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“A Happy Has-Been - Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of Canada's Foremost Entertainment Journalists” - featuring a Foreword by the Tragically Hip's Paul Langlois.
Photo Credit: Global News Canada, 2023
Your debut memoir “A Happy Has-Been - Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of Canada's Foremost Entertainment Journalists” - featuring a Foreword by the Tragically Hip's Paul Langlois, came out August 2023 and since that time you've had several successful Book Tours.
You're one of Canada's most charismatic, trusted and respected television and radio personalities. Your story, your rise to Canadian Music Journalism fame at MuchMusic is iconic. Absolutely compelling and impressive! An addictive read!
It's such a great thrill and honor to be the interviewer, interviewing THE INTERVIEWER! Hahaha! Your memoir shares many tales of spending inspiring, intriguing, fascinating and exhilarating times with a staggering number of epic and legendary music greats! It's a great honor and privilege to interview you, Bill Welychka!
2023 marked the 35th year of your dedication and insight on both sides of the camera. Music is your world. Music broadcasting is your gift to the world. Thanks, and congratulations Bill! You're a musician's rock star! You've interviewed so many LEGENDS!
Johnny Cash, who had such a profound influence on successive generations of song artists! Members of The Beatles, who had such a profound influence on successive generations of bands! And many, many more epic and legendary greats! Prince, David Bowie, Steve Earle, Fleetwood Mac, The Tragically Hip, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Kiss, Slash, Foo Fighters, The Cure, Ozzy Osbourne, Cinderella, Poison, and dozens and dozens more extraordinary music legends.
Sophia: So, how have the book tours been going?
Bill: It's been really, really good. Lots of memories and just meeting strangers that have beautiful things to say! Very sweet.
Sophia: Do you have any highlights that you'd like to share from your tours? It's such a big deal, and you've accomplished so much!
Bill: There have been so many comments about what MuchMusic meant to so many people!
Well, for some, my television shows were babysitting tools for parents' school age kids! Hahaha...who knew? But mostly, most people say that my shows turned them on to emerging artists; new bands. Or, they loved the interviews with their fav bands!
You know, you don't really think about that stuff while you're doing it. You certainly don't think about it years later! But, when you hear it from people directly, you think "wow" what a beautiful existence it was! What MuchMusic meant to an entire generation or two...What it meant to the music industry!
Sophia: It was an extraordinary time for music. It changed the industry forever! You are a legend Bill! And, I guess in a way, you were my babysitter too! Hahaha. I mean, MuchMusic would be on our TV all the time while I was growing up! Hahaha!
Bill: The 90's was interesting. Everything was selling - grunge, rock, alt-rock, country, hiphop, pop... - everything was selling! We played "everything" and that was the cool thing!
Sophia: How incredibly special that you got to experience and live that life! And BE in that era and just experience all that amazing energy, every single day! What a blessing!
Bill: You know, I never learned to play guitar. I took lessons one time, but either you're born to play it, or, you know...I'm one of those people that would have to work really hard to play it!
Growing up, I was a huge fan of Led Zeppelin. Then, fast forward, spending time with Jimmy Page in NYC, and a couple of other times! You know? That stuff blows my mind! I don't like to live in the past, but when your past is presented to you, you can't help but stop and think about what a great time it was!
Sophia: Hell yeah! And, that's what it's all about! Music makes people feel good, and brings people together! And, it inspires people to pick up an instrument, start a band, or do what you do. It all comes together that way! That's the power of music! And, the art of interviewing... and all of it!
Bill: Yeah...music and entertainment are more than just fun times. To me, it goes deeper than that. A film can touch you, a song can touch you and inspire and elevate you and be your best friend on a long drive. I'm a music fan! I love discovering new bands and songs! When that's your focus in life, it's pretty special!
Sophia: Awww! I'm just soaking it all in. You deserve all this recognition for all that you've accomplished! I read two quotes in your book that especially resonate with me. According to your memoir, when you interviewed rock 'n' roll star Dave Grohl, he said: "If you really come from a place where you have an obsessive, compulsive desire to play music, and that's your main attention and main focus, that's the healthiest way to go."
