General

It is with heavy hearts that we share that Patrick Monaghan, host of the multi-award winning Buckslide Blues Cruise passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday night July .

Pat went far above and beyond just playing the songs. He was an ambassador and champion of the blues, promoting up-and-coming musicians, particularly Canadian artists. He traveled to blues festivals across Ontario to discover new artists, interview and spotlight their music on the show.

He took over the blues program from former Canoe FM president Malcom MacLean in 2016. Pat recalls he had just 5 hours training. The first song he played on the show was his favourite song, the classic “Green Onions” by Booker T. & The MGs which is the song still heard on the Canoe FM radio ad that promotes his show. He credited the opportunity to produce David Mair’s Tuesday Night Sessions for 2 and a half years as an invaluable opportunity to gain comfort with the equipment.

Pat was a lifelong fan of the blues though initially he didn’t realize it. Growing up, he loved bands like ZZ Top, The Rolling Stones and Ten Years After, later realizing all these rock bands were heavily inspired by the blues greats. The Buckslide Blues Cruise reflected his vast music knowledge and appreciation, playing everything from Lead Belly to Led Zeppelin. Pat also loved to share interesting backstories about the musicians.

He was recognized nationally winning three Best Blues Show Of The Year awards from the National Campus and Community Radio Association. He also received the Toronto Maple Blues Society Award for Best Blues Booster Of The Year in Canada for 2022.

Pat battled pancreatic cancer over the last several years, but says continuing to run the radio show became his purpose in life.

“I truly love what I am doing…When I push the button on the board, and the light turns green, I’m not sick anymore. .I always use the motto ‘I keep the blues alive, but the last few years the blues has been keeping me alive.’”

The Buckslide Blues Cruise listenership extended well beyond Haliburton County, with regular texts coming into the station from fans from all across the country. Tributes have poured in over social media including from musicians and other community radio stations.

“We have lost a great supporter of live music as he passed away today He was truly a thumbs-up guy. As Stevie Ray Vaughan said, The Sky Is Crying. Gonna miss you pal.,” Ken Wallis, host of the syndicated radio shows Blues Source Canada and Blues Source International

The Blues world has lost a good one. This gentleman has done so much for the advocacy of Blues music; a bigger booster you will never find. His radio show, ‘The Buckslide Blues Cruise’, not only showcased the stars; it gave airtime to anyone trying to earn a spot in the Blues fraternity. Always upbeat, encouraging…and willing to lend an ear. He met his illness head-on, with a positivity that I could only dream of having. Rest easy, Pat. I’m sure you’re already lining up a ton of shows to watch. You will be missed.” Dwayne from Heartless Saints

“I’m absolutely heartbroken to hear of the passing of this wonderful beautiful man last night. We spoke every week and every week I tried my best to cheer him on in hopes that he would recover somehow. He was on the road probably a lot more than most musicians, taking in all the music he could. He still curated his radio show even though his health was failing because he loved to bring the music to keep in touch with us all. During one of our conversations, I was honoured and very sad when he asked me if he could use my song Before My Time, in his memorial playlist he was making. This is a very sad day for me, for Canadian Blues, for Blues lovers everywhere, and for all those who knew Patrick.” Debra Power, Musician

“It's with a very heavy heart that I say that we lost our number one Blues man here at Canoe FM. Pat Patrick Monaghan passed peacefully last night after a long and courageous battle with the big C. He was an award winning broadcaster and huge promoter of Blues music here in the Highlands as well as all over Ontario. Thanks Pat for all you did.” Ron Murphy, Production Manager at Canoe FM

“Such a huge loss for the station, Haliburton, and the music community. Our condolences to his family, friends and listeners” Hunters Bay Radio

Patrick...simply THE Blues Man. We are fortunate to have had him among us. Andy Muirhead, Musician