Blue Rodeo
October 21, 2025, 7:30 PM

When fans lined Toronto's Queen Street to get into clubs where Blue Rodeo was performing inthe mid-1980s, the band felt they had achieved success. And, in fact, they had. But that success has grown exponentially over the ensuing four decades, and by staying true to themselves, Blue Rodeo has built an enduringlove affair with Canadians.

Formed in 1984 by high school friends Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor, Blue Rodeo emerged as acountrified rock band in an era dominated by hair metal and glossy pop. Their journey began after spending three years in New York, where the pair struggled to attract label interest. Returning to Toronto, Jim and Greg were inspired by the changed and vibrant city and the wealth of talent and musical styles in venues all over town. The pair quickly made the decision to ignore trends and set out to create something true to themselves, in fact, to create a“psychedelic country band” and Blue Rodeo was born.

Joined by bandmates Bazil Donovan, Cleave Anderson, and Bobby Wiseman, Blue Rodeo quickly gained momentum, filling venues and ascending to the top of the charts. Their commitment to authenticity and distinctive sound became the cornerstone of Blue Rodeo's enduring success in the Canadian music scene.

Their rise in the late 1980s and early 1990s helped spark a roots and country-rock music revival in Canada, influencing a new generation of musicians. Blue Rodeo's sound bridged folk traditions with contemporary rock and drew comparisons to iconic artists like Gordon Lightfoot and The Band. With their unique blend of country, rock, and folk, Blue Rodeo has created a distinctly Canadian sound, paving the way for countless musicians to embrace their national identity within their music.

Now celebrating their 40th anniversary, Blue Rodeo has proven to be one of Canada's most enduring and important bands. They have received 31 JUNO Award nominations (winning 12) and 17 CCMA Awards (winning two). Since their formation in Toronto when they electrified the super cool Queen West scene—before dominating the soft-seaters and arenas of the nation—Blue Rodeo has sold more than four million albums, played thousands of shows, been inducted into both the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, received a star on Canada's Walk of Fame, been named to the Order of Canada and been honoured with the Governor General's Performing Arts Award.

The magic of Blue Rodeo's sound comes from the distinct yet complementary song writing styles of its lead singers, paired with the exceptional musicianship of its members. Today, the band has expanded to include original member Bazil Donovan, whose bass lines provide a rock-solid foundation, with drummer Glenn Milchem's dynamic playing driving every song forward. Keyboardist Michael Boguski adds rich textures, Colin Cripps deepens the sound with his masterful guitar work and harmonies, and multi-instrumentalist Jimmy Bowskill brings versatility with guitar, mandolin, pedal steel, and fiddle, rounding out the band's signature blend of country, rock, and roots.

This partnership has created a body of work that stands as a benchmark in Canadian music,weaving deeply resonant, distinctly Canadian stories that have influenced countless songwriters. Their songs have not only defined Blue Rodeo's legacy but have also influenced the evolution of rock and country music, inspiring countless artists and becoming woven into thefabric of the nation's cultural identity.

Reflecting back on four decades of success, the band is able to fully appreciate where Blue Rodeo sits in the pantheon of music. “Success seemed real when we were entertaining peoplein The Horseshoe. That was the top of the heap for us,” Cuddy says. “When you look back, yourealize it's just been this beautiful dream.”