Barney Bentall is a celebrated Canadian singer-songwriter hailing from Vancouver, known for his heartfelt rock and folk-infused sound. Rising to prominence in the late 1980s with his band, Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts, he captured the nation’s attention with hits like *Something to Live For* and *Come Back to Me*. The band’s debut self-titled album went platinum in Canada, launching a career defined by raw, evocative lyrics and relatable stories.
Over the decades, Bentall has continued to evolve as an artist, both as a solo musician and in various collaborations, such as The High Bar Gang, a bluegrass ensemble showcasing his passion for roots music. His solo work reveals a seasoned storyteller’s touch, with albums like *The Inside Passage* and *Cosmic Dreamer* delving into themes of family, resilience, and connection to nature. In addition to his musical endeavours, Bentall is involved in ranching in British Columbia’s Cariboo region, where he draws inspiration from the land and its rhythms.
Known for his distinctive voice and dedication to his craft, Bentall has earned a loyal fan base and critical acclaim throughout his career, marking him as a mainstay of Canada’s music scene.
Name:
Barney Bentall
Genre:
Singer-Songwriter Roots and Rock ’n Roll
Founded:
The early 1980’s
# of Albums:
6 with The Legendary Hearts. 6 solo records. 2 with The High Bar Gang. 2 with BTU. 1 with RanchWriters
Latest Album:
Cosmic Dreamer
Latest Single:
Cosmic Dreamer
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
It started with the Beatles and that has always stayed. Things morphed to Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Van Morrison and Joni Mitchell
Favourite musician now:
John Prine
Guilty pleasure song:
Anything by Hall and Oates!
Live show ritual:
I like to stay in the theatre for those 2 or 3 hours after soundcheck. People go to eat or go back to the hotel and there is quiet in the dressing room. I get to collect my thoughts, warm up my voice and play some songs that are totally unrelated to my show.
Favourite local musician:
Scott Smith and the Adventures in Pedal Steel
EP or LP?
I’m still a sucker for a full-length album and that is the way my mind goes but the industry seems to be moving away from that. I also miss the physical product that was, in my opinion, perfectly embodied in the vinyl LP.
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird on my ranch but that changes on the road. You need to take awhile to unwind after a show.
Road or studio?
If you add writing to that list, I love them all. They are the holy trinity. Just when you start getting tired of one of them, one of the others will take you by the hand. When it works, it is a beautiful symbiotic relationship.
Any shows or albums coming up?
The Last Roundup. We are currently touring the last time for The Cariboo Express. 20 years of an amazing musical experience.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Facebook | Website
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Cioppinos
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Stanley Park. I love riding my bike around it and I have lovely memories of coming home after a gig on my motorcycle as dawn was breaking and taking the long route around the park on my way to North Van
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
The Painted Ship
What is your favourite music store in your city?
I guess Long & McQuade. Kinda the only game in town but you can always get what you need and they have helped a lot of musicians!
