2024-01-28
2024-01-28
TV ICON & Canadian Author, Bill Welychka Released Debut Memoir
Description
IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Since first stepping in front of MuchMusic’s national cameras in 1992, Bill Welychka has
become one of Canada’s most enduring, recognizable and respected television personalities.
He is MuchMusic and MuchMoreMusic’s longest running VJ. Bill is renowned for his thoughtful
interview style and his love and knowledge of a wide range of topics from pop-culture to politics,
and his reputation has been rewarded by many exclusives and awards.
Bill Welychka has been hearing for decades “You should write a book!” Well, that book is here
and ready to be enjoyed by his large number of ardent followers. Any fan of music (country, pop,
rock, rap, metal etc) will be entertained by his stories of hanging out with many of the industry’s
biggest stars. “A Happy Has-Been (Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of
Canada's Foremost Entertainment Journalists)” will dive into the many tales of spending
time with Madonna (at her house), Mick Jagger, Oasis, AC/DC, Johnny Cash, members of The
Beatles, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Garth Brooks, Prince and dozens of other music legends.
Bill writes about his world travels from spending time with the Maasai warriors on the Serengeti
to covering the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo, Monaco six years in a row. Despite a
career that had him mobbed at concerts and meeting every single idol he had, Bill opens up
about his battles with depression. Also, this celebrated media icon shares the important
life-lessons he has learned during his blessed life. Book Tralier https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5Oe9A-mzTQ
2023 marks the 35th year of his dedication and insight to both sides of the camera. He has over
5,000 interviews under his belt (and growing!) including film and TV stars, royalty, politicians,
athletes & innumerable music legends. 90s retro music is back in a big way and the timing of
Bill’s book is perfect…he has been in demand the past several years to talk about music and
trends on numerous Podcasts, and there is a new documentary about MuchMusic that was
released in September on its Canada-wide tour to which Bill was interviewed extensively for the
doc and made a few appearances along the tour, that is now complete, and the documentary
airs to CRAVE in December of 2023. For more info you can visit www.299queenstreetwest.com
There is also a film currently in production loosely based on Bill’s life.
Bill’s book proudly features a Foreword by The Tragically Hip’s Paul Langlois. + Partial proceeds
from the book are being donated to the White Ribbon Campaign and various women’s shelters
across Canada.
Bill Welychka’s “A Happy Has-Been (Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of
Canada's Foremost Entertainment Journalists)” is available through Indigo, at Friesen Press
as a BESTSELLER, available at Barnes and Nobel, via eBooks at Apple Books, Google Play,
Nook, and most on-line retailers as a TOP 10 BESTSELLER and is #1 at KOBO, for more
information, you can visit www.billwelychka.ca
The Reviews are in!
“Bill’s memoir is both a creative workbook and an authoritative musical reference. 35 years after
it all began, he shares his richly textured and enduring up-close & personal music memories. It
is a fan-freakin-tastic reminisce of yesteryear. This notable book is a must-have piece to add to
your collection of highly addictive reads. It will thrill all his fans!” - The Wire MEGAzine.
“I love that he chronicled his story in book form. There were laughs and there were lessons,
tales and tears. And Bill is the same guy from all those years ago – charming and genuine.
You’ll love this book. I sure did!” - Kevin Shea / Hockey historian and Author.
“An extremely intimate, genuine and unshakably honest journey into pop culture fame and the
unstoppable path to self-realization, truth and happiness.” - Kris Abbott / Musician (Kris+Dee,
The Pursuit of Happiness)
“If you grew up in the heyday of the nation’s music station, you understand the impact the VJs
had on your life. Bill Welychka was one of the greats. In his book, we’re blessed with inside
access to the life and times of Bill, who it turns out is much more than a beloved VJ. He’s a
beloved human being.” - Toronto Mike'd Podcast
“Bill has proven to be an exceptional writer. This book will excite any fan of music or Bill’s fans
or any avid reader of Bios. This book is chock-full of information about the music business.” -
Rick Revelle/ Author Algonquin Quest Series.
- Event Type: Arts & Entertainment