July 7, 2009 / 20:47
So very, very sad..RIP Martin
July 7, 2009 / 21:00
I had been upset over Martin having been let go by the Edge… now I'm utterly heartbroken.
As a 20+ year listener I am very attached to 102.1.
Every round of layoffs that the station has gone through has felt like the loss of friends to me and none more so than that of Martin. And now for the world to loose him…
Honestly, I hope the people who made the decision to fire Martin are ashamed of themselves. I'd been hoping that he would file a wrongful dismissal suit on the basis of age discrimination and that we'd hear him back on the air again, or barring that he'd get a decent financial settlement.
When ever I hear the Clash from now on I will pray that you rest in peace Martin.
July 7, 2009 / 21:16
This is so sad. RIP Marty.
July 7, 2009 / 21:26
Terrible, terrible news. Far too young and potential that will never be exposed to another generation of listeners.
Sad this industry can consume you to this drastic end.
RIP in Martin
July 7, 2009 / 22:11
Not being a hugh CFNY fan (i always listened to Q107 more) I always made time for the Thursday 30 when Streek hosted - this is a sad day for all fans of Toronto radio and those who knew Martin - maybe its time for those in Toronto radio to think about a new alternative - To Martin, "ave atque vale".
July 7, 2009 / 22:14
So shocking! He will be missed.
July 7, 2009 / 22:36
Well said, as usual, Freddie.
When something this rare happens the living are left with the questions.
The dead have the answers.
And they're not talking.
July 7, 2009 / 22:45
Unreal Fred. I never knew Martin, but I sure liked listening to him. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend.
Be Strong in his memory.
July 7, 2009 / 22:46
Depression and other mood disorders take over you.
It's an illness that can be treated.
People care.
R.I.P. Martin
July 7, 2009 / 23:42
I am so so sorry to hear this. I'm roughly the same age as Martin was and I just feel that I've lost another part of my youth. The simpler times of listening to the truly innovative and new music on CFNY (my former favourite station).
I have to say that CFNY bears some responsibility for this. They pushed the guy out the door for god knows what reason. (I can only speculate that they figured that they could hire a kid at half his salary.) Age discrimination is alive and well in the radio business in Toronto.
I am / was? a regular listener to Martin when he did his live shows - especially on Sunday nights. The music always takes me back to my early 20's and truly simpler (perhaps better) times. I am so sad at this news.
Why Martin, why? You were a class act and even though I never met you, I thought I knew you.
RIP brother.
July 8, 2009 / 00:03
I've been banging this around my head for 25 hours now and it still upsets and pisses me off.
Many of us knew him for a hell of a long time, but also have knowledge to know that he wouldn't have let you in. He wanted to make sure YOU were happy.
I am glad we had the laughs we did over the past 18 years we worked togethor, but I truly wish people would stop looking for someone or something to lay blame or shame on. That's far too linear...too black and white.
For anyone to choose this solution, the troubles run deep and long.
July 8, 2009 / 00:07
Fred, I didnt hear about it until this morning when I woke up, couldn't wait to get home from work this evening to come home and get caught up, I just sent you a message on Facebook, but after reading your thing on it, I remembered your post about Neils party and that martin was on the list and the very same thing you posted today went through my head this morning, I wonder if you picked up anything a few weeks back, well theres my answer.
From my experience thats what makes depression so damn hard to diagnose and treat, we were taught in my masters program in education that its never the ones who talk about its the ones who keep it pent up and inside that scare you, its not the loud kids that worry you as a teacher, its the really quite ones.
Not knowing Martin other than the years of listening to hima and a few brief meetings at the live to Airs, I can say that he would have been hard to pick that up becasue he was so damn out going, how would anyone have known....you always say Cancer is a bitch, I think we can add depression as the bitch's little sister.
At least for me, I will miss MArtin's passion for what he did, he was so knowledgeable on the air and spoke with such vibrance you were hooked on him the second you heard him speak.
I remember the post I did for you as a guest blogger a few years back now on Jim Lorentz retiring as long time color man for the Sabres and how he was the voice of a generation, Martin fits that bill, he was one of the voices of a generation of CFNYers that will live forever in our hearts and minds.
Yeah Im from Buffalo but the beauty of being here is that we get to hear the great talents and believe me Martin had his followers here too. We will miss him what a great loss to the Toronto/southern Ontario/Western New York media community, Im surprised I didnt hear any mention of it down here on the radio or TV
July 8, 2009 / 08:58
Sorry on the loss of your friend. I met Marty several times doing events around town and he was always very nice to me.
