I recall my wife and I attending a function in North Battleford in the mid 1970s at which Harry Startup and Bandy were playing. I remember saying, “that’s the best band I ever heard, and Harry is the best singer (a distinction he shared with George Armstrong) I ever heard.” My wife agreed. Over the years, I got to know Harry when he worked at MacPrint and when he was playing at various dances and functions in the Battlefords. On one occasion, I had to sing a first song, We’ve Only Just Begun by Karen Carpenter, at a wedding with my band, the Rhythm Aces. The song was difficult with a complex chord arrangement. I couldn’t learn it. Luckily Harry came to the rescue. He transposed the hard chords of the song to more reasonable ones. The rest was easy. That was Harry – always willing to help. In fact, he was known in the Battlefords for his down-to-earth friendliness and gregarious personality as much as he was for his musicianship and great voice. Everybody liked Harry.
The following is a chronology and description of Harry Startup’s career in music and the various bands in which he played. I thank Harry for giving me the story.
The Colonials were formed in 1967 with Colin Groeger on lead guitar, Mike McGuire on accordion and Harry Startup on vocals and rhythm guitar. Their first gig was at the Auditorium Hotel Crown Room. Harry recalled playing all night until the early morning for a Jaycee all-night curling bonspiel. Pay was $10 per musician. The band had a great time. In 1968, the band added Don Strutt on drums and Herschel Cousins on bass guitar. Shortly after, Don was transferred out of town and Jim Stabler took over on drums. When Colin left, Ron Rendle took over on lead guitar.
In 1969, the Colonials revamped and morphed into the New Colonials with Romeo Waines on lead guitar, Hershel Cousins on bass guitar, Kim Donahue on drums, Mike McGuire on accordion, Nancy Nash on vocals and Harry Startup on vocals and rhythm guitar. The band played many nights at the Beaver Hotel, Clarendon Hotel and many dances in and around the Battlefords. The New Colonials also played in Lloydminster at a hotel lounge. Band members travelled back and forth every night since everyone had a day job. In fact, Romeo drove every day from Pierceland where he worked for SaskTel. He had great stamina and dedication. In 1971, the New Colonials recorded an album, Flying High, in Edmonton. Nancy Nash left the band shortly after to pursue a successful solo career as a singer.
Bandy was formed in the latter part of 1972 with Brian Wappel on lead guitar, accordion, banjo and vocals, Gary Wappel on bass guitar and vocals, Kim Donahue on drums, Darcey Corney on vocals and Harry Startup on vocals and rhythm guitar. Bandy played for many wedding dances, Kinsmen Rodeo dances and many other venues. Bandy also played the Beaver Hotel, the Legion and many New Year's dances, which were great celebrations. The band never missed a New Year's dance in all the years they played together. These were great times. Fresh Up Freddie and the Fan Belts was a spin off from Bandy. At a lot of dances, on one of their breaks (usually half way through the dance) the band got dressed up in 1950s garb and did a half-hour show featuring 1950s music. The band had a blast and the audience really appreciated these ‘50s sets. Bandy played together until 1979 when it disbanded. It was interesting to note that every member of the band worked at the News-Optimistat the same time they were in the band.
In 1980, First Avenue was formed with Bill Edlin on lead guitar, fiddle and vocals, Gary Wappel on lead guitar and vocals, Ken Startup on bass guitar, Kim Donahue on drums, Linda Edlin on vocals and Harry Startup on rhythm guitar and vocals. Bill eventually left the band and Gary Wappel took over on lead guitar. Ken Startup also switched to keyboards so Keith Loch played bass guitar. Then Kim left and Mike Parent took over on drums. When Mike left, Darryl Ruzesky became the drummer.
In 1985, Harry recorded an album of his own songs with a lot of help from Brian and Gary Wappel, his son Ken and two lovely ladies, Brenda Frohaug and Evelin Nachtegaele, who sang back-up vocals. The album was recorded at Dennis Cann’s North Battleford Studios and produced by Harry and Larry Knibbs.
Harry was truly appreciative of the band members and friends he played with over the years. He related to me that, "I was really fortunate to have played with very talented and dedicated musicians who took their music seriously, but still loved to go out playing for dances and events and have a lot of fun."
In 1987, Harry ventured out on his own without a band to back him up. He moved to Saskatoon where he played various bars and clubs, of which the most notable was Cousin Niks, a top-end nightclub. Harry still had the great voice and still played guitar, but now he was assisted by a computer and an array of technology. Harry also played many small bars and clubs across Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba. In 2001, Harry moved to the beautiful, historic city of Moose Jaw where he currently resides. He still plays for dances and a number of clubs. March 12, my wife Marlene and I attended a Club 70 dance at the Legion in North Battleford. Harry provided the music. Still the same great voice and still as popular as ever.
