As we mark the 3rd anniversary of one of Canada’s worst sports tragedies we felt it would be appropriate to share Canadian country artist Greg Rider’s emotional single “Sixteen Sticks”. The single, a tribute to the 16 lives lost 3 years ago today, will bring many hockey fans and listeners to tears.Inspired by the tragic 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus accident, Rider talks of the ones taken too soon by giving inspiration and hope to those who have mourned their loss.
Greg Rider, who grew up in a hockey town of Ontario, spent his life playing hockey with 8 of those years for the Flamborough Sabres. Despite his career change, Rider still has a strong bond with the hockey community.
“I won’t forget the day it happened. I got a phone call from my Aunt in tears sharing the terrible news. She knew it would hit close to home for the both of us, so she suggested I write a song about it. ” – Rider
Why now?
“Sixteen Sticks” was written mere weeks after the accident, but was not released publicly as some of Rider’s listeners felt it was still too early. So, the Country artist tucked it away.
Rider reached out to lend his support to one of the survivors, Tyler Smith, after hearing him on an interview about mental health. Rider decided to share “Sixteen Sticks” with Smith, who gave Rider his blessing to release the tribute.
About Greg Rider
Country artist Greg Rider recently moved back to his hometown and toured across 80 Canadian schools. His goal was to spread a message of hope and resiliency and share how he overcame anxiety and depression. Rider’s latest single titled “One Town Away” was released early this summer.
Born in Mississauga, Rider always knew he was meant to be an entertainer. At 21 years old, a near-death experience changed his perspective. His dreams were no longer constrained by money or his geographic location.
He spent his early adult years performing on the street corners of Montreal and bartending in bars. He, then, moved to the Cayman Islands to bartend at the Margaritaville Resorts. Four months later, he bought a one-way ticket to Nashville to become a full-time singer and songwriter.
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