July 8, 2009 / 10:40
I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, Freddie.
Maybe it was his job at the Edge that was holding the rest of his life together.
When that was gone...?
July 8, 2009 / 10:42
I found out about Martin yesterday morning... The first thing in the morning. I didn't know Martin, I only had the change to actually meet him once while he was at the Kingdom long long time ago. I stuck my head in the DJ booth to say hi and tell him how much I admired his work. I still remember his smile and him saying thanks.
Probably the stangest part of this is that I feel like I've lost a good friend. I used to listen to Martin Streek on the radio all through my teens and 20's. The Thursday 30 was something that I used to enjoy not particularly becuase of the music but becuase you felt like you were hanging out with Martin listening to some good music.
I really feel for you Freddie in particular becuase of the Stag weekend a few weeks ago. Like I said, I never knew Martin, but I also feel like I could have/should have done something. Since yesterday morning I've learned from a friend that knew Marty that his being let go from the Edge wasn't the only circumstance that led him to do this, but none the less the outcome doesn't change.
I'd also like to rant about The Edge/Corus in particular and Corporate Asshole companies in general, but I'll leave that for another time... wait, let me rephrase that... not Corporate Asshole companies but rather the assholes that make these decisions behind the vale of corporations. Too many people, too often are treated as commodities and not people. I'll hold a private vigil until the day the Edge implodes completely. Currently it's already unrecognizable when compared to what it used to be... maybe all it needs is a final push.
RIP Marty, I'm sorry that you felt this was the only solution.
July 8, 2009 / 10:56
Talked with Martin a few times at NRG. Nice guy. A loss for all who knew him. RIP man.
July 8, 2009 / 11:41
I suppose everyone is awaiting my take........................... Ok maybe not everyone. I didn't know Martin Streek nor did I listen to his show but his death brings to mind the topic of life and how we treat it .
What really puzzles me is how so many people can waste their life. Whether its ending in within a minute like Mr Streek or if its over a 25 year span like Wacko Jacko. Life is a gift (some believe from God) but its something that is given to us. What kind of ingrate destroys a gift so precious by abusing, pill popping or simply deciding to kill oneself???
I don't understand depression just as I don't understand addictions or homosexuality. I just believe if something enters your mind that you know is not good for you - you stay clear and go in another direction.
I feel bad for people like Streek and Jackson but admiration is reserved for someone like Farrah Fawcett who didn't ask cancer to ravage her body. She didn't abuse her body nor did she want to die. She spent her dying days praying to God - for that she died with Grace. That is something we should all strive for.
July 8, 2009 / 12:06
Argie,
You say you don't understand homosexuality ?
Bullshit.
July 8, 2009 / 12:07
Martin needed help. There had to have been some signs. It was tragic enough that he was shown the door at CFNY like so much garbage. Now he is gone, leaving all sorts of questions.
July 8, 2009 / 12:11
Bob - Why dont you tell me about it? I assume you would know.
July 8, 2009 / 12:16
thanks fred.
July 8, 2009 / 14:04
Thanks, Fred. Very sad. I wonder if it's a male thing. When something's wrong they're reluctant to ask for help.
Let's all hope Argie never has to face the demons that overtook Martin Streek, whatever those demons were.
But how did Michael Jackson waste his life? While many of us were turned off by his eccentricities, it can't be denied that he left behind a singing, dancing, songwriting and performing legacy. Wasted his life? I don't think so.
July 8, 2009 / 14:05
Bob I feel bad for you because you should have known better than to say something so ignorant. If you don't know anything about depression - don't talk about it like you do. If you didn't know Martin, go to a page that isn't honouring him as a good friend and radio icon.
It's unfortunate that you admire Farah Fawcett over Martin. He didn't ask for the problems he - no doubt - faced. People die of cancer just as people die of mood disorders. Judging someone for having one over the other is naive.
And a lot of you speculate way too much. Think what you want.
Bottom line, Martin was a great man with a spirit and energy that is almost impossible to match. He will be missed.
And Fred, I am very sorry for the loss of your friend and colleague.
Great blog.
RIP Martin.
