Whisky Hollow

Considered one of the first Canadian Country Rock Bands, Whisky Hollow formed in April of 1975. Their first public performance was at the Burford Fairgrounds that same year. Whisky Hollow performed across North America, appearing with legends such as Tammy Wynette, Faron Young, and Freddy Fender. They also appeared on TV shows such as Lively Country and Till Midnight. The band worked with several producers and managers including Bill Siep, Danny Lanois, David Peever, Steve Beach and had their own recording label "Shotgun Records". The band released 3 albums and had 14 charted singles. They were nominated for Best Performing Group at the Canadian Country Music Awards in 1980 and 1981. Whisky Hollow reformed in 2006 and held a reunion show which included 9 members of the band. They are currently making a new CD and working on solo projects. Current Members: Lenny Wilde (Keyboards/Mandolin) Jim Windle (Bass) Pierre Maher (Lead Guitar) Pat Brosseau (Lead Guitar/Acoustic Guitar) Guy Wilkes (Lead Guitar/Harmonica) Vern "Fatty" Smith (Drums) R.J. Nellzy (Jim Nelles) (Fiddle) Past Members: Jerry Ammerman (Drummer) Bob Silverthorn (Guitar) Ernie Geroux (Steel Guitar) Doug Johnson (Steel Guitar) (appeared on Lively Country only) Joey Allain (Steel Guitar) Barry Kirk (Guitar/Banjo) Steve Beach (Keyboard)

Whisky Hollow's official Thunderbird Records Glossy Photo from Nov 1975. (They were the label's 14th act) The band recorded thier debut single, "Cinderella/Old Nate" at the Mercey Brothers Studio in Elmira in August of 1975, and signed with Jim Allison for a single release. The 45 was issued in November of 1975, and opened many doors for the band. For various personal reasons, the band left Thunderbird for Rowdy Records, also of Brantford. I still however follow their career. 

Michael Swanson was the one who came up with the caricature of the

band which they used on many promotional items, some seen here.  The

band name logo itself was designed by Dave Wiley. 

The band at Grant Ave Studios in Hamilton, ON, with engineer Daniel Lanois working on the
second album, Whisky Hollow - Lively Country, eventually issued in April of 1979. The album included their first charting single, a re-recording of 'Promised Land,' which they originally cut on their debut album. Bob Silverthorn may have told Tommy Jacobs about Grant Ave, as that's where Tommy recorded his debut Lp in 1978.

Whisky Hollow's story has been detailed in all three of Tom Ryerson's Thunderbird books available from the author as well as the Brantford Book Worm.

WILDE, Leonard 

It is with the greatest of heartbreak, after a long struggle with ALS, we announce the passing of Leonard Henry Charles Wilde on January 3 2020. Best friend and husband of Marnie Wilde. Loving son of Margaret and the late Leonard Wilde Sr. Much loved dad of Trenton (Zuzanna), Krysta (Craig), Aaron Dinsmore (Jennie), and Dillon Dinsmore (Taylor). So adored and mutually returned by grandchildren, Jacob, Lily, Eli, Jaxon & Nirvana. He also leaves his 2 aunts, Mildred Crawford and Beatrice Wilde along with many cousin's. Lenny was a musician for over 50 years and was the driving force behind his band Whisky Hollow and was a member of the Brantford musicians union. He was an electrician for over 45 years and a mason of Doric lodge. Lenny's achievements in life were many. His fight for life was strong and his love for his family and friends was unconditional and immeasurable. He will truly be missed. 

Service/Celebration of Life is Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 3 pm at Polish Hall 154 Pearl Street Brantford, Ontario. Masonic service, 2 pm, 117 Charing Cross, Brantford

SILVERTHORN, Robert "Bob" On Sunday, March 27th 2022 at the Brantford General Hospital at the age of 75 due to illness "Dad to Courtney, he will also be missed and fondly remembered by Gail, brother Gary (Bonnie),sisters Sandra, and Karen (Brian), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by brother Ronald (2000). Bob was born December 10, 1946, in Burford to Howard and Marion Silverthorn. He developed a love and talent for music/guitar in his early teens, playing with bands across Ontario even before graduating high school (NPC). A founding member of Whisky Hollow, he joked he needed job security and left the band for a career with Canada Customs; Bob continued playing part time and became announcer at Paris and Flamboro Speedway. We think he liked to hear himself. When Bob Retired from Customs with over 25 years of service, he especially enjoyed his trailer at the lake: fishing; puttering and spending time with Donna, and Akers friends. He also still loved playing with (Bob & Bev.). Despite his diagnosis, we really thought he would stay longer - but knowing Dad, he probably wanted to beat the traffic! Courtney wishes to extend sincere gratitude to everyone who has provided care, compassion and support: The Team at Juravinski Cancer Clinic, Staff at Bayshore, and Brantford General Hospital, Neighbours and Friends, Bob MaryAnn, and Keith. He is reunited with long-lost bandmates and friends. Arrangements have been entrusted to the McCleister Funeral Home, 495 Park Road N. Brantford. In keeping with Bob's wishes cremation has taken place, family and friends will be advised of a celebration of life at The Royal Canadian Legion Dunsdon Branch # 461, 9 Tollgate Road, Brantford on Sunday July 10, 2022 from 1-5 pm. Condolences and memories maybe shared with the family at www.mccleisterfuneralhome.ca

No doubt, a jam session is happening on the Other Side & if sadly, not for us. He never liked the Encore.
"Bob has left the building"

Bob usually kept in touch with me, and so when I hadn't heard from him for a while, I did a google search, and unfortunately my worst fears were confirmed, another member of Whisky Hollow crossed over to the other side. Bob was very instrumental in assisting me with my early research when I began the Brant County Sound Project in 2015. We enjoyed several beers together over the years as the project progressed and each of the three books were published. We also had a mutual connection with Gerry Risser, another phenominal Brantford guitarist. 

Bob also participated in the 1st Annual Thunderbird Jamboree which was held on November 5th 2017 at the Gunner's Club. It was some time after that that he broke up "Bob & Bev" and retired from music. Bob was a gentle soul and a great musician, and he will be missed.