Arkells welcomed Nurse to the Budweiser Stage during their Saturday night set (June 22), getting the Raptors bench boss to play guitar for a cover of Stevie Wonder's 1970 single "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours."
You can find all the evidence of Nurse's cameo below.
Nurse made good on an invite extended by the band following the Raptors' June 13 series-deciding victory over the Golden State Warriors to capture the 2019 NBA title. During the night of celebrations, they wrote on Twitter, "Nick Nurse: you're welcome to guitar solo at any Arkells show for the rest of time."
Nurse's axe was a common sight on the Raptors' recent playoff run, seen in a padded gig bag slung over the coach's shoulder while travelling between games. When asked about his own playing earlier this month, Nurse told media, "I'm not very good. If I was a golfer I'd be shooting about 120, if I was comparing my guitar playing to golf. I like a little Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, that kinda stuff."Nick Nurse: you're welcome to guitar solo at any Arkells show for the rest of time.
— ARKELLS (@arkellsmusic) June 14, 2019
Nick Nurse on his guitar: "I'm not very good. If I was a golfer I'd be shooting about 120, if I was comparing my guitar playing to golf. I like a little Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, that kinda stuff." pic.twitter.com/sNpjJ49OjT
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) June 5, 2019
In addition to his guitar playing, Nurse has been described by family members as a "concert-level pianist" who loves jazz. He also has photos of Thelonius Monk, Chet Baker, B.B. King and Muddy Waters hanging in his office at the Raptors' practice facility.Coach: Cool Guy#WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/p9VSGE2TG2
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) May 14, 2019
Arkells recently added more Canadian tour dates behind their Rally Cry album, which saw release last year.
Here is a clearer video of Raptors head coach Nick Nurse, performing Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" with Hamilton/Toronto band The Arkells (from Instagram user scooterjb101). pic.twitter.com/TpJnjmF47U
— Sean Craig (@sdbcraig) June 23, 2019
Nick Nurse surprise appearance at the @arkellsmusic concert! @Raptors pic.twitter.com/PAfh9OXDNs
— David Vandenberg (@burlingtondavid) June 23, 2019
Nick Nurse, head coach of the CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING @Raptors is playing guitar at the @arkellsmusic concert!! #WeTheNorth #raptors #arkells pic.twitter.com/wFMngjTIwb
— CineMATTic CRANDALL (@mattcrandall) June 23, 2019
Canada's most earnest boys, @arkellsmusic, brought out noted human being Nick Nurse for Signed, Sealed, Delivered pic.twitter.com/tDdumrg4sn
— Josh O'Kane (@joshokane) June 23, 2019
Canada's hottest guitarist... Toronto @Raptors head coach Nick Nurse. pic.twitter.com/y3o8DwkCxV
— ARKELLS (@arkellsmusic) June 23, 2019
Introducing the newest member of Arkells.
— ARKELLS (@arkellsmusic) June 23, 2019
(Plz note: he will not be able to tour during the NBA season.)
Thanks @Raptors for letting us borrow him! pic.twitter.com/c6hQiw77uH
