The Story Behind 'Johnny'

In 1994 I moved from Winnipeg to Vancouver. I was already a raving alcoholic and in the throes of addiction. Moving to Van where everything was far mor accessible and being a port city significantly cheaper probably wasn't the wisest decision however....... I wasn't in the 'Couve long before landing the role of bass player in Snake Oil, an original band whose music would best be described as a cross between Van Halen and Guns n Roses. It should be noted they were a hair metal band. I was bald. I've always done my own thing.

Towards the end of 1995 my addictions were getting the best of me. My singer John Collins was smart enough to see this and he, along with my best friend and tattoo artist Tawd teamed up to buy me a bus ticket back to Winnipeg and clean out my apartment for me and in doing so likely saved my life. I wrote Johnny for John Collins, one of the nicest, kindest individuals you could ever hope to meet. He fed me, found me employment and drove me to and from gigs and rehearsals. I didn't deserve any of it but he believed on me and kept me going when I'd given up on myself. He saw the good. Thank you John. John Collins has not heard this song as far as I know.