Ian Thornley: Big Wreck's Triple Threat

As a Canadian, it warms my heart to see this underrated musician get some love.

Most underrated band in Canadian history.

Criminally underrated band and musicians.

Ian Thornley is, in my opinion, the most underrated guitarist in modern history. Skill wise, he is in the top 10 modern guitarists.

"That Song" is an absolute classic of 90s Canadian alt rock and it blows my mind how the song was huge in Canada but barely known anywhere else. The song has a MASSIVE guitar tone.

Ian is incredibly humble for someone who can sing and play so well.

Travelled 23hrs from Australia to see big Wreck in March 2023, JUST to see this band. Was worth every hour on that plane. The best kept secret in music, period.

I coach youth volleyball near Toronto and at a tournament about 6 years ago I see a guy standing in the doorway of the gym that looks familiar. It finally hits me and after the match I walk over and ask are you Ian Thornley? He says yes and I say I love your stuff. He gets a big smile, shakes my hand and says thank you very much. He points out his daughter who's playing for one of the Toronto teams.. Just another proud volleyball dad and a super nice guy. Finally got to see them in concert this past new years eve. A couple of amazing memories.

Big Wreck is unbelievable! Highly underrated and Ian is a special musician!

Crazy underrated band; love Big Wreck

Ian is one of the best vocalists in the world

It was so fun being behind the camera for this interview…absolutely one of the nicest and gifted cats on the planet. RAWK!!!

Great job Rick in putting a spotlight on talent that has escaped so many radar. I discovered Big Wreck by accident. They came up as a recommendation from RUclips Music. The mix of genre is perfect. Ian’s vocals are incredible!! His playing and vocals are on par with Chris Cornell and Richie Kotzen. Absolutely phenomenal and clearly very humble.

Ian is a BEAST of a guitar player and a national treasure in Canada. Saw them for the first time live a few years ago and he STILL RIPS as well as the whole band. going strong for 30 years or so. Amazing Canadian band.

There are two bands I've flown to another country solely to see them live - Thornley was one, and since I've seen Big Wreck several times. Big Wreck is my "if you could only have one band" pick. Ian is insanely under-rated as a guitarist, producer, singer - and also as a lyricist. And I've met him and he is very genuine, intelligent and true. It's just amazing to see you interview him, Rick.

My 26 year old son asked if I had heard of the band Thornley. I said no, and he played me their epic song Come Again. I relied, ya I’ve heard that song but didn’t know the band. I continued “the singer sounds like the lead singer of Big Wreck”. Thus began my deeper dive into both bands and Ian ‘s great talent. Love his incredible playing and voice.

There you have it, the best rock guitarist and vocalist alive. Finally some credit.

Big fan of this man and his music. ❤️ The last concert that I saw with my older brother lost him 2018. 🙏 That show at the docks in Toronto will always hold a very special place in my heart. 🇨🇦 Thank you, Big Wreck, for all the great music that you have put out over the years...❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

Ian is absolutely one of my heroes! I am endlessly inspired by him as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. I hope I get to see him become a living legend.

I was very pleasantly surprised to see you having Ian on here! Such a great musician!!!
You guys were mainly talking about his guitar work, but his vocal range and tone are incredible

Love this! He should be on your main channel. Ian is a treasure and unfortunately under exposed.

I love how Rick fawns over Ian at the start. Rick has interviewed some of the most widely known and famous musicians in the world, yet Ian is the guy that he clearly fanboy's over. That's a real testament to Ian as a musician. Top tier.

WHAT !? Rick! You’re a BEAST! As a Canadian, I approve this interview!
🇨🇦

I'm 50 now but growing up in Canada in the 90s we had (have) some killer bands. Big Wreck was always top of my list. But then there was Tea Party, Big Sugar, I Mother Earth, The Ghandharvas, Sloan, The Watchmen, Headstones. Man I wanna go back!!!

OMG! You did Big Wreck! I love this Rick! I dated a Canadian girl in the 90's and she said "You gotta hear this!" I have been a BIG fan ever since! Ian is awesome.

