What started as a casual jam session in a Summerside shed has evolved into a full-blown musical movement that’s raised more than $20,000 for the Prince County Hospital (PCH) Foundation.
The Flu Fighters, a six-physician cover band made up of Drs. Steve MacNeill, John Morash, Jonathan Sharpe, April MacPhee, Tyler McDonell, and David Antle came together almost by accident in June 2024. They work together at the Prince County Hospital and, after chatting, discovered they each had some musical ability.
The group began gathering weekly in Dr. MacNeill’s shed, gradually expanding their repertoire of songs and becoming more comfortable playing together. A Halloween staff party became the turning point that pushed them toward performing publicly.
“We had no intention of playing for others, but after about two months, we decided it might be fun to host the staff,” said Dr. Antle, who does back-up vocals and plays guitar and harmonica. “One of the physiotherapists, Sheila Macmurdo, and Steve’s wife, Dr. Helga Reisch, were the ones to suggest it become a fundraiser and a more regular gig.”
One staff event led to another, and soon Sheila and Helga – the band’s biggest fans – created merchandise to sell as part of the fundraising effort.
“Someone caught wind of it all, and next thing you know, Peter Gallant from the College of Piping asked us to play at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre at the College,” Antle said. “That November 7 show alone raised about $10,000, with additional funds coming from three packed ‘shed parties’ and merch sales.”
Despite their growing local fanbase, fundraising wasn’t the band’s original goal. But as they kept playing, they saw how much their music lifted their colleagues’ spirits and realized it could help in a bigger way.
“It became a huge stress relief for us, and when the staff came… well, they needed it as much as we did,” Antle said. “The last couple years have been very challenging, and it was eating into well-being from a mental standpoint. This is one little thing we could do. It’s become something that’s made all of our lives better.”
Every weekly practice is part music, part camaraderie, and the band has no plans to slow down. They’re open to the occasional jam with others, but the core six plan to remain the main lineup. Still, Antle hopes their example inspires more musical medicine on PEI.
“It’d be awesome to see others take up the same interest… a whole slew of doctor bands on PEI. There’s a three-person band at the QEH – Sneezer – and we hope to cross paths with them more often, too.”
Most of all, he’s grateful. “My bandmates have had a very positive impact on my life,” he said. “And I appreciate the fans and those who have donated. This is a very uniquely East Coast thing. I don’t think there’s any other place in Canada that would’ve rallied around non-professional musicians like this. Thank you all so much.”
Want to check out the latest Flu Fighter show? Visit: https://youtu.be/V4tGdtwp5sw
