Thor Wants In Hall Of Fame

Thor has recorded more than 20 albums, done countless world tours, made 10 films, won the Mr. Canada, Mr. USA and Mr. Universe bodybuilding titles, made a legendary appearance on the Merv Griffin show before millions of viewers, has an upcoming movie based on his life, a cartoon series called Triton The Intercessor and has revived the Vancouver Millionaires hockey team.

Is there anything the powerful rocker hasn't done?

Not much, other than re-release his 1978 Keep The Dogs Away debut on CD — until very recently. Thor was always too busy moving forward to look back, but the gargantuan man who spawned the power rock genre — a hybrid of hard rock, heavy metal and big, pretty muscles — has finally corrected this minor oversight. He remastered and reissued his 10-track tour de force with bonus material. Thor reflects wistfully about the album that started it all.

"Like a fine wine, Keep The Dogs Away gets better with time," he says. "A new generation of fans are getting into this album 30 years later because Keep The Dogs Away transcends time.

"Many have asked for Dogs to be released on CD. It was the one that launched my incredible career. Many call it one of the greatest albums to ever come out of Canada... So here it is."

Keep The Dogs Away's straight-up rock tracks and Norse imagery hold up incredibly well after three decades. As with any definitive piece of art, Thor believes the album's revolutionary nature is its most redeeming quality, especially when compared to other music that was popular around its release.

"I am an inventor, an innovator, if you will. Keep The Dogs Away was a new sound at the time. I created the muscle rock, gladiator rock, superhero rock — whatever you want to call it, image. Many called it power rock. Alice Cooper was the thin horror queen and David Bowie was the thin white alien [in 1978]. Other bands like Motley Crue imitated my look on Shout At The Devil and Manowar tried to copy me. I've been copied, but never equalled."

Still, the man who's renowned for bending steel bars and blowing up hot water bottles like balloons continually sells out shows around the globe and is preparing to release another collection of new material next year. That said, he'd like a little more recognition on the home front.

"I think I've become a better showman and actor. I still tour with my band to packed venues. I have done so much in my career for Canada. I have had #1 hits in England and Europe, toured all over the world and started trends in the music industry that no other Canadian has done.

"In 2005, I was the only Canadian voted as one of the top performers of all time, yet I have never gotten my name in the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame. I should at least get a lifetime achievement award."