IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
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 is MuchMusic and MuchMoreMusic’s longest running VJ. Bill is renowned for his thoughtful interview style and his love and knowledge of a wide range of topics from pop-culture to politics, and his reputation 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 and ready to be enjoyed by his large number of ardent followers. Any fan of music (country, pop, rock, rap, metal etc) will be entertained by his stories of hanging out with many of the industry’s biggest stars.
“A Happy Has-Been (Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of Canada's Foremost Entertainment Journalists)” will dive into the many tales of spending time with Madonna (at her house), Mick Jagger, Oasis, AC/DC, Johnny Cash, members of The Beatles, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Garth Brooks, Prince and dozens of other music legends. Bill writes about his world travels
from spending time with the Maasai warriors on the Serengeti to covering the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo, Monaco six years in a row. Despite a career that had him mobbed at concerts and meeting every single idol he had, Bill opens up about his battles with depression. Also, this celebrated media icon shares the important life-lessons he has learned during his blessed life.
2023 marks the 35th year of his dedication and insight to both sides of the camera. He has over 5,000 interviews under his belt (and growing!) including film and TV stars, royalty, politicians, athletes & innumerable music legends.
90s retro music is back in a big way and the timing of Bill’s book is perfect…he has been in demand the past several years to talk about music and trends on numerous Podcasts, and there is a new documentary about MuchMusic slated for release in Septemer and Bill was interviewed extensively for the doc and makes a few appearances on their Canada Wide documentary tour www.299queenstreetwest.com
There is also a film currently in production loosely based on Bill’s life.
Bill’s book proudly features a Foreword by The Tragically Hip’s Paul Langlois.
Partial proceeds from the book are being donated to the White Ribbon Campaign and various women’s shelters across Canada.
Bill Welychka’s “A Happy Has-Been (Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of Canada's Foremost Entertainment Journalists)” is available through Indigo, at
- Friesen Press as a BESTSELLER,
- as a TOP 10 Amazon BESTSELLER,
- available at Barnes and Nobel,
- via eBooks at Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, Google Play, KOBO and Nook on-line retailers.
For more info, please visit www.billwelychka.ca
The Reviews are in!
“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 enduring up-close & personal music memories. It is a fan-freakin-tastic reminisce of yesteryear. This notable book is a must-have piece to add to your collection of highly addictive reads. It will thrill all his fans!” - The Wire MEGAzine.
“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.
“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)
“If you grew up in the heyday of the nation’s music station, you understand the impact the VJs had on your life. Bill Welychka was one of the greats. In his book, 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
“Bill has proven to be an exceptional writer. This book will excite any fan of music or Bill’s fans or any avid reader of Bios. This book is chock-full of information about the music business.” - Rick Revelle/ Author Algonquin Quest Series
