Yes, bass players are guitar players. But they don’t usually stand out as much as guitar players. 

Some bass players, however, have a real confidence and comfort level on stage. The hats, the hair, the vocals, the lead bass parts, the falsetto… and all the rest of it! The first time Randy Orr came to play at the Cove with his band that he co-leads, Healy & Orr, he really impressed me with is playing and singing, but mostly as a relaxed character on stage. There’s something about an intangible like that that just lends itself to a better show. Echos for the whole band!

Come see Randy play some great bass guitar at The Cove Inn on Saturday, March 7 with Outskirts: A musical celebration of Blue Rodeo. Details and reservations here.

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Seamus Cowan: Somewhere down the line, somebody had an instrument lying around or put it in your hand and said “play it” because there’s no other way that you could be such a great performer and have so much ease and facility on your instrument. Am I right?

Randy Orr: My uncle Bill gave a blue Slingerland kit to my brother when we were kids. I was definitely drawn to it and played it as much as I could without my brother knowing. Years later at early band rehearsals, when we would take breaks, I would always try to play bass or guitar until it was time to get back on the kit. 

Q: I know you have played in all kinds of bands since the early days of your musical career. You have also continued to play in many bands for long periods of time. To me, that says something about your positive connection with the musicians, no?

Randy: I’ve been fortunate to have been in several bands for long periods of time. Making and maintaining great friendships and working relationships is so important. It’s easy to put a band together, but keeping them together is the challenge. 

Q: Touring and gigging all over is a big commitment and can be taxing. What’s your favourite part of the whole game of performing? You seem to come by it honestly.

Randy: I enjoy every aspect of the touring life, except missing my family and friends. My favourite part is definitely showtime and feeling people respond to the music and the energy exchange that happens. It’s amazing, as you know. 

Q: Playing a fair mix of originals and covers has been your gig. What have you found over the years is the biggest difference when you’re playing live shows for people and their response to original music and cover tunes?

Randy: Folks seem to love hearing stuff they are familiar with. We try to slide an original in after a big hit so people are already up and dancing. After a few shows, people are used to hearing our originals, and in some cases are requesting them. It’s pretty cool to look out and see people singing a song you wrote. It’s tricky though. We’ve lost momentum a few times over the years trying to sneak in a few originals!

Q: Over the years, you seem to have managed to keep your energy up, considering how much scheduled work you have. I can imagine that you really have to plan a lot of things ahead but I suppose this trait has served you well in the recording and touring scene?

Randy: My phone calendar is definitely important! Scheduling and time management is key. Playing with five bands and running a recording studio is definitely tough to manage, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! Gotta stay busy buddy! I hate having down time.

Q: Performing with close friends makes gigging so much more fun! What stones do you feel are still left unturned and where do you see your musical career continuing? Is there anybody that you’re really hoping that you will be able to work with someday?

Randy: Maybe one day I will be in a band playing rhythm guitar. I really enjoy being in a supporting role. I think the future will be more production and recording with some of the younger bands… try to share what I know. I’d also like to keep working with the bands I’m already in. They are great! No bucket list items for me yet other than continuing to surround myself with people that are better than me. They make me play better!

Posted: Mar 2, 2026