Richard Bell 1946- 2007 We’re sadden to report that on Friday (June 15), Canada’s greatest blues-rock pianist Richard Bell lost his battle with multiple myeloma. He was 61. A member of Richie Knight and the Midknights who later joined Richard “King Biscuit Boy” Newell backing Ronnie Hawkins before going on to form Crowbar, Bell is perhaps best remembered as a member of Janis Joplin’s Full Tilt Boogie Band who played on her classic Pearl album and infamous Festival Express cross-Canada train tour. Joining a latter day version of the Band in 1991, Bell appeared on their final three albums was frequently in demand for sessions with Bruce Cockburn, Colin Linden, the Cowboy Junkies, Danny Brooks and anyone else whose music required a soulful upgrade. He’ll be sorely missed. A celebration of Bell’s life and music is being held at the Steam Whistle Brewery (255 Bremner Blvd) Wednesday (June 20) at 2 pm.
