Some sad news to pass along of the passing of singer Bruce Guthro who has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 62.
Bruce was originally from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, but lived here in Hammonds Plains, just outside of Halifax.
In Cape Breton, we’re called “Northsiders” as we lived on the “northside” of Sydney.
Both of us “Northsiders” left home to pursue our careers here on “The Mainland.”
Back in the 1980’s, I first met Bruce when he would drop off his music at the radio station I was working for, CKPE-FM “Cape Country” in Sydney, NS.
It was a huge thrill to see his hard work pay off with the success of his break through album “Of Your Son” in 1997 with songs like “Walk This Road” that hit # 1 on the Canadian charts and “Falling” that helped him win East Coast Music Awards.
Bruce and his daughter Jodi and son Dylan recorded this song below with their Dad just in July with this posted message:
Hi all, I guess this post has been a long time coming. I’ve been battling health issues for a few years now. We are deeply saddened it has reached the stage where it has been affecting live performances, and it’s time to make this little announcement. Unfortunately, we had to cancel the Guthro Trio at Stan Fest as you’ll see from the video… and I’ll likely be taking a break from live performances for the next little while. At this time, my family and I appreciate your understanding, and hold all the prayers and love you have to offer close to our hearts. Thanks to Troy, the amazing artists and the great folks at Stanfest for managing to switch things up for our set on such short notice… and managing to send us the live steam personally. 🙏 Thank you all for your support over the years in this blessed musical career I’ve had. You were always the inspiration behind it all. I’m a firm believer prayers can make a difference my friends. May God hear ours, and by his grace, may we see each other again to share songs and stories. With all our love and respect… The Guthro’s.
Posted by Bruce Guthro on Friday, July 21, 2023
His “Bruce Guthro Songwriters Circles” were always a sell out at Casino Nova Scotia.
Bruce loved the sport of boxing and would sing “O Canada” at the fights at Casino Nova Scotia in downtown Halifax.
I was the ring announcer for those matches about twenty years ago.
I recall asking Bruce one time: “How should I introduce you, Bruce?” Bruce replied: “Ian, just say, East Coast singer/songwriter and GREAT in bed!”
A little sample of his humour and personality.
Rest easy my friend and thank you for the music and memories.
-Ian
Credits: @BruceGuthro on X & Facebook.
