It is with sadness that we announce the recent passing of Hamilton drumming legend and solo performer Jack Pedler. He passed away on December 23, 2025. We will update this page as we find out more details. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Jack Pedler drummed with numerous acts, including Buxton Kastle, Teenage Head, The Mercy Brothers, Ray Materick, Dave Rave, Coyote Shivers, Daniel Lanois and The Rockets. He also created amazing, unique solo material. Jack taught drums at Picks N Sticks for quite a while as well.
Click here for Billboard Canada's story on him (you'll need to scroll down)
A message from Lou, our blogger:
Not only was Jack a powerful drummer but he was a great friend. His sense of humour was legendary and he always had a hilarious story or joke to impart when we bumped into him. I'll miss you buddy.
Social Media Reaction
Sad news seems to travel fast these days, we've just learned of the passing of the one and only Mr. Jack Pedler, one of the hardest working drummers Hamilton has given us. That's Jackie up front with the Ray Bans on, taken near the old CKOC building at 73 Garfield South in the Hammer. Jack signed on in the late 80's, 1986ish at a pivotal moment when Frankie decided to go solo, and we'd also lost our original drummer, Nick Stipanitz. Jack stayed on for 30 more years, playing easily a 1000 shows right across Canada until 2016 when his health problems began. That's Jack playing on our underrated "Electric Guitar" album released in 1987. Not only could he effortlessly add drums to any song, fast, slow didn't matter, he was a real pro. He called slow songs "Nap", as in taking a nap.
If I was writing a book, there would be one long juicy chapter with Jack stories, the guy had an amazingly hilarious sense of humor, which comes in handy in this business. OK, one story... His very first gig with us was I believe in Regina, 1986. As we passed through customs at Pearson, they're waving the wand down around his crotch and he's trying to push the attendants hand away, as the wand is going off like a Geiger counter at Chernobyl. Tin foil will do that when it's wrapped around a modest amount of personal wacky. I'll never forget them paging Mr. Gord Lewis, Mr. Gord Lewis, please come to the ticket counter. Jackie was remarkably able to catch another flight, and made the show that night. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Rest In Peace laddy.
RIP my fellow beautiful band mate soul brother and great spirit Jack Pedler. We toured the world together. You taught me and everyone how the world really worked. Fairyland it Ain't. Rest easy my brother. The world was happy you Rocked it.
My sweet friend Jack Pedler has left us. His last words to me on Saturday were “I love you, Sis and I’m so proud of you”. I can’t say much more right now other than it’s hard to imagine a world without him in it. My condolences to us all as we all loved him and my heart goes out to his brother Dave and sister-in-law Cath, and sister Joanne.
Gene Champagne (Teenage Head, Killjoys)
I am deeply saddened to hear of Jack Pedler passing. Another huge loss to the music community. Jack had an incredible sense of humour and was a one of a kind. Everyone knew Jack Pedler not only because of his long tenure in Teenage Head and the multitude of bands he played with but because he was Jack Pedler!! A ferocious drummer that I very much looked up to because he was one of the best hands down.
Links: Buxton Kastle, Video above courtesy of Paul R K Wheeler Jr
Links: Teenage Head, More Teenage Head Stories, Video above courtesy of Teenage Head - Topic
Links: More Jack Pedler Stories, Video above courtesy of Videowave Music Videos
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