A friend of mine texted me about this interview because he knows I’m the biggest Big Wreck fan, maybe on planet earth…
But I gotta say, Rick sort of dropped the ball on this interview…
It’s cool to talk about artists that influenced the artist you’re interviewing and all…and have that artist show off some guitar licks…etc…
But to ONLY talk about Big Wreck’s debut album is CRIMINAL…
They have been on an absolute HEATER since Albatross…album after album - all they’ve done is write incredible melodic rock tunes…
The best thing to come out of this interview is that it sounds like I have 18 new Big Wreck songs coming soon…
Can’t wait!!!

I'm so over the moon that you've interviewed Ian. He's one of my favorite guitarist and I was always hoping you'd get him on your network. Now if the rest of America would just jump on, he'd get the broad audience he so rightly deserves.

Ian is *the* most underrated guitarist of all time. His axe-chops and vocal abilities are intimidatingly good. Surprised to see him on here, but thankful, because it is more than deserved

Seen Big Wreck and Thornley live six times. SO good.
My wife and I were front row centre, like 6 feet away from Ian, at the Pleasure and Greed surprise release show at The Horseshoe in Toronto. Best show ever.

Big Wreck was in town last year or so. That show was awesome! so many great songs! Tbh, very few musicians put out albums I can listen to, front to end, and enjoy it all. Big Wreck has that.

I discovered Big Wreck about 6 months ago and haven't stopped playing them since. Ghosts is such an unreal album.

If you haven’t heard “Albatross”, run don’t walk to your nearest music service. Amazing tune. Wish they had more in that style …

Ian is one of the best guitar players in rock, an incredible improviser, and humble to boot. Another guy that makes you proud to be Canadian.

This guy has been a musical Hero of mine since the mid to late 90's. So glad they came back after the band broke up. Ian's voice and playing is amazing to say the least.

My band opened for Big Wreck once in Barrie Ontario on New Year’s Eve. It was an outdoor gig and it was -30° Celsius. Really friggin cold. We did our little set then they went on. They played their entire set despite the crowd being a little sparse on account of the weather. Ian did not complain about the cold once. Not only did he not complain about it, he didn’t even acknowledge it. To play at their level in that weather is next level shit.

"The biggest ego in the room always has to be the song". Never heard that before. Such a great approach to song writing / recording

Ive always considered Ian and big wreck as the most criminally underrated band ever. It’s nice to see him getting his flowers now.
Next up, Jag Tanna of I Mother Earth!

World’s most underrated artist right there!

These interviews you do are so f'ing great! Having a connection to the world yourself makes it so much more fun when there is back and forth over ideas, relationships, and stories. Tons of fun. Thank you for these. I also love that they are focused on music & the people and not looking for a story to expose. Every guest appears to be comfortable and having a good time, as well.

@Keith Jarret…when I was a kid, 1977-78, someone gave my father that record as a gift. We were living in Pa at the time. I didn’t know why, but that album burned itself into my memory banks…as a kid! A year later, my parents moved me to a small town in Warren County NJ. I grew up in that town and became a guitar player in that town. Years later, I’m surfing around the internet and I google search Keith Jarret. Turns out, I grew up in less than 10 miles away from where Keith Jarret lived. I probably crossed paths with the man and never knew it. But his playing left a mark on me!!! Great record.

If you take nothing else away from this interview, let it be that it is possible to be unbelievably talented and incredibly humble and cool at the same time.

Saw them perform recently. Ian is a Canadian treasure. So happy to see you get him on the channel Rick!

Ian is so underrated. Big Wreck has so many great songs. It's criminal how they're not superstars

Big Wreck and Ian Thornley at Suhr festival recordings are a must watch. I really enjoyed Ian's Suhr live version of 'Under the lighthouse'.

A business buddy of mine just pointed me in the direction of Big Wreck earlier this week... haven't stopped listening to them since. Absolute gem of a band, and what a great persona Ian is!

I saw Big Wreck back in December at a tiny venue in Oakland, CA. Fantastic show but they need to be playing some bigger theaters and show everyone here how great they are.

ian deserves so much more reverence before he ages out of all of this. he is still currently one of the best guitarists that has ever lived. he should be regarded as so.

Cannot believe I only found this now! Two of my last remaining music idols in the same room!
Been a massive fan since I first heard “In Loving Memory Of” all those years ago. I’ve bought everything you and the boys put out, Ian. And always will! Thank you both for all you do.

