Legendary Band 4Most Reunites to Honor Roots and Launch Music Scholarship in Vanderhoof, B.C.

The iconic band 4Most, which inspired the Bryan Adams hit “Summer of ’69,” is reuniting nearly six decades after their formation in Vanderhoof, B.C. This historic event marks the launch of a new music scholarship named after Jim Vallance, co-writer of the rock anthem.

It’s been almost sixty years since a small-town high school band from Vanderhoof, British Columbia, made a mark that would echo through rock history. That band, originally known as The Tremolones and later rebranded as 4Most, featured a young Jim Vallance who would go on to co-write the timeless rock anthem “Summer of ’69” with Bryan Adams. Now, for the first time in decades, 4Most is reuniting to perform at Nechako Valley Secondary School, the place where their musical journey began.

The Roots of 4Most: A Journey Back in Time

The nostalgic rock hit “Summer of ’69,” from Bryan Adams’ 1984 “Reckless” album, tells the story of youthful ambition and the inevitable passage of time. The song’s lyrics, “Jimmy quit, Jody got married,” reflect the real-life experiences of Vallance and his bandmates. This upcoming reunion will see Vallance and his former bandmates — Wayne Deorksen and Gordon Keith — gather to celebrate their early musical endeavors and contribute to the future of young musicians in their hometown.

4Most’s formation dates back to their high school days in Vanderhoof. Vallance, who had recently moved to the town, joined forces with Deorksen and Keith, who used their part-time wages from a local gas station to buy musical equipment. With the addition of Dave Snell on bass, The Tremolones were born. After Snell’s departure and Chuck Davies stepping in, the band rebranded as 4Most in 1966. Their musical influences included instrumental rock bands like The Ventures and The Shadows, and they performed at local dances and events until Vallance’s family moved away in 1967, marking the end of an era.

The Inspiration Behind “Summer of ’69”

The story behind “Summer of ’69” is as heartwarming as the song itself. Contrary to some reports, the song was not named for any R-rated reasons. Instead, Vallance and Adams drew inspiration from their childhoods, reminiscent of The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields,” which paid homage to John Lennon’s youth. Vallance’s memories of his first band, school friends, and early musical experiences in Vanderhoof played a significant role in crafting the song’s nostalgic lyrics.

Reunion and Scholarship Launch

The reunion of 4Most is more than just a trip down memory lane; it’s a philanthropic effort to inspire future generations. The band will perform at their old high school to raise funds for the newly established Jim Vallance Music Scholarship. Vallance is donating one of his four Juno Awards to the school, along with $1,000 to kickstart the scholarship. The event will feature memorabilia, including a guitar string from Deorksen’s first six-string, which he famously played until his fingers bled.

Keith and Deorksen, now residing in Grand Forks and Prince George, respectively, will join Vallance for the performance. They plan to play “Walk Don’t Run” by The Ventures, a nod to their early influences. Unfortunately, Chuck Davies will be unable to attend due to health reasons.

A Legacy Honored

The initiative to establish the scholarship was born from a desire to honor Vallance’s remarkable career and his roots in Vanderhoof. His contributions to the music industry, including writing hits for Loverboy, Anne Murray, and Glass Tiger, alongside his extensive collaboration with Bryan Adams, have left an indelible mark on rock music. Keith reflects on Vallance’s achievements with admiration, recalling him as the young red-headed drummer who had big dreams.

Vallance expressed his excitement about reuniting with his old friends and playing music once again. He emphasized the universal power of music to uplift and connect people across cultures and languages.

As 4Most takes the stage at Nechako Valley Secondary School, the reunion will not only celebrate their past but also pave the way for future musicians to follow in their footsteps. The Jim Vallance Music Scholarship Project promises to nurture young talent in Vanderhoof, ensuring that the legacy of 4Most and the spirit of “Summer of ’69” continue to inspire for generations to come.