STICKY is a four piece cover band based in “The Waterloo Region” in Ontario, Canada. Their high energy performance of alternative, pop rock songs from the last few decades will get everyone on the dance floor! Check them out at a local pub or book them for your next private function.
History:
In the early 2000’s, J.Koop and his band ,Bionic Roommate, needed to fill a vacant bassist spot. John D. was called to fill the void to perform all their original music. John D. suggested incorporating some cover songs in order to appeal to a wider audience and secure more gigs. This was the birth of the the full on cover band “STICKY”. The new incarnation were very busy playing local bars, festivals and private functions. They played all over South Western Ontario, from Windsor to Ottawa.
But all this popularity and busy travel schedule took a toll on their personal lives. They lightened up their schedule and hired a full time therapist to help deal with emotional issues that local fame brings. Nothing seemed to help and they decided the best option was to take a hiatus.
John D. went on to perform with London, Ontario legendary, classic rock cover band Wrif Wraf. J. Koop went on to write and perform with Waterloo based Fixing Broken. The other members all moved on to perform in other bands, or something, we don’t talk about them anymore.
J. Koop and John D. were reunited by their therapist in 2015. The therapist, who turned out to just be a bar tender, suggested that they get the band back together. At first they were reluctant but after a few too many drinks, agreed to put past behind them and get STICKY in a rehearsal room.
J. Koop and John. D contacted the rest of the band to meet up and feel the magic again. But it seemed like only magic would get a drummer and guitarist from the old STICKY back again. They had moved on with their lives. The love and passion for STICKY was gone after getting over the pain of the break-up.
STICKY went through months of auditions at the Garage in Kitchener to find the right fit for the band. The skill, the energy, the look and the passion that STICKY needed to be the best cover band in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and beyond!
Brent’s audition went so well that he was called back with-in 6 months to join the band. He brought youth and sex appeal that the band desperately needed , but more importantly, he plays guitar and sings back-up.
The trio went through 8 to 10 thousand local drummers to finally stumble upon the missing link, the driving force, the time keeper, Raphael. Raph, as we call him now, was the drummer that STICKY needed! After accepting a spot in the band, he spent months digging out his drum set from under a pile of kids toys, in a dark basement, on the far side of Waterloo.
The newly reformed STICKY performed at Chainsaw in Waterloo, Ontario February 18 2016. They booked many gigs in the area including The Duke of Wellington, Maxwells, Shakespeare Arms in Guelph, The Hub in Stratford, McCabes in Guelph and a bunch of private events . When Raph was busy we would have Shawn or Jeff fill in for gigs as needed.
After a late summer gig in Plattsville, 2019, we found out that Raph was diagnosed with cancer. He needed to step away from the band while he underwent treatment. Jeff filled in for a few gigs in the fall as needed.
Covid shut us down like everyone else in the late winter and spring of 2020. During this time, Raph lost his battle with cancer and passed away. We were all devastated by this news. More than just a great drummer, he was a great friend, father and husband. We miss him dearly and hope he rests in peace.
The summer of 2020, this started to open up a bit. Dave came out to fill in on drums and we booked a gig at Rhythm and Brews in Cambridge. It was a weird gig with a bunch of covid restrictions. No dancing. No fun. Things closed down again and we decided it wasn’t worth it and took a long hiatus.
In the fall of 2022, John, John and Brent decided to get back together and see how things feel. Around that time, we were contacted by Kevin, a drummer John D had crossed paths with a few years earlier. Kevin came out to do jam with us and it felt like a good fit but we weren’t ready to get back out there. With Kevin’s persistence, we booked a gig at Block 3 in St Jacobs late May 2023. Kevin was part of the “Block 3 Band” where John D first met Kevin. The gig went great and we booked a gig that Edelweiss Tavern in Kitchener.
After the Edelweiss Gig, Kevin broke the news he was planning to move away and had to leave the band. We were drummer-less again. We auditioned a few drummers and settled on Matt for a gig for the grand opening of the Wellesley Bill Gies Rec Centre. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a great fit and so we continued our search. We were connected with Trevor. A seasoned drummer that is a current member of around 38 music groups.
Our first gig with Trevor is at The Edelweiss Tavern in Kitchener, January 17th 2026.
Check out STICKY at their next scheduled gig and don’t forget to tip your therapist!
J. Koop – Lead Vocals, Keys, Harmonica, Percussion
John D. – Bass , Back-up Vocals
Brent – Guitar, Back-up Vocals
Trevor – Drums
