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Ronnie Hayward
FYI
Obituaries: Rockabilly Rebel Ronnie Hayward, Teenage Head Drummer Jack Pedler & more
This week we also acknowledge the passing of Texan roots troubadour Joe Ely, English singer-songwriter Chris Rea, B.C. songwriter-producer Davor Vulama, Ontario music journalist Raul da Gama, original Jethro Tull guitarist Mick Abrahams and Canadian Country Hall of Famer Stu Phillips.
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Richie Hayward, a Canadian rockabilly-country musician and singer-songwriter who found success in Europe and was a key figure on the Canadian rockabilly scene, died on Dec. 18, at age 63.
Hayward led or played in such bands as Ronnie Hayward and The Tailgators, The Bughouse Five, Nervous Fellas, Jimmy Roy's 5 Star Hillbillies, The Ronnie Hayward Combo, Ronnie Artur and his Orkestrio and more.
The Museum of Canadian Music published an extensive biography that calls Hayward "a rockabilly and roots singer and songwriter whose raw sound, uncompromising spirit and prolific output have earned him status in underground music circles worldwide. A master of stripped-down Americana, Hayward draws from the deep well of rockabilly, country, blues and early jazz, creating timeless music for modern misfits."
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Born in Castlegar, British Columbia, Hayward was introduced by his parents to the sounds of Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers and early rhythm and blues, igniting a lifelong passion for music. At age 9, he picked up a guitar and began performing country classics. The Museum of Canadian Music notes that "it wasn’t until his early 20s, after acquiring an upright bass, that he found his true calling. 'I thought, ‘I’m not going to do anything else,’' he later said. 'And I haven’t since.'"
He was active in the local roots and rockabilly scenes in Calgary and Vancouver in the 1980s. He played with The Tailgators, Shotgun Shack, 5 Star Hillbillies, and joined The Nervous Fellas in 1990, followed by Bughouse Five (1991–1997). In those years, Hayward also led his own band — The Ronnie Hayward Trio — featuring guitarist Pete Turland and rhythm guitarist Darwin Fisher.
He then attracted attention internationally, via the Trio's 1997 vinyl-only LP Gotta Git It On, released on Britain’s Fury label. That same year, the band released over 30 tracks between the albums Gotta Git It On, Somewhere Out There and Move Around. Hayward increasingly looked to Europe, where the rockabilly genre enjoys steady airplay, devoted audiences and frequent festivals.
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After a successful 1997 appearance at the Hemsby Festival in England, Hayward and his trio toured across the U.K., Netherlands and Germany.
In 2005, Hayward surprised fans by releasing a jazz album under the name Ronnie Artur and his Orkestrio. Get This was a popular release — despite the fact that none of the musicians were trained jazz players. The Museum of Canadian Music notes that "Hayward's fearless approach to genre and performance earned him a reputation as an iconoclastic artist uninterested in trends or commercial compromises. He remains one of Canada’s unsung treasures — a restless artist whose music honors the past while never standing still."
Hayward lived in Toronto for a period in the early 2010s, regularly performing in residencies at such venues as The Dominion Tavern and Castro's Lounge.
He returned to his roots in 2015, settling back in Nelson, British Columbia. He toured far less, but continued to write, record and perform. Hayward is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Never one to follow commercial imperatives, Hayward stated in 2010 that “I play music for myself. I make records for myself. I do it for myself; because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t still be doing it at this age. I guess you have to realize why you’re playing music in the first place.
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"Sometimes I forget that, and I do get a little snarky with people, and I shouldn’t. But then I remind myself — no wait — I just play music because I play music, and it’s what I want to do, and I don’t want to do anything else. So whether anybody, business-wise, is on my side, I really don’t care; because those people come and go. Musicians will always be in the world. Unless they all starve to death like the way it’s going, you know.”
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Upon news of his death, many of Hayward's musical peers paid tribute on social media.
On Facebook, Steve Kozak posted that "I was honoured that I had the chance to play with him and pal Steve Taylor for a time in 2009 and 2010. He was an incredible musician, absolutely one of a kind and a true wild child! I am sad to hear that he is gone. I will always cherish the memories of sharing the stage and playing with him. Rest in peace Ronnie."
