Music Industry

RIP Canadian record man Bobby Gale

There is no way you could have worked in the Canadian radio or recording industry over the last 45 years and not encountered Bobby Gale. He was a one-of-a-kind sort of character who was super-passionate about music.

Bobby started in radio in Windsor in 1975 before moving through Detroit, Winnipeg, Montreal and Toronto over the next five years. He joined PolyGram in 1980 before striking out on his own in 1992.

I first met him when back in the 80s when he was with PolyGram, working records to young music directors like me at Q94-FM in Winnipeg. As recently as two weeks ago, he and I were on the phone discussing one of his latest clients of his promotion company, (plug) Music.

Bobby was on his way home to Prince Edward County from a show in Montreal Friday night (April 12) when there was a terrible auto accident. He didn’t make it.

Sometime around 4 am Saturday morning, it appears that Bobby had some kind of car trouble on the westbound 401. He pulled over and got out. That’s when he was struck by a tractor-trailer. The driver stayed at the scene. Police were called, but there was nothing anyone could do.

According to a Facebook post by JJ Johnson, “Bobby’s mom tells me there will be no funeral or celebration of life, and that Bobby’s ashes will be buried in the family plot around Windsor where he grew up.”

He will be missed. More at Broadcast Dialogue.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38011 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

One thought on “RIP Canadian record man Bobby Gale

  • Bobby Gale’s Sunday 4 hour Sunday afternoon radio shows down here in Picton on 99.3 were absolutely amazing. He found and played an extaordinary range of music, and interviews. His life was def. too short, as was his show. He exemplified The Spirit of Radio – just like CFNY way back in the late 70’s, early 80’s glory days, pre Selkirk / CN tower . Truly the best!!

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