(July 14/06) - After spending 40 years touring North America, Ray Sawyer has finally played a gig in the land of the midnight sun.

Sawyer, better known to his hordes of fans as Dr. Hook, has been rocking out since the days of the eight-track.

International rock and roll deity Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show stopped in Inuvik this week, playing two gigs at the Mad Trapper pub. Hook has been touring for the past 23 years with his new band, after breaking up the original group in 1983. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

With an impressive discography spanning 13 albums and worldwide tours becoming a distant memory recorded only on fading T-shirts, Sawyer says nothing has changed.

"It's still the same lifestyle," said Sawyer. "All I see are hotel rooms, planes and stages. I still love it."

Sawyer has just finished the first night, and is relaxing in the hotel room above the bar enjoying a drink.

Looking back at his set, it's easy to see why he has such a loyal following.

The band was brought up to Inuvik by the Mackenzie Delta Hotel Group and played two sold out shows at the Mad Trapper pub.

The bar filled with people of all ages, all eagerly awaiting the sight of Sawyer.

His trademark bent cowboy hat, long hair and eye patch have become a common sight at some of his shows.

"I see younger and younger crowds out to my shows these days," he said.

"Kids will come out wearing the hats and patches, and it all sinks in. This is great."

When his band started playing in the southern United States in 1969, Sawyer said he never imagined it would bring him this far.

"I'm very fortunate to have a great fan base," he said.

"Now I see kids of my original fans coming out and having a good time."

In 1983, Sawyer broke the band up and laid low for three years before touring with one of the original band members.

The band has been touring smaller venues in North America this year, but plans on doing some shows in Norway in August.

As time passes, so do musical tastes, but the people have stuck behind the good doctor and his crew.

"My original fans have become too old to come out and see me play," said Sawyer with a laugh.

"Hell, I'm too old to be here, but that's cool and I'm all for it."

With a gaze out the window, Sawyer realizes he isn't in Kansas any more.

"It's 1:20 in the morning, but it looks like it should be 9 a.m.," he says with a look of disbelief on his face.

"Is it like this all the time?" he asks.

Inuvik is now officially the farthest north Sawyer has ever been.

"I spent some time in Yellowknife 18 years ago, but that's nothing like this here," said Sawyer.