FOR THE LOVE OF HAMILTON

This regular feature highlights people from all walks of life who have embraced Hamilton as their new home.

TOMMY GRASLEY aka TOMMYGUNN is a songwriter, recording artist, and producer who grew up in Hamilton. His musical journey started as a young boy drawing on the influence of a successful musically inspired family. His father Sonny Del Rio played saxophone in the band Crowbar. On Grasley’s mother’s side (the Stewarts), Rod Stewart is his cousin. Life as a son of a musician was tough. Feast or famine. He remembers eating bagels for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On the flip side, his home was loving, creative and musical. But when his family broke up, Grasley spent the next 15 years fighting his way through life with anger, fists, vengeance, drugs, and alcohol. At 33, Tommy turned his life around. He dealt with his demons and raised a family of his own. In 2007, it was his turn. He wrote his first album Unleash the Hounds, which charted No. 7 in Australia and had success in the U.K. He’s released two albums since. 

What took you away from Hamilton and why did you return?

It’s the old cliché. I left Hamilton for a woman, who turned out to be the love of my life. She was living in Toronto at the time, so off I went, and moved there. You know, there’s something to be said about moving away to get closer to your roots. After the pandemic, we noticed how much Toronto had started to change – it had a different vibe, one that didn’t suit us anymore. As we were talking about where to move next, because we both were born here in Hamilton, it felt like a natural thing to do. It turns out it was a great decision.  

Where did you grow up in Hamilton and what was your childhood like?

I grew up in “little Chicago” on Indian Crescent – that’s what the name of the neighbourhood on the Mountain was called at the time. From there, I bounced with my parents and sister to various locations on the Mountain. Halfway through Grade 9, I moved to the east end of Hamilton where we planted our roots – at least for a while. My dad was a rock and roll musician in a band, and my mom looked after me and my sister. We had a lot of fun; it was filled with love and creativity. Sure, we had some tough times, and yet we’re Hamilton grit, we got through it. We rolled with the punches. I was a super active kid. I lived and breathed hockey and music. Those were my two passions. 

How has the city changed since you left?

Hamilton has grown. New developments are popping up everywhere. There’s a better energy. Happily, I’ve found that Hamiltonians are still Hamiltonians – they’re, for the most part, friendly and neighbourly.

Do you see Hamilton through different eyes after returning

Absolutely. I love the independent store owners. The creativity of new restaurants and the restoration of older ones. It’s not a big deal going out, whereas in Toronto you needed to make reservations wherever you went. And the driving! Here in Hamilton, you’re anywhere in 15 minutes. That’s a huge plus. I love the greenery surrounding us.

How would you describe your musical style?

My music style is new classic rock. It’s in your face rock and roll, and yet at the same time, it takes all the forms of rock and roll. You kinda need to hear it to get what I’m talking about.

How has your lived experience influenced your music?

My life is my story. I express my journey through my songs. My first album, Unleash the Hounds, was exclusively my experiences growing up in Hamilton. My second album, I Believe in Love, moved from hate to love. I was in a dark place at the time before I found the light, and by that, I mean, the light of my life – true love. My third album, California Way, was an epiphany. I had a real connection while in Los Angeles. I learned the California way. You’ll understand if you listen to the album. All my work is influenced by what I’m doing, and how I’m creating.

What inspires your music?

I’m inspired daily by the environment I’m in at any given time. I tend to gravitate toward positivity and happy energy. I’m a huge fan of collaboration, so therefore others inspire me. Their creativity sparks ideas. I live a lot in my head. Always thinking. Always creating. And yet, it all comes from a place of love.

Who are your musical heroes?

My musical hero is my dad, Sonny Del Rio. He played in a band called The Terra NYE Experiment, and then, with Ray Materick, followed by King Biscuit Boy and Crowbar. These gents all had a huge influence on me and my music. And then it’s my grandfather, Thomas Stewart. He was the first to open at the Hillcrest Restaurant with his band (the name escapes me). He had a piano in his living room and would bust out with tunes by Frank Sinatra, or other big band era music. Ok, and yes, sure, I was hugely influenced by Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and Eddie Van Halen, amongst a ton of others.

