I was truly sad to read about the death of Chad Allan late last year.

He was born Allan Peter Stanley Kowbel in Winnipeg in 1943, but he changed his stage name to Chad Allan. He was a founding member of both Guess Who and Brave Belt; the latter would morph into Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

He died on November 21, 2023 at the age of 80.

While he may not have achieved the fame (or fortune) of a Bachman or Cummings, he was a true pioneer in Canadian music.

I spoke with him back in July of 2015 on Oldies Without Borders. After Allan’s death, Randy Bachman wrote that Chad was “a quiet, gentle soul with a peaceful voice.” I’d agree – he was among the most soft-spoken, humble artists I have interviewed. I spoke to him a few days before he received the Order of Manitoba, is a civilian honour for merit in the province.

Enjoy!

Interview Copyright Peter J. Maurin, The Vinyl Professor. Published under Creative Commons License: Attribution/Non-Commercial Use.