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Walk Off the Earth star-studded tribute event to their late member, Mike “Beard Guy” Taylor, is today.

Walk Off the Earth multi-instrumentalist Mike “Beard Guy” Taylor passed away in his sleep just before New Year’s. No official cause of death has been given other than it was due to natural causes.

While he was with us, Mike was a big supporter of MusiCounts, the Canadian music industry body that supports music education across the country. Mike served as an adjudicator in MusiCounts programs and helped with sending instruments to far-flung communities.

The band and MusiCounts are asking that any fans who wish to honour Mike’s legacy donate to causes that were close to Mike’s heart.

Please consider honoring Mike’s incredible legacy by donating to MusiCounts. Mike was a long-time supporter and advocate for MusiCounts, and he believed that all children across Canada should have access to music through their school and community.

Mike was an active participant in his support of MusiCounts. For many years he played in the annual JUNO Cup game, a fundraising hockey game that saw artists face off against NHL legends in support of MusiCounts. He was also an adjudicator for Band Aid school applications and MusiCounts Teacher of the Year nominations, and helped us navigate the often challenging logistics involved in transporting instruments to remote, northern and indigenous communities. We are so thankful to have had his generous support.

In Mike’s honour, your donation to MusiCounts will put instruments directly into the hands of kids who need them most across our country. Thank you.

Go here to donate.

Meanwhile, a special tribute event for Mike will be held in the band’s hometown of Burlington, Ontario, this coming Sunday.

UPDATE: Arkells have been added to the bill.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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