In Episode 3 of My Life In Conversation, I chat with author Bob Klanac about his book Promo Man: Backstage Tales From the Vinyl Jungle. Bob’s book chronicles the incredible life and career of London, Ontario-based PR legend Nick Panaseiko.
Nick entered the world of music and PR as a teenager here in London, Ontario, Canada, starting off by producing a successful, local legendary show by The Supremes in 1965 while still a teenager.
In the process, he launched an incredible PR and promotions career that spread to Toronto and throughout Southern Ontario and Canada in the 60s through the 80s, with his involvement in music continuing on from there.
Also, his impact on the local London scene and its musicians is incalculable, from supporting and promoting local groups, artists, musicians and events along with opening clubs of his own, such as Thee Image on Richmond St. in the late 60s.
In that time, he worked with a dizzying array of artists from a wide-variety of genres, from Liberace through The Rolling Stones, Rush, Blondie, The Ramones, and many more, utilizing his relentless energy, talent, and imagination to help build and promote the careers of many classic acts.
I’m here today with Bob to discuss his must-read book and Nick’s incredible career, with all its twists and turns. Below are some photo scans from the book. Photos by John Rowlands unless otherwise noted.
The interview took place in December 2023.
Marianne Faithfull backstage at Kipling’s, London Ontario, with Nick and myself, 1989.
Nick in front of the equally-legendary Fryfogle’s here in London, Ontario, 1970s
At Fryfogle’s with members later of Saturday Night Live and SCTV. Joe Flaherty is also in the shot.
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