Richard O’Brien

1948 - 2007

 

His last words were "what’s the big deal"

 

Poignant words coming from this man.  To many artists, band members, managers or promoters, booking your act at the fabled Bamboo for nearly 20 years meant dealing with Richard O’Brien.  At times intimidating, difficult or unpleasant, many of us did not wish to deal with the ‘big prick’ as he may have been referred to by some.  But as I reminisce on those times, at the impact The Bamboo had on this city, on Canadian reggae, good times, vivid memories, good friends made and great experiences too numerous to mention, it dawns on me to send Richard off with a GREAT BIG THANK YOU!

 

I was one of the fortunate ones to have had a small part of the ‘Bamboo experience’ managing IBADAN and booking them several times.  From beginning to end, even in his very aggressive, scathing style, Richard was a shrewd businessman and knew where to place the acts.  The hotter bands got booked monthly and were given Saturday nights regularly (even though good cash could be made on a Friday night too).  This aided greatly within the band's notoriety which supported other ventures and promotions at other establishments for each act, artist or band.  The more you got booked @ the ‘Boo’ the more people knew about you and the more support that you received.  Thank you Richard…

 

Many a night, I, like many others, would stroll down to The Boo after midnight to support the act gigging and be thoroughly entertained by the performances as well as seeing many regulars and staff having a great time.  The place had a wonderful vibe and we all remember very fond experiences.

 

The roof top had a seriously cool vibe.  Anytime after work in the summer time, may folks, from many companies, with many styles of fashion, with many different ideologies gathered on the roof and hung out till it closed.  Many times there was ‘cross mogination’ going on with different groups mingling, and enjoying each others’ vibes and spirit.  Thank you Richard and Patti!

 

“What’s the big deal?” implies to me a man who was not aware of his impact and contribution to this community.  Whether friend or foe; one cannot deny the contribution made and a feeling of gratitude for having shared that time with him and Patti as well as the rest of you.  Richard, it was a big deal to me, thank you…

  

This song "Do It" is off the self titled album produced by IBADAN released in 2000 and we had our CD launch @ The Boo...  We dedicate this one to the memory of Richard O'Brien.