And during your interview with Prince, a true music genius and visionary, he said: "A lot of music now is prepackaged pop with computers. Kids need to hear live music and pick up an instrument. If kids don't learn the craft of songwriting or learn to play an instrument, we'll lose this art form. It will become technology based and there is no heart in that."
So, being one who is so close to music in so many ways and for so many years, can you please share with Guitar Thrills music fans, how you feel about what these two music icons had to say about creating and producing music, as you see it from your particular vantage point?
Bill: A great question! When I think of the biggest common denominators between these two artists (and my other favorite music artists), the words passion and authenticity come to mind.They were enthusiastic and true to themselves about creating, and about the art and craft of music. Both of these artists also possess a deep knowledge of the history of music, and where it came from. I put them on the same pedestal as Johnny Cash, Lemmy (from Motorhead), Robert Smith (from The Cure), David Bowie and a few others.
I hope this current young generation and the one following retains that love, passion, curiosity and authenticity. Computers and A.I. are great, but where’s the warmth, spirit and personality?
Sophia: Thanks Bill! Your rise to Canadian Music Journalism fame is iconic. You've celebrated world renowned musical icons in studios, hotel rooms, arenas, concerts, and festivals around the globe. A celebrated VJ at the height of MuchMusic & MuchMoreMusic fame, and you continue today to work in media production and host both radio and television shows.
You've interviewed more than one G.O.A.T.!!! You've experienced so many absolutely thrilling and memorable times with some absolutely thrilling and memorable music icons. Can you please share one or two of your favorite interview encounters? And, why have they left such a lasting impression on you?
Bill: I have interviewed and spent a lot of time with every single artist that has affected me! These include Mick Jagger, Prince, Steve Earle, The Tragically Hip, Robert Smith (The Cure), David Bowie, Waylon Jennings, Led Zeppelin, Johnny Cash, Oasis, Blue Rodeo, Judas Priest and literally hundreds more. These moments were and remain very precious to me.
I spent a few days with Ozzy, travelling with him and Sharon in limos and on his private jet. What an assignment! I spent an afternoon in Madonna’s house. She played Madonna on her stereo…that was nice! I have interviewed Brian Wilson at his house too, where he played his piano for me.
I hosted and interviewed Bon Jovi in New York City for an international concert broadcast. There are many more fun stories and I share them all in the book. I have been so blessed. I am humbled by all the world travels and grateful that I had the chance to meet everyone I ever wanted to. And then some!
Sophia: Speaking of the 90s, you interviewed the Super Star, Rock n' Roll mogul Dave Grohl, after Nirvana disbanded due to Kurt's passing. It’s impossible to look back at ‘90s rock music without spotlighting Nirvana. With more than 50 million albums sold worldwide in the decade! Dave Grohl, and Foo Fighters, became one of rock's premier acts during the last half of the 90s when you interviewed him.
From the ashes of Nirvana, Grohl emerged as the frontman of the Foo Fighters. In 1997, ‘The Colour and the Shape,’ elevated the band to headliner status. “Monkey Wrench,” “My Hero” and “Everlong” became alt-rock radio mainstays, with MTV putting each respective video in regular rotation - they were full-fledged rock giants! I'm sure that you have learned something valuable from each and every interview, and that's fascinating to me! I have to imagine your interview with Dave Grohl must have been one of the most tender yet tough interviews to prepare and psych yourself up for. I remember reading in your memoir, that you were told not to mention Kurt Cobain. Maybe even Nirvana?!
So, my question is, can you please share your memories of sitting down with Dave and talking about his phenomenal success as a Rock Star? Do you recall how you navigated that interview? Do you remember how you felt? And, do you remember how Dave presented himself at this transitional time?
Bill: I've interviewed Dave a number of times. The first one was live on MuchMusic. I was never told not to talk about Nirvana. The record company said that after, but it never filtered down to me. And, I love Dave, and I loved the Foos at this point. This was his first Foos record. He did everything on it! I was approaching the interview from a very respectful way. I wanted Dave to enjoy the interview. I wanted all the fans gathered in the studio to enjoy it, and the fans watching at home! You just know every person in that room is hanging on every word. "Say something about Nirvana! Say something about Nirvana!" you know?
