2016 has taken another precious musical genius, and this time it hurts even more, because Paul MacLeod was one of our own.
MacLeod was the local prodigy that joined Skydiggers and launched an impressive series of solo albums. I’d heard lots of Paul’s music over the years but it was only a short while ago that Uncle Meat told me, “You have to get the CD by this band called Hibakusha. They are the local Rush.” So I did and he was right. 5/5 stars. That was the first CD of Paul’s that I bought.
Paul was very close to a number of friends of mine, Uncle Meat in particular. His heart is now broken, his dear friend gone. Below is my favourite Paul MacLeod video. Recorded live in the downtown streets of Kitchener, “Down on the Street” is simply amazing. There are many people here that miss Paul. Rest in peace.
mikeladano.com 
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Thank you for posting this, Mike. It’s devastating news, and we’re fans of the music without knowing the man. Our hearts go out to all of his family and friends.
I want to do something at KMA too, I have a couple of Paul stories to share. Thanks again.
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That would be awesome — I’ll be sure to share them with his friends. And the words from his many friends have been overwhelming today. Jacob Moon put out a nice statement.
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Sorry for your loss guys! When it’s someone that young and in your backyard so to speak it stings!
Hang in there Boys!
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Sorry to both you and your buddies.
Sorry I never got to see him live.
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Sorry to hear about your loss.
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So sorry. RIP Paul.
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I’m sorry Mike, thank you for writing this tribute to Paul
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My condolences to you and Uncle Meat. Man, 2016 really does suck! R.IP. Paul
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This has been a really tough week for the music community, both here in KW and across the country. Paul touched a lot of hearts in this land. I shot the Down on the Street video, so thanks for finding the pleasure in it that we had making it. Starting with that loud fan and ending with birdsong.
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What a fantastic video, all one shot. Remarkable! My friend Eric showed that video to me a couple years ago and I’ve always wondered exactly where it was shot and how you kept the camera so steady even as you progress down the street? Presumably walking backwards to film the musicians?
Even though this has been a week of sadness, please try to take some joy in the fact that right here, you’ve found someone deeply impressed by your work! And that of Paul as well, of course!
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I am quite sure this is Halls Lane in Kitchener
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It sure does look like it.
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That was a wonderful street vid, and what a great voice (if I may, fer these ears at least I had a sudden Badlands flashback!?). Didn’t know of Paul but clear he touched many here and much respect, condolences and wishes to family friends and fans.
What a talent.
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You’ll have the chance to hear more of Paul soon. Uncle Meat gave me two of Paul’s albums last month so I need to work up the heart to review them!
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Man .. I went to bed last night when Paul came rushing back to mind. I used to watch him play back in KW back when I lived there from 97-99. We used to chat often after his shows. I moved out to Vancouver in ’99 and brought my “Tell the band to go home” CD with me. Listened to it all the time and often thought of Paul. I emailed him a few times over the first number of years here to see if he was ever playing out my way. I never did get to see him again, but his voice always brought me back to having pints with him. So much time had passed, but last night he was on my mind so here I am today looking to see where he’s at when I read this. Wish I had let him know more how much I cherished watching him play.
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Thanks for this beautiful comment Gord.
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