11/29/2025
This is a photo of our friend Allan (aka Jake) Hickey. We miss you, brother.
Just a little story
Years ago, while travelling to London, Ontario, to fulfill a contract for Western University. It was always a great place to play. One wink before twilight, I came through the doors at the University, I had a gig at The Elbow Room. It was bustling, so this guy, I thought, was standing on a table or something, waved me through because I was carrying my guitar. He was standing, looking over those carpeted office dividers. As I rounded the corner where this guy was standing, he wasn't on a ladder or a table; he was standing on the floor. I walked to him and asked him how tall he was. He measured an astonishing 7 feet 4 inches. I asked him, Do you play basketball? He replied, No, I'm too tall. We both burst into laughter. This guy was flat black fu***ng gorgeous, and huge. When he shook my hand, it was like shaking hands with a grizzly bear. He told me a story about his birth. He said we weighed in at a whopping 18 pounds when he was born, and when he was circumcised, he only weighed 8 pounds. haha!
Anyway, when I played in London, it was about 6 weeks between gigs, and I used to stay with a lifelong friend, Murray Cuff. He was studying to be a dentist. This guy is a brilliant individual. I slept on the couch; he had two other hilarious roommates. I mean, these guys made beer, my Lord, I couldn't get around it, it was half sludge, and the other half was p**s or vinegar, not quite sure.
When Murray Cuff would go to call in the early morning, I used to peek out the window to see if he was gone, then I'd grab my favourite pillow and head off to Murr's room and jump into his nice, warm water bed. It was like heaven had spread its wings and come to Murray's bedroom.
He was cool with that. I'd never jump into anyone's bed without permission. (wait a second)? Did I say that?
The big reality is that I would always come prepared when I stayed. I would get there with my gear and a 60-pounder of Rye, it was the drink for the lads back then. They all knew what time I would arrive, and all three of them would be there with lots of mix, and the party began for a week.
Thank you, Murray and you two roommates, I've forgotten their names. If still in contact, tell them I said hello. Love, your Friend Steve PS: I see Brian and Linda Somerton in that photo on the right at the merchant's Christmas Dance