Bill Mac

Like many others, I started singing in church. But my first public performance was at the Okalla Prison Guards’ Summer Picnic in 1958 when I sang the Kingston Trio's 'Tom Dooley' with my three older brothers. The performance won us a prize pistol belt buckle (which we immediately fought over). While it remains unclear as to who actually won the buckle and (more importantly at the time) who should wear the buckle, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to get back up on stage and perform for the audience again. Since that time, I have been blessed to have performed and written songs with some of the most talented musicians and songwriters in Canada.
In the 1970s, I wrote and performed as 'WILLIAM-THOMAS' with singer songwriter TOM EMMENS, and signed with BMI Music. Later, joined by my brother DON on guitar and harmonies, DICK TASSIE on bass, and HARRY CHREECH on drums, we performed as 'STEAMING TEARS' and ultimately as 'W.T. FLIGHTCREW' - when RUSS BARTON replaced HARRY CHREECH. Sadly, the FLIGHTCREW disbanded shortly after I developed a throat condition that left me unable to sing. Although I continued to write songs, I stopped performing in 1978 and faded from the music scene; until re-emerging in 2001 as a guest performer with Vancouver's premier band: 'THE BOBCATS' - comprised of legendary musicians: DANNY CASAVANT, BOB WHITE, JEAN SAVOIE, and VIC BICEGO.
Despite the passage of time, every time I walk onto a stage I feel the same excitement to entertain I felt that first time in 1958 - even without the prize pistol belt buckle. It is hoped that 2008 will see the release of DEEP, DARK and BLUE - my songs of love and loss.
Check out the video below for a sample of me performing with the BOBCATS.