July 8, 2009 / 14:06
I don't know Martin, and I don't know much about the radio business but I believe that healthy people have ups and downs and adjust. People who have untreated chemical imbalances will have a very difficult time. And the more we treat them like they are crazy and selfish the more they will hide their sickness and the more great people we will lose.
July 8, 2009 / 14:07
Oh wait, it was Argie that made those comments.
My mistake Bob. Sorry.
July 8, 2009 / 14:28
Trish,
I would define 'wasting your life away' by listing the things MJ did to himself:
He weighed 110 lbs at death (he was 6 feet tall)
He was whiter than me
He was on a slew of pain-killers, anti depressants and various drugs to escape from reality
He face was practically caved in due to scores of plastic surgeries (see the picture below)
http://www.populicio.us/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/michael-jackson1.jpg
July 8, 2009 / 14:35
OK DS, since we now know you can read I'll answer your comments.
I'm sure Martin was a great guy and certainly had many friends and fans.
To equate cancer and mood swings is medically wrong and an insult to anyone who has suffered from that devastating disease. In life there are certain things who can't control (terminal illness, a flying object coming through your windshield, etc) but mood swings is not one of them. Toughen up, walk it off, go pray to God, talk to someone who cares................ do something. That's my message - just deal with it.
July 8, 2009 / 14:43
Argie, "Toughen up, walk it off...?" You don't know a thing about depression or brain chemistry. You are way out of your league trying to speak on this topic. You might as well be trying to contribute to a discussion on nuclear physics. Just like you should be in this forum, you'd be laughed out of the room. I guess you and Tom Cruise pray to the same god of ignorance.
July 8, 2009 / 14:49
Ray - Why must we continue to make excuses for people? Deal with it, seek help - doesn't have to be from God. But of course you would rather Martin and other folks with issues take happy pills and expect that to change your circumstances. They never do.
July 8, 2009 / 14:59
Argie - With all due respect, somewhere in your insulting posts is a good idea: "deal with it", although "toughening up", "praying" and "walking it off" is a typical, dumbass response. How do you know "happy pills" wont "change your circumstances"? Is there something you're not telling us?
July 8, 2009 / 14:59
well done to everyone who has taken this thread which was about someone many people cared about, and made it about themselves and their opinions...
July 8, 2009 / 15:06
So Argie, I guess a diabetic is just not 'trying hard enough' to make their pancreas produce enough insulin, in the same way someone whose mental state is affected by abnormal levels of serotonin can be helped by talking to god.
July 8, 2009 / 15:10
"Et tu Pam?"
I admit "toughen up, walk it off" are a bit glib but I really think people need to deal with issues in a more holistic way (i.e. free from drugs). No question, meds can help, but don't you agree our society has become too dependant on them? They really only should be used as a last resort.
I don't know anything about demons but like most people I faced events in my life where I could have clung to the crutch that is known as 'depression'. Like my original post stated, life is precious, don't waste it away. Ultimately, the depressed person has to fix their life themselves - with the help of others, yes - but they have to be the driver.
Am I making sense now?
July 8, 2009 / 15:15
Rob, you are so right. Apologies to you and to all.
Martin Streek will be remembered by me as the energetic voice behind the music on the Friday nights of my youth. I will always remember him giving the directions to the Kingdom over a thumping beat. And now that I drive to Burlington often to visit my in-laws I often recall that as I travel down the QEW.
July 8, 2009 / 15:37
I'm sad that Martin was too depressed to pick up a phone. :( Such a permanent solution to a temporary problem. As someone who considered suicide at one point, I understand how deep and dark depression can get.
Also, how pathetic that Artie thinks homosexuallity is a disease or somethng a person can just get rid of by "toughening up".
July 8, 2009 / 15:47
Lizzie - I'm not going to feel guilty about not wanting to off myself while others have.
I never stated that homosexuality is a disease. We could debate whether people are born that way or not but that could go on forever.
July 8, 2009 / 15:53
Ah for the good old days of the Spirit of Radio, RIP Martin
July 8, 2009 / 16:00
Argie, such a heavy burden you carry! You are the man with all the answers and the wisdom of the ages. Oh great sage, teach us to judge the folly of others harshly, and show no sympathy for their weaknesses...
Martin Streek is one of the first things I remember about CFNY. I would not like to be the guy who showed him the door 3 months ago. Farewell Martin, you are forever young.
July 8, 2009 / 16:10
Argie, You have used this tragedy as a grand stand for your redneck philosophy.