And, it's my job to get him to somehow open up about it, but he sort of answered in a way by explaining why he didn't want to talk about it. And I thought that was a very cool way of handling it. He had a great time! It was Girl Guide Cookie Week so I gave him a box of cookies! Haha! And he was a big Stompin' Tom Connors fan so I got him an autographed book from Stompin Tom Connors! He looked at it and started holding it like it was a baby! Hahaha!
I interviewed Dave a number of years later. I interviewed him a few times, but the last time was at his studio in San Bernardino. And, he opened up...I didn't have to bring up Nirvana and Kurt. He started talking about it. One of the cool things I've learned about Dave over the years, is just how passionate he is about music. Whether he's making money at it or not, he'd be doing it. Because he loves it that much. He has a knack for writing a book too! He's so gifted that way!
Sophia: I love Dave too! LEGEND! What was your takeaway from that conversation with Dave? Can you say that it taught you something about the art of interviewing?
Bill: Nothing specifically like that. But, what a treat it is! And here's what I miss about entertainment and television. We allowed interviews to breathe, and I let Dave talk and picked his brain. He was giving! He gives a really good interview! You don't see those interviews as much anymore and that's a shame. People say, well, people have a short attention span and MuchMusic wouldn't work today...like this. But, I put some of my old specials up on Youtube and they get thousands of hits! I think there's an appetite for it.
Sophia: Absolutely! People crave "real". Authentic. People want inside; seeing their favourite artists and bands opening up and being unique and vulnerable. Showing hints of insight into what makes the artist, you know? I think it will come back around! And, I'm sure the generations to come will experience this again, someday!
Bill: I hope so!
Sophia: Me too! Me too! I love your way of showing reverence and respect for your "full circle moments" in working in the industry. Please explain to your fans what this term means to you, and share the experience of one of the most magical moments that left you completely awe-struck?
Bill: Yes…the book talks about “perfect circles” and full circle moments. These were the bands and artists that I was a huge fan of, since very early in grade school. In high school, I had patches and buttons on my jean jacket of my fave bands. I had posters on my bedroom walls and in school lockers. Even as an adult, music continues to still affect me. It’s a great friend on long drives, and it heals and elevates.
In high school and even in college, I felt like an outsider. Robert Smith (The Cure) became an important figurehead to me. He was and STILL IS truly an individual. He has such strong convictions about his identity and role in the music industry and fights for what he believes in. His songs became a source of comfort to me. Years later, sitting and interviewing him, many times, were brilliant “perfect circle” moments for me. Each interview was awesome!
I never really got star-struck with any interview because it was a job. Professionalism had to be maintained during introductions and during interviews. It isn’t until AFTER the interview when I am helping pack up the gear with the cameraperson that I say to myself “Holy crap!! Madonna was so freakin’ cool!!”
Sophia: You've had hugely tremendous success as a music VJ/Host and Interviewer! Do you recall, who was your favorite interview and why?
Bill: OMG…that is such a difficult question to answer because there have been so many! Besides the artists mentioned above, I can add Lisa Marie Presley, Aerosmith, Bob Seger, Rush, Van Halen, Marty Stuart, Liz Phair, Peter Gabriel, Motorhead, and dozens of others. They were all really good interviews! I take pride in my ability to make the artist feel comfortable and capture some moments and responses perhaps they’ve never expressed before.
I, like everyone else, never knew it at the time, but we at MuchMusic contributed A LOT to people’s lives. I only learned this firsthand from people on my recent book tours. MuchMusic contributed to Canadian pop-culture. To the music business. To music fans’ lives. What a huge honor to be televised and brought into people’s homes and have them learn about new music or have them be entertained by a good interview!
Sophia: What was your most humbling experience while hanging out with these musical greats?
Bill: Another great question…you are good!!! I learned many life-lessons. Many are shared in the book. A lot of things about the importance of elevating everyone around us. It’s not just about putting celebs on pedestals, but everyday people who enrich our lives and make this world a better place.