Fellow rockabilly star Bloodshot Bill (on Facebook): "Ronnie was a real deal one of a kind type guy. I was lucky to know him. When he lived in Montreal we got to play & record together, and he even stayed at my place briefly. We stayed in touch when he moved on to Ontario & then BC. He said he missed doing gigs ('no one to play with out here'). We eventually lost touch. He had a distinct style whether he was doing roots music or on a beatnik kick. Rest easy Ronnie."
Noted Vancouver roots music guitarist Paul Pigat paid tribute on Facebook: "I met Ronnie when I first started hanging out in Vancouver. To say he was one of a kind would be an understatement. His trio at the time was the rawest hillbilly band I had ever seen. A character through and through.
"I saw him go through a lot of changes over the years. Every time he’d clean up, I’d be rooting for him. I remember one time playing a little place in Vancouver and completely being ignored by the crowd. He walked from table to table clapping loudly, trying to encourage them . I was honoured when he asked me to play on his first orchestrio record. He asked me if I owned a banjo. I said yes, but it’s really messed up and didn’t stay in tune. He said 'that's perfect.'"
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"He was about expression and being in the moment. I don’t think Jerry Lee Lewis even got as wild as Ronnie did on stage in his youth. I’ll miss that fella. RIP Ronnie Hayward."
Hamilton musician and bandleader Greg Brisco offered this tribute to Billboard Canada: "There was no pre-formed package for Ronnie Hayward. He was larger than life and a heavy player. Some people are intense on stage and Ronnie was equally intense off stage. He was always on but not in a way that was performative in a false sense. He was genuine. ALL the time.
I booked Ronnie at [Hamilton venue] Pepper Jack Cafe back in the early 2000's. We didn't have the numbers we needed. I lost my shirt as a result. However, he showed up and played like it was a sold out show. Ronnie could be sarcastic and kind. He could tear a strip off you and you'd laugh along with him about it."
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Jack Pedler, a Hamilton, Ontario-based rock drummer, songwriter and raconteur who worked with Teenage Head, Ray Materick and many more, died on Dec. 22, at age 72.
He had faced health issues over the past decade, and in 2016 Teenage Head played a benefit to support Pedler as he recovered from surgery for diverticulitis. Health problems forced Pedler to exit the band around this time, to be replaced by Gene Champagne.
Jack Pedler was the son of Bob Pedler, a vital figure on the Hamilton music scene as a musician and the co-owner of Pilgrim Music. In Bob's memory, the Hamilton Music Guild created the The Bob Pedler Memorial Fund to assist local musicians unable to work because of illness.
Ron Ferroni posted on his Hamilton rock history site Steelore that "Jack Pedler would grow up to become one of Hamilton’s favourite sons and a favourite drummer for all. He became one of the classiest and most-loved musicians from the Hamilton music scene."
Pedler's highly diverse discography includes work with a large number of Hamilton artists and bands as well as his own musical projects. He made a mark early on as an original (teenage) member of Buxton Kastle in 1970, along with Jerry Doucette, and the group signed to Warner Bros. and RCA.
He also had a long stint in the band of noted folk-rock singer/songwriter Ray Materick and played in country outfit The Mercey Brothers.
Pedler then made a splash in the rock scene as drummer for local punk favourites Teenage Head. On their official Facebook page, Teenage Head posted a tribute that reads, in part: "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. Jack signed on with us, 1986ish, at a pivotal moment when Frankie [Venom, frontman] decided to go solo, and we'd also lost our original drummer, Nick Stipanitz. Jack stayed on for 30 more years, playing easily 1000 shows right across Canada until 2016 when his health problems began. He played on our underrated Electric Guitar, album released in 1987."
Dave Rave, Teenage Head guitarist and then Venom's replacement as frontman, recalled this period to Billboard Canada: "Teenage Head in 1985 made a transition from having a manager to the band running the show. We recorded Trouble in The Jungle with David Bottrill, but Nick [Stipanitz, drummer] quit and then Frankie.
"We needed someone who would take the band further and keep the energy it always had. Tim Gibbons suggested Jack Pedler and he was right. With Jack we could move forward and record Electric Guitar and tour Canada and play the USA till the end of the '80s. After that Jack joined me on my Russian record, Valentinos Pirates. Coyote Shivers, Gary Pig Gold and myself had Jack perform with us in New York City and he performed on my records with Agnelli and Rave through the '90s." Pedler also recorded and performed with Coyote Shivers' band and appeared solo at CBGB's in New York City.
