Richard O'Brien R.I.P.

One of the real characters from the Toronto music scene died this morning from complications due to a stroke. Richard O'Brien, along with Patti Habib, was the owner of the Bamboo club, which more than any other institution (except maybe for Harbourfront later in the 80's), was responsible for the rise of Third World music in Toronto.

Cantankerous, opinionated and often difficult to deal with, he nonetheless had the vision to see how first Reggae and Calypso, then African and Latin music could be as much a part of Toronto music scene as blues and rock and folk music.

I last saw Richard at Barbara Klunder's book launch in late August where he was as animated and high spirited as I had seen him in years. So this news is very sad and shocking.

Patti sent a note to his friends saying...

Richard suffered a stroke in the car drive home Thanksgiving Monday with absolutely no warning . His last words to me were "whats the big deal?"

Family and friends will be received at the Ward Funeral Home, 2035 Weston Road, (North of Lawrence) on Wednesday, October 17 from 4pm until the time of service at 6pm in the Ward Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Condolences can be sent to richard.obrien@wardfh.com

Postscript

Patti Habib sent me some more info on Richard's work after the Bamboo

Richard suffered a stroke seven years ago and despite being wheelchair bound, his optimism and enthusiasm never waned.~ Always with a project on the burner, he taught himself with one hand and one good eye to learn final edit, so we could begin putting together 20 years of Bamboo memories with little clips and VHS tapes.
His latest and dearest art project was his determination to beautify the ferry terminal, which he took daily to his home on Wards Island. The ferry was not even wheelchair friendly for a government run agency. With its ominous dreariness, he called the terminal Bosnia~and produced a series of colourized photos, demonstrating how easily the terminal could be turned around with simple colour and light applications.

Comments

[dacks]

Oh my goodness! Sad news. Your obit is right on the money.

[Rosie Levine]

Billy,
The interview with Matt about Richard's influence in the city was awesome!!!
Thank you for the tribute to one cantankerous, solid-gold,
sweet-hearted soul.
One Love
Peace
Rosie

[Peter Ehrlich]

As a city, Toronto was at a crossroads in the late 70's and 80's. It was still anchored in old world conservatism, but was starting to vibrate to a new spirit - that of an open, more liberal and inclusive society.

Through their commitment to World Music and politics (and exotic fabulous food), Richard (and Patti) were so very responsible for helping tranform Toronto into a society that truly recognized the value of its multicultural communities.

Richard's hard work is still being felt today in the most positive of ways. Toronto is a better more loving place because of him.

Thank you Richard. Todah, bevakasha.

Peter Ehrlich