Don’t get me wrong…I LOVE music. It has saved my life! Like I said earlier, it’s been a good friend on long drives alone. It raises money for charity. I put many musicians on a pedestal, but I think generally we are quick to elevate ANY celebrity then love to tear them down. To me, it’s about highlighting and shining a spotlight on doctors, first responders, researchers, teachers, volunteers. THESE are the people that need to be on a pedestal.
Sophia: Thanks Bill. Very true. I LOVE music too!!! I'm curious. With all of your experiences, if you could re-interview any one musical guest from your past celebrity line-up, knowing what you know today, who would it be and why?
Bill: Damn, you ARE good! There really isn’t one time where I wish I could’ve done it differently. There ARE however some artists I haven’t interviewed, who I would love the chance to interview. Maybe...Lady Gaga and Paul McCartney. I’ve interviewed Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, Julian Lennon…but never Paul!
Sophia: Lady Gaga & Paul McCartney. Me too!!! HAHAHA! It would be a great, great honor if you would share a question or two that you might have had for each of these music powerhouses; Paul McCartney and Lady Gaga. I'd really appreciate that! Please and thank you!
Bill: You're talking about artists that have had probably answered every possible question and there's nothing I could really ask that they've probably never been asked before! But, that's the beautiful thing about interviews. From that first 5 seconds, I consider it a conversation and not necessarily an interview. People are more apt to give, when it's a conversation like we're having now!
And again, the interview can go a million different directions! So, just to be able to sit and talk with an artist/band and have nuggets come out in the interview. So, just that idea, of sitting down and having a conversation. When I think about both of these artists, we can agree that they are musical geniuses! Individuality is important to me and I think both of them possess a whole lot of individuality.
Sophia: Very true! That's what I really admire and respect about you! You see the unique genius and individuality in artists and bands. You raise them up and praise them for their talents. Their gifts to the world of music! You have such great insight. Thank God you bring this to the world of television and entertainment! You have a rare gift and talent for that! You're awesome, Bill!
Bill: Sophia, I love you!
Sophia: Hahaha! Well, I love you too! And, you're able to make these connections and friendships and grow them over time. That's what life's about! You do it so well! With such admiration, respect and grace! So, congrats!
Bill: Aww! Sophia, that means a lot! It does!
Sophia: Good. I'm happy to hear that! Can you please help young interviewers and would-be interviewers with some tips and/or advice that they can take with them in their "toolbox," aside from the obvious research and preparation that you've always done and must do in order to celebrate, honour and raise up your interviewee?
Bill: I think it's important that interviewers don't make the interview about themselves. How many times have we watched an interviewer ask questions and somehow involve themselves in the conversation. To the point where it's like you want to reach through the TV and say, shut the f**k up! You're embarrassing yourself! Let them talk!
But, I like to hear what people have to say. To share. I think it's an innate desire to be curious. To be curious about people. To be curious about what's going on in their heads and about how they create what they create. I think I've always been like that, in my everyday life too.
I'm curious. I love talking to people. I love meeting people. And, that's how we learn. So, I think you have to possess that genuine curiosity about people. I think this is a very important quality as an interviewer, and in life in general.
Sophia: I read your memoir, several times over. I loved it! You always seemed destined to become celebrated in the world of music. At what point did you become truly cognizant that this would become your life's work?
Bill: Thanks Sophia! The week I graduated from Toronto's Seneca College’s “Radio and Television Broadcasting” was the week I was hired by MuchMusic as an editor. It was at that time that I knew I made the right decision in choosing Television Production as my life’s endeavor.
I love TV, but I've certainly had to reinvent myself. After focusing on strictly music and entertainment, I became a morning TV host, a weather anchor, producer, sports expert, and radio DJ. It’s been over 35 years since graduating from Radio and TV Broadcasting and I am still doing TV and radio all these years later! I am very fortunate. We’ll always have journalism, despite a shrinking media industry. Print, TV and radio have all suffered major cuts in the past 15-20 years. People say, “I don’t read the newspaper anymore or watch TV news. I get my info on-line." But some journalist at some news outlet is putting those stories on-line! Good journalism will always be there! I am totally grateful to still be working in the field of my choosing.
