CBC Radio host Stuart McLean died on Feb. 15 at the age of 68, following a battle with melanoma.
For 22 years, the award-winning humorist hosted The Vinyl Cafe, an hour-long radio show about a fictional secondhand record store that featured stories, essays and music. McLean toured the country to share his stories and invited musicians to perform in his world.
As news of McLean's passing broke, musicians who performed on The Vinyl Cafe took to social media to post their heartfelt messages.
Whitehorse
Upon hearing the news, Whitehorse played their song "Night Owls" in tribute.
"We were blown away by his professionalism, humour and kindness. By the end of the tour we were lucky enough to call him a friend," they wrote. "We haven't played this in ages, but this was Stuart's favourite. This one's for him."
Reid Jamieson
Reid Jamieson tweeted a condolence with his song "Hey Big Kid." Jamieson wrote the song for, and about, the radio host and presented it to McLean on his 65th birthday in 2013.
Dala Girls
Our hearts are broken today as we grieve the loss of our dear friend Stuart McLean. We both feel… https://t.co/gT3apMm990
— Dala Girls (@dalagirls) February 15, 2017
Dala Girls on The Vinyl Cafe:
Jim Bryson
So saddened to hear this friends: Stuart was so kind and supportive of me and everything I did. A true legend. https://t.co/cFaDkXl1ym
— JimBryson (@jimbryson) February 15, 2017
Jim Bryson on The Vinyl Cafe:
Donovan Woods
So sad to hear of Stuart McLean's passing. Vinyl Cafe played one of my songs once & when I heard HIS voice say my name I nearly passed out.
— Donovan Woods (@DonovanWoods) February 15, 2017
Owen Pallett
This is terrible news. Stuart was a great man and a great friend, my heart is broken https://t.co/hYwO5LgcgR
— OP (@owenpallett) February 15, 2017
Jenn Grant
Stuart MacLean, thank you for your kindnesses. With the @goodlovelies , we raised a glass here in the woods. And I know you'd like that. xo.
— Jenn Grant (@jenngrantmusic) February 16, 2017
Cuff the Duke
We're so sad to hear this news. Stuart McLean was one of the greats! RIP https://t.co/W4XkmG84Di
— Cuff The Duke (@cufftheduke) February 15, 2017
Great Lake Swimmers
Heartbroken to hear of Stuart McLean's passing today. It was an honour to play on the Vinyl Cafe and to get to know him. A great man. https://t.co/tQxzZ72Mwd
— Great Lake Swimmers (@GreatLakeSwim) February 16, 2017
Joel Plaskett
Sad to hear that Stuart McLean has passed away. It was an honour to play on The Vinyl Cafe. A gentleman, and a fantastic writer & performer.
— Joel Plaskett (@joelplaskett) February 16, 2017
Harry Manx and Heather O'Neill on CBC's Daybreak
CBC Montreal's Daybreak spoke with McLean's friends, musician Harry Manx and author Heather O'Neill.
Heather O'Neill and Harry Manx discussing Stuart McLean on Daybreak.
Good Lovelies
This news has broken our hearts. We're sitting with our friends @jenngrantmusic and @danielledwell telling stories and raising our cups 💔 https://t.co/XypIdNXQe8
— Good Lovelies (@goodlovelies) February 16, 2017
Good Lovelies reminisce about Stuart McLean on CBC's q
Finally, here's a video of McLean at the finale of a Vinyl Cafe live show in Oshawa, Ont., which perfectly encapsulates the storyteller and humorist he was.
Follow Tahiat Mahboob on Twitter: @TahiatMahboob
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