Martin Streek
Encyclopedia
Martin Streek was a Canadian
radio DJ known for his work on CFNY-FM
(Edge 102) in Toronto
, Ontario
. His on-air duties included hosting the Thursday 30, live-to-air from the Phoenix Night Club, and live-to-air from the Velvet Underground. He committed suicide on July 6, 2009.
The Streek surname is Welsh. Starting in 1977, he became a fan of The Clash
who had very little airplay except for on a small Brampton radio station, CFNY-FM.
as part of the CFNY Video Roadshow. The truck was equipped with a video projector, a massive screen, a light show, and industrial strength video players. The biggest Roadshow happened at the Kingswood Music Theatre
at Canada's Wonderland in the spring of 1987. More than 15,000 people showed up to watch alternative rock videos.
Streek was hired by the radio station in 1984, and the station grew into one of the biggest stations in Canada. His knowledge of music was only matched by his close friend Alan Cross
, who went on to become the Production Manager of CNFY. His voice has been heard nation-wide on behalf of a lengthy list of notable clients, including: Powerade, Rogers Wireless, Oh Henry, Acura Dealers, Scotiabank, Oil Of Olay, and The Toronto Sun.
Streek took over Chris Sheppard's slot at The Edge in 1992. Without having any previous on-air experience, Streek began by doing Friday nights from the studio and Saturday nights at Club 102 at the Phoenix, the longest running live-to-air night in history. Streek was one of three remaining personalities from the "Spirit of Radio" era of the Edge. Until his departure in May 2009, he hosted the Thursday 30, a four hour long show that counted down the top 30 songs of the past week (collected via record sales and listener voting), and introduced new music (a segment called the "Groundbreakers"), with flash backs to a previous year's countdown, as Streek recalled the top five songs of that week in a certain previous year.
Streek was a big influence in the Ripley's Urban Rail Park/Sound Academy development.
Streek also hosted three live-to-air broadcasts from nightclubs: Friday nights at NRG/The Kingdom (in Burlington
), which was replaced by Friday Night Live at the The Docks/Sound Academy, Saturday nights at the Phoenix, and Sunday nights at Velvet Underground. Streek was a fan of Tool
, Nine Inch Nails
, David Bowie
, Nirvana
, and Depeche Mode
, in addition to The Clash. The shows were broadcast commercial-free, and Streek would cut in between songs urging listeners to "Come out early and stay late," which became his trademark phrase.
Streek was a huge supporter of local talent, supporting Canadian independent artists such as; Saigon Hookers, Alpha Galates and A Primitive Evolution
.
Streek was voted DJ of the year a number of times in Now Magazines year-end public ballot.
In late May 2009, Streek suddenly disappeared off air and from the station's website when his position was cut, along with others such as Barry Taylor
, as part of restructuring at the station.
Streek took his own life only two months after he finished his 17 year career as a DJ on FM 102.1 The Edge. The shock of Streek's death poses a question as to whether or not there was a correlation between the end of Streek's time at FM 102.1 and his death. According to sources he seemed to be completely content with leaving the station and therefore his sudden suicide still remains a mystery to many. Streek had already completed two pilot episodes of a new television show, Martin Streek’s Backstage, said Mike Wixson, a former Edge staffer who was producing the program. The two had plans to continue filming in September, he said. Streek's last status update on Facebook
read: "So... I guess that's it... thanks everyone... I'm sorry to those I should be sorry to, I love you to those that I love, and I will see you all again soon (not too soon though)... Let the stories begin."
Streek died childless and having never married, survived by his mother, Grace, and his two brothers, Robbie and Doug.
Alan Cross, the former program director at 102.1 the Edge, called Streek: "The most charming dude I ever met," and that "The guy lived to make people laugh and to entertain." Former colleague, Todd Shapiro, called Streek an inspiration on this blog, posting: "You were wonderful, caring, passionate, positive, energetic..and man, were you humorous. Personally, you were a mentor, an inspiration, and I always thought of you as a friend. Not only have the stories about you begun but they will never end," he added, perhaps referring to Streek's Facebook message. Long-time friend David Marsden, who ran The Edge back in its CFNY "Spirit of Radio" heyday – posted on his website: "Martin Streek put on his wings earlier today, to the shock of most everyone... Good night, Martin. We don't know what forced you to take this step but we do wish you a wonderful and peaceful rest."
Former Edge host George Stroumboulopoulos
is quoted as saying, in February 2009, that "Martin Streek (and David Bookman) are so important to this city, what they do for music ... Streek when he's on the radio... quality wins. They believe in music. They are the snipers waiting by the window keeping everyone on their game. Because their music knowledge is impeccable, their passion is unrivaled and they're not afraid to tell you. They understand how important a record can be to your life."