What has been your greatest musical moment?

Some of my greatest musical moments have been in the studio working with legends. From Hamilton to Los Angeles, I had the opportunity of working with great talents: Kelly Jay, L. Stu Young, Jack Pedler, Bobby Johnson, Sonny Del Rio, Tom Wilson, Neil Nickafor, Nick Blagona, Jim Zolis, Eddie Kramer, Greg Godovitz, Dale Harrison, Kevin Fox, Kim DesChamps, Michael Wekerle, Mikal Blue, Fernando Perdomo, Greg Bissonette, Laurence Juber, Richard T Bear Gerstein, Ryan Shore, Dan Goldberg, Stephen Hogg, Chip & Pepper, Steve Hoffman, Dalton Cyr … so many others. I’ve been extremely fortunate.

Who inspires you? 

My wife. Daily. I have her tattooed on my arm. As Eddie Vedder wrote, “When I walk beside her, I am a better man.” That’s my truth. And, life as a whole inspires me – the good, the bad, and the fugly (not a typo).

What neighbourhood do you live in and why did you choose it?

We’re in the Kirkendall neighbourhood. We’re big walkers and needed to be close to the trails, small shops, and especially a place that has a creative vibe. It’s nice to look out and see lots of trees. And the people are lovely as well. 

How would you describe this city as a place to work as a musician?

Harrison Kennedy once told me, “You have to leave Hamilton and then come back before they take you seriously.” That always stuck with me. I’m lucky as my bandmates all live relatively close by. There are some great places in Hamilton to rehearse. Hamilton has a creative and robust community of musicians and songwriters.

How do you reflect on the loss of music venues?

It hurts. Especially when you know the sweat that went into creating a great venue. We need more people to come out and support live music venues and the artists that play there. 

Have you been able to make a career out of music or do you do something else, too?

I got a late start with my music career as I chose a trade so that I could raise my two children where they had a more secure upbringing. After they were old enough, I dove HEAD ON (that’s one of my songs on my third album) into my music career.

What Hamilton arts or cultural events do you most look forward to attending?

I love all the Hamilton music festivals. They’re a lot of fun. I love the energy.

How do you spend your spare time?

My wife and are I are very active – we run, workout, play pickleball, hike, bike, you name it. We love the outdoors. We GO GO GO (another song from my first album). Ha.

What is your favourite meal in a local restaurant?

Bardo on Locke Street. We feel like the cast members on the TV series Cheers – “where everybody knows your name” … It’s fun. The food is fresh and fabulous. We love the fresh salad. The staff are wonderful. Siobhan, Bella, Kyle, Paul, Chris, Kayla, Trinia, the whole team. They know who they are. They’re probably best known for their pizzas, and yet their salads are the best!! 

What's Hamilton's best-kept secret?

TOMMYGUNN!!! Ha, ha, ha. And yet true. My band is rockin’. It’s the most talented ensemble I have ever had the pleasure of playing with. There’s Tyler Whiteside on drums who absolutely kills it; Chris Hume on bass who’s a veteran musician, total bottom end; Rebecca Marshall multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, LOOK OUT! Jason Kowalyshyn on guitar, the Shredder, absolutely blows my mind, and yet has such feel. And I round out the band as lead vocals. I’m grateful.

What does Hamilton need more of?

We need more understanding. Understanding that we’re all humans trying to get through every day. The effects of the pandemic have made a lot of people homeless. It’s crushing. We need to pause and take the time to show kindness and love. Hamilton needs to show more love.

What does Hamilton need less of?

Hamilton needs less talk and more action particularly from city council members. They always say they’ll fix the problem(s) – there are many – and yet it’s a wheel that turns very slowly, unfortunately.  

What's the one thing you brag about Hamilton to outsiders? 

The Hamilton Tiger Cats, the vast number of waterfalls, Gage Park, Hutch’s on the Beach, overall beautiful people, and our safe neighbourhoods. There’s a lot to brag about!

If you would like to be featured in For the Love of Hamilton, or know someone who should be,
please contact: meredith@hamiltoncitymagazine.ca.