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Pet Panther, is a Canadian rock band from Kingston, Ontario, consisting of Gaz Pullman (lead vocals), Tren Olaveson (guitar), Pete Hambler (bass, known as Peter Hambler until 1984) and Phill McCullough (drums). Since their formation in 1976, they have performed over 6000 shows. They still perform semi-regularly at The Ale House on Princess St.

Early History (1976-1984) Pete Pullman and the Pepperpots was formed when the Pete Pullman and high school friends, Peter Hambler and Phil McCullough performed at Cindy Pepper’s (later Cindy Pepper-Pullman) birthday party together. Having achieved success, the band wanted to fill out the sound with a guitar. They posted an ad in the local paper in search of a guitar player. Jeff Simms, and Everett Johnson responded, but Geoffrey Pullman impressed his older brother with his willingness to learn (guitar).

1984-1986 New blood arrived when, at one of their birthday gigs, they met guitarist Tren Olaveson. Tren wanted to push the band in a new direction, away from the birthday scene, causing a rift between the brothers. With Pete’s exit from the band, due to a fatal car accident, and Gaz taking the lead, Pet Panther was officially formed. The line-up was set:

Gaz as lead singer and flamboyantly charismatic frontman. To this day, he hasn’t quite managed to let go of some of his wardrobe from their hayday. Tren on lead guitar. He writes most of the music (in somewhat broken English), he’s a ball of energy and can’t stay still on stage (but has slowed with age). Peter on bass. He takes his craft very seriously as a classically trained musician. And finally, Phil on drums. He helps Len write the music, but steers clear of the lyrics.

Rise to Fame (Summer 1986 – Winter 1986) The band produces their first hit (some say only hit, others say it wasn’t even a hit) “Put it there, butcher!” It plays heavily on local radio stations and leads to a month-long tour with CarBark (another local band) selling out bars all over town. With youth and money, the band fell developed a reputation on the circuit as hard partiers. Their partying may have slow a bit, but they still have that rock n’ roll edge to them.

1987-present

The band continues to recapture the glory of days gone (1986) by touring at venues like CasinoRama or taking part in festivals. They continue releasing an album the old school way, every five years. But somehow every album seems to have a new version of their big hit on it to try and get some sales. Although some of the fame may have faded they still have a small die hard following and are followed around by their one longstanding roadie and a groupie that’s seen better days.