Tuesday, August 4, 1998
By CHINTA PUXLEY -- Ottawa Sun
Young girls' high-pitched screams echoed
through downtown Ottawa yesterday as Canada's Hanson-equivalent
played the rooftop of the Rideau Centre.
The Victoria-based Moffatts, made up of teen brothers Scott,
Clint, Robert and David Moffatt, drew about 500 young girls and
their parents to a free concert.
Most girls came armed with cameras, placards declaring their
undying love for the band, flowers and little gifts. And those
who weren't among the 200 with VIP passes came early.
"We got up at 4:30 a.m. to come here so I only had four
hours sleep," said 15-year-old Kim Bastion. "I had to
come and see them and get a good spot. It's worth it."
Bastion stood in the blazing sun for hours clutching a necklace
for her favorite Moffatt -- Scott -- and the band's latest CD
entitled A New Beginning for the band to sign.
The Ottawa stop is part of a cross-country tour of concerts and
autograph-signings for the four brothers, who say they never tire
of hearing the screams of appreciative fans.
"Fans are so important," said an already market-savvy
Scott, 15. "If they don't buy the albums and call into radio
stations to make requests, then no one else will hear us."
The turnout was disappointing for organizers who were
anticipating about 1,000 fans. In a similar appearance in
Winnipeg more than 2,000 people turned out.
John Foliot, regional sales representative for EMI music, said
the tour is about expanding the Moffatts' fan base in Canada. The
band is hugely popular in parts of Europe, but is only now
becoming known in this country.
(Original text: http://www.canoe.ca/AllPop-Moffatts/980804_thrills.html)