Breadcrumb Trail Links
Published Jun 02, 2024 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 3 minute read
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Edmonton Oilers organist Vince Anderson is seen at his instrument in his aerie high above the ice surface at Rogers Place. Supplied
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Vince Anderson sits on the edge of his seat while watching the Edmonton Oilers, watching the play, looking for upcoming goals, penalties, faceoffs and so much more — all the while waiting for two words, without warning, from the game-day presentation director: “Go organ.”
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Then, Anderson shuffles his extensive playlist in his mind, makes a snap decision, and starts playing his organ, in a booth at the end of Rogers Place’ eighth-floor press box.
“During gameplay I have to have three, or sometimes four, different songs in my fingers at all times and play the right one immediately, right now,” said Anderson, a native Edmontonian who took piano as a young boy.
“So I have to follow the game with microscopic attention, and determine if the penalty is home or visitors, offensive or defensive zone faceoff likely, as well as certain settings on the organ that I might have to change on the fly.”
And, dig this: his organ is “hot and live” during the entire game, he can’t practise a single lick during a game — and so, there’s a quarter-second between what Anderson is playing until he actually hears it.
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Edmonton Oilers organist Vince Anderson is seen at his instrument in his aerie high above the ice surface at Rogers Place. Supplied
Sounds that of someone working as an air traffic controller, no?
But it’s a labour of love notes.
Anderson arrives at an Oilers game any time up to three hours before puck drop. He gets things ready in a quiet, dark arena before the game, thinking of every second of what will transpire for the next 90 minutes. Maybe more.
“One of the things that has amazed me doing this job, is how carefully everything in game-day presentation is planned and scripted. I have my list of acceptable songs and licks and when to play them,” he said.
After the Oilers head to the dressing room following warm-up, or, as Anderson aptly points out, when Evander Kane leaves the ice, the sound system is his.
The music community has a tight bond of brother- and sisterhood. Anderson pays homage to recent fallen musicians.
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In the past, Andersen has entertained Oilers fans entering the arena with songs by Ian Tyson, Bob McGrath, Myles Goodwin from the Canadian band April Wine, and the theme from Friends following the passing of Matthew Perry, which garnered applause.
He learned, quickly, there are some tunes not to play. One night, he keyed Inspector Gadget after the Oilers got scored on in the first 20 seconds.
Didn’t work.
Anderson got his gig with the Oilers in 2022 and quickly surveyed other National Hockey League clubs for the music they use.
Calgary Flames: Johnny Cash.
Las Vegas Golden Knights: Johnny Cash.
Those are songs Anderson keeps his hands off.
And, oh yes. There’s one more.
“Never, never play La Bamba on the organ,” said Anderson of the piece which blares after an Oilers home win.
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There are, of course, the usual suspects for a game starting: ZZ Top’s Tush, David Lee Roth’s Just A Gigolo, and Wham’s Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.
Anderson says those songs to really get Rogers Place rockin.
“Generally, penalties need an urgent lick that can be cut short when the referee decides to make a quicker announcement,” he said.
Deep Purple’s Smoke On The Water and Led Zep’s Whole Lotta Love, among others, fit the bill.
When the Oilers are scored upon, Anderson inflects a more aggressive tone, such as The Hawaii Five-O theme.
Now retired from his IT gig, music is playing a prominent role in Anderson’s life.
He never turns down a chance to play at senior’s residences in Edmonton with his accordion. He volunteers at the Roozen Centre — formerly Pilgrim’s Hospice, two large churches and Jasper Place AgeCare.
“Wherever you go, they all remember the same songs,” he said.
“I’m fully aware that this is one of the sweetest gigs in the city, and getting paid for watching hockey is exactly as cool as you would think it is. And getting paid for watching playoff hockey is a hundred times better than that.”
Go organ!
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