The silence in Dallas Green’s basement was a deliberate one, a space carved out for processing the raw ache of defeat. Days after the Blue Jays’ heartbreaking loss in Game 7, the Juno-winning singer-songwriter found himself reaching for his guitar, not in celebration, but in solace. A new song was taking shape, born from disappointment, a quiet attempt to navigate the sting of what might have been.
Green, a devoted Toronto sports fan, had been immersed in the energy of Games 6 and 7. He recalled a similar feeling a decade prior, when the Blue Jays first returned to the post-season after a 22-year drought – a magical season then, but this recent run felt different, charged with an even greater intensity.
A seemingly minor detail from this year’s Fall Classic – a ball lodged under the wall padding during Game 6 – unexpectedly struck a chord. “I cannot believe that I watched that lodged ball,” Green confessed, knowing that conversation would follow him for years to come, a quirky footnote to a season that captivated a city.
But beyond the game itself, the Blue Jays’ journey resonated with Green on a deeper level, mirroring the enduring bond he shares with his bandmates in Alexisonfire. Founded in 2001, the St. Catharines hard-rock outfit – George Pettit, Jordan Hastings, Wade MacNeil, and Chris Steele – became a chosen family, forged through years of relentless touring and shared experience.
“I spent my whole life on the road with a group of people who are my chosen family,” Green reflected. “A lot of the days on the road are really tough. You have to lean on each other to get through those days.” He realized this year’s Blue Jays team was, in many ways, his favorite Toronto team to root for.
The conversation drifted to Alexisonfire’s recent EP of covers, a project born from a long-held idea to pay tribute to influential Canadian bands. The concept evolved into “Copies of Old Masters Volume 1,” featuring their interpretations of The Tragically Hip, Rusty, Shallow North Dakota, and Doughboys.
The idea wasn’t about chasing trends, but about acknowledging a wealth of talent that often went unrecognized. Growing up in the 90s, surrounded by Canadian music on MuchMusic, Green felt a deep gratitude for the bands that shaped his musical landscape. This EP was a way to honor that legacy, a document of shared history and enduring influence.
The Tragically Hip, in particular, held a profound significance. They weren’t just a band; they were intrinsic to the Canadian identity. While Green initially gravitated towards more obscure sounds, he came to appreciate the Hip’s impact, recognizing them as a blueprint for aspiring musicians in a small town, and cherishing his friendship with the late Gord Downie.
Twenty years after releasing his debut solo LP, “Sometimes,” Green acknowledged the risk he took at the time. But for him, it wasn’t about fame or fortune. It was simply about the joy of songwriting, a compulsion to create that transcended industry expectations. He wasn’t trying to fit into a lane; he was following his artistic instincts.
The future holds more music, both solo and with Alexisonfire. The band is already writing and demoing new material, fueled by a creative energy that feels stronger than ever. Next year marks the 20th anniversary of Alexisonfire’s “Crisis,” promising a series of celebratory shows and a new record to follow.
And then there’s You+Me, his collaborative project with Pink. While plans for revisiting that venture remain uncertain, Green values the friendship above all else, viewing it as a long-term, perhaps indefinite, creative outlet.
This second act with Alexisonfire has been profoundly rewarding. The band has found a rare equilibrium – creatively inspired, emotionally grounded, and deeply grateful for the journey they’ve shared. Like the resilient Blue Jays team, they’ve persevered through challenges, emerging stronger and more connected than ever before.
There’s a palpable sense of gratitude, a recognition that finding themselves in this place, still creating together after all these years, is a true blessing.