The Race Records website reports that "during his years with 'The Head,' Jack relocated to NYC and recorded his first solo CD, Fairyland It Ain't for Mutiny Records, released in 1998. Then, switching labels and producers, he found his way to Race Records where he created his critically acclaimed CD, D. T. Delinquent."
Pedler's most notable solo release, that 2002 album is described as alternative punk rock. Recorded and co-produced by Georgie Fab and mixed and mastered at renowned studio Metalworks, it featured a large number of guest players, including Sonny Del-Rio, Dave Rave, a horn section and backing vocalists, with Pedler playing drums, electric guitar and singing his quirky compositions.
Hamilton musician Chris Houston tells Billboard that "Jack's solo show D. T. Delinquent was a major event in Hamilton's music scene. Steve Mahon [Teenage Head] was musical director for it."
Other Pedler solo albums included Let's Get Nervous and Jack Pedler's Clown School, a collaboration with top engineer/mixer L. Stu Young and Georgie Fab.
Steelore notes that "Pedler went on to join The Poisened Aeros and recorded and played with other artists such as Lily Sazz with True Spirit [alongside Ray Materick], Rick Prinsthal in Rick And The Krickets, Ronnie And The Rockets, Sonny Del-Rio and local legend Chris Houston (Forgotten Rebels)."
Fellow Hamilton musicians who had played with Pedler or admired his work quickly flooded social media pages with tributes or anecdotes.
On their official Facebook page, Teenage Head posted, in part: "Not only could Jack effortlessly add drums to any song, fast, slow, it 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 humour, which comes in handy in this business. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Rest In Peace, laddy."
Dave Rave sent Billboard Canada this tribute. "Jack had great technique on the drums. But he also had great humour in the studio and on the road. Jack really understood what life was about and could explain what was happening in the world. He taught me so much about life that I still apply today. He was in tune with the spiritual without preaching. He had great wisdom. His use of language was wonderful and inventive and his solo recordings were a marvelous joyride into wordplay and sonic invention.
"I'm going to miss his laugh and his spirit. We shared the road together. It was a beautiful trip from Nova Scotia to Los Angeles. One I'm grateful for sharing it with. I know he's sharing his wisdom in the next world. Safe passage brother. This world is a little bit emptier without you."
Longtime bandmate and friend, acclaimed singer-songwriter Ray Materick (on Facebook): "Jack Pedler: great drummer, a great songwriting musical artist, a great humorist, a great thinker, a great bandmate and close friend for 40 years...the stories are endless. Rest In Peace Brother."
Hamilton drummer and rock singer-songwriter Gene Champagne is Teenage Head's current drummer. On Facebook, he posted "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 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."
Acclaimed producer and recording artist Daniel Lanois forwarded this tribute to Billboard Canada: "Jack Pedler is the first drummer I ever recorded. We had a permanent Jack drum kit nailed to the floor of my Mother’s house. With the heart of a lion and as a pillar of Hamilton rock and roll, wherever he went Jack was always there to lay down a big soulful groove! Miss you pal. Lanois."
Chris Houston offered Billboard Canada this tribute: "I worked with Jack Pedler at [Hamilton music store] Picks and Sticks, and we would jam after teaching. Jack had incredible drumming chops. I tried to use his incredible talent on all my recordings, as a rock band is only as strong as its drummer. He was also a major drum teacher whose influence will be felt for generations ."
"My rock star friends would point out his incredible feel. Jack had the skill to enter uncharted territory of music and pull it off! After his medical problems I waited a year for him to heal up. Doing the spoken word was a real kick. He had a lot of different talents and his solo material was incredible. Remember Jack came from a musical family, he was carrying on the family tradition."
Steelore called Pedler "a fountain of information on Hamilton Music History because he was Hamilton Music History. This is a very sad day for Hamilton music. He will be most dearly missed. Jack Pedler, Rest In Power."
