Throwback Thursday: Randy Steele Tribute @ The Studio (June 28, 2009)

Original Posts: June 29 & 30, 2009

Merged/Updated Post: March 19, 2026

On Sunday, June 28, 2009 @ The Studio at Hamilton Place, a wonderful celebration of life was held for Hamilton musician and newsman Randy Steele, who passed away on May 22, 2009.

Click here for the Global News story on his passing

Links: Rocketship7 (Randy's Last Band), More Rolling Stones covers/stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

The Grand Finale:

Links: Jim Witter, More Jim Witter Stories, More Beatles Covers/News Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Below are links to the other videos that we took at that ceremony.

• Lori Yates, Lisa Winn, Alfie Smith
• Steve Strongman: That's What She Does
• Crawlin' Kingsnakes: Now I'm Crazy
• Bob Lanois
• Jim Witter: Candle in the Wind
• Spider and the Stirling Silver Band - Celebrate
• Kori Pop: Astrocops
• Blacken'd Red: Dead Flowers
• Mickey DeSadist & the Westdale Electricians - Eighteen
• Matt Hayes & Jim Witter: Two of Us

Below is a collection of Hamilton Spectator stories about Randy and the event itself.   Click the links below the pictures to make it bigger.

Click here for bigger version

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Previous (St. Patrick's Day Videos) - - Next (Spring Videos)

Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Bowie's Ziggy Stardust with Amazing Local Covers & More!

Today (June 16, 2022) The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, David Bowie's classic album turns 50 years old.

Trivia:

• Release date: June 16, 1972 on RCA Records
• Produced by David Bowie & Ken Scott 
• Guests: Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder, Mick Woodmansey, Rick Wakeman, Dana Gillespie

Below are a few local covers of songs from the album.

Links: More Spider Costello Videos, Video above courtesy of Eric Ryder Costello

Links: Stardust, Video above courtesy of Robert Manley

Stardust had this to say about the incredible album: 

Sure Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars was in my opinion and probably in all of our opinions one of the greatest albums ever.

It didn’t leave my tape deck for a year. It’s mesmerizing from start to finish: the production is beautiful and warm, it’s lyrically amazing, it’s one of the best album I’ve ever heard to this day.

Personally it inspired me the way I write music the limitless boundaries of creativity: no fences,  no genre - phenomenal.

And now a song from the main man himself:

Links: David Bowie, More David Bowie Stories/Covers, Stardust, Video above courtesy of David Bowie, More 50th Anniversary Albums

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Previous (Sold on Hamilton June 2022 Show) - - - Next (Big Rude Jake Passes)

Hamilton-Born and St. Catharines Raised Rush Drummer, Neil Peart Passes

One of the world's biggest rock legends, Rush drummer Neil Peart passed away on Tuesday January 2, 2020 after a brain cancer diagnosis. Neil, who was born in Hamilton and also grew up in St. Catharines, was an integral part of one of Canada's (and the world's) most popular bands. Their influence is immeasurable.

Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Rush placed the statement below on their website.

Jacob Moon, who performed for the band's induction into the Canadian Songwriters' Hall of Fame, posted a tribute video. Click here to view it. He also posted a statement: 

I am shocked, as is the whole musical world, by the sudden and tragic passing of Neil Peart, surely one of our most precious national treasures. His gifts on his instrument are unmatched. His way with words illuminated the human condition in artful and insightful ways.

We will all be poorer for his absence, myself included...We do well to heed his words, and to savor the life we have while we have it.

'Freeze this moment a little bit longer/Make each sensation a little bit stronger' - Neil Peart

Rest well, professor.

Local Media

• Hamilton Spectator
• CHCH
• FYI Music News
• CBC
• Global News (incl video)
• St. Catharines Standard

Many other local musicians took to social media to honour the music legend.

Spider Costello

A HUGE influence on me, not only as a drummer, but his lyrics as well, which spoke to my personal experience as a small-town outsider and inspired me to broaden my literary horizons. A terrible, terrible loss.

Steve Parton

Oh no. The world's most beloved drummer has just died. Neil Peart from Rush is gone at age 67. His lyrics and his drumming made me weep, as I am weeping now. He was my favourite drummer, my favourite lyricist.

Dan McKinnon

I remember seeing Rush on their Vapour Trails tour at the Molson Amphitheatre, their first Toronto show after their hiatus in the 90's. One of the highlight's from that show was Neil's drum solo, which went something like this.... 

Here's to one of the greatest who ever stepped behind a kit!

