A Musical Tribute to Al Kirkcaldy - April 5 at 2 pm - CLICK HERE for more info.

I just returned from a family vacation to learn of this very sad news: the passing of a friend and of someone who was truly one of the most selfless individuals I have ever known. I bumped into Al because of Mapleblues, originally... noting his religious postings of his radio show. I tuned in online as often as I could remember each Tuesday and he and I would swap emails about the show, specific artists and I was drawn to his wicked, if not evil, sense of humour as well as his eternally upbeat outlook on life.

A Haliburton area cottager, friends from Peterborough would keep me in copies of Al's weekly blues articles from the Examiner - highly informative fare and an inside glimpse of what can happen when a blues fan goes rabid. When I learned of his medical nightmares and the horrors he had endured as a child, long before his roller coaster ride from leukemia, I was blown away. In a too-short life, hospitals were a middle name - yet I'd never encounter the man without first glimpsing that crooked smile that would hit just before a gut-busting observation on someone or something that would turn to people into giggling children. Al was funny to the bone. His marrow transplant only seemed to amplify his love of life and his cheery outlook while, at the same time, he was enduring weekends of pain at the Prince Maggie. Most people didn't even know he was ill. That was the way Al preferred things, I'm sure.

At the same time, Al was so in love with the blues - he could put nothing else in front of promoting them. From the big-time artists he would froth over on his radio show and in his columns, to the little up-and-comer, Al was a born promoter. Not in a sleazy, can-I-cut-myself-in-on-the-deal kinda way ever. He just wanted good people to know about good music - whatever way he could and by whatever means. His active Bill Graham-like empire out of Peterborough would treat the locals and feed his show with interviews - convincing artists on tour through Toronto, Montreal or Buffalo to not forget about his out-of-the-way blues community. He treated them well and could tell fall-down-funny stories on everyone he'd come to promote and know. At the same time, Al's blues included new Canadian artists - local bands and Ontario's finest players, doing everything he could to help them to earn a living while he was barely earning one himself.

The blues lifted Al and those who knew him know what that means. I knew he was very sick and, at times, gravely ill. I'd visit him at his various rooms at the Princess Margaret Hospital and it was a sight to behold, Al sharing hilarious relationships with each nurse who would come in to change his various drugs or prod him with a needle. Sort of a twisted cross between Benny Hill and Dean Martin, if you can imagine. At the same time, all Al could talk about was the music. And he embraced a rich variety of music, self-schooling himself in the art of finding the blues in all sorts of genres. He was no Nazi, although he'd grinningly admit he was one monocle short of looking like one. His visitor's chair was stacked high with piles of CDs and his laptop was always on his knees...at the ready to tell somebody else about something they shouldn't be missing, live or on CD. The night he went out to enjoy the New Year's Eve show at the Dollar with Jerome Godboo and Steve Strongman was only because he'd begged his doctor for Shore Leave - in the middle of some especially painful treatments. The blues lifted Al and the environment made him strong.

It was little surprise to see him at the MBA's, together with his girlfriend Lynn. Always the Dapper Dan, drink in hand, Al was all smiles and handshakes - these were his people and this was his private Rat Pack. I can't imagine how he balanced his pain with the minute pleasures he was allowed to enjoy. Nor did I ever expect him to leave the rest of us so early. I'm sure he didn't either - and would have something darkly hilarious to say about it. I'll miss Al - especially that sense of humour. But the entire Canadian (if not North American) blues community will miss his tireless deeds on their behalf. The radio exposure and opportunities to play live. The articles he's write to educate the rest of us and to spread the joy that the blues is so good at sharing.

And, as I said, the blues were what Al needed to lift himself up and to feel great. He lived what he heard and I hope you'll hear his smartass cackle and see his smiling face every time you're sitting quietly and enjoying good blues music. That is, after all, everything he ever wanted for you. It's certainly what he deserves.

Eric Thom 

sad news everybody

Just got word that Al Kirkcaldy passed away - sad news for our entire community. I will always remember al as a kind, enthusiastic and nflagging supporter of the blues, and he will be sadly missed by all of us. After a long bout with cancer, he succumbed to complications last night.

