cory Gauvin, Colin Blamire, Rob Gillet, Terry Cockerline and Andrew Gilchrist. After some discussion on a band name, it was settled that they would use Colin's grandmother's maiden name, Fimister, a surname of Scottish descent. 

They started to play some local shows filling their set with a mix of covers and originals. Eventually, they decided it was time to up the stakes and enter a 'Battle of the Bands' contest. With little expectations, the Fimisters were well received by the crowd and judges and won that contest. The prize was studio recording time. They used that studio time to record 'Sitting in a Puddle', a six song EP. Only 500 copies were made, and they sold out in days.

In 1994, Basil Wood would permanently replace Terry Cockerline as Terry headed off to post-secondary. And the year after that Jef Vandertogt would replace Andrew for the same reason.

With Jef now holding down the low end and the band gaining status on the college and university circuits it was time to make a move. A self-titled third studio album was recorded and released. The album generated enough talk to earn them opening calls for the Headstones and Our Lady Peace.  The Fimisters were a strong opening act for great new up and coming Canadian bands. They were asked to play showcases in Toronto at Lee's Palace and Gasworks for management and promotion companies. The breakthrough was visible on the horizon for The Fims.

And that's where it started to fall apart. 

Due to artistic differences, Jef decided to leave the band and Jake Bergeron was brought on board to fill the bassist role. Tensions grew; business and money began to take precedence over music, friendship and fun. And because of the young age, lack of experience in dealing with conflict and
absence of any management to keep things on track... the Fimisters imploded.

It was over.

For nearly 20 years there was silence among the band. Separately, they continued with their lives.  They found jobs and careers; created their own families; forgotten was the music. 

Until 2015, when mutual friends of the band somehow got them in a room together. Old friendships
sparked.  And then, finally, someone picked up a guitar. The songs flowed as if only hours had passed since their last rehearsal. That need for music overtook the room and no one could deny that they had ever lost that feeling.

The talk soon turned into discussion of a reunion show... one night only. Unfortunately, neither Jef
nor Jake could commit. It was decided to ask Andrew and he accepted. A few rehearsals took place and the band made the choice to show up to a local bar and test the waters before they organized the actual reunion show. The news got out and the local bar was packed to the point they had to turn people away. The test was a success. But the reunion show never happened. The Fimisters decided to just play again; to be a band again. And with enough song ideas left on the back
burner from before, they also decided to record a fourth album.

Over the next year and a half, songs were recorded, and a new album was put together. It was
released in 2017 and titled accordingly: Play/ Pause/ Resume. That album earned them an opening slot for Billy Talent at 2018's Empire Rockfest. 

Since then the Fims continue to work away playing a select amount of shows each year so that band life doesn't interfere with family life.  They continue to write and record new music. They have a great passion for what they do and what they've become. And an acceptance for the successes and failures that they have endured. They look to play good venues and are happy to open for other great bands. Thanks to their fans, they feel that they've been granted a second chance in an ever changing and unforgiving industry. And if an opportunity were ever to present itself again, the Fimisters will be ready. Until then they are happy to the best kept secret in Canadian music.

The Fimisters have shared the stage with:

Our Lady Peace, The Headstones, Weeping Tile, Finger Eleven, Lee Aaron, Junkhouse & Billy Talent