Bill Majoros (The Foreign Fims)

As a Canadian kid learning to play drums & guitar it was a "right of passage" to learn Rush songs. Tom Sawyer, YYZ, Spirit of the Radio etc Thanks to Mr Peart for epic inspiration.

May your magnificent creative spirit live on in those wonderful, super-duper complex drum beats! 

Video above courtesy of CBC News



Video above courtesy of RushWire



Video above courtesy of Noodles Von Soup

Blast from the Past: Rush wins 2018 Polaris Heritage Prize

Links: Rush, More Rush Stories

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Previous (George Arnone Passes) - - - Next (Ensemble! Videos ft Mike Woods + Jamie Shea)

CONGRATS! 2016 Spectator Reader' Choice Award Winners

Hamilton Spectator readers have spoken! Votes were tallied for the 25th anniversary edition of the paper's  Readers' Choice Awards. Hammertown's amazing music scene was well represented.

Here's a full list of music related winners 

• Platinum
• Diamond
• Gold

Local Musician Band

• Was It the Walrus
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of Was it the Walrus
  
  
• Laura Cole
  
  
  
  Links: Laura Cole, More Laura Cole Stories, Video above courtesy of Mel Olds
  
  
• Duane Rutter Band
  
  
  
  Links: Duane Rutter, More Duane Rutter Stories, Video above courtesy of Fernando Goulart
  

The Rest of the Local Musician Top 10

• Apollo's Crown
• Justine Fischer
• Mat Heddle
• Rob Kirkham and Neon Rain
• The McFlys
• Matty Simpson
• Lori Yates

Concert Venue

• FirstOntario Centre/Hamilton Place
• This Ain't Hollywood
• The Baltimore House

Live Entertainment Facility

• This Ain't Hollywood
• FirstOntario Centre
• Hamilton Place

Festival

• Supercrawl
• It's Your Festival/Winona Peach Festival
• Locke Street Festival

Live Jazz Club

• Artword Artbar
• The Cat 'N Fiddle
• Mulberry Street Coffee House/Stonewalls/This Ain't Hollywood

Live Music Bar/Lounge

• This Ain't Hollywood
• Tracie's Place
• The Brew Cafe and Bar

Musical Instrument Store

• Picks and Sticks Music
• Long and McQuade
• The Acoustic Room

Music Instructor

• Sotyria Violaris (Intune Music Academy)
• Eric Ryder Costello (AIFEC, Fermata Inc.)
• Lori Yates

Music School

• Intune Music Academy
• Birchway Sound
• Picks and Sticks Music

Radio Station

• KX 94.7 New Country
• K-Lite FM 102.9
• 95.3 Fresh FM

Record/CD Store New 

• Dr. Disc
• Cheapies
• HMV

Record/CD Store Used

• Cheapies
• Dr. Disc
• Beat Goes On

Click here for a complete list of winners.

One of our sponsors, Urban Hamilton Artists landed in the top ten for Print and Imaging Services.  Also, our Blogger's workplace, the St. Charles Adult Education Centre earned Diamond for Learning Centre and was listed in the top 10 for Adult Education.

CONGRATS EVERYONE!

Click here for the results

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: Readers' Choice Awards, More Spec Readers' Choice Awards Stories

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Previous  (News Roundup: Samantha Martin, Garnet Rogers, Phil Chess, Festival of Friends) - - - Next (Caroline Wiles and Bob Doidge Videos)

Cool Videos from a Private Show

Link: Whiskey Epiphany



Links: Crackers, More Rolling Stones covers/stories



Links: Terry Edmunds, More Junior Wells covers/stories



Links: Dave Rave, More Dave Rave Stories

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Previous (News Roundup (Songwriter Circle Vids, Darren Hancock, Jim Italiano, Chuck Jackson) - - - Next (John Willett of Powerhouse Passes)

News Roundup (Blues Blast Awards, Chris Caddell, Vanishers)

Canada

• Original Lightfoot bassist, John Stockfish passes

World

• New Blues CD releases Sept 2012
• Blues Blast Award winners
• Podcasts: Roadhouse 394, Nothing But the Blues 208
• Website mistakes musicians make

Blasts from the Past

• 2009: Performer of the Week: Les Smith (Trickbag)
• 2010: New JP Riemens CD + Release Party
• 2011: Oakland Soul@Burlington Ribfest

Featured Videos



Links: Chris Caddell, More Chris Cadell Stories, Video courtesy of D'Addario Canada



