Max Webster’s Watkinson Trades Keys For Paint Brushes

With the exception of our Canadian friends to the north, most rock fans usually respond with a blank stare when the name Max Webster comes up. It’s not the first time I have talked about the Canadian rockers here and it probably will not be the last.

Fronted by Kim Mitchell, Max Webster’s notoriety here in the U.S. seems to have been limited to opening for Rush and a single that ran its course in the early 1980’s when Rush contributed to the track entitled “Battle Scar,” which was on the group’s 1980 album, Universal Juveniles. I can recall hearing “Battle Scar” on the radio during that time, but was likely due solely to the fact that Rush was featured. I trust I’m not alone in my assertion that Max Webster never enjoyed the popularity they deserved here in the states.

These days Kim Mitchell still performs here and there, and also holds down a job as a DJ on Toronto rock station Q107. During 2007 Mitchell released Ain’t Life Amazing, an album that has a less polished and more “live” feel to it than his earlier solo material and that of Max Webster.

Former Max Webster keyboardist Terry Watkinson seems to have finally settled down in a place where he feels content and fulfilled. Now living in Winnipeg, he has indulged in his love of creating works of art. With some of his pieces going for around $4,000, I’d have to say that there’s little doubt that the man can paint.

After a stint as a medical illustrator, Watkinson decided it was time to pursue his true passion for art and begin painting. Starting out after a move to a tiny, poorly-lit apartment in Winnipeg, he found himself painting with his easel leaning against his fridge. Things have changed a bit since then.

Now living in a sunlight-drenched condo in the city, Watkinson still enjoys writing music, but does not perform. Although he does admit that he had “a blast” when he took part in the 2007 Max Webster reunion show at a Toronto club.

Looking back, Watkinson concludes that he “kind of wasted a lot of time in my younger years,” but now says that his partying days are “pretty well” over. At this point in his life, the 69-year-old is content to – as he puts it — “settle down and produce the best work I can.”

Sounds like he’s done pretty well so far.

For the full story, check out the Winnipeg Free Press.