From now until March 27, 2026 (the week of the Junos in Hamilton) you can vote for the 2026 Famous Hamiltonian Contest. In honour of the Junos, all nominees are musicians.
This is part of our new recurring series of 'Throwback Thursday' posts where we celebrate the wonderful past of the local music scene (specifically pre-2000). If you know of any videos, old posters, trivia bites, etc that would be perfect for this, please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com
Bill Wood (vocals) / Mark Shannon (bass) / Tom Forsythe (guitar) / Larry Potvin (drums) / Tim Clément (guitar) / Mike Lalonde (drums) / Mychael Danna (keyboards) / Andy Ryan (guitar; replaced Clément)
Burlington, Ontario band Darwin won a high school battle of the bands in 1976 and recorded an independent 7″ single. Following the band’s break-up in 1977, Bill Wood moved to Wolfsville, Nova Scotia to enroll at Acadia University.
A friend sent an early demo of Wood’s last demo to Q107 in Toronto, and the song won. He reunited with the members of Darwin a week later and performed at Q107’s Homegrown showcase gig at The El Mocambo. They changed their name to The Oh No’s and would tour Southern, Ontario.
Clement left to pursue solo work, and was replaced by Andy Ryan on guitar. The band lasted until 1980; Wood and Ryan would go on to form Eye Eye; Clément and Danna would continue to work as a duo on ambient music albums and soundtrack work. As individuals they have both sustained lengthy careers doing soundtrack work; Bill Wood is currently enjoying a solo career with his band Bill Wood & The Woodies; Andy Ryan is a real estate agent; Lalonde died in 2000
'Beautiful Scars', the stunning Tom Wilson (aka Lee Harvey Osmond) biographical TVO documentary was recently released on YouTube. The film follows the veteran Hamilton artist's life in music, painting and his lifelong search for identity that took him to unexpected places. It's a remarkable look into the creative drive of one of Canada's most unique artists.
It blossomed from what was meant to be an episode of Dave's YouTube series on abandoned properties. He had heard about a cabin in the woods near Burlington. It turns out to have belonged to Hamilton native Bob Lanois. Intrigued, Dave expanded it to be his first full-length documentary, this time focusing on Bob's life.
The in-depth look includes interviews with many luminaries of the music scene, including.
The 10 album Short List will be unveiled live on July 15 as part of a two-hour special during Drive on CBC Music. An encore broadcast of the special will be available on CBC Music, Sunday, July 18 at 10 p.m. The 2021 Polaris Music Prize-winning album will be revealed in the fall via CBC Music. More details on this will be announced in the coming weeks. Leading up to the reveal of the Short List, CBC Music will have a retrospective special on Sunday, July 11 at 10 p.m.
The Polaris Music Prize awards $50,000 to the artist who creates the Canadian Album of the Year, judged solely on artistic merit, without consideration for genre or record sales. Additionally, the nine other nominated acts whose albums make the 2021 Short List will receive $3,000 each courtesy of Slaight Music.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of local producer, sound engineer, songwriter and musician Bob Lanois. He passed away on April 19, 2021. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
I was lucky enough to spend a short time in the orbit of Bob Lanois about 15 years ago and his charismatic presence and ferocious belief in truth, as the root and foundation of art and performance left a full body tattoo on my soul! He took me aside and told me what’s what. “Play it straight!” I knew exactly what he meant. Tell the Truth! Love.
My Mother passed away in 2006. Couple of weeks after my Mom's funeral, I ran into Bob at a show at the Corktown Tavern. Bob gave me a big hug and passed on his condolences. He mentioned to me that a child's love for his or her Mother is the most unique love in the world. While sharing this, Bob said to me - "Lou, I will always be a Momma's Boy" Every time I saw Bob, I remembered that moment.
It was always wonderful seeing Bob @ This Ain't Hollywood to see shows. Such a friendly, unique happy soul. Sending my condolences to his family workmates and closest friends. Goodbye Bob.
Dave Gilbey
Bob Lanois and Glen Marshall welcomed me and Tim O'Reilly into their space with open arms. My favourite part of the many shoots we did at the Mule Spinner was the chance to talk with Bob. He gave me encouragement when I needed it and told me I should tell people to screw off if they were unsure of my motives. He gave me advice in a world that was not mine.
William Schwendiman
Throughout my "career" booking live music, I've taken a lot of pride in working with the seminal builders of our Hamilton Music community.
When Bob approached me to host the release party for his solo album, "Snake Road", I was honored he'd ask.
His words, "Brodie you book all the underground stuff. That's where I want my record to live".
Rest in Peace to Bob Lanois. Condolences to all that love him.
Every year, the Polaris Heritage Prize celebrates amazing Canadian albums from the past. This year, there are quite a few local entries. You can help by clicking here to vote for our area artists. Deadline is October 18, 2018.
The late, great Hamilton folk legend Stan Rogers is in the running for the 1976-1985 category for his classic Fogarty’s Covealbum.
Another hammertown veteran, Daniel Lanois, has his debut Acadielisted in the 1986-1995 section. Also 2112by Rush, the world-renowned power trio featuring Hamilton-born Neil Peart on drums is up for the 1976-1985 category
The Band, the legendary ground featuring members from the Norfolk area was nominated for their classic album Music From Big Pink(1960-1975 category)
To celebrate Canada's 150th birthday, there were 99 people honoured at this year's Order of Canadagala on July 1, 2017. Representing Hamilton was music legend and highly respected producerDaniel Lanois, who received the title of Officer of the Order of Canada.
First impressions are important, especially in the music industry. With that in mind, the CBC Music recently chose their 25 Best Canadian Debut Albums list to celebrate our country's 150th. Not surprisingly, there were a few local entries.
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