Before an encore at a Broken Social Scene
show in Toronto on July 11, Brendan Canning
dedicated a song to Streek, announcing that "This one is for a good friend of mine who recently took his life in the name of rock and roll!"
The video for Die Mannequin
's Bad Medicine, released in late 2009, has a dedication to Streek at the end of the clip.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
radio DJ known for his work on CFNY-FM
CFNY-FM
CFNY-FM, promoted under the branding 102.1 The Edge, is a Canadian radio station, broadcasting at 102.1 FM. The station rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s due to its freestyle DJing format and unique choice to play alternative music...
(Edge 102) in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
. His on-air duties included hosting the Thursday 30, live-to-air from the Phoenix Night Club, and live-to-air from the Velvet Underground. He committed suicide on July 6, 2009.
Youth
Streek grew up in the Sheridan Homelands part of Mississauga. He attended Thornlodge Public School (to 1976), Homelands Senior Public School (to 1978), and Erindale Secondary School (to 1983), where he was generally referred to as Marty as opposed to Martin. He was elected president of the SAC (student council) in his final year of high school.The Streek surname is Welsh. Starting in 1977, he became a fan of The Clash
The Clash
The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance, and rockabilly...
who had very little airplay except for on a small Brampton radio station, CFNY-FM.
Career
Streek began his career at CNFY during his last year at Erindale Secondary School. Streek hung around CNFY radio station and volunteered with various duties. One of his jobs was to drive around Ontario in a ten-ton truck; setting up and tearing down equipment 3 days a week. Martin and his colleagues would visit high schools, colleges and universities all over Southern OntarioSouthern Ontario
Southern Ontario is a region of the province of Ontario, Canada that lies south of the French River and Algonquin Park. Depending on the inclusion of the Parry Sound and Muskoka districts, its surface area would cover between 14 to 15% of the province. It is the southernmost region of...
as part of the CFNY Video Roadshow. The truck was equipped with a video projector, a massive screen, a light show, and industrial strength video players. The biggest Roadshow happened at the Kingswood Music Theatre
Kingswood Music Theatre
Kingswood Music Theatre is a 15,000 seat amphitheatre, at Canada's Wonderland, in Vaughan, Ontario. Kingswood is open from May to September. Opened in 1983, Kingswood hosted many "big-name" concerts....
at Canada's Wonderland in the spring of 1987. More than 15,000 people showed up to watch alternative rock videos.
Streek was hired by the radio station in 1984, and the station grew into one of the biggest stations in Canada. His knowledge of music was only matched by his close friend Alan Cross
Alan Cross
' is a Canadian radio broadcaster and a writer on music. Alan’s obsession with music began at age six when his grandmother gave him a transistor radio—an old Lloyds—which spawned an all-consuming fascination with things that came over airwaves...
, who went on to become the Production Manager of CNFY. His voice has been heard nation-wide on behalf of a lengthy list of notable clients, including: Powerade, Rogers Wireless, Oh Henry, Acura Dealers, Scotiabank, Oil Of Olay, and The Toronto Sun.
Streek took over Chris Sheppard's slot at The Edge in 1992. Without having any previous on-air experience, Streek began by doing Friday nights from the studio and Saturday nights at Club 102 at the Phoenix, the longest running live-to-air night in history. Streek was one of three remaining personalities from the "Spirit of Radio" era of the Edge. Until his departure in May 2009, he hosted the Thursday 30, a four hour long show that counted down the top 30 songs of the past week (collected via record sales and listener voting), and introduced new music (a segment called the "Groundbreakers"), with flash backs to a previous year's countdown, as Streek recalled the top five songs of that week in a certain previous year.
Streek was a big influence in the Ripley's Urban Rail Park/Sound Academy development.
Streek also hosted three live-to-air broadcasts from nightclubs: Friday nights at NRG/The Kingdom (in Burlington
Burlington, Ontario
Burlington , is a city located in Halton Region at the western end of Lake Ontario. Burlington is part of the Greater Toronto Area, and is also included in the Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area. Physically, Burlington lies between the north shore of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment...
), which was replaced by Friday Night Live at the The Docks/Sound Academy, Saturday nights at the Phoenix, and Sunday nights at Velvet Underground. Streek was a fan of Tool
Tool (band)
Tool is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1990, the group's line-up has included drummer Danny Carey, guitarist Adam Jones, and vocalist Maynard James Keenan. Since 1995, Justin Chancellor has been the band's bassist, replacing their original bassist Paul D'Amour...
, Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction...
, David Bowie
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
, Nirvana
Nirvana (band)
Nirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987...
, and Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode are an English electronic music band formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex. The group's original line-up consisted of Dave Gahan , Martin Gore , Andy Fletcher and Vince Clarke...
