Handsome Ned doc "You Left Me Blue" screens at Paradise Theatre, January 10

Chris Terry & Ross Edmunds' 2010 film about T.O. rockabilly icon Handsome Ned gets a rare screening at the Paradise Saturday.

Here's the scoop...

Handsome Ned Masyk (June 4, 1957 – January 10, 1987) was a Canadian country singer and songwriter. Although he only released a small number of singles during his lifetime, he was one of the key figures in the transformation of the city’s Queen Street West district into a cultural hotspot. 

You Left Me Blue is a detailed portrait of an emerging artist and music scene. Ned’s been credited as the catalyst for an early-1980s country music and roots rock revival in Toronto which paved the way for acts such as Blue Rodeo, Skydiggers and Cowboy Junkies. The reverence for Ned held by so many of the musicians interviewed, from Blue Rodeo’s Greg Keelor to Steve Koch of (The Demics, The Ugly), is clear.  All share a deep admiration for him and an appreciation for what he stood for.On the anniversary of his passing, this screening is a fitting tribute to his legacy. 

You Left Me Blue: The Handsome Ned Story screens at the Paradise Theatre (1006 Bloor St. West) on Saturday (January 10) at 3:00 pm. Doors at 2:15 pm. Get advance tickets right here. Watch the trailer below.

 

Watch You Left Me Blue: The Handsome Ned Story

Handsome Ned was a Canadian rockabilly pioneer in the late 1970's, early 1980's. He was an electrifying performer who inspired and conspired to transform the Toronto Queen West music scene. In the feature-length documentary You Left Me Blue: The Handsome Ned Story, original performances and interviews from Ned's heyday are complimented by performances of his music and interviews with many of his colleagues and family members.

Among those offering insights are Johnny MacLeod, Greg Keelor, Jim Masyk, Bee Masyk, Mojah, Tony Kenny, Herb Tooky, Steve Koch, Rene Fratura. Handsome Ned's performances include his bands: The Handsome Neds, The Hayseed Hellions, The New Neds, The Sidewinders and the Velours. The Ned Tribute Performances (2008-10) were performed by Cleave Anderson, John Borra, Rene Fratura, Sam Ferrara, Steve Koch, Eddie Kalwa, Johnny MacLeod, Jim Masyk and Frank Navarro. The film was produced and directed by Chris Terry and Ross Edmunds.

On January 29th, Toronto's Legendary Horseshoe Tavern plays host to the release of The Handsome Neds: Live At The Horseshoe, a collection of long thought lost Handsome Ned recordings captured live in 1985. You can read more about the release and the show right here.