Despite the CPKC Holiday Train’s 90-minute delay getting through Rogers Pass Wednesday afternoon, the cold, rain and hail didn’t dissuade hundreds from waiting at the Revelstoke rail yard for the Barenaked Ladies to roll in.
On a railway tour across British Columbia to raise money for local food banks this holiday season, the iconic Canadian band — perhaps best known for penning the Big Bang Theory’s theme song — addressed the Revelstoke crowd quite apologetically upon arriving around 4:15 p.m. Dec. 17.
READ: Events around Revelstoke for the whole family this holiday season
The musicians were scheduled for 2:45 p.m., but the late arrival gave time for the sun to set, adding a better backdrop for the transiting holiday light display.
The dozen electrifyingly-illuminated box cars brought a festive sparkle to the local tracks, as one lowered its side door to reveal band members Ed Robertson (guitar), Kevin Hearn (guitar, keys and accordion) and Tyler Stewart (drums).
Performing one of more than 30 shows this season, including five between Golden and Kamloops on Wednesday alone, the group fired off hits including If I Had $1000000 that they laced with lyrics and melodies from classic Christmas carols.
One number that got the crowd going was an improvised rap by Robertson with lines celebrating good times in Revelstoke and the adventure getting there. He kicked off the stop by apologizing for the delays, colourfully describing the snow and tree debris in Rogers Pass that held the band back in Golden.
Robertson shared that bassist Jim Creggan had to miss the tour due to a personal obligation, but that he’d instead picked his musically gifted son Lyle Herbert-Robertson to fill the void and rise to the occasion.
READ: Community Connections (Revelstoke) seeking $200K in holiday donations
All funds raised at the free Holiday Train event go toward the food bank. For Robertson and his Barenaked Ladies, he told Revelstoke that being able to help propel the kindness and generosity of the holiday spirit means a great deal — regardless how late the trains run.
“We’re really sorry for being tardy, but we just tried to get here as fast as we could,” Robertson said in his parting remarks to the town, before continuing along west to Salmon Arm.
The tour — which started Sunday in Fernie and meandered throught the Kootenays — hits Lytton, Agassiz, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Friday, before wrapping up Saturday in Port Moody and Port Coquitllam.