The List: Ten things Blue Rodeo frontman and Canadian rock icon Jim Cuddy can’t live without
1| My skates
I play a lot of hockey. It’s amazing that at my age I still get thrilled about skates, but I do. These ones are by Graf, and they’re customized to my feet.
2| My Gretsch
It’s a 1948 acoustic on long-term—maybe permanent—loan from Colin Cripps, who’s in my band. I got it from him 14 years ago and used it to write my first solo record. Since then it’s become my go-to guitar for writing.
3| My talisman
I bought these Tibetan prayer beads when my wife and I were in China for the 2008 Olympics. We got all wrapped up in the commercialism of the Games, and then we went to this rural place near the Great Wall that was beautiful and calm and run by Tibetans. The beads remind me of that tranquility.
4| My wedding ring
I never take it off—even to play hockey. My wife and I got married in ’84 when we were living in New York. We bought rings from a gold dealer near Times Square. They probably weren’t shockingly expensive, but they seemed it to us because we were totally broke.
5| My Dopp kit
In the late ’80s Blue Rodeo played a protest benefit for the Stein Valley in British Columbia, which was in danger of being logged. Someone there was selling this smoked deerskin bag—the smoky smell only faded in the last year or two. I keep my shaving things in it.
6| My go-to poets
Every time I start writing songs I read poetry. I like the beauty of Leonard Cohen, the ruralness of Alden Nowlan and the plain language of Al Purdy. I’ve read these books a hundred times each. It’s like reconnecting with old friends.
7| My neighbourhood hangout
The Detroit Eatery on the Danforth is a great family-run diner. You always see people you know there, and you can get all the gossip from the neighbourhood. The food is reliably good. My favourite day is Thursday, which is vegetable soup day.
8| My boom box
I’ve had this one for six or seven years. It’s busted on one side, so only one speaker works, but it’s great for recording demos. Digital recording is too clear—it makes things sound like a lonely guitar in a big empty room. Boom boxes and cassettes crush the sound and help me imagine what it’ll be like with a band.
9| My gig boots
They were made by a shoemaker in the neighbourhood: Nasser Vies. He replicated a pair I bought 15 years ago. I’ve never been able to indulge in a lot of rock star stuff—I mean, we’re not that big—but having custom boots is amazing.
10| My wine collection
For our first 10 years as a band, we were awash in beer. Eventually I thought: I never want to have another frickin’ beer again. So the road manager and I decided to try wine. We bought a bottle and a wine magazine and sat in the back of the bus with our plastic cups trying to taste the flavours. I now have a good-sized collection. My favourite is a 1996 Barolo.
I first saw you guys in ’84 or ’85 in Harbourfront doing an outdoor gig and I said to myself, this band going to make it big someday.
After the gig, I saw you guys left in separate way walking towards some form of public transportation. I bet during that time you guys must be really broke to even afford a run down car to carry the equipment.
Good to see you guys doing so well.
Remember back when Blue Rodeo was playing the Horseshoe & at Ontario Place one year. Loved your music then, love it today. Interestingly enough, most of my friends then were “really into music”, couldn’t get any of them to go see you play, today, same friends have all your CD’s (LOL).
Hiya Jim…
When I get the chance to go back stage to see you guys and to thank you for the great performance I have noticed that you are always wearing a black vest with an owl on it?? Must be your fave!!
You’re still a cutie, Jim. Love you and your music.
Hey Jim
You are my fav musician and a very impressive artist. I have been watching you with Blue Rodeo for 25 years…….I think my first concert was at the old Bingamen Park. since then I have seen you approximately 75 times in concert. Since you have been touring on your own, your stuff is amazing. I could listen to you over and over and over again…..proud to call you a fellow Canadian……now if we could just get satalite radio to play you.
Jim I am one of many of your biggest fans and have been following since I was 28 just to give you an idea I turned 51 this year OMG I have attended one of your hockey games on the West Island and stopped you in the hall to get a glimpse of your perfect smile, I also waited for you a John Abbott where you performed and found me on your bus OMG what was I thinking obviously I was because you gave me time and allowed to me ask you questions, that was a big moment for me, and when Tom from Wea use to get me back stage passes that was another rush in my life I will never be to old to spend a few moments with you I consider you a friend, I will have the honor of seeing you in Cornwall in Feb and I think I have front row seats or pretty close, you are my inspiration in so many things that I have gone through in my life, with the blue rodeo band and now the Jim Cuddy band I learn all your songs and consider you my fav musician if you think hard you will remember who I am usually while you have performed in Montreal I have met you recently I have moved to Bainsville Ontario, so that makes me feel that much closer to you, I am not a stocker, just a big fan, wishing you so much success and I am very proud of you, so many great things have happened to you, I will always have you close in my heart best wishes always Linda
Love this feature. Like so many Canadians, I have many fond memories of Blue Rodeo concerts–specifically from my days at Mount A. Their music paints the landscape and really captures the soul of this country.
Blue Rodeo – Great band. Amazing songs, love to sing and play as many of there songs as I am able… which is difficult considering Cuddy’s range.
Jim Cuddy – Great guy, down to earth. Glad to have met him. I’ll carry the scar from him spearing me in the groin with pride to my dying day.
Your mother and I went to see you at the Ryerson pub. Your first public appearance? The talent was very evident!