I heard the news from Rico Ferrara, who asked me to let people know. I apologize to those who may be shocked by hearing the news in this way. Please keep Al and his loved ones in your thoughts and hearts.

Treasa Levasseur

Jim Casson

There's both less and more Blues in the world today with the passing of our dear friend Al Kirkcaldy. A true aficionado of good music and a connoisseur of all things funky. The sheer joy of spending time with Al and his many vibrant and insighful opinions render him truly unforgetable.
 
Andrew Galloway
Electro-Fi Records

Dave Glover posted these words about Al as soon as he heard the new. As I was about to post this tribute page to the site this morning, I found several messages in my inbox telling me that Dave had been killed in a car crash on Friday, Feb 20th. AM

Oh this is such sad news. I didn't know he was this close. What a guy, he was just emailing me some new club contacts a couple of weeks ago. Al was an incredible supporter of blues and Cdn blues artists. He will be sorely missed.

My kind sympathies go out to Al's family.

Dave Glover - Big Daddy G

I am playing in P'boro next week and was about to send a message to Al to invite him. He was a good one and will be missed.

Terry Wilkins.

This is very upsetting. I've been in touch with Al fairly regularly over the last couple years, and we had some involved discussions about his health and treatments.

When we last spoke only a month ago, Al had indicated that things were optimistic, so this news comes as a total shock to me.

Sadly missed...now I have to go sit and digest this terrible news some more.

My condolensces to Al's loved ones.  

The news of loosing Al Kirkarldy hit both Carol and I very hard yesterday. Al and I have been friends since 1997.

Al was a great guy and I will miss him. I first met him when I was with Chicago Pete. He helped us get some gigs, wrote an article in the Peterbourgh Examiner and played the CD on his radio program. Over the years Al must have introduced me on stage at least 30 times. He was probably the best guy in Canada at introducing a blues act. Al showed respect to the music, the musicians and himself. He was well dressed, intelligent, humourous, prepared and charismatic. When Al introduced an act, he did it will lots of love. He did not need notes and he pronounced everyone's name properly. He knew all the right things to say. I thought that Al would have been a great emcee for the Maple Blues Awards. He was a supporter of my band, the Jack DeKeyzer Band and the Maple Blues Revue. I can not think of anyone more generous with his time than Al.

I always enjoyed hanging with Al. He had a zest for life that was contagious. Al was a great conversationalist, very blunt and fun to be around. He really knew alot about blues music, plus he had good taste. Al was also quite knowledgeable about booze, cigars and how to dress to impress. He always had great shoes. When I used to have a Blues radio show Al was very helpful with suggestions of songs I should be considering for airplay. I always loved asking Al what CD's he was listening to. He always knew about a great recording or a great artist that was really hip.

My wife, Carol knew Al from living in the Saugeen Maitland residence at UWO in London in the mid-1970's. They were both from Peterborough. Al was known as "Crazy Al" back then, probably because of his Afro hair and being part of a fun loving bunch of guys. Carol did not keep in touch with him after residence, but one day in the 90's when he telephoned for me she asked "Is this Crazy Al?" He was surprised because he had not heard that nickname for years. In recent years, Carol enjoyed sitting with Lynne and Al on the patio at the Peterborough Holiday Inn, listening to blues bands and talking during the breaks. Later today Carol and I will have a drink and think about Al. I will probably play Just a Closer Walk with Thee on the Saxophone and wipe a tear from my eye. We will both have fond memories of Al.

RIP

Chris Murphy

Al was a supporter of ours from almost our first gig, some 11 years ago. I don't know what to say but Thank You.

A true "blues supporter" and a friend.  I always appreciated his interest and his desire to help spread the word about the music we love.  

RIP Al.  Thank You. 

Raoul Bhaneja
Raoul and The Big Time 

I will sadly miss my friend. He was a monster in supporting, not only Blues, but "Good music". He was as passionate about all things as he was about his music. From putting on shows, writing about new and older artists, playing almost anything that he could get his hands on for his radio show.

I always asked Al , who is the new up and coming talent, what is the new ound.He had the pulse of what is Blues on him!!! he last time I saw Al was at The MBA's and he just said that he was fine."Ya know Johnny, I've had this before and I beat it, so this is nothing
new."