Links: Vanishers, More Vanishers Stories, Video courtesy of The Vanishers

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Previous (New Caretakers CD) - - - Next (Fry Truck@Artword Artbar)

News Roundup (Earl Scruggs, Max Wray, Ariana Gillis)

Local

• Spider Costello (VooDoo Chicken singer and drummer for a few local bands) will be moving to the US this month. Hamilton will miss him!
• Daniel Lanois videos from the Great Hall
• View Magazine article on Robin Benedict

World

• New Blues releases for April
• Jerry "Boogie" McCain passes
• Podcast: Nothing but the Blues #185
• Earl Scruggs Passes

Weird/Funny Stuff

• Saddest and happiest songs according to science
• Man makes guitar amps out of rotary phone, Ouija boards, and Chess Boards
• Hilarious pics: Guitar restroom, A Yummy Drum, The Last Supper
• Music related Bizarro cartoon
• Go the Blues cartoon

Blasts from the Past

• 2009: Hamilton Place Ranked as #1 Venue in Canada
• 2010: Ginger St. James@Augusta House
• 2011: Mark Vanderheyden@Pheasant Plucker

Featured Videos


Links: Max Wray, More Max Wray Stories, Video courtesy of B-TV



Links: Ariana Gillis, More Ariana Gillis Stories , Video courtesy of Ariana Gillis

News Roundup (Kathleen Edwards, Terra Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen)

Hamilton and Area

• The blogger's personal music tie collection
• Kathleen Edwards CBC concert for streaming

Southern Ontario

• Feb 2012 Issue of Maple Blues Magazine

Canada

• New Leonard Cohen CD

World

• Don Cornelius of Soul Train passes
• Alan Lomax files to go digital
• Lost George Harrison solo found

Weird/Funny Stuff

• Van Morrison related toon
• Greatful Dead related toon

Featured Video (courtesy of Steinberg321)



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Previous (Rita Chiarelli & Alfie Smith Top Blind Lemon's List) - - - Next (New Mark McNeil & Kris Rochard CD)

Barry Mac and Lena Montecalvo@Upper James Neighbour Block Party (September 17, 2011) Part 1

Click here if you can't see the videos.









More to come . . .

This performance was a fundraiser for the Neighbour 2 Neighbour Centre, click picture below to donate.


Bonus videos from This Ain't Hollywood courtesy of Deadendly





Links: Barry Mac, More Barry Mac Stories

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Previous (New Dinner Belles CD) - - - Next (Barry Mac@Upper James, Part 2) 

New Vanishers CD: Hagarsville Dance Party

The Vanishers's latest CD, Hagerville Dance Party is lively roots rock with emphasis on the ROCK. These boys are loud and proud.

The 5-piece band take rockabilly, country, old fashioned rock n roll and pump up the volume. There are even bits o'punk thrown in for good measure. It'll get yer booty and yer walls shakin' at the same time.

Along with their energetic original tunes, they cover Teenage Head's legendary Let's Shake with the Head's Gord Lewis (guitar) in tow. It's always great seeing local boys paying tribute to classic Hamilton rock.

The CD is available at their raucous live shows and as a download on iTunes and CDbaby.

Click here for the Vanishers Site

Below is a video from the CD.


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Previous (New Gaslight Alley EP) - - - Next (Shrimp Daddy/Wild T@Pour House)

Cool You Tube Videos (Ben Somer, Barry Mac, Robin Benedict)

Links: Ben Somer - More Ben Somer Stories

Video courtesy of Southern Souls





Links: Barry Mac - More Barry Mac Stories - More From this Performance

Videos courtesy of Deadendly





Links: Robin Benedict - More Robin Benedict Stories

Videos courtesy of Mama Loves Music

Barry Mac and the One Eyed Jacks @ Westside Concert Theatre (November 20, 2010)

This was part of the Hamilton Music Awards Showcase.

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Barry Mac (Vocals, guitar), Spider Costello (drums), Lena Montecalvo (harmony vocals), Carrie Ashworth (bass)









Links: Barry Mac - More Barry Mac Stories

More Performances from the Westside Concert Theatre HMA Showcase:

• Carter Lancaster
• Christopher Clause
• Photos from the event
  

VooDoo Chicken @ Jessica Agro Mac Kids Fundraiser (May 14, 2010)

Click here if you can't see the videos.

VooDoo Chicken are: (Left to Right): Karen Johnson, Lisa Winn, Christopher Clause, Spider Costello, Mike Rittenhouse, Greg Brisco, and Andrew Aldridge











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Bonus video: Lena Montecalvo & Craig Koshul (of Burnin' Ethyl) opened the night.



