Hudec to rock COP

CRAIG DOUCE RMO PHOTO

Jan Hudec celebrates Canada Day with son Oaklee.

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Banff’s master of the slopes has been called upon to master the house of rock.

World Cup downhill skier Jan Hudec will play six gigs at Canadian Olympic Park as part of Stampede festivities.

Banging the drum has always been a hobby for the speed racer, who’s been known to grace a few European stages after big World Cup races. However, this will be his first North American gig.

“I started playing drums when I was 15 and I’ve been playing off and on for the past few years,” Hudec said.

Growing up in Banff, Hudec saved up enough money to buy his first drum set by bagging groceries at Safeway. He found a set on Bargain Finder in Calgary, drove to the city and discovered the seller was a good friend of Rob Bosinger.

His yet-unnamed band will perform July 6-8 at COP in Calgary from 9-11 p.m. as part of Winsport’s Stampede celebrations. Fireworks will follow the show.

“We’re playing all sorts of songs in the rock genre. We’ve got one Elvis song, some Johnny Cash, the Eagles and some Foo Fighters. I don’t think I’m quite David Grohl calibre, but I’ve got a few drum solos,” Hudec said. “One of the guys in the band, Jay, he’s a wicked guitar player. He wanted to call the band Gold Medal Legs.”

The band is still a work in progress. They still need a bass player before the opening curtain and haven’t managed to get as much practice in as required. However, the show will still go on. Hudec will play with Daniel Lefebvre, who volunteered the duo for the gig. The two have some history rocking out.

“I’ve known him for a while. He’s been involved in sport and we’ve jammed together in his basement,” Hudec said.

After he’s finished the gig, he’ll fly to Zermatt, Switzerland for some speed training.

His coaches hope he keeps his Wipeout performance on the stage and off the snow.