Cancer Bats Count on Juno Awards to Make Parents Proud

Of all the nominees that might sneer at the hullabaloo that is the Juno Awards, Toronto's Cancer Bats are the obvious pick. But it seems that even this motley crew of decibel-loving punks can appreciate the media blitz for what it really is: an opportunity to impress mom.

"Growing up, being into punk and stuff, I never really cared about the Junos, and it never was a goal of this band either to go to the Junos," drummer Mike Peters tells Spinner. "But it is super cool to by able to tell your mom; even your grandma knows what the Junos is.

"It's pretty cool to be respected and honoured by your country, I guess. It's pretty exciting, especially because not a lot of heavy bands get involved in it."

Though he might cop to feeling a twinge of pride over Cancer Bat's second Juno nod -- this time a Rock Album of the Year nomination for 'Bears, Mayors, Scraps and Bones' -- it's not like the guy is about to sacrifice his street cred by throwing on a tux for tonight's gala event, which precedes the televised Drake-hosted ceremony Sunday.

Watch Cancer Bat's Video for 'Sabatoge'
"We'll probably go more as-is; I might put on, like, a button-up shirt, you know," says Peters.

"Last time we got to go [to the Junos] was in Vancouver, and we were on tour then, and it was like a two-month tour so we were like, 'We don't have suits to go to this thing so we're just wearing jean jackets.' But, then, that's the band; we're the heavy metal band."

Having the Juno Awards held on their home turf is definitely a bonus for the band, adds Peters, as it means they at least have the option for, you know, clean clothes for red carpet moment. But even if Cancer Bats had to pull off another Juno appearance mid-tour as they did in 2009, the outfit wouldn't stress over it; life on the road is what they do best.

"We are definitely a touring band," says Peters.

"For the most part, we all like every aspect of touring, and have no problem getting up in the morning and driving for eight hours. Sometimes you get tired, you know, but this is what we do."

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