Lori Yates played alongside Pedler and Chris Houston in Conwaytwitterfeed, and posted this on Facebook: "RIP Jack Pedler, Hamilton’s favourite son. A brilliant, funny, kind, talented, special human being and drummer has left this physical plane. We’re gonna miss you so much."
Patricia Lynn ('Buckshot') Bebee of Poisoned Aeros sent Billboard this tribute: "Jack Pedler was such a lovely man. Kind, Sincere, Gentle. A Great Musician and a Great Drummer! Loved by so, so many!!! Jack was playing with tons of local bands when we started rehearsing with him
"He was a gas!! A real character! He told a lot of jokes, mostly ‘Dad’ jokes, but when he delivered the punchline, he would let out this hearty, baritone, guttural laugh! Hilarious! Jack played loads of shows with us. At every show, Jack did a drum solo. I freakin’ loved Jack’s Drum Solos!!! He would set the house on fire! Sometimes, stopping midway to tell a ‘Dad’ joke lol!! "
"Jack went on to record Turbulence (2003) with Poisoned Aeros [produced by Gord Lewis]. We were so lucky to have him. Jack’s mentorship, sound advice and professionalism were gold! He grounded me and he grounded the band. Someone once said, 'you’re only as good as your drummer.' Thanks Jack for being the best of the best! We are going to miss you like crazy!"
Lou Molinaro, veteran Hamilton music promoter, (This Ain't Hollywood) on Facebook: "This is soooo sad. I was thinking of Jack yesterday when I was listening to Roy Wood. Jack and I both loved The Move and Roy’s solo stuff.
"What can you say about this Hamilton legend? One of the nicest guys who was all about music. He helped and played with a myriad of artists over the years. If he wasn’t drumming or telling jokes, he was working on his own music which was from another artistic dimension.
"I got to know Jack well when he drummed for The Poisoned Aeros. Years of weekly rehearsals plus many live shows that followed. Like many of us, we got to know what made Jack tick. His political/social views, his music preferences, his jokes, his positive attitude were the fabrics that made up one of the true originals. One or a kind. So many stories. Everyone LOVED Jack. His drinking stories were insane especially when he was drumming for Ray Materick back in Ray’s heyday. May you rest in peace, Jack. Thank you for so much."
Dave Bidini, author and Rheostatics member, on Facebook: "Jack was so lovely to talk to for [Bidini book] On A Cold Road. What a guy, what a life."
Claude Desroches, drummer in The Shakers and Tim Gibbons' bands, on Facebook: "I'm shocked to hear of the passing of Jack Peddler. Best drummer Hamilton has ever seen. An inspiration to many. You will be missed brother."
Michael Grelecki (a.k.a. Mickey DeSadist of The Forgotten Rebels) on Facebook: "A Dude of the highest order whom it was a pleasure to jam and perform with over the years ... Jack will be missed by all of us who know him and have been friends with."
Glen Marshall, owner of Hamilton studio and venue The Mulespinner, on Facebook: "Thank you Jack for being fearless & funny and showing us how its done. An original spark never to be repeated. Love you brother. It won’t be the same in this world without you."
Hamilton singer-songwriter Darryl Gould, to Billboard Canada: " He was very connected to whatever god he believed in, and the universe. He was also very observant of this mortality, and the absolute nonsense of it all. Many times he talked me away from the edge; for whatever reason I was there.
"We got our first covid shots together, and he was cracking really off colour jokes in line the whole time, and it was really hard not to howl out loud, cuz, of course; they were good jokes (I never heard him on the radio when he was Jackie the Jokeman).
"He was very kind and gentle, and just wanted to make art constantly. He taught me a lot and his words and bravery are in me every day I create or get on stage. 'Trust In Jack,' indeed."
Veteran Hamilton music promoter Brodie Schwendiman (The Casbah) on Facebook: "Sweet Jack. Your kindness was infinite. You always had the right thing to say, whether it be a perfectly timed joke, or a heartfelt compliment. Our sphere is lesser place now. DT Delinquent? More like downtown gem."
Hamilton musician and singer-songwriter Lily Sazz (to Billboard Canada): "Jack Pedler was the drummer in the first professional band I was ever in. Despite our having come from very different musical backgrounds, I immediately understood his outstanding musicianship and dedication to his craft, never better revealed than when he stayed at my place for almost a year after his 5-year stint in New York City.
