Hamilton's Georgie Fab Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hamilton musician/producer Georgie Fab, who was most recently a member of the Rockets. We will post more information on this page as we learn about it. Our condolences to his friends, family and fans.

Biography Highlights (mostly from Wikipedia)

• Born Robert George Johnston on July 31, 1952
• Produced Darcy Hepner, King Biscuit Boy, Sylvain Sylvain (New York Dolls) and many others
• In the 1970's, he joined Buxton Kastle as an organ player (his bandmates were Jerry Doucette, Jack Pedler, and David Kastle
• Buxton Kastle's single Kagie, hit #2 on the Canadian Adult Contemporary chart RPM in 1971.
• Switched to guitar in 1971 when Jerry Doucette left Buxton Kastle.
• Contributied material to the band Lighthouse. George and founder Skip Prokop co-wrote the #1 hit, It Just Occurred To Me. 
• Co-wrote with Kim Mitchell, including Feel It Burn, Caroline, All We Are
• Founded the A Cellar Full of Noise studio in Hamilton.
• Co-founded Race Records in Hamilton.
• In recent years, he was a member of Ronnie and Rockets, which became the Rockets when Ronnie Lodge passed.

A word from Lou, our blogger:

I was lucky enough to bump into Georgie quite a few times when going to Rockets shows. In addition to doing an amazing job with the music, he was always friendly and welcoming. I'll miss him.

Social Media Reaction

TommyGunn

RIP GEORGIE FAB aka Bobby Johnston

I will always remember you as an uncle, friend and mentor. You were an incredible talent!

I am going to miss you xoxo

Lou Molinario (Music Promoter)

RIP Georgie Fab.

I am just learning that Hamilton Music Producer & Musician, Georgie Fab has passed away.

Wow.. like a hard punch in the gut. 

I worked with Georgie as we brought in Sylvain Sylvain to record a song with the Poisoned Aeros.  Aside from Georgie being a true professional, he was so laid back and fun to be with.  Always hospitable too.  

A memory that comes to mind was when Teenage Head recorded a song for TSN's hockey presentations.  Nothing was a challenge for him.  I sat back and just watched him work his magic.

I will always remember him for having such a big heart.  Couple of years before TAH closed, Georgie told me that he wanted to throw a surprise party for Bill Dillon.  He had this impressive list of players who were going to perform.  The way he orchestrated the planning was just like his work in the studio - professional and effective..... without a glitch.

We had some great chats about The Move/Roy Wood, The Kinks, Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band and The Rutles. When we had Neil Innes play at TAH, Georgie was like a kid watching one of his musical heroes.  Same with Carmine Appice's 2 visits at This Ain't Hollywood.

My condolences to his family and close friends. 

Thank you Jack Pedler and Rob Platsko for introducing me to him.

Man.. what a disappointment.. 

Thanks for everything, Georgie!  You're in a class of your own. 

Dave Rave (Teenage Head, Shakers)

Rip Georgie Fab.  We will miss your beautiful spirit.  Your love of music. And your positivity.  It was an honor to know you.   You made the world a better place.

Links: The Rockets, More Rockets Stories, Video above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens

Video above courtesy of Georgie Fab

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Previous (Florida Razors drummer Greg Cannon Passes) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday: Leroy Emmanuel)

Happy Drumming Day ft Jack Pedler

Update of 2018 Post

Links: Jack Pedler, More Jack Pedler Stories, Video above courtesy of CLARES

Links: Teenage Head, More Teenage Head Stories, Video above courtesy of tdotphoto

Links: Ian Andrews, More Ian Andrews Stories, Video above courtesy of SuZIMageZ

Links: The Rockets, More Rockets Stories, Video above courtesy of Paul R K Wheeler Jr

More Drumming Day Videos

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Paul RK Wheeler Jr., a Performer of Boundless Energy, Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hamilton/Niagara musician, Paul RK Wheeler Jr. He passed away on April 11, 2022 due to cancer complications. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Paul grew up in a talented musical family and started drumming at the age of 4 but skillfully picked up many other instruments along the way. He played with many bands in multiple genres throughout the years.  In his incredible career, he opened for Alice Cooper, Trooper, Big Wreck, Foo Fighters, Alannah Myles, Nazareth, April Wine and Pete Best (Beatles). Most recently, Paul played for AC/DC tribute band Squeeler and The Rockets.

A word from Lou, our blogger:

I had the pleasure of meeting Paul a number of times over the years. He always had a smile on his face and was filled with boundless energy both on-stage and off. His wonderful attitude was infectious and his talent was immense. I will miss him dearly.