LOVE Ian! Had trouble accepting compliments. Loosened up talking about how much he likes King's X. Then Beato changed the subject to Zeppelin: "Which is the best Zeppelin record?" And Ian's vibe is like, "Shit, it's not like they ever made a Dogman." PURE music lover & musician. RESPECT

Have always loved Big Wreck. So great to see Ian on your show.

I will never understand how Big Wreck is not mega huge??? Ian is the total package with his guitar, vocals and song writing ability.
Love their latest album and that tone on the first song. Wish they do more songs in that style.

Yay Ian Thornley, a wonderfully nice man (have had the pleasure to meet him) and an awesome guitar player, on top of that an amazing singer, and song writer.

Ian is a huge family man with so much talent. I've had multiple conversations with him back stage, and he's exactly what you see in this intervew. He'll sit down and and share his energy equally amongst whoever is around. He doesn't try to outshine anyone ever. LOL It blows your mind when you walk up to him sitting cross-legged backwards at a picnic table and he invites you to sit down, and the conversation is just so organic, yet the "magic" that is pooring from his hands while speaking/sharing about life is mind melting. Just having experiences like this show how humble of a person who he is. (no disrespect, but, the clips shown where Ian is playing, wasn't as flowing as I've experieced in the past. understandably so, because it's an interview) Not only as a Canadian or a musician, but as a human, Thank you Ian. Great job Rick for the insight to have him on. Dave great questions as well. This was a great hour for myself, well spent, that brought back a lot of memories. Thank you!

He's one of my favorite musicians of all time. Been a fan for nearly 30 years and never knew he played keys!

I've had the pleasure to see Big Wreck many times (mostly small bars) he's amazing live. A Canadian treasure!

Thank Rick for this wonderful interview of Ian. I am Canadian and a huge Big Wreck fan and have seen them many times. Ian is a wonderful human being and a phenomenal musician as you described through this interview. Than you again Don from Ontario,Canada

One of the best triple threats out there. I found out about Big Wreck 3 years ago and ive never found a band that i can listen to their entire catalog and be so content. Ian has become a huge influence on my guitar playing since then.

A sound like no other Band! Best Gift from Canada!

I respect you more than ever Rick. Big Wreck. Cheers to our Canadian brothers! So many great Canadian bands.

In the Summer of 2024 in Edmonton at K-Days I stood in the crowd and was deeply moved by their live show. An amazing Canadian band.

The first Thornley record was an amazing rock record! From beginning to end, every song!!!!

Can’t wait to see them again this April. Their shows are second to none. No fancy lights, lasers or tech. Just pure musicianship at its best!

Please Do another interview and more guitar playing, with Ian!!! I could listen to him for HOURS!! Love Big Wreck!!! Loved Thornley too!

Seen Ian live many times. Unreal guitar player, and his voice is frighteningly good. Rivals Cornell. Very underrated.

Still my favourite show that I’ve ever seen, Big Wreck in Toronto. It was perfect. I waited back behind the venue and talked to the rhythm player for 30min in the cold, so down to earth. Another Canadian player that I love is Joey Landreth, a phenomenal player. What a great interview here, cheers!

Props to Rick for having this amazing musician on your show. Criminally underrated musician.

Love Ian. Great interview. I feel like I've just had a beer with Rick and Ian. It felt like a true conversation

I've just discovered this band, and they are amazing. So glad they're getting some exposure. The Pages EP is wall to wall excellence.

Ian is one of the greatest guitar players around right now and he doesn't get any of the credit he deserves.

Immediate thumbs up for Ian Thornley!!

One of my favourite guitarists. Thank you for featuring him.

Being from Ontario also , it is fantastic to see Ian Thornley on a international platform like your channel . I've seen Big wreck from the early day's in clubs to present , and the dedication to giving an inspiring performance to their fans is unwavering . One of the few truly authentic and inspiring bands of this era .

Saw Big Wreck, in concert, four times for a reason. Big Guitar sound !

FINALLY! I've been a fan since '97. As a MA native, I still consider Big Wreck a hometown band. Whenever they come to Boston, I'm there. Ian has been such an influence on my playing. Just a monster player and prolific songwriter.

Seen big wreck twice , both shows were life changing for me 😊

This man deserves all the recognition he gets. And I honestly don't think Ian gets enough. A true guitar virtuoso and masterful songwriter.