"I could hear his practice routine (lots of rudiments) penetrating the floorboards from my basement rehearsal space and was inspired by his devotion. Underneath his relentless display of humour through character impressions and corny jokes, he was a deeply thoughtful and serious person with an enormous heart.
"From the day we met, Jack treated me with great respect. He encouraged me when I first started out and believed in my future. He was right there cheering for me at my album release show in November, and expressed how pleased he was to have played cowbell on one of my tracks — his last recording session. He will be forever missed by many."
Veteran Hamilton singer-songwriter and artist Martin Verrall, to Billboard Canada: "It has taken me a few days to be able to put pen to paper and write about the Great Jack Pedler .I ve known him over 30 years. I remember the first time we played together. It was at the old Mermaid Lounge. I got him last minute, no rehearsal, and he just nailed it!! It was astonishing. Another time when I was young and having a hard time he said 'Martin...you have to come talk to my Mom!' So I did. She was a great lady."
"Jack was always a big supporter of my music and art. He played on two of my CDs, Concrete Rivers and Escape Show. In more recent years me and my friend Gary would take Jack out for lunch every few weeks. It was always been a great time of jokes and stories. I will always remember his smile and laugh and the crazy gleam in his eye."
Hamilton musician Greg Brisco, to Billboard: "Jack was rhythm with intelligence. Super funny and witty. Jack and I would travel to gigs together in my car. He'd chain smoke and hot box the car on our way to and from the show. I'd remind Jack to lower the window and he'd comply while educating me about the reptilians amongst us.
"He was so gracious and funny. Even when he was angry about something (if he was truly ever angry), he would still have a blanket of humour wrapped around whatever he was on about. There are so many great Jack stories. I'll share them when they are needed. For now they're mine and are great keepsakes. He was a great musical teacher and super humble and kind to me. Especially when it wasn't deserved."
Stu (Stuart) Phillips, a Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame inductee, died on Dec. 25 in Nashville, at age 92.
In an obituary he sent to Billboard Canada, Canadian country historian Larry Delaney reported that "Phillips was born in St. Eustache, Quebec. He travelled across Canada working various jobs, before finding his niche as a radio DJ, and then moving into TV, eventually hosting the popular CBC show Red River Jamboree. During this time Stu Phillips was also recording songs about the history of Canada, releasing several albums of 'Canadiana' flavoured material.
"In the mid-1960s Stu Phillips moved to Nashville where he was signed by RCA, releasing a series of albums, and placing 8 singles on the Billboard Country Charts. His debut RCA LP, Singin' Stu Phillips contained his first two Billboard charted singles — 'Bracero' and 'The Great El Tigre (The Tiger).'
"The album also featured three of his own songs, Ask And You Will Receive,' 'Some Of Me' and 'Another Day Has Gone,' as well as songs written by Canadian songwriters Ian Tyson '('Four Strong Winds') and Steve Karliski ('Kathy Keep Playing'). He scored Top 20 hits in 1967 with the songs 'Juanita Jones' and 'Vin Rose,' the latter one of many songs that he composed."
Phillips was among the first Canadian-born performers to be inducted as a member of The Grand Ole Opry (1967), and he was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993.
Brendan Wharton, drummer in and co-founder of Canadian pop-punk band Weigh The Anchor, was killed in a car accident on June 28, 2025, at age 29.
The group had been making a name for itself through touring and exposure on streaming platforms and was about to sign a deal with management and a record label when tragedy hit.
Weigh The Anchor released a four-song EP, Right At Home, in 2022. Of note: Wharton was the son of popular music promoter and comedian Rick Wharton (Rik Emmett , Second City, Conspiracy Guy Space Channel).
Raul Da Gama (Raul Luiz D'Gama Rose), a Canadian music journalist and poet, died on Dec. 14, at age 70, of cancer.
An official obituary notes that "he had deep passion for music, history, and politics. He leaves behind a professional legacy in music; promoting the works of global artists through written reviews both online and in-print. In addition, he spent a lifelong career in literature; most notably The Unfinished Score — The Complete Works of Charles Mingus, a book in poetry and prose in which he re-located the music of Charles Mingus to the landscape of poetry."
