by Ed Rivadavia
Named after a notorious Canadian lunatic asylum, Toronto's Coney Hatch drew lots of attention and some critical acclaim in their homeland, but never managed to set themselves apart from the melodic hard rock pack outside their home turf. Formed by vocalist/bassist Andy Curran and drummer Dave Ketchum in 1980, the band's core lineup solidified with the addition of former Firefly vocalist/guitarist Carl Dixon and lead guitarist Steve Shelski the following year. Signed by Kim Mitchell's Anthem Records (later purchased by Rush), the band recorded a self-titled debut in 1982, then followed it with 1983's less successful Outa Hand. Ketchum was replaced by new drummer Barry Connors before 1985's Friction, which fared no better, prompting the band's breakup after being dropped by their label in 1986. A brief reunion tour was booked to coincide with the release of 1992's Best of Three greatest hits set, after which the band members once again went their separate ways.