Sophia: You first joined CHUM Limited in 1988 as a video editor for MuchMusic before transitioning to an on-air role as host. Your Video Jockey/Host and Interviewer legacy at MuchMusic and MuchMoreMusic was between the years of 1992 & 2005. Like you said, the 90s! Colourful, extreme and exciting times! It must have been an absolutely amazing time to be at MuchMusic, at the forefront of how video would forever change the music and entertainment industry!
I know that you have much gratitude and feel very blessed to be living the life you have! You have truly earned it. Every step of the way! Would you like to mention anyone in particular who was, in the beginning, instrumental in shaping your career and vision? Those who helped you to ultimately achieve great accomplishments in music journalism?
Bill: I did a lot of editing and producing BEFORE being on-air. I continue to LOVE behind the scenes roles. But, I watched some pretty bad interviews early on. I also learned from some amazing interviewers about what works, what doesn’t. Denise Donlon, Erica Ehm, Christopher Ward, Michael Williams and Steve Anthony were awesome. It’s about listening, timing, and letting things “breathe”.
I never approach an interview as an interrogation…question, answer, repeat. It must be a conversation. The interview can take a million directions in the first 20 seconds. I love that journey!
Interviewing is a true art-form!
I write about it in the book. At MuchMusic, I wasn’t the cute one, the wacky one, the political one, the hip and trendy fashionable one…I was the one that loved creating compelling television and aspired to always conduct high-quality interviews.
I’ve also had some great bosses and mentors over the years like Moses Znaimer, David Kines, Denise Donlon, Peter Angione, Jay Westman, Steph Hunter and other bosses too.
Sophia: I know that right now, you have many, many projects on the go including a MuchMusic documentary, a film about your life's work and more. Is there anything that you'd like to share with your fans about what we can expect from you in the months/years ahead?
Bill: Thanks for asking! The reception for the book continues to be amazing. I have done several Ontario book-tours to Chapters/ Indigo and it’s been awesome meeting so many people who have purchased the book. It keeps selling, too! This book has legs…it’s amazing to me. It is available at retail stores across Canada and on-line. There is already talk of a second edition for 2025! So much has happened since the book’s initial release that I am working on the follow-up now.
If I die tomorrow, I will have had the best life! Wait…it’s not over! I continue to have the best life! The book tours were important to me following the book’s release. They were a blast! I met so many beautiful people who have shared awesome comments. I love meeting these complete strangers that made me feel welcomed, cherished and loved.
I try to do the same with others, all the time, every day.
I continue to work in media, despite seeing cuts all around me. I'm lucky to still be here, doing what I love to do. Also, YES! A film is currently in production loosely based on my life. It is scheduled to be the opening night film at the Kingston's Canadian Film Festival early in 2025. That blows me away. Again, I am humbled, fortunate and blessed to have lived this life and be living this life!
Sophia: Finally, I want to share one of your quotes from your memoir, “A Happy Has-Been." I find this quote particularly powerful. "As someone who has been fortunate enough to have had a tiny impact on those around me, my advice is this: understand that being recognized by the public is simply a platform to inspire others in a positive way. It is a God-given opportunity that allows you the privilege to inspire change.
Once you are recognized for the work you’ve done, it’s time to give back to those in need. We should all strive to be humble and to possess empathy and gratitude." - Bill Welychka Bill, your music and entertainment legacy, charitable work, and generosity of spirit is beautiful. Your attitude of gratitude is sacred. Your love of music has gifted you with the most incredible life. Thanks for the inspiring read and conversation. Rock on Bill!
Bill: Thanks for the awesome time, Sophia!
Bill's memoir is available through Indigo, Friesen Press, Barnes and Nobel, via eBooks at Apple Books, Google Play, Nook, and most on-line retailers as a TOP 10 BESTSELLER and is #1 at KOBO. And, partial proceeds from the book are being donated to the White Ribbon Campaign and various women’s shelters across Canada.
Bill Welychka - MuchMusic VJ and best selling author + other Celebrity Guests returns to Toronto, Canada for NostalgiaCon Toronto 2024 on October 5, 2024 www.billwelychka.ca
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