High-schoolers turned pop stars receive Burlington’s key to the city

It started at Aldershot High School and led to international acclaim, now it can be said Spoons have come full circle.

The champions of new wave music in Canada, who made their mark in the 80s and still perform regularly, were honoured in their hometown of Burlington last night (June 24) with a presentation of the key to the city.

Spoons, along with others, received recognition as part of a civic awards ceremony.

The key to the city is given to people who have made significant contributions to Burlington and recognizes those whose hard work, talent, efforts and passion make the city a better place to live.

Formed in 1979 by high school friends Gordon Deppe (guitar vocals), Sandy Horne (bass) and Brett Wickens (keyboards) the line-up of Spoons has changed over the years with Deppe and Horne remaining the constants. The band had its classic years when Derrick Ross (drums) and Rob Preuss (keyboards) were members.

In 1982 they released their breakthrough record, Arias & Symphonies with three songs making the charts including the international hit Nova Heart. The album brought them awards and allowed them to perform along with such acts as the Police, Culture Club and Simple Minds.

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Their fame and musical approach caught the attention of Nile Rogers, known for his work with the disco/funk group Chic, who produced their next album Talkback which spawned the hit Old Emotions. In following years other hits followed such as Tell No Lies and Romantic Traffic.

By the 1990s band members took a break from the business to start families but returned for several reunion concerts. Today, while Deppe and Horne continue to perform under the Spoons name, the guitarist also tours with Flock of Seagulls.

During the presentation of the key to the city, it was noted that the band’s first album reflected on life growing up in Burlington.

“Never forgetting their roots, Spoons have returned to perform in Burlington at the Sound of Music Festival, a charity concert in 2015 to help fundraise for the new Aldershot High School theatre, and in 2023 at Burlington’s Canada Day celebrations,” said Mayor Marianne Meed Ward during her presentation.