Now Published!...
A HAPPY HAS-BEEN
Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of Canada's Foremost Entertainment Journalists
BY BILL WELYCHKA
Featuring a Foreword by The Tragically Hip's Paul Langlois
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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 has over 5,000 interviews under his belt (and counting!) - including film and TV stars, royalty, politicians, athletes and the planet’s biggest music legends. He is renowned for his thoughtful interview style and his love and knowledge of a wide range of topics from pop-culture to politics. Bill is very respected among his peers and his arduous work 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. The celebrated media icon also shares the important life-lessons he has learned during his blessed life. Partial proceeds of the book will be donated to the White Ribbon Campaign and various women’s shelters across Canada. |
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Buy Your Copy!
Bill's A Happy Has-Been is now available from FriesenPress and most major retailers online!
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Specifications:
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ISBNs:
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Praise for the Book!
“An extremely intimate, genuine and unshakeably 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)
“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 personal music memories. It is a fanfreakintastic reminisce of yesteryear. This notable book is a must-have to add to your collection of highly addictive reads. It will thrill all his fans!”
-The Wire MEGAzine
“Bill has proven to be an exceptional writer. [A Happy Has-Been] will excite any fan of music or Bill’s fans. This book is chock-full of information about the music business.”
-Rick Revelle / Author Algonquin Quest series
“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
“If you grew up with MuchMusic, you understand the impact the VJs had on your life. Bill Welychka was one of the greats. 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
Buyer On-Line Reviews
"I have to say this was one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of reading, and I am an avid reader! (Bill) was honest, sincere, and as usual down right hilarious! I had laughter, tears and moments of HUH? and WOW!
You're the best Bill and we share a common love for animals!"
- Patricia W. September, 2023
"I did enjoy reading this book. I know nothing about rock & roll music and artists or television technology but Bill's warmth and honesty kept me turning pages. Reading it was like spending time with an interesting, delightful person and coming away feeling that the world is a good place."
- Norma C. September, 2023
"Great Rock n Roll stories! Bill's amazing ride as one of Canada's best music journalists makes for a great read! He interviewed EVERYONE...and had some wild times along the way."
- Martygirldog October, 2023
"Gotta be one of THE best music autobiographies I've ever read! Bravo!"
- Glenda F. October, 2023
"My only complaint about Bill's book is that it should've been longer! I wanted to read more!"
-Pat C. November, 2023
"If you don't know Bill Welychka, you really should! Your book was fantastic! Please do a part 2! Run, don't walk to your nearest bookstore and get this book!"
-Lydia B. November 2023
"I have to say this was one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of reading, and I am an avid reader! (Bill) was honest, sincere, and as usual down right hilarious! I had laughter, tears and moments of HUH? and WOW!
You're the best Bill and we share a common love for animals!"
- Patricia W. September, 2023
"I did enjoy reading this book. I know nothing about rock & roll music and artists or television technology but Bill's warmth and honesty kept me turning pages. Reading it was like spending time with an interesting, delightful person and coming away feeling that the world is a good place."
- Norma C. September, 2023
"Great Rock n Roll stories! Bill's amazing ride as one of Canada's best music journalists makes for a great read! He interviewed EVERYONE...and had some wild times along the way."
- Martygirldog October, 2023
"Gotta be one of THE best music autobiographies I've ever read! Bravo!"
- Glenda F. October, 2023
"My only complaint about Bill's book is that it should've been longer! I wanted to read more!"
-Pat C. November, 2023
"If you don't know Bill Welychka, you really should! Your book was fantastic! Please do a part 2! Run, don't walk to your nearest bookstore and get this book!"
-Lydia B. November 2023
News & Events
Check out the tour poster above for the dates of the book launch tour! More dates are coming for 2024!!
EVENT DETAILS... It was a great pleasure to have visited Barrie, Peterborough, Ottawa and back home to Kingston. I made many new friends and heard some beautiful sentiments expressed. THANK YOU!! See link below for video highlights Thank you Chapters/ Indigo! Hamilton and Welland in-store appearances were a blast! Thank you to everyone that came out and showed love. See link below for video highlights More Appearance Dates for Kingston! Novel Idea Sat. Dec. 2 from noon-3 pm Nexus Comics Sat. Dec. 9 from noon – 3 pm I am grateful to the dozens of media outlets across Canada (and the world!) that have interviewed me and that are spreading the word about the book. It's heart-warming and a blessing to realize people are curious and want to know more about the book. Wow. Sincere thanks! |
Paul Langlois receives his copy of the book
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PAST EVENTS AND MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS...
August 3rd, 2023 - The Jann Arden Podcast interview
Listen below!
Listen below!
It was an amazing time Saturday, September 9th for the Kingston book launch at the Tir Nan Og pub.
There was a lot of love in the room. Thank you!
See link below for highlights.
(Over $400 was made for the Kingston Interval House Women's Shelter.)
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It was an honour to walk the red carpet with many ex-coworkers Friday, Sept. 22nd for the Canadian premiere in Toronto of “299 Queen Street West”.
Director Sean Menard's doc did a Canadian tour and SOO much fun doing some of the dates. The best part was meeting awesome people and taking part in the fun Q&As following the screenings. Cheers to everyone that came out!
For more information on the film, please visit the official website: www.299queenstreetwest.com
See link below for Canadian premiere highlights.
**Also, see links below for some great National TV interviews regarding "A Happy Has-Been"!
Bill Welychka
Check out some of my favourite hits from my career in the videos below, and check out more on my YouTube channel here!
The Bill Welychka Promo-cards Collection
A selection of my favourite videos from my YouTube Channel
Hamilton and Welland appearances (Nov. 3-4 2023)
Bill has been busy travelling to Chapters-Indigo locations around Ontario for in-store signing appearances.
Even more in-store appearances are scheduled for 2024.
Enjoy this travelogue of select in-store appearances!
Even more in-store appearances are scheduled for 2024.
Enjoy this travelogue of select in-store appearances!
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Contact Bill
I hope you enjoy the book...Cheers!
-Bill Welychka
