Gogo possesses an extensive collection of vintage electronic instruments which have been displayed at the Royal British Columbia Museum; and he was one of the mellotron aficionados featured in the 2008 documentary film, "Mellodrama: The Mellotron Movie." A lifelong fan of keyboard/electric violin master Eddie Jobson, Gogo has dazzled Jobson's forum with his regular commentary and cartoons; and more recently, as a forum moderator. A modern-day court jester, Gogo's wit and charm brings mirth to Eddie, who generously gifted him with the remains of a blue Barcus Berry violin that had been sacrificed onstage in Jobson's only attempt to emulate Pete Townsend. Next to the snack refrigerator, it is Gogo’s most cherished possession.
His current personal music projects (as songwriter/producer/videographer) include the debut albums by The Campfire Girls, with long-time collaborative partner, Tracy-Lyn LeSire; and the newly formed Cashtones, featuring the operatic brilliance of sisters, Chrystal and Samantha Cashmore. Gogo also contributed original compositions/performances on "Theme of Appreciation 1 and 2," both international multi-artist Jobson tribute albums .
When not touring with Trooper or otherwise involved in music-making, Gogo can be found near trees or beaches. A connoisseur of firewood, and a master splitter, he has overseen the building of houses and cabins of his own design, from Protection Island to Gogo Mountain, his fourth generation family estate. He keeps the spazz attacks at bay with his connection to the water, by swimming, boating, or just hanging in the bathtub capital of the world, Nanaimo British Columbia.
Or, In Gogo's Words ...
He recorded his first composition, entitled “Flying People,” at age 6, and made a drum set out of buckets which he painted green. Gogo was the featured performer in the Upper Island Music Festival for the next decade, and was awarded enough certificates to wall paper a decent size bathroom. He performed both as a cast member and soloist in countless local music and dance concerts, and charity events.
His teenage years were spent as a piano student under the tutelage of Michael Okzco. Also during his teen years, Gogo created a psychadelic rock-and-roll light show with materials salvaged from condemed houses. At age 12, he joined his first rock band, Mr. Natural, a favourite at talent shows and school dances. Gogo’s first musical influences were shaped by progressive rock keyboard icons, Eddie Jobson (Roxy Music, Curved Air, UK), and Rick Wakeman (Yes). Inspired by both artists’ use of electronic multi-keyboard platforms, Gogo assembled his own rig, which included a “Bogatron” built in shop class, as well as an assortment of instruments borrowed from family, friends, and venues. This love of electronic musical apparatuses eventually led to an extensive private collection of 1960s-to-present instruments, including a black Mellotron 400, that has been displayed in a special exhibit at the Royal British Columbia Museum.
Years of intense rehearsal and musical experimentation, brought the founding of progressive rock band Graphics, comprised of Gogo and his brothers. A series of self-produced and highly-touted West Coast concerts (most notably, the 1981 Medieval Fair in that city, one of the last of the formidible open-air style festivals), was the cornerstone of the band's year-long run.
The next ten years found Gogo on the road with an assortment of rock bands, including Passion Play, where he was known for playing a guitar-style keyboard, and for the band’s distinctive all-white stage attire under a black-light setting; the heavy metal Highwire; and Kids Wanna Rock, a much-celebrated Bryan Adams tribute band.
Halifax-based The Broken Toys was a sucessful funk-rock act , featuring the musical stylings of ultra-talented frontman Gary Gillespie. In a formidable era of synth-based rock (and stylish attire), the band rarely took a day off in its entire year-long run.
The Vancouver rock scene , circa1990 ushered in a full-bore hard rock that pulsed through such venues as The Metro, and Club Soda. Gogo’s extended piano and keyboard improvisational solos were a well-received staple of those halcyon days. Various recording sessions (many uncredited) followed, as did a winding road with the ultra-talented and close friend musician Paul Laine, with whom innumerable laughing fits have been played-out through the years.
In 1995, Gogo joined the popular Canadian rock band, Trooper, which had been associated with several of Gogo's acts as headliner over the years. Trooper has allowed for experimental music and has been the perfect gig and showcase for this keyboard player, with his outrageous psychedelic outfits and wandering musical keyboard solos. Countless road trips have created a tight brotherhood within in the band. They have appeared on various national television feature spots and at massive sporting events. They will be performing at the Vancouver Victory Ceremonies as a part of the 2010 Winter Olympics on February 21, 2010.
In the past, Gogo has forayed into such ventures as THE SUPER GROOVY BAND, and the humourous cartoon-based THE REDNECK COOKBOOK.
A lifelong fan of famed genius keyboard/electric violin master Eddie Jobson, Gogo has bedazzled Jobson's forum with his regular commentary and cartoons; and more recently, as a forum moderator.
Gogo also contributed original compositions and performances on two Jobson-themed tribute albums, "Theme of Appreciation 1 and 2," comprised of an international array of musicians.
Gogo currently studies violin with Trish Clair-Peck. He also records with various musicians and friends, notably Jim Blair with CIRCLE OF WINGS, a stunning modern high-tech Metal Opera. Jim Blair also brought Gogo into the circle of friends which comprised the MELLOTRON ARCHIVES, an effort to save the mellotron from extiction in 1990. Gogo and his brother Thomas were featured in the 2008 documentary film, "Mellodrama: The Mellotron Movie."
Current projects include the recording and musical direction of debut albums by The Campfire Girls, with his long-time collaborative partner, Tracy-Lyn LeSire, and also the newly formed Cashtones; both featuring the operatic genius of the highly-trained singing sisters Chrystal and Samantha Cashmore.
Gogo has donated his time toward various local charities and community musical performances, gigging for hospitals, institutions, and the Nanaimo Association of Assisted Community Living. A life-long peacemaker, he has not had a fight since grade five, when he beat-up Carl Wheeler, and has since apologized.