"It makes me wanna simultaneously practice and quit!" Even that riff off the top of his head is epic.

This video is 4 hours old and already has over 12k views! Ian and Big Wreck have been a staple on my playlist since I first heard The Oaf. Criminally underrated in the US. Seriously one of the greatest singer/song writers on the planet, and he can shred without sounding mechanical like some metronome zombies.

Ian is one of the best live singers i've ever seen. When I first heard him I thought he was copying Chris Cornell. But, when I saw him live and bought his albums I learned he is so much more. He's incredible, absolutely incredible live. I've seen him three times and everytime it's one of the best vocal performances i've ever heard or felt. I was a singer in a band and could sing just like my idols when I was in my prime. But Ian man he's one of the best ever. He's one of the best talents to come out of the 1990's just like Layne Staley, Eddie Vedder, Chris Cornell, Scott Weiland, Kurt Cobain, Jeff Buckley.

Ohhhhhh myy gosh! Big Wreck on Beato! Sweeet. Band deserves a bigger audience.

My gosh he is so brilliant. He truly is Musical Magic.

Big Wreck is a killer band and Ian Thornley is an absolute GENIUS musician. So thankful that Rick has put a spotlight on them

This interview was such a wonderful surprise! I'm from Winnipeg, Canada and Big Wreck is a rock radio staple up here. I have to say I was never really a big fan, but this interview changed my mind! Ian Thorney is such a great interview, and , as always, Rick brings the best out of his guest. I was pleasantly surprised that Rick is a fan, as I thought Big Wreck was pretty much "only known in Canada band"...but of course, Rick being Rick - he finds the cool bands and guitar players from everywhere. If Rick's Sting interview was a delicious main course, this was a really sweet dessert that sends you home smiling and satisfied. Yeah, Canada, and great job, Rick!!!!

I have another take, a lot of Canadian truckers listen to this band, loud in the truck. His lyrics really hit home with a lot of us who are working long lonely hours and his words ring deep in our souls. Thank you Ian, you won’t read this as you say, but know this, you help us get through our sometimes shitty world, the songs are really how we feel.

Had no clue my two favorite artists are best friends!! Both stunning vocals and guitarists. Love Ian and Miles. Let's have lunch. I'll buy!

Thornley is one of my favorite musicians, song writer, vocalist and live performer. A total Monster and super underrated!

People don't talk about Ian enough. I've been listening to BW since 96 and I can't even tell you how many times I've asked people if they know who the band is or even Ian and get head shakes. Ian is an amazing guitar player and song writer. Deserves more recognition for sure.

Ian is one of the greatest musicians of his generation. A true master all-around. And as a die-hard Big Wreck fan, this interview is absolutely incredible.

I’ve always been an Ian Thornley fan, pretty well since the first Big Wreck album. Something about his range of styles, sounds very good. Totally underrated talent. Bands like Big Wreck are the reason why I grow as a music fan. I like my rock and metal, but then guys like Ian make me appreciate prog, and blues riffs. Real talent

A million days, in my opinion has one of the best guitar solos ever! Ian is a legend.

I gotta say your music 🎶 really inspired me to have faith in moving forward from a distressed state. l personally owe you & you're band for the inspiration to keep going.
You and your band are phenomenal 😎👍

I love that Thornley likes Kings X , I'm going back to church this April can't wait. Ian Thornley is the hugest Canadian musical monster ever.

TBH I have never heard of him or Big Wreck. But that's why I am here, Rick opens my horizons to all kinds of music I never would have thought of

Rick, I’ve been watching your channels for years and have just been waiting for you to talk to Ian. I’m in Buffalo, NY, so like you were saying about Rush, I felt that Big Wreck was just a “local band”. Thank you for doing what you do and for giving us all the opportunity to meet these amazing musicians!! Bill

What a versatile and intellectually satisfying guitarist and band. Been listening since 1997.

For rock fans, if you don't love Big Wreck, you just haven't heard them yet. They're that good.

Ian is the BEST.

I love Big Wreck! Ian’s former drummer, Chuck Keeping, got his start in my Blues bar in London Ontario, the good old Other Side of Five!
Cheers, Chuck!

This was an awesome interview. Thank you for getting Ian on, Rick!

I remember when i found Big Wreck i was completely in shock why this band isn't huge. They are awesome and so underrated!