You are not a Dr or a Saint. But you have an illusion that people want to know what you think.
I find your ignorance and depressions phobia disturbing .
You take enjoyment out of being condesending…and you probably think you are quite clever.
Fortunately I don’t know you,
July 8, 2009 / 16:26
Lorraine & Trish: Yes, Streek's death along with this blog does provide an opportunity for me to educate people like you. Do I think I'm clever, yeah sure I guess.
So go ahead and shoot the messenger - keep on believing that any obstacle that we encounter in life is a disease that can only be cured by a pill.
I believe differently - so I'll go on about my life, free of prescriptions, addictions and psychologists while you do the opposite. Now if I were to contract a real disease like cancer then yeah give me all the drugs and doctors one can find.
July 8, 2009 / 17:18
Hey Argie, do you ever think that it is close-minded people like you that stopped Martin from wanting to admit that he suffered from depression for fear of being made fun of, or being told to "walk it off". Thank god people like you are the exception and not the norm. Martin was a lovely man, he never showed that he was depressed to anyone I know of, so maybe if someone let him know that it was okay to feel that way and not to be ashamed of it, he may have gotten help. Depression is a disease that is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain...much like some forms of Cancer it can be treated but like Cancer if left untreated you can die from it, so please don't judge what you obviously know nothing about.
July 8, 2009 / 17:20
Rob - please lighten up. Most of us paid tribute to Martin beneath Fred's post and on other sites. Martin's sad demise has prompted a conversation about mental health, which is useful and necessary. If you want to take the pious road, there are plenty of Michael Jackson memorial sites to visit...
July 8, 2009 / 17:28
R.I.P. Martin.
Argie, please allow people to show their respects to the man on this blog and keep your opinions to yourself. Thank you
July 8, 2009 / 17:50
Pam...I would like nothing more then to "lighten up" but for many of us it's been a very tough 36 hours and will be for some time to come.
The conversation here is useful but many times it looses focus and becomes a slagging match which is not great for anyone.
That was point.
Martin was a good friend of mine and I miss him dearly. It's heartwarming to hear though that many people who did not know him personally have great memories of him and that he meant something to them that was positive.
July 8, 2009 / 17:55
I share your sentiment Fred, I wish Martin said something to someone who just might have heard what he was thinking and feeling.
what a tremendous shame.
Hope you are well.
Take Care
Fiona-who-was-also-removed -from-the -edge-during-a-clear-out-in-2001
ps/ There were still some really great people when I was there....it was a truly unique group and place that I know I'll never find the likes of.
July 8, 2009 / 17:56
Christina,
Firstly, I haven't made fun of Martin or anyone else for that matter. Secondly, do we really know if he suffered from depression? Is it possible he thought about his life and after much contemplation made a decision to end it? Obviously it was the wrong decision but most people are convinced he was depressed despite the fact everyone who knew him said he never gave any indication of depression.
Getting upset or god forbid killing one self isn't always about a chemical imbalances. I know the pharma industry would like us to believe that but some issues can be resolved without a happy pill. That's all I'm trying to get across. Why do you and others claim I'm an arrogant redneck bigot?
I gave my opinion - I thought that's what blogs were for. You and the others dont agree with it - fine, get over it.
July 8, 2009 / 18:07
Yesterday was one of the saddest days of my life.I was awaken by my wife with the sad news, Martin is gone. I cried all day long and as the day progressed, all I could ask was WHY?? I, like alot of his friends responded to his last words on facebook, but he never got back to anyone. We spoke a bit after he came back from vacation, music and our beloved Trent and NIN and the night before he passed away, I picked up our tickets for Depeche Mode, a show he was looking forward to. Martin, I will truly miss you...your kindness, sense of humor, your knowledge of music,your friendship,hearing of your adventures and your voice. RIP my dear friend. xo
July 8, 2009 / 19:01
i spoke to Martin just about a month ago about the Underworld concert announcement here in Toronto, and he was clearly excited. i now wish more than anything that he would be able to attend this gig, as Underworld's music has brought me out of many a rut.
rest in peace Martin.
July 8, 2009 / 19:55
Hey Freddie,
What a wonderful tribute to a great friend. The last (almost) two days have been a rush of memories and sadness and some laughter - Marty was a funny guy.
We all wished he had said something LOUDER!