Media stories

• Niagara Falls Review
• Spectator obituary

Social Media Reactions

Bill Dillon (Rockets bandmate)

Sometimes all we have left are photographs and memories. Until such time it is all we too have left behind us .

Thank you Paul Wheeler for all you have blessed us with of yourself  and may you rest eternally in peace.

Dave Rave (Teenage Head)

Very sad news - we lost a true gentleman and inspiration to all of us .  RIP  Paul R K Wheeler Jr. We will all miss your talent and generous spirit. 

Coleen Drinkwalter-Plate (local music fan and friend of Paul)

My heart hurts knowing that this amazing person has left us. Paul R K Wheeler Jr. was an amazing friend and a super talented performer.  

Joanne Muroff Smale (Planet3 Communications)

You taught me the history of music out of the Niagara region - heck, going back to the early days of your family's talents.   As you shared, acts use to perform in the northern part of USA, crossed the border to perform in the region -  only to turn around to continue gigging in the States & onwards to Montreal.   Loved your Tuesday (I believe) nights at Tapp's Bar and Grill - the older crowd on Queen Street Downtown - lol. Big Texas Niagara great stuff.  You are a force to be reckoned with.   You 'bluprinted' musical memories of days gone by - thanks for the notes, thanks for the tales....my peace & love kiddo 

Mike Markarian (musician)

So saddened to hear of Paul R K Wheeler Jr.'s passing. Our association dates back to him producing the first Slang CD "Resilience". We had a ton of laughs together, "Uncle Paulie", for anyone who knew him, was a total cut up, just a great fun guy to be around, not to mention his many diverse musical talents. Paul has been a constant on the Niagara music scene for 5 decades.  He will be missed. F*ck cancer. RIP Paulie, thoughts are with his family and close friends at this time, condolences to you all. 

Kevin Richard Hotte (drummer)

My memory of the Wheeler Brothers.

Back in "the day" I was playing at Uncle Sam's in Niagara Falls. Between sets, I went next door to The Sundowner which, at that time also had bands. I sat down and watched Paul and Jon performing with a band called The Criminals. I thought they were a very good band. Jon was an outstanding guitar player and Paul equally as good playing bass. They had their show nice and polished, wardrobe, posing etc. They left a really strong impression on me. 

Sometime later, I get a phone call from Jon asking me If I would be interested in joining their band. Apparently, some agent they were working with at the time wanted to book them on a tour of Quebec and parts of Northern Ontario. I said sure. So we got together in the basement of their house and pounded out the set list. I remember the very first song we jammed on was Crazy Train. It was just new on the charts. While we were jamming you could feel the electricity as well as the uncanny, almost telepathic synergy that Paul and Jon had between them. I thought "we're gonna go over awesome".

A week or two later, I get a call from Jon. He's very pissed off and he tells me that the tour fell through. I don't remember the reason or circumstances. But anyway, I took an offer with another band and we kind of lost touch with one another after that until FB became a thing and I reached out to Paul after Jon's passing. It was obvious that we had mutual respect for each other because in that short period of time that we were a band, we left enough of an impression on each other to remember each other many years down the road. We re-connected through Facebook and spoke occasionally. 

That's it. That's my story of working with Paul and Jon. Godspeed and RIP my friend. No pain...you are with Jon now. I hope we can jam again one day!

Cartoonist/Musican Bob Sherwood

I lost an old friend of mine to cancer last week. He was a great musician from the "old school" Southern Ontario live music scene. This caricature is my tribute to him.

Links: The Wheelers, More Alice Cooper Stories/Covers

Links: The Rockets, More Rockets Stories, More AC/DC Stories/Covers

Videos above courtesy of Paul R K Wheeler Jr

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News Roundup, Part 1: Kelly Jay Celebration of Life incl videos.

R.I.P Kelly Jay

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News

CHCH Video: Kelly Jay Celebration of Life


Links: More Kelly Jay Stories, More CHCH Videos, Video above courtesy of CHCH

Hamilton Spectator story: Kelly Jay's celebration of life

Videos from the Celebration

• Trickbag w Lester Smith
• Mark LaForme and Friends
• The Rockets
• The Rockets w Greg Godovitz of Goddo + Ed Pilling of Fludd
• Joshua Arden Miller and Friends
• Dave Rave and Friends
• Crowbar
• Crowbar perform Oh What a Feeling
  
  
  
  Links: Crowbar, More Crowbar Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous
  
  
• Brant Parker and Friends

Videos courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous and Helen Graham

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Adventures of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

Trebleclef was at the awesome celebration for Kelly Jay.

Click here for more pictures of the event.

