Canada’s ‘greatest party band’ comes to Guelph

GUELPH – After earning a spot in both the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame, Trooper brings its energy to River Run Centre.

Here for a good time, and supported by show sponsor SV Law, Trooper hits the main stage on Nov. 14 at 7:30pm.

This Juno Award-winner has been rocking the Canadian music scene for over five decades. 

its story goes back to the late 1960s, when the band’s original singer, Ra McGuire, and guitarist, Brian Smith, started playing together. 

They officially formed Trooper in 1975 and went on to become one of Canada’s top five selling bands of all time.

Trooper’s 10 studio albums have earned multiple gold and platinum certifications. Its greatest hits collection, Hot Shots, broke all Canadian sales records, reached six times platinum status and “remains one of the country’s most enduring party soundtracks,” officials say.

“We’re Here for a Good Time (Not a Long Time),” “Raise a Little Hell,” “The Boys in the Bright White Sportscar,” and “Two for the Show” are just a few of the chart-topping songs on the album.

Frontman Paul Laine is the band’s newest member, leading with vocals since 2024. 

He is joined by guitarist Steve Crane, drummer Clayton Hill, bassist Scott Brown, and keyboardist Paul Gogo – Brown and Gogo have been playing with Trooper since the ‘90s. 

This dynamic group is known for delivering the band’s catalogue of hits with the same spirit that has defined the songs for 50 years.

This show is part of River Run’s Hits and Legends series, which brings celebrated performers including Trooper to its main stage.

Generous support from returning season sponsor Richardson Wealth helps make shows like this possible, along with funding from the Government of Canada.

Tickets to Trooper are $79 for adults, $77 for patrons over 60 years old, and $59 for those under 30. 

Subscribe and save 20 per cent when buying tickets to four or more shows. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 519-763-3000, visit River Run’s Box Office at 35 Woolwich St. in Guelph, or go to riverrun.ca/whats-on/trooper.