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FYI

A Podcast Conversation With ... Al Runt

Alex Currie, better known by his artistic moniker RUNT or Al Runt, began his art career in Toronto’s underground scene in the early ’80s, drawing posters to hang around the Cameron House, and eventually landing the gig to paint the now-iconic mural outside Lee’s Palace.

A Podcast Conversation With ...  Al Runt

By Bill King

When reflecting on that vibrant Queen Street art scene of the ‘80s, we know who the music culprits are, the nightclubs that pushed the envelope, fashion designers and underground papers, yet one of the brightest achievements was the artwork that accompanied this renaissance – the artists who filled the walls with splashes of colour. The murals, the brochures, postcards, album covers, glassware, buses, shelters - you name it  - three from that era stay with us – Barbara Klunder, Kurt Swinghammer and Al Runt. From Kensington Market to Queen Street and beyond, we became familiar with their styles and ability to cause us to pause and take note.


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In today’s podcast – the one the only Al Runt!

Alex Currie, better known by his artistic moniker RUNT or Al Runt, began his art career in Toronto’s underground scene in the early ’80s, drawing posters to hang around the Cameron House, and eventually landing the gig to paint the now-iconic mural outside Lee’s Palace. He and his army of neon monsters and rascally creatures amassed a devoted following among musicians and other artists, as the Lee’s mural made the venue one of the city’s most recognizable buildings.

Grüezi - Al Runt

On Thursday, June 30 at 7 pm, Worth Gallery welcomes and celebrates the whimsical genius that is Al Runt and his new art show Grüezi featuring his classical out-of-this-world characterizations.

As Toronto's premier street art and mural-focused contemporary gallery, we cannot overlook Al Runt's contribution to our city's expanding cityscape canvas. We look forward to sharing Al's brilliance with you during his June 30 to July 10 art show as we present Grüezi.

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Kesha
Brendan Walter

Kesha

Chart Beat

Kesha Brings 'Holiday Road' to The Billboard Canadian Hot 100

The newly independent pop singer's cover of Lindsay Buckingham's 1983 song from National Lampoon's Vacation was first released as a Spotify exclusive for the holidays. Michael Bublé's Christmas, meanwhile, remains at No. 1 on the Canadian Albums chart.

Kesha has brought an under-appreciated holiday gem back to the charts. Her version of "Holiday Road" debuts on this week's Billboard Canadian Hot 100 (dated Dec. 28, 2024) at No. 83.

"Holiday Road" was originally released in 1983 by Fleetwood Mac legend Lindsey Buckingham and serves as the propulsive opening theme to the Chevy Chase-starting classic comedy road trip film National Lampoon's Vacation.

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