From a local Newmarket band to a Canadian Hall of Fame icon

History · Published 7 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before they were a multi-platinum powerhouse, they were simply a group called Tokyo. This Canadian rock outfit navigated the transition from local beginnings to international stages, eventually securing a legacy that earned them a permanent place in the nation's musical history.

Formed in 1981 in Newmarket, Ontario, the group initially operated under the name Tokyo. The original lineup consisted of vocalist Alan Frew and bassist Wayne Parker, who both came from a local band called Onyx. They were joined by keyboardist Sam Reid from The End and drummer Michael Hanson. It wasn't until 1983 that guitarist Al Connelly joined the fold, leading to the band eventually rebranding as Glass Tiger.

The group's major success occurred during 1986, following the launch of 'The Thin Red Line.' Jim Vallance oversaw production for this work, which sold quadruple platinum units across Canada and reached gold status within the United States. The album's lead single, "Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone)," even featured a notable vocal cameo by Bryan Adams.

The success was immediate: the band won three Juno Awards in 1986, including Album of the Year and Most Promising Group of the Year, and received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 1987. The band's trajectory included high-profile tours with Journey and Tina Turner, as well as a 1989 performance at the Skydome opening celebration. After a hiatus starting in 1993, they reformed in 2003 with drummer Chris McNeil. Their enduring relevance is marked by diverse milestones, from performing for Canadian Forces in Afghanistan in 2009 to releasing the album '33' in 2019. On May 15, 2025, their legacy was officially cemented with their induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

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