W hen they first started playing in 1981, PEI band Haywire had modest ambitions. “We were a bunch of guys that wanted to form a band to tour the Maritime provinces,” says keyboard player David Rashed, “but we progressed to doing original music and trying to make it in the music scene.” By all measures, they succeeded. Their first album, Bad Boys, quickly went gold, then double platinum. In 1988 their sophomore album, Don’t Just Stand There , also hit the double platinum mark. The band represented Canada at the World Popular Song Festival in Tokyo that same year, where their top-ten hit Dance Desire won Best New Song. Another gold album followed, along with cross- country tours with iconic Canadian performers like Kim Mitchell, Corey Hart, and Honeymoon Suite. Haywire still tours today and has plans to release a new album. “We just need to get the finishing touches together,” Rashed says.
“Still being able to play with the five original recording members of the band is the biggest milestone for me."
- Marvin Birt
The longevity of the band is something guitarist Marvin Birt truly appreciates. “Still being able to play with the five original recording members of the band is the biggest milestone for me,” he says. Outside of Haywire, Birt keeps busy writing, recording, and producing music. He first picked up a guitar at the age of 11 and
When did Paul know Haywire was onto something? “When we didn’t have to eat peanut butter sandwiches anymore,” he jokes. - Paul MacAusland
◀ Facing page TOP (L-R): Ronnie Switzer, David Rashed, Marvin Birt, Paul MacAusland, Sean Kilbride ▲ This page TOP: Get Off promotional photo. MIDDLE: Haywire 1982: Ronnie Switzer, David Rashed, Paul MacAusland, Marvin Birt, Sean KIlbride
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