The Arrogant Worms

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The year was 1991.  Presumably, some significant world events occurred.  The world truly changed in the fall however, when something truly magnificent happened in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. A beacon of hope was lit and has shone brightly ever since – The Arrogant Worms. The Arrogant Worms began as a comedy troupe performing songs and sketches on campus radio. The early feedback on the live shows was clear:  lose the sketches.  So the songs endured and they all remain because the band hates to throw anything out.

The songs were written to make fun of a big dumb world. Luckily, the world is still dumb and The Arrogant Worms (Mike McCormick, Chris Patterson and Trevor Strong) still have plenty to sing about. The shows are fast, furious and family friendly. The wit is quick, the satire is biting and the musicianship is second to none. Their appeal has earned them fans from kids to parents to grandparents to Princess Leia.

The Arrogant Worms have sold more than 160,000 copies of their 13 albums.  Their most recent offering is SPACE, a collection of 16 new songs released in 2014 that bravely tackles the hard issues like Local Politicians, Yoga Pants and Uncomfortable Chairs.  The band has played on three continents to crowds as large as 100,000 and were recognized in 2003 as the Touring Act of the Year by the Canadian Arts Presenters Association. The Worms have entertained at corporate functions, sung anthems at sporting events and emceed at major festivals. Their songs are in school lesson plans, in textbooks and even played on the Space Shuttle. On earth or in space, everyone digs these Worms.

The Arrogant Worms are as comfortable on the radio or on camera as they are on stage. Their energy and showmanship were captured on the DVD of their concert with the renowned Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. The DVD also features appearances by Worm pals figure skating champion Kurt Browning, astronaut Chris Hadfield and actors Tom Cavanaugh (Ed, Love Monkey) and Nathan Fillion (Castle, Firefly).

In recent years the Worms have been pleased to donate their time and talent to the cause of literacy in Canada through Frontier College and were twice awarded the Peter Gzowski Award for their efforts. The Worms have become part of Canadiana – their songs are used in lesson plans across the country and one has even made it into an English textbook. The youth of Canada have voted them the most popular band on a national radio show – the band that came in second was AC/DC.

However, it’s their live show that keeps people coming back for more as The Worms provide tuneful and silly escapism all over North America, Australia, and the UK in venues of all shapes and sizes – from small theatres to arenas to Disney to Central Park to The Grand Canyon. The Worms entertain at corporate events, sing anthems at sporting events and emcee at major festivals. No matter where they are, they are having fun… and the audience is too.

So nearly a quarter century after they began, The Arrogant Worms continue to provide tuneful and silly escapism for everyone who needs it. And if you think you don’t need it, well you’re wrong. You do. The Arrogant Worms know what’s best for you and what’s best for you is The Arrogant Worms.  

THE WORMS ARE:

Chris Patterson - sings and plays the bass. Oh, and dances. He was turned down for "Dancing With The Stars" because he was in that grey area between dancer and star. His case is currently under appeal and he can't really talk about it. 

Trevor Strong - sings and plays instruments when he remembers to bring them. He wrote a book called Get Stupid. There are a lot of charts and graphs in the book. Trevor was born and raised.

Mike McCormick - sings and plays the guitar. He has two degrees but he can't find them anywhere. He lives in a log house with a new deck and is approximately four years behind with hip slogans. Was crowned 'Mr. Elective Surgery 2005'.

WORM TALK:

“Hilarious and poignant” - The Tampa Tribune
“Perfect showmen”  - All Music Guide
“Canada’s secret weapon number one” - Vh1.com
“Certifiably demented” - The Toronto Star
“These guys are too much fun for their own good” - Dirty Linen Magazine
“Take along some Depends” - The Manitoban
“Quirky and remarkably talented”  - The Tampa Expression 

Environmental Initiative: Like many organizations, the Rogue is concerned about the environment. We are doing our best to separate and recycle wherever we can. We use compostable cups at all shows, and charge 25 cents for all cups (beer, wine and coffee). We encourage people to reuse their cups if they return to the bar for another beverage. We also invite you to bring your own cup or glass. Beer drinkers can choose to consume right out of the can. These may seem like small things, but they are an important contribution to cleaning up our planet.

The Rogue Folk Club is pleased to provide great Sponsorship Opportunities for all our shows. For a nominal cost, individuals or businesses can sponsor any of our shows and reap a number of benefits - free tickets, reserved table, recognition on literature, our web site and at the concerts. For more information simply contact our Sponsorship Director Morris Biddle at mobiddley@me.com