He made it out to a couple of gigs when he was in town getting shots, or chemo or radiation, a couple of hours was all he wanted and then back to the grind..more balls than I will ever have!!!!

I loved talking about shoes with him, that Man could wear a pair of shoes that no one else could!!!!! ;-)

God Bless Al Kirkcaldy
You will be missed but we know that you will not be too far away.

Johnny Max   

We are allways in awe of truly great people, who in the face of sheer terror and uncertainty, stand tall and have no fear. Al was a beacon of light on a dark night. Sorrowly missed by family and friends. Good Bye Al.

Johnny Mack
Cobalt Blues Band

Jane Harbury

I can`t remember when I first met Al Kirkcaldy but I`ve known him for a long time.  It was probably at a gig I way playing in Peterborough and more then likely the old Red Dog. Al always showed up if you were playing in his town, usually early when you were still setting up. He liked the hang and was like one of the guys in the band. Some media and behind the scenes types keep a distance between themselves and the musicians, that wasn`t Al.  He knew there was only two kinds of music, good and bad and he got the humour in some of the insane and ridiculous things that happen when musicians are doing their job. The introductions he would give the band at the beginning of the night were on the fly but always positive and knowledgeable.

When he was in hospital in Toronto, he`d slip out to catch an early set at the Dollar or other another club where a band he wanted to see would be playing. The last time I saw Al was New Year's Eve at The Silver Dollar Room when I dropped in on my way to Downchild`s show.  I knew he`d bought 4 tickets and that I`d run into him and Lynn there. You never had to go looking for Al, he found you and there he was, looking a little thinner then normal but still sharp with a real cool hat on. We exchanged greetings and then I had to go.  I`m told he also made it to The Blues Summit and later The Maple Blues Awards although I was on the bandstand all night and didn`t see him. He fought his illness with a positive attitude that is to be admired. Like most, I never doubted he`d beat it and was shocked when the sad news came that he was gone. He supported us with his radio show, his newspaper column, his event promotion and his friendship.  Al loved the blues and all that came with it. I`m going to miss this guy. My heart goes out to Lynn and his family.

Gary Kendall 

As with so many others, I too was touched by Al Kirkaldy and his love and enthusiasm for music and those that make it. He was a champion for Blues, an honest and trustworthy man, and a courageous fighter.

When I last talked to him at the MBAs, I asked about his health and rather than just responding with an easy and social reply he said:
"It's been hard". That was Al, honest and the epitome of a straight shooter.

I will never understand why such things happen to good people. I can only offer some solace and bereaved comfort to his family that, it will be hard no more.

My deep condolences to his family and many friends. He will not soon be forgotten and truly missed by many.

Thanks for all that you have done Al.

Very sadly
Lance Anderson 

It is so sad to hear of Al Kirkaldy's passing. He had twice beaten leukemia (it was in recession), but all the drugs he needed to beat it really weakened his immune system. He contracted an infection his body just couldn't fight.

On a personal note, Al was a huge supporter of my band FATHEAD, and blues in general. Not only did he promote live shows in Peterborough, but he was extremely generous with airplay and interviews on his weekly radio show "Blue In The Face". He also booked the highly successful "Blues On The Patio" summer series at the Holiday Inn, Peterborough. He has served as a juror for the Junos and Maple Blues Awards.

I will greatly miss his infectious enthusiasm, his unbridled support, his passion for life, his humour, as well as the numerous trips we took after our sets to the back alley to share a smoke and a few jokes. Al has left a large void in the blues world and will be missed by many.

Al Lerman

Anything I may have said about Al can be magnified, blown up, added to, reproduced, edited, altered, made more significant, etc. etc .- I loved that man, and his loss is a hard one for the blues community in this country. I hope the hell he's listening to a heavenly blues band with the wonderful people who have gone before... I know he'd love to hear Muddy, Wolf, Son House and all the others...

Richard Flohil 

Other links regarding Al Kirkcaldy's life and passing:

From Blues.org

Trent University

A musical tribute in celebration of Al's life and love of the Blues is currently being planned. Details will be provided when available.