TORONTO – Millions of Canadians around the country will be commemorating Canada’s 146th birthday this weekend.
Whether attending BBQs, parades, festivals or carnivals, the singing of the national anthem is a staple at these celebrations.
The current and most popular version of “O Canada” was adopted in 1980 when it officially became the country’s national anthem.
Often sung at sporting events, the singing or playing of the national anthem often results in an ordinary and unmemorable experience—unless you butcher the lyrics, change the melody, or your name is William Shatner (see example below).
Here’s a look at some memorable Canadian national anthem moments.
What were those words, again?
In February 2013, American singer Jeff Fuller butchered the Canadian and U.S. anthem before a Toronto Blue Jays’ spring training game against the Houston Astros.
Fuller made it through the first few verses of “O Canada” before he began to mix up the lines.
While many fans booed Fuller’s performance, others showed their true Canadian nature and applauded the singer in support.
“We are too kind,” said a fan in the YouTube video posted below.
Edmonton Oilers fans belt it out
In 2006, Edmonton Oilers fans sung the Canadian anthem before the Stanley Cup final game against the Mighty Ducks. It was a moment that would make every Canadian in attendance sing their hearts and lungs out (case in point, forward to the 0:57 mark and check out the fan in the right hand corner of the video screen).
“O Canada” in Las Vegas
Back in 1994, Las Vegas lounge singer Dennis K.C. Parks – credited in the video as Greg Bartholomew – attempted to sing our national anthem before a game between the Las Vegas Posse and the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Apparently, Parks never heard the anthem sung before. When watch the performance below, you might just agree.
Hey, at least he’s rocking the hair…right?
William Shatner “sings” the Canadian anthem
“I am just reading over the song, it’s confusing, it’s outdated.”
READ MORE: Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield to perform in Ottawa for Canada Day
In 2011, actor William Shatner received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Canada’s Governor General. In the short clip below, Canada’s once most famous space cadet (before Chris Hadfield stole the title) gives us his rendition of our nation’s hymn.
William Shatner Sings O Canada par Jacob Medjuck, Office national du film du Canada
– with a file from Adam Frisk, Global News
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