MORE NEWS ROUNDUPS

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Videos: Sonny Del Rio, Trickbag, Smoke Wagon, Big Johnny Blue, Jude Johnson, Rockets

Sonny Del Rio's annual X-Mas bash is always the highlight of the holiday season and this year's edition will be packed with fabulous music. It's also a celebration of Sonny's 75th birthday and a release party for his new live DVD/CD. Even Santa himself is planning a visit to check out the festivities.

For only $20, you 'll get the see all of the incredible bands showcased below at the Leander Boat Club in Hamilton. Sunday, November 25, 2018, 1-5pm. IT'LL BE A MAGICAL NIGHT!



Links: Sonny Del Rio, More Sonny Del Rio Stories, More 5-Star Revue Stories, More Louis Jordan Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of James Goodrick



Links: Trickbag, More Trickbag Stories, Video above courtesy of Trickbag Canada



Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Video above courtesy of Corey Lueck



Links: Big Johnny Blue, More Big Johnny Blue Stories, Video above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens

Links: Jude Johnson, More Jude Johnson Stories, Carl Horton, More Carl Horton Stories, Video above courtesy of Jude Johnson



Links: The Rockets, More Rockets Stories, Video above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens

Blast from the Past: Sax Day videos ft Sonny Del Rio

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Previous (Videos: Treeline on Cultivate Music) - - - Next (News Roundup: Don Hayter Passes, Rachel + Timothy Senko, Maggies, Cambridge Times Readers Choice, More)

Ronnie Lodge of the Rockets Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald (Ronnie) Lodge of Ronnie and the Rockets fame. He passed after a long illness on August 23, 2018. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

His obituary.

LODGE, Ronald Arthur 

After a lengthy illness, Ronnie passed away at the Clarion Nursing, Stoney Creek, on Thursday, August 23, 2018 in his 56th year. Predeceased by his parents Betty and Bud Lodge and brother Bruce. Beloved husband of Pamela Trpcic. Loved father of Alisha Lodge (Jim), Michelle Hewson (Jeff), Jesse Trpcic (Deann), and Michael Trpcic (Maggie). Cherished grandfather of James, Carson, Evan, and Brennan. Dear brother of Joan Mills and sisters-in-law Janice Lodge and Linda Rosehart (George). Ronnie will also be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews; Katie, Jamie, Jeremy, Tina,  Bobby, Christa (J.D.) and Aaron (Tara). Ronnie was the founding member of Ronnie and The Rockets. Friends will be received at the Donald V. Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Avenue Drive, Stoney Creek, on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until the Funeral Service in the Funeral Home Chapel at 1:30 p.m. Cremation to follow. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated. Online condolences and notes of sympathy may be left at www.donaldvbrown.ca

There was an outpouring of support on social media. Here are a few samples. We may add more later.

Pam Caskie-Trpcic (Ronnie's wife)

It is with a heavy heart I announce the passing of my beloved Ronnie Lodge early this morning. My heart will always be will you baby, you will always be with me. Gone too soon.

Felicia McMinn 

 You made my ears and soul so very happy.

Kimberly Lahaie

So terribly sad to hear we lost another good friend and a very talented musician :( Ronnie Lodge please rest easy ! God has gained another beautiful angel, thank you for all the years ! You will be greatly missed by all ! Fly high.

More Ramones Covers/Stories



More Fats Domino Covers/Stories



More Hollies Covers/Stories

Videos above courtesy of Ronald Lodge

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Previous (News Roundup: James Blonde, Elliott and the Audio Kings, Morgan Davis, More) - - - Next (Peter Shaw Passes)

St. Catharines' Fraser Loveman (of the Modbeats) Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of St. Catharines' Fraser Loveman. He was the frontman of the legendary Modbeats. He passed away on Friday, April 6, 2018. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Originally the British Modbeats (to cash in on the 60's British Invasion) the band's debut album (recorded in less than 2 days) was released in 1967.  They performed a lot at the castle in St. Catharines and also shared the stage with the Byrds, the Rascals and the Four Tops.  The group performed on and off  in the region for decades.

Fraser was also well-known as a musicologist with over 50,000 records in his collection. He was also a frequenter social media poster where he shared stories, collections and so much more.

The outpouring of love on social media was wonderful, here a few quotes:

Eddie Collins (Groovetime Productions)

I've never known anyone who was so dedicated to immersing their time daily to continuous and consecutive posts, supporting all genres of music from pre rock era, to present day.