Raul da Gama was a senior writer for LatinJazzNet and a regular contributor to the Toronto-based publication, The Whole Note.
LatinJazznNt founder, publisher and editor Danilo Navas posted on Facebook that "Raul was a poet, a musician, and a deeply thoughtful critic whose writing reflected not only his vast technical and historical knowledge of music but also his immense sensitivity and humanity."
On Facebook, Canadian jazz luminary and Order of Canada recipient Jane Bunnett posted this tribute: "Raul was a soulful writer and journalist and poet who passion for jazz always came out in his in depth writing about the music. We will never forget your contributions to the art form JAZZ and all its tributaries."
Also on Facebook, veteran music publicist Glenda Rush termed da Gama "one of our greats and someone I had come to know as a dear friend over the past few years. I feel an immense loss, and while on the surface, it may seem tied to my work as a music publicist, it was also to losing one of the most appreciative, intense, and passionate writers one could ever hope to share music with. But, deeper than that, the loss of a rare connection, of a new friendship one where someone seems to understand you better than you may even understand yourself.
"And for the artists and albums, after I send press releases — the love, attention, analysis, wrapped up in your poetic 'reviews' which were the 8 CD box sets in themselves — and speaking of Anthony Braxton’s Trillium X… with everything you have had to endure these past weeks, you sent me your first draft; and I’m sharing this mention here because it is so powerful for the world to know how loving and deeply musical and deeply connected to artists and those of us as messengers you will forever be."
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or Ian Anderson House in memory of Raul da Gama.
Davor Vulama, a Canadian songwriter, producer and composer, died on December 11, at age 46, after a battle with brain cancer.
An official obituary notes that "Raised by hard working and loving parents in Vancouver, British Columbia, Davor fed his passion for music early in life. He was barely school aged when he received his first guitar. This would lead to a life dedicated to his passion, music. It was truly what infused his whole being.
"Davor was a songwriter and a music producer, with many other musical talents such as engineering, mixing and mastering. He collaborated with artists and has music placed world wide. From KPop to country to rock to, his most recent, symphonic metal, Davor’s music can be heard from Taiwan to Spain and countless countries in between."
Vulama's website bio credits superstar producer Bruce Fairbairn with acting as an invaluable mentor. "As Davor moved from the stage to the studio, Bruce’s guidance came in handy. Now, Davor has put his own stamp on the music industry with song credits ranging from rock tracks and pop hits to ukulele melodies. He’s co-written songs for the likes of Art of Dying, Loverboy, Japan’s Lead, and international superstar Coco Lee. Vulama's vast catalogue is now global, reaching audiences never dreamed of in his Vancouver garage band days.
"Acting as both co-writer and producer, Davor’s vision and creativity helped Art of Dying reach the top of the charts in the United States with their single, 'Sorry' produced by Grammy Award winning producer Howard Benson and mixed by Chris Lord Alge (Green Day, U2). He also worked with Elise Estrada on her crossover smash, 'Lipstick,' the breakthrough hit single 'A.L.L.' for Eric Solomon, and a recent hit single for Japan’s hip-hop group Lead."
TV music credits include The Real Housewives of Vancouver, The Real Housewives of Toronto, America’s Next Top Model, Make Some Noise, Ed , Hellcats and Bloodsuckers. On the big screen, Vulama collaborated with Ron Irving and Carl Utbult to co-write the end title theme for the international anime film, 2046.
In 2008, he joined forces with Vancouver’s Kozmic Sound and ventured into the advertising world. In 2011, with the Canadian radio single, Alisha Pillay’s “Convicted,” Vulama launched DVP, a label imprint with Cymba Music co-founder and president, Vincent Degiorgio (N’Sync, Caro Emerald). Shortly thereafter, DVP signed Wren Kelly, a finalist on YTV’s The Next Star. Vulama co-wrote and produced her EP Let Go, which include singles that have found their way onto radio and the hit TV series Mr. D. He also collaborated with Canadian rock star Bif Naked.
His official obituary states that "with his gold and platinum records, Vulama remained humble and continuously focused on improving his abilities in music. He loved working with a variety of people, and many of these folks became his good friends. His contributions to the music scene can be found in a myriad of TV shows, movies, and even advertisements with local rock legends. He will live on through his legacy of sound."
