Start Date: May 20, 2024
From 01:00 to 01:00
Address
ONLINE, HAMILTON
Details
Since first stepping in front of MuchMusic’s national cameras in 1992, Bill Welychka has become one of Canada’s most enduring, recognizable and respected television personalities. He is MuchMusic and MuchMoreMusic’s longest running VJ. Bill is renowned for his thoughtful interview style and his love and knowledge of a wide range of topics from pop-culture to politics, his reputation has been rewarded by many exclusives and awards.
www.billwelychka.ca
VIEW – A Happy Has Been Book Trailer and so much more at https://youtu.be/N5Oe9A-mzTQ
Bill Welychka has been hearing for decades “You should write a book!” 2023 has been a whirlwind of excitement for Bill as he released his debut memoir, ‘A Happy Has Been: Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of Canada’s Foremost Entertainment Journalists. The book was finally released in August 2023 and is currently being enjoyed by his large number of ardent followers and is available from FriesenPress, Indigo, and most online retailers as a #1 and TOP 10 best-seller, that has been purchased world-wide from Canada to as far away as France, Poland, Germany, England and the U.S.A.
Any fan of music (country, pop, rock, rap, metal etc.) will be entertained by his stories of hanging out with many of the industry’s biggest stars. “A Happy Has-Been (Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of Canada’s Foremost Entertainment Journalists)” dives into the many tales of spending time with Madonna (at her house), Mick Jagger, Oasis, AC/DC, Johnny Cash, members of The Beatles, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Garth Brooks, Prince and dozens of other music legends. Bill writes about his world travels from spending time with the Maasai warriors on the Serengeti to covering the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo, Monaco six years in a row. Despite a career that had him mobbed at concerts and meeting every single idol he had; Bill also opens up about his battles with depression. Also, this celebrated media icon shares the important life-lessons he has learned during his blessed life.
Bill’s book proudly features a Foreword by The Tragically Hip’s Paul Langlois. PLUS, partial proceeds from A Happy Has Been are being donated to the White Ribbon Campaign.
2023 marked the 35th year of his dedication and insight to both sides of the camera and 2024 brings his career full circle, with a return to music broadcasting as Corus Entertainment Kingston’s 96.3 BIG FM Announcer & 104.3 Fresh Radio Music Director.
Bill has over 5,000 interviews under his belt (and growing!) including film and TV stars, royalty, politicians, athletes & innumerable music legends. 90s retro music is back in a big way and the timing of Bill’s debut and sophomore books is perfect.
Bill has been blessed with a huge following at his successful memoir signing appearances running August 2023 to current. Bill’s meet and greets through Ontario brought him to Barrie, Peterborough, Welland, Hamilton, Belleville, Kingston, Ottawa, Timmins, Windsor, London, Stratford, Waterloo, Cambridge, Burlington, Mississauga, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, and Toronto, to the Napanee Writers Form, 2024 YGK Craft Beer Fest June 8 at Fort Henry Kingston, 2024 Howe Island ‘Rockin The Rock’ Music Festival Gananoque July 20th, and returns to Toronto this October 5th to NostalgiaCon 2024, with more dates to come.
Bill has also been a part of the documentary entitled ‘299 Queen Street West’ produced by Shawn Menard, making several appearances along its sold-out Premier Canadian Tour from September to November of 2023.
Bill is acting once again, as a movie is being produced in Kingston, loosely based on Bill’s life and career.
Mr. Welychka is currently knee deep in creating his Second Edition for publisher viewing and consideration as early as August 2024. In this newest edition, there will be even more stories, more pictures and a recap of the many experiences he had while promoting the first independently published book. There will also be updates on the big changes in his life since the debut bio’s release…including the latest on the film production on Bill’s life.
The Reviews are in!
“Bill’s memoir is both a creative workbook and an authoritative musical reference. 35 years after it all began, he shares his richly textured and enduring up-close & personal music memories. It is a fan-freakin-tastic reminisce of yesteryear. This notable book is a must-have piece to add to your collection of highly addictive reads. It will thrill all his fans!” – The Wire MEGAzine.
“I love that he chronicled his story in book form. There were laughs and there were lessons, tales and tears. And Bill is the same guy from all those years ago – charming and genuine. You’ll love this book. I sure did!” – Kevin Shea / Hockey historian and Author.
“An extremely intimate, genuine and unshakably honest journey into pop culture fame and the unstoppable path to self-realization, truth and happiness.” – Kris Abbott / Musician (Kris+Dee, The Pursuit of Happiness)
“If you grew up in the heyday of the nation’s music station, you understand the impact the VJs had on your life. Bill Welychka was one of the greats. In his book, we’re blessed with inside access to the life and times of Bill, who it turns out is much more than a beloved VJ. He’s a beloved human being.” – Toronto Mike’d Podcast
“Bill has proven to be an exceptional writer. This book will excite any fan of music or Bill’s fans or any avid reader of Bios. This book is chock-full of information about the music business.” Rick Revelle/ Author Algonquin Quest Series.