If you feel you need help - ASK FOR IT! If you think a friend needs help OFFER IT!
km
July 8, 2009 / 20:34
"But it brought us all together in a unique way and it's something I haven't been able to shake. Those people I worked with at CFNY in the 80's are literally part of me, they're part of who I am and what I became and Martin Streek is on that list."
That is how we all feel growing up listening to the station. Martin Streek and the people he worked with turned us on to new music.
Video didn't kill the Radio star. People who run Radio did.
July 8, 2009 / 21:00
Firstly, I would gladly identify myself, if it weren't for the stygma associated with suicidal thoughts resulting from recurrent depression. Suffice it to say that I am a successful businessman, a friend of many of Martin's friends and co-workers, and a rational thinker. My condition has been diagnosed as a mood dissorder resulting form a physical chemical imbalance impacting optimun seatonin levels, that can manifest itself in many forms of clinical depression, anxiety, and even anerexia nervosa. I can empathize with Martin, and his passing struck me hard, even though I had never met the man. If in fact Martin did suffer from a chemical imbalance, he may not have sought professional care, since the symptoms are not as visible as other diseases. My heart aches for Martin`s plight, and for his family, knowing what suffering he must have enduured. I know because I suffered the same symptoms, and reached the same depths of dispair that Martin so obviously suffered. I now consider myself so lucky to have lived to survive and thrive. I too, did not know what was going on, all I know is that what I was feeling was spiraling deeper every day, to apoint where death seemed like the only relief and escape.
What is still truly unfortunate is that the stygma is still very much alive and well, based on the ramblings of some ignorant, self-important, Bible-thumping asswipes. You know who you are.
Martin, I did not know you, but I truly feel that in some weird way, that we are somehow connected. You were so obviously loved, revered, respected, and the world is truly a bleaker place without the likes of you. I only wish that you had the same opportunity that I had, to save myself, through treatment. Of course, I am assuming that you did suffer from depression, and I gess we may never know. So sad,.
July 8, 2009 / 21:14
Not a personal friend….not even an acquaintance…just a fan who will never forget...the way it used to be....
July 8, 2009 / 21:17
Thank-you for sharing your thoughts. Perhaps Marty had too much pride to talk openly about his weaknesses or abt the things that were bothering him. His passing had an impact on me, personally. As did his knowledge of music and overall attitude in the industry. RIP Martin.
July 8, 2009 / 22:18
Funny thing is Argie no one was waiting for you to put your two cents in or what your take would be.
July 8, 2009 / 22:43
didn't know Martin but enjoyed listenning to the live to airs and the Thursday 30 when I lived in the listenning area. Martin's musical knoledge was amazing, and he was fun to listen to, he sounded like he was always having a blast doing what he did.
July 8, 2009 / 22:50
I remember Martin Streek when he was still Marty in the 7th grade at Homelands Senior Public School in Mississauga... Knew him only somewhat... used to chat in passing, sometimes walk part way home at the same time and talk. He was indeed a unique personality with a great social presence and unending sense of humour, even back then. After 7 years in Boston, I just moved here to Buffalo, NY for a new job days ago, tuning in 102.1 fm at different times wondering where Martin was, only to read in the Star.com Tuesday of his passing. His work in radio and self made PhD in music will be missed. It saddens me to know someone as well liked as Martin was thrown away by 102.1 and that whatever sorrow got to him this past few months took him from us far too soon. My condolences to his friends, colleagues, and family.
July 8, 2009 / 22:53
Argie my man, you had to stir the pot when its a guy we all loved, a guy who deserves some respect and dignity. Depression is a disease, plain and simple. I have a degree in education with many psychology courses to boot. There can be no debating depression is a disease and can be very difficult to properly diagnose especially in people like Martin who by nature are outgoing and as friendly as he was. People with depression dont always show signs of it outwardly until its too late.
He could have been bipolar, you never know, either way you will lose the battle, 100% of the medical community supports the fact that it is a disease so back off man and be supportive and not an asshole.
July 8, 2009 / 23:09
The first time I met Martin was when I was going to sheridan college the funny thing was it was in the bathroom. I was at the urinal and he came in and used the one beside me and started up a full conversation with me. At the time I was like who is this guy chit chatting with me while I'm taking a pee this is weird. But we went on to chat about my life and how I was doing at school for about 15 mins. He really made a good impression on me. It wasnt until after that did I realize he was Martin Streek.
