Hometown honours ‘Canada’s greatest frontman’

The musician behind an iconic Canadian band was honoured in his hometown this weekend, but locals who knew him said he wouldn’t have let the honour go to his head.

On Saturday, the town of Nokomis unveiled corridor signs dedicated to Canadian musician and rock ’n’ roller Kenny Shields, of Streetheart fame.

“He is our small-town boy,” said Bonnie Decker, the chair of the committee that raised money for and helped organize the tribute.

While smaller tributes to Shields can be found around the community, Decker said there’s never been anything that would identify the town as Shields’ home for those who were just driving through.

“We’ve all known him all of our lives,” she said, noting it was important people knew that “Canada’s greatest frontman,” was from Nokomis, which is about 130 kilometres north of Regina.

She said fans from across Canada raised the roughly $7,500 to erect the sign.

Shields, a Juno-winning artist, died in 2017 and was known for hits such as Action, Hollywood, Look in Your Eyes and What Kind of Love Is This.

Shields’ widow, Elena Anania, who was travelling to Nokomis for the unveiling, said her late husband would have been “deeply touched” by the tribute. She said while many remember his music, it was his “huge personality” that people will remember most.

“He made people feel very close to him,” she said. “As much as the wonderful signs in Nokomis are a tribute to Kenny, to Kenny’s career and his music, I believe that they are just as much a tribute to his remarkable spirit,” she said.

Travelling with Anania was Don Windsor, who started a Gofundme page to raise money for the signs. He said once he made the call, fans delivered, and it was a sign of the strength among Shields’ fan base.

“He was well-loved right across the country,” he said.

Nokomis Mayor David Mark said that, despite his fame, Shields would always take time to say hello to locals at Nokomis establishments. He said he hopes the sign will serve as a draw for those who loved his music and his character.

He also hopes the sign will help future generations of music lovers get an introduction to Shields’ music.

“He’s always remained very connected to the town,” he said. “People take a lot of pride in that.”