Rick Simpson
Glenn first met Rick Simpson when they were both attending Grant McEwan College in the mid 1970’s. In 1983, they reconnected when Rick was putting a band together through a music club at the University of Alberta. When the University rehearsal space was no longer available, Glenn and Rick rented a house with another friend, Kevin Stefura. They auditioned more players and contacted Glenn’s longtime drummer friend Doug Blackley. They named the band “Public Life”. The group rented their PA system and lights through Lynn Wells and Atilla Ambrose who booked the band. They also hired a light man and sound man who travelled with them. Public Life performed at a variety of clubs and venues throughout Alberta and BC for 10 months before the group disbanded.
Glenn and Rick played together again in a trio with Ron Rococo in 1985. The group was called “The Connection”. Glenn played guitar, Rick bass, and Ron played keyboards to prerecorded tracks with drums. The Connection focused on playing top 40 commercial songs. Rick left to pursue a business with Glenn’s brother Brent at Hub Mall. Glenn and Ron continued to play together until the fall of 1985 when Glenn went back to University.
Glenn and Rick pursued other musical interests together over the years, including busking at the Fringe in 1991, playing at private house parties, and recording some of Rick’s original songs. Click the bubbles below to hear some of their collaborations.