The funny thing was I ran into him a year later on a Monday night at Fever night club in Hamilton. I decided to go over and say Hi and he say "Hey its my urinal buddy" I found it amazing a guy as popular as he was and one that prob Met tons of people in his lifetime would remember me. I ran into him maybe a half few dozen more times over the years and he always remembered me.
I was completly devestated when I found out he got let go by the edge I loved his live to air's they were the one reason I still listened to the station. Now I have no reason at all ya the morning show can be funny but that station has lost its spirt as Martin had tattoed on him.
Its weird I have him as a facebook friend and I saw his status message but couldnt understand what it meant. Wish someone who was close to him was able to pick up more quickly on what the meaning behind his message was and try to do something. Will miss u lots Martin and the edge and radio will never be as enjoyable without you around.
RIP
July 9, 2009 / 01:32
You will be deeply missed, thank you for all the great times, hope you've found peace. Tell Bob I said hey.
July 9, 2009 / 10:05
Guys, please don't let Argie make this all about him. What an a-hole.
RIP Marty
July 9, 2009 / 12:38
After Humble & Fred left 102.1 I stopped listening to everything at the radio station but Martin. I knew Marty for many years and one thing is constant, everyone that knew him always said what a great guy he was, I am no different.
I am shocked and saddened by his death. He will be missed greatly, by many people. RIP Martin, I love you man.
July 9, 2009 / 22:44
Why didn't Corus insist on exit therapy for a guy who was so obviously attached to his work? For christ sakes, he was tattooed with the CFNY logo, he'd been there 20 years, WTF was HR thinking when they let a guy like Martin Streek go? He'd be OK? It was his life! He didn't know any different than the edge... Come on.
Shame on those big companies for not taking care of those who make them big in the first place. Corus is no different than Bell Canada, Ontario Hydro or any other big fat greedy corporation - just looking to make profit no matter what the cost...
I hope his family follows up on Martin's exit package to see what kind of provisions were made for his mental health.
RIP Mr Streek - You were the life of the party.
July 10, 2009 / 00:10
Sad, sad, sad.
Peace, Martin.
July 10, 2009 / 03:15
thanks for this fred, and also kneale mann, i remember he used to always call you different things but my favourite was kneale the mann. lol. gosh. i have so many great memories about martin and it's still sinking in that he's not in this world and that the guy i felt like had done so much for me could suddenly not be there anymore. i have a similar story like johns and many others, even though i never got to be in the same club as marty, but we went to some of the same shows and would always chat up a storm. man. i like to talk, but i would always defer to him, but he would never just let be silent and not be in the conversation. he worked for the edge for 17 plus years...and i've been listening to him for 16 years. lol. so that's like since i learned how to walk and talk. i was 6 years old and stole my dad's 1988 radio from my brother and i would turn the dial to cfny...my family is mostly a reggae, hip hop, urban family but i was always into good music and i could never sleep lol so when everyone was sleeping in my house i was calling into the radio station and talking to whoever was working the overnight shift or live to air and i would always get through and talk to martin, and i think he knew i was definately not of age, but he always entertained me, listened to me, made me laugh, gave me advice, shoot the shit so to say, talk about music, talk about my homework, my worries, my fears, life in general, growing up and becoming an adult and soooooo many other things. i always had some of the best conversations with him. as i got older i would sneak in to concerts and going downtown and i would see him around and we would talk talk and talk lol. if i was downtown when he was working i would drop by and say hi and we would talk talk talk. i would see him around the city at first on his board just enjoying everything, and i could always approach him. he never made me feel uncomfortable even if he was way older than me. man he taught me a lot about myself and about music and about being able to live in the moment. i don't think i can listen to music i like really without having a memory that is in some way attached to martin streek. i knew about some of the stuff he had been going through, but like someone said he always cared about you first, trying to make you feel better. i don't know if he will realize how much he was loved, liked, inspired soooooooooo many people. man. writing all of this is really so hard but i'm sure lots of people have tonnes of great memories of martin streek. i remember having real good arguments about bands that would go on for so long when he was working and he never hung up on me, would always talk to me, always remembered me. hahaha. i wasn't the urinal buddy like john, but i was always that girl who always called in to the edge requesting kyuss or colplay (which i did all the time. hahaha and although he probably didn't want to play them because they were so much in heavy rotation during the daytime, but he always played it for me or got me to switch the request, but not without an actual discussion of why and who i should be listening to instead...lots of local bands he supported :P)and so for martin i will play god put a smile on my face because he always made me smile and feel better and inspired me to educate myself on all things, love radio, maybe go into music, follow my heart in doing art, going to university or college. man. he helped me out sooo freaking much. and i will always remember him singing that coldplay song with me and me laughing at him with him telling me i have a good voice. lol. gosh. i'm so sad he's not here...this whole thing is a bit hard to swallow. i feel kinda angry a little, disappointed, happy for him, but just so freaking sad.
