Memorial

In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Gord Kudlak

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our charismatic co-founder, dear friend, and band brother Gord Kudlak, affectionately known as “Kuddles” by those who loved him. Gord touched the lives of so many with his beautiful music, and he will be dearly missed by his family, friends, fans, and bandmates. He’ll be most remembered for his signature song, Elvis’s “Teddy Bear”, as well as “Mustang Sally”, “Runaround Sue”, and “It’s All In The Game”.

He had a giant heart full of love, and finally, it just gave out at 12:25 am, Good Friday, April 10th, 2020 from complications of diabetes and heart disease. Gord had been dealing with medical challenges for some time, but whenever he took the stage he would rise above the pain and give himself fully to his audience, so much so that his fans would never see his pain, only his talent, dedication, and love of music. He lived for the music and for the connection he established with everyone who loved it like he did. Like any true performing artist he believed that “the show must go on,” no matter what.In his honour, the band is resolved to continue to do just that.

Goodbye Kuddles, we love you. Thank you for the beautiful music you left us.

Gord Kudlak

Music was an essential part of Gord’s life for over 50 years, starting at the age of 7 when he first learned to play the drums. He performed his first professional gig with some “old-timer legionnaires” at the ripe old age of 9, and he continued to develop as a musician ever since. In addition to his experience and skill as an accomplished drummer, his repertoire of instruments grew over the years to include the trombone, trumpet, guitar, bass, and keyboards. “The more I played, the more I wanted to diversify,” he once confided. And through his engagements with countless bands locally and abroad, performing everything from rock to jazz, he developed a love for vocal harmonies and a keen desire to focus on singing.

“That ‘street corner harmony’, the doo wop-style music of the 50s and 60s has always been my preference" he shared. "You just can’t help but sing along, tap a toe and dance to it!”

Gord was always impressed with groups who can sing, realizing how difficult it can be to find that right blend of individuals with voices that work well together. “Luck brought this group together… voices that are perfectly matched. Somehow this just happened.” He smiled as he shared his thoughts about the music of <<REWiND<<.