For those who wish to support his family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe has been set up. Link here.
International
Joe Ely, a highly influential Texan roots/country singer-songwriter, died on Dec. 15, at age 78, of complications from om complications of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and pneumonia, according to his spokesperson.
A Billboard obituary terms Ely "a pioneer of Texas' progressive country sound. He blended genres and opened for The Clash and Rolling Stones.
"Amarillo, Texas, native Ely was raised in Lubbock, Texas, and later moved to Austin and was part of an influential wave of progressive country rock artists who helped establish Austin as a live musical capital. His music crossed lines and helped birth the Americana genre," Billboard recounts.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young in a statement noted that "Joe Ely performed roots music like a true believer who knew music could transport souls. His musical style could only have emerged from Texas. His true measure came through in the dynamic intensity of his powerhouse live performances, where he could stand his ground aside fellow zealots Bruce Springsteen who recorded duets with Ely, and the Stones and The Clash, who took Ely on tour as an opening act.”
Ely opened for The Clash for the first time in 1979 in Texas, then in the United Kingdom in 1980 on the band’s London Calling tour. He then opened for the Rolling Stones on several dates in 1981. Ely developed a close bond with Clash frontman Joe Strummer, and the fact that he could turn Anglo punk audiences onto his strong Texan roots sounds testified to his power as a performer.
He released around 20 solo albums since 1977, plus more as a member of pioneering Texan trio The Flatlanders and Los Super Seven. He did have multiple charting albums, though none ever topped the chart.
His 1981 release Musta Notta Gotta Lotta reached No. 135 on the Billboard 200 and peaked at No. 12 on the Top Country Albums chart. Twistin’ in the Wind peaked at No. 55 in 1998, Streets of Sin at No. 51 in 2003, and Satisfied at Last at No. 46 in 2011 on the Top Country Albums chart. His 1992 album, Love and Danger, included what became one of his theme songs, his cover of Robert Earl Keen’s “The Road Goes on Forever.”
Ely first gained attention in the early ‘70s as a founding member of The Flatlanders alongside fellow highly-regarded singer-songwriters Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock. That group was a commercial flop that only lasted two years, but all three members went on to prolific solo recording careers. Their reputation grew after Rounder Records issued the original 1972 Flatlanders sessions as More a Legend Than a Band in 1990. After reuniting in 1998 , The Flatlanders became favourites on the roots festival and club circuits and released well-received albums. The Flatlanders were voted into the Austin Music Awards Hall of Fame in March 2016.
Another high-profile friend and fan of Joe Ely was Bruce Springsteen. He paid tribute on Facebook, posting that "Over here, we’re deeply saddened by the loss of Joe Ely, a singular American singer, great musician and great artist. I was lucky enough to count Joe as a true friend and I will miss that voice and his companionship. Our hearts go out to his wonderful wife Sharon and the family. We’ve lost an American classic.”
This past April, the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music gave 2025 American Music Honors to Ely, Smokey Robinson, and John Fogerty. In 2016, Ely was named Texas State Musician by the Texas Commission on the Arts and a year later he was invited to join the Texas Institute of Letters, making him the first musician ever honoured by the group. In 2022, Austin City Limits put him in its Hall of Fame.
Upon hearing news of Ely's death, nany Canadian artists who had shared stages with him posted tributes, as did many industry figures.
Blue Rodeo bassist Bazil Donovan posted on Facebook that "We played many shows together and it was a pleasure to share the stage with you. RIP."
Ontario music industry veteran Brian Hetherman paid tribute on Facebook: "I’m not saying the only way to see Joe Ely in concert, was at Liberty Lunch in downtown Austin Texas with a cold Dos Equis beer in your hand, but I’d highly recommend it! That’s the first time I saw Joe Ely, what seems like a hundred years ago…the Liberty Lunch is long gone, some would say so is the old Austin Texas and now Joe is gone.
"Though I never worked with Joe (despite him being on MCA records for most of my time there) I saw Joe play a ton, whether it was with his band, the duo of him and accordion player Joel Guzman or with the incomparable Flatlanders. Joe Ely was unforgettable."