July 10, 2009 / 09:22
Hi Fred,
We've met a couple of times, but not so that you'd remember necessarily.
Just wanted to say thanks for this. Marty was a really good friend - he and Ivar and I used to hang out 'in the day' - and your picture of Streek in the denim ensemble was the first time I've laughed in four days!
thanks, Carole
July 10, 2009 / 15:32
This is all so sad that some dont see that people can and do suffer from many things and others can not see or be aware of them, because the person suffering with it will not acknowledge it fully themselves. What Martin did, and certainly he is not the only person who has decided that this was the best and only way to over come his problem, is no different than any other disease that one could be affected by. If there was not such a stigma to the many forms of mental illness for that is truely what it is ILLNESS then maybe people such as Marty would seek help and this could be avoided. But for the grace of jebus!! Love one and other keep it real! I will miss the intense love that he had for what he did so very well !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 11, 2009 / 21:22
Way back in the mid 80's having arrived from Northern Ontario long before the Internet and Satellite radio gave everyone equal access to listenable radio, CFNY, for me anyway, defined what was truely great about Toronto. CFNY is gone and like the rest of you, I am saddened by the loss of one its truely unique personalities. My thoughts go out to his friends and family .
July 12, 2009 / 01:19
I am loathe to agree with argie but he has a point. Judging from this site there are at least 60+ people who would have listened and provided council. Not to mention the the whole ex-CFNY people (and current staff) who were available at anytime. Suicide is a selfish cboice and hurts only those left to wonder what they could have/should have done or could have/should have known. At the end of the day we (the living) are left with recriminations and feelings of guilt and doubt. Life is precious. I cannot begin to understand what Martin was going through and i will not try. I can only wish all the best to his family and friends.
July 12, 2009 / 01:21
I am loathe to agree with argie but he has a point. Judging from this site there are at least 60+ people who would have listened and provided council. Not to mention the the whole ex-CFNY people (and current staff) who were available at anytime. Suicide is a selfish cboice and hurts only those left to wonder what they could have/should have done or could have/should have known. At the end of the day we (the living) are left with recriminations and feelings of guilt and doubt. Life is precious. I cannot begin to understand what Martin was going through and i will not try. I can only wish all the best to his family and friends.
July 12, 2009 / 02:31
I cannot presume to be a good friend of Martin's, although I spent hours and hours at his place after club closings with friends who were much closer to him than I ever was. In the middle of my own feelings I also think about what Scary, Tim, Dwight, Bob and George might be going through. My issues with this are small. I think of what Martin has gifted me with: easily a third of my musical tastes (Scary and Strombo, you each get another third), nights/mornings of destinations that always were more tempting than going home, and the simple act of believing that every single act of turning someone on to a new band Mattered (with a capital M). Thank you for stressing the value of driving 20 minutes further to Le Massif, thank you for spontaneous improve vocals with KBV, thank you for the where-to-buy tips in cool glassware, I loved those round-bottomed drinking glasses. It's the small things sometimes. Martin (I believe) was many things, one of which was an encyclopedia on how to live. Live each day, mark them all, don't put off living until 'retirement', do it NOW. You just never know.
July 12, 2009 / 14:49
Pictures say a lot. There's 5 guys and Mr Streek. Think he was saying something.
July 12, 2009 / 22:47
It's Sunday night, I've been listening to Live to Air that Martin always did so well and I always loved listening to him, and the show. It's so fracking sad to think I'll never hear that voice again. It's just not going to be same. Might as well retire the show and sign up with John Tesh.
November 6, 2009 / 12:03
I was reminiscing the other day with a friend of mine , about working together a number of years ago. One of the first things we brought up was listening to the live to air show together. Will remember Martins work fondly.
January 22, 2010 / 15:58
I loved reading your blog and I found it very interesting. I m really impressed with your work. I loved your idea about the whole thing. I am happy I went through your blog. It has helped me a lot….
Marty! Why the fuck didn't you say something?
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