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Barry Mac and the One-Eyed Jacks @ Vibewrangler Studio (May 8, 2010)

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Left to right: Spider Costello (drums), Barry Mac (guitar, vocals), Carrie Ashworth (bass) and Lena Montecalvo (vocals)










They were opening for the Caretakers CD Release Party. Click here to view that performance.

Links: Barry Mac Site - More Barry Mac Stories

Local Musicians in Playgirl's "Canadian Rocker" Special

You probably know that Hamilton has the most talented musicians but did you also know we have the sexiest as well?

An upcoming special issue of Playgirl will feature tasteful nude shots of popular Canadian musicians such as Randy Bachman, Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Young, and many others. The best part is three of the studliest models are from right here in the Hammer.

It all started when a Playgirl photographer visited Lou, our illustrious blogger, webmaster and CEO of Hamilton Blues Lovers Inc.

We'll let him tell the story:

"Once again, Playgirl sent a photographer to my house to beg and bribe me with tons of cash to get me to pose for the magazine," he said, "As always, I refused, but this time I told her to check out the local musicians and see if they're interested."

In a special deal with Playgirl Magazine, we've been given permission to post the pictures from our local performers. Since this is a family blog, we've had to censor them. Don't worry, the special issue comes out soon and all you ladies (and men too - we don't discriminate here at HBL) will be able to see them in all their glory.

Photos by April Fulcilli

Andre Bisson's soulful voice isn't his only asset. Check out his band, Andre and the J-Tones around Southern Ontario.

Voodoo Chicken singer and journeyman drummer, Spider Costello can make both drums and hearts beat fast!

When Rick Prinsthal is not rockin' out with his band Rick and the Krickets, he likes to just kick back and relax.

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Previous (Performer of the Week:  John Ellison) - - - Next (Blues News Bites)

Barry Mac and the One Eye'd Jacks @ This Ain't Hollywood (March 5, 2010)

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Left to right: Mike Blackborow (guitar, vocals on T for Texas), Barry Mac (guitar, vocals), Spider Costello (drums, vocals on Dead Flowers), Lena Montecalvo (harmony vocals, lead vocals on Tennessee Waltz ), Frank Koren (bass), and Greg Brisco (keys)













Click Links for More Stories: Barry Mac, Spider Costello, Lena Montecalvo, Frank Koren, Greg Brisco

New Barry Mac CD: Figment of My Mind

Don't let the Cowboy hat on the cover fool you. Barry Mac's new CD, Figment of My Mind, is far from your typical country album.

This singer/songwriter masterfully blends his country sound with flourishes of blues, folk, rock, and more. Standout tracks include Now You're Gone, Start Right Now, You and Me, and the extemely catchy I'm Not Looking For A Friend.

As if Mac's unique voice and talented guitar work weren't enough, he's joined by an incredible group of local players: Russ Wilson (Junkhouse) - who also co-produces, Mike Blackborow (Backroom 11), Midnight Jon, Jesse O'Brien, Joe Clark and the beautiful harmony vocals of JP Riemens, Lianne Cranfield and Lena Montecalvo.

You can pick up the CD at his shows.

Links: His Web site - More Barry Mac Stories

Check out the videos below from his CD Release party at This Ain't Hollywood, featuring Mac and his One-Eyed Jacks: Mike Blackborow (guitar), Spider Costello (drums), Lena Montecalvo (harmony vocals), Pete Sisk (bass), and Greg Brisco (keys).

Click here if you can't see the videos.







Click here to see the opening act of the night: The Thunderbolt Brothers (JP Riemens and Dan Walsh.

Haiti Fundraiser @ Lincoln Alexander Centre (Jan 24, 2010) Part 2

Click here for Part 1, Click here for Part 3

More to come . . .

Click here if you can't see the videos



Left to right: Mike Blackborow, Barry Mac, Lena Montecalvo, Spider Costello (drums), Pete Sisk - More Spider Costello Stories - More Lena Montecalvo Stories - More Pete Sisk Stories

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Links: Christopher Clause - More Christopher Clause Stories - Spider Costello - More Spider Costello Stories

The End - A Tribute to the Beatles (Sept, 26, 2009) Part 1

Quick Links: Friday: Part 1, Part 2, Saturday: Part 2,

Most performances are backed up by Christopher Clause & the Kings of Marigold with the Jamiesons


Sonny Del Rio
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Lisa Winn, Andrew Aldridge
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Mississippi Kings
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Spider Murphy