John McGale was a huge influence on me growing up in the same neighbourhood in North Bay, Ontario. He was 3 years older than me & already playing in tight bands by the time he was 12 or 13 years old. Us younger kids would flock to the basement windows of the house where John & his earliest bands would rehearse. They were like our own local Beatles in a way. I got to know John a little early on, because I was the kid who played his guitar on the front steps of my Grandmother's house & John was always attracted to all things musical, so he would sometimes stop by & give me a tip or two. When I entered high school, John was the school's social convenor, not only responsible for booking bands like Crowbar, Fludd, Foot in cold water etc. to play our dances, he also organized our annual talent shows, which I allways took part in. He connected me with one of the first drummers I played with among other things. A few years after high school John had already hit the bright lights seeking his fame & fortune & we would hang out, bar hopping etc., whenever we were both home for Christmas or whatever.
John is mostly known for his role as guitarist & manager of Quebec band Offenbach.
He's also played with many other notable acts including the Buzz Band which he formed with bandmates Breen Lebeuf & Jerry Mercer of April Wine fame.
In this episode we discuss the difficulty of being a full time musician during Covid-19 & how it feels to finally see a light at the end of this very dark tunnel.
John met his untimely demise in a car crash on his way home from doing what he did & loved best, playing music on his 65th birthday.
I'm re releasing this interview in his memory. R.I.P. John McGale