Fraser, thru his posts brought a smile to many, including myself. We shared many private messages, and admired his respect in his comments to me personally, regarding my involvement in many facets of the music industry. Over the Christmas holidays, we had scheduled a time to phone each other, but due to Fraser's health issues, and as life's circles go, we didn't get that opportunity. Now entering the gates of 'Rock & Roll Heaven' our pal Fraser will unite with everyone he's supported, and add to ..one hell of a band!

Paul RK Wheeler Jr (the Rockets) 

Fraser Loveman and I had been discussing getting together and pulling our local knowledge together to start a Niagara Music Museum. I'm so sad that now we won't have that adventure together. He was a bit of a Hero to me. Goodbye Sir

Dollar Bill

He knew, loved and collected music, no label, catagory, or specialty needed, if it was music, it was Fraser's bag and destined for one of his many shelves.

He didn't just hoard them away, but shared his knowledge and love worldwide, each morning up earlier than some go to bed.

Assorted comments

• Your endless stories and experiences will never be forgotten.
• He definitely lived a full life though....so much inspiration.
• I spent lots of time listening to his stories and shenanigans of the time.
• Fraser always brought music to my (and many others) page with great photos & music every single day.

Video above courtesy of The Modbeats





Two videos above courtesy of Benjamin Shulman

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Previous (Peanuts Hucko's 100th Birthday) - - - Next (Terra Lightfoot and Arkells Receive SOCAN No. 1 Song Awards)

Hamilton Musicians' Guild Honour 25 Year and Lifetime Members

The Hamilton Musician's Guild celebrated their veteran members at a special ceremony on April 28, 2014.  The union local (part of the American Federation of Musicians) handed out lifetime membership and 25 year pins/certificates to the deserving artists.

Hamilton music legend, Sonny Del-Rio (Crowbar) was made a lifetime member as was Diane Merinuk, Russ McAllister, Roger Flock and Valerie Tryon.

Christopher Hunt and John Bianchini were also recognized for over 25 years of membership.

Click here for pictures



Links: Sonny Del Rio, More Sonny Del Rio Stories, Video above courtesy of Jim Unsworth

Blast from the Past: Sonny Del-Rio Receives Diamond Jubilee Medal

Links: The Hamilton Musician's Guild, More Guild Stories

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Previous (New Fearing and White CD) - - - Next (New Harlan Pepper CD)

New Sue Leonard EP: Leonardville

As soon as you hear Sue Leonard's voice on her new EP, Leonardville (from Race Records), you know the lady means business.  This Hamilton-born singer/songwriter can rock you as well as soothe you.

Everything starts with an incredible bang thanks to Bye Baby, the high-energy opening track.  What follows is a wonderful mix of pop, rock and soul.  After Sue is done shaking your body, she soothes your soul with two beautiful lighter tunes (Quietude and Angel).

On most of the tracks, the singer is expertly backed by Bill Dillon on guitars and bass, Dave King on Drums, and Georgie Fab (Ronnie and the Rockets) on guitar.  Jesse O'Brien plays piano on a track as well.  The whole gang do a superb job.

The EP is available to download on her website.

Video of the opening track below.



Links: Sue Leonard, More CD Releases 

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Previous (Michael Pickett/Mike Branton/Mighty Duck Blues Band@The Duck) - - - Next (News Roundup w/King Biscuit Boy, Terra Lightfoot, Jackie Washington)

Performer of the Week: Ronnie and the Rockets

For over 17 years, Ronnie and the Rockets have supplied Southern Ontario with good old fashioned rock from the 50s and 60s. Their repertoire includes such classics as Only the Lonely, The Twist, One Fine Day, Great Balls of Fire and many more.

This amazing five-piece band, which includes Hamilton music legend Sonny Del Rio, are all talented music veterans. You can check them out soon as they'll be playing the Wellington Tavern on Jun 18-19.

If you go to any of their shows be sure to pick up their CD for only $10. They sold out of their first 45 rpm record in 1989 and their cassette in 1992. Get it before it's too late!



Links: Main Site - Their Tripod site - YouTube - More Ronnie and the Rockets Stories

Blues News Bites (Jackie Washington, Podcasts, Videos)

Local

• Jackie Washington story in Fall 2009 Hamilton Magazine
• Kim Lister Interview in View magazine
• Andre Bisson on Murphy's Saloon podcast (starts at 20:19) 
• Harrison Kennedy concert available for streaming 

National

• New Leonard Cohen live DVD/CD

International

• House of Blues podcasts: Eric Clapton, Steve Miller discusses Montery Pop, Shemika Copeland, Joe Bonamassa
• 9 DVD set of Rock Hall of Fame performances available
• Dickie Peterson of Blue Cheer passes

Videos

• Chris and Christa at Artword Artbar
  
  

• Ronnie and the Rockets at Oakwood