, in addition to The Clash. The shows were broadcast commercial-free, and Streek would cut in between songs urging listeners to "Come out early and stay late," which became his trademark phrase.
Streek was a huge supporter of local talent, supporting Canadian independent artists such as; Saigon Hookers, Alpha Galates and A Primitive Evolution
A Primitive Evolution
A Primitive Evolution is an alternative rock band based in Toronto, Canada.-Formation:Formed in the fall of 2007 out of band Lye , vocalist Brett Carruthers and bassist Stephany Seki began jamming with drummer Stu Dead, founder of Playdead Cult, a clothing brand and creative lifestyle house...
.
Streek was voted DJ of the year a number of times in Now Magazines year-end public ballot.
In late May 2009, Streek suddenly disappeared off air and from the station's website when his position was cut, along with others such as Barry Taylor
Barry Taylor
Barry Taylor may refer to:*a presenter on CFNY-FM* Barry Taylor , a fictional character on the British television drama Auf Wiedersehen, Pet...
, as part of restructuring at the station.
Death
Police received a call at 5:47 p.m, on Monday July 6, 2009 from a fellow tenant at his place of residence. The tenant had bumped into a friend who had received worrying e-mails and text messages from the former host. Authorities say a note was found on the door to Streek's apartment, asking whoever found it to call police. When police arrived, Streek was found dead inside his Broadview Lofts apartment.Streek took his own life only two months after he finished his 17 year career as a DJ on FM 102.1 The Edge. The shock of Streek's death poses a question as to whether or not there was a correlation between the end of Streek's time at FM 102.1 and his death. According to sources he seemed to be completely content with leaving the station and therefore his sudden suicide still remains a mystery to many. Streek had already completed two pilot episodes of a new television show, Martin Streek’s Backstage, said Mike Wixson, a former Edge staffer who was producing the program. The two had plans to continue filming in September, he said. Streek's last status update on Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
read: "So... I guess that's it... thanks everyone... I'm sorry to those I should be sorry to, I love you to those that I love, and I will see you all again soon (not too soon though)... Let the stories begin."
Streek died childless and having never married, survived by his mother, Grace, and his two brothers, Robbie and Doug.
Reactions to Streek's Death
The shock of Streek's death was immediate and in just a few days tens of thousands had joined a Facebook Group entitled "Martin Streek RIP".Alan Cross, the former program director at 102.1 the Edge, called Streek: "The most charming dude I ever met," and that "The guy lived to make people laugh and to entertain." Former colleague, Todd Shapiro, called Streek an inspiration on this blog, posting: "You were wonderful, caring, passionate, positive, energetic..and man, were you humorous. Personally, you were a mentor, an inspiration, and I always thought of you as a friend. Not only have the stories about you begun but they will never end," he added, perhaps referring to Streek's Facebook message. Long-time friend David Marsden, who ran The Edge back in its CFNY "Spirit of Radio" heyday – posted on his website: "Martin Streek put on his wings earlier today, to the shock of most everyone... Good night, Martin. We don't know what forced you to take this step but we do wish you a wonderful and peaceful rest."
Former Edge host George Stroumboulopoulos
George Stroumboulopoulos
George Mark Paul Stroumboulopoulos is a Canadian television and radio personality, best known as the host of CBC Television's George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight and being a VJ for Canadian music television channel MuchMusic...
is quoted as saying, in February 2009, that "Martin Streek (and David Bookman) are so important to this city, what they do for music ... Streek when he's on the radio... quality wins. They believe in music. They are the snipers waiting by the window keeping everyone on their game. Because their music knowledge is impeccable, their passion is unrivaled and they're not afraid to tell you. They understand how important a record can be to your life."
Before an encore at a Broken Social Scene
Broken Social Scene
Broken Social Scene is a Canadian indie rock band, a musical collective including as few as six and as many as nineteen members, formed in 1999 by Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning. Most of its members currently play in various other groups and solo projects, mainly based around the city of Toronto...
show in Toronto on July 11, Brendan Canning
Brendan Canning
Brendan Canning is a founding member of Broken Social Scene and a veteran indie rock performer who has been a member of various notable bands including By Divine Right, Blurtonia, Valley of the Giants, Len, and hHead....
dedicated a song to Streek, announcing that "This one is for a good friend of mine who recently took his life in the name of rock and roll!"
The video for Die Mannequin
Die Mannequin
Die Mannequin is a punk rock band from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are fronted by 23-year-old guitar player and singer Care Failure . They played the "Next Big Thing" Stage at Edgefest 1 in 2006, have toured across Eastern Canada several times on their own as well as opening for Buckcherry on...
's Bad Medicine, released in late 2009, has a dedication to Streek at the end of the clip.