Mick (Michael Timothy) Abrahams, an English guitarist, singer and bandleader, best known as the original guitarist for Jethro Tull from 1967 to 1968 and the leader of Blodwyn Pig, died on Dec. 22, at age 82.
He played on the album This Was recorded by Jethro Tull in 1968, but conflicts between Abrahams and bandleader Ian Anderson over the musical direction of the band led Abrahams to leave shortly after the album was finished. Abrahams wanted to pursue a more blues/rock direction, leading him to found the band Blodwyn Pig.
That group released two critically-lauded albums, Ahead Rings Out (1969) and Getting to This (1970), both of which reached the Top 10 on the UK Albums charts before the group broke up in 1970. Abrahams continued with the short-lived Wommett, then the Mick Abrahams Band, and he continued to release albums by himself and with reunited versions of Blodwyn Pig. During long periods of absence from the music business, he worked as a driver, lifeguard, and financial consultant.
Later health issues, including heart attacks and a stroke, made playing guitar very difficult. He released his final solo album, Revived!, in 2015, with guests including his Jethro Tull successor Martin Barre. Upon hearing of Abrahams' passing, Barre posted this on social media: "My friend and mentor Mick Abrahams has passed. He was so nice to me and that is something I will never forget! What a magnificent guitar player who gave us so much! Rest in peace."
Chris (Christopher Anton) Rea, a British singer-songwriter and guitarist whose biggest hit was "Driving Home For Christmas," died on , at age 74.
A BBC obituary notes that "The rock and blues singer Chris Rea spent countless hours on the road, and his love of cars and driving was the inspiration behind many of his songs. He recorded 25 solo albums, two of which topped the UK albums chart. His distinctive gravelly voice and slide guitar-playing are preserved in songs such as 'Road to Hell,' 'Auberge,' 'On the Beach' and 'Driving Home for Christmas.'"
"Rea was born in Middlesbrough to an Italian father and Irish mother and was one of seven children. The family was known locally for Camillo's Ice cream factory and cafes, owned by his father Camillo Rea. Chris was still working for his father when he bought his first guitar, a 1961 Hofner V3 in his early 20s."
He played with local groups The Elastic Band, and Magdalene, but it was The Beautiful Losers which shone the spotlight on Rea, and he secured a solo recording deal with Magnet Records. His first studio album was 1978's Whatever Happened to Benny Santini? The lead single, "Fool (If You Think It's Over)," was a big hit in the U.S., reaching number one on the (adult) contemporary singles Billboard chart, earning him a best new artist nomination at the Grammy Awards.
Rea was building a reputation for his slide guitar playing when his record company insisted on releasing Driving Home for Christmas in 1986.
Bouts of serious ill health long hampered Rea's career. It was brought to a temporary stop when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer aged 33. He also had type 1 diabetes and had issues with his kidneys.
His health problems made him reassess his career and he never toured America despite his popularity. "I was never a rock star or pop star and all the illness has been my chance to do what I'd always wanted to do with music," he once said.
Rea also composed music for films, including La Passione in 1996 and the score and title track for the Soft Top Hard Shoulder film. He also starred in the comedy Parting Shots in 1999.
In 2016 he suffered a stroke, but still recovered enough to record and tour his 24th album: Road Songs for Lovers. Rea famously was a vehicle addict with a huge love of cars, and travelling in them helped inspire some of his music. He owned and raced various vintage cars.
Rea scored some commercial success in Canada, and is remembered by industry figures here.
Label executive turned author Kevin Shea recalled on Facebook that " When I was doing local promotion at RCA/BMG, we enjoyed success with Rea’s ‘I Can Hear Your Heartbeat,’ a strong track led by the support of Greg Torrington at CHEZ-FM in Ottawa. They also led the way with a later single titled ‘On the Beach.’
"I moved to WEA Music Canada and was named National Promotion Manager and was delighted that Rea had changed labels and I now oversaw promotion on the international side of the label. One of our first releases was ‘Driving Home for Christmas,’ which has become something of a Christmas standard. Chris Rea rarely toured Canada but he came to Toronto for a media tour. A group of us from WEA took Rea to the Sutton Place in Toronto for dinner and it was a fantastic evening of revelry and storytelling."
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Published by ARTSHOUSE MEDIA GROUP (AMG) under license from Billboard Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Media Corporation.
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