LUCIDMEDIA

Toronto says good-bye to Martin Streek

Written by Emily Santos Monday, 13 July 2009 17:04

Toronto radio personality Martin Streek, best known for his work at 102.1 The Edge, was found dead in his apartment on July 6th.

Reports state the cause of death was suicide however, the investigation is ongoing - an autopsy will be performed.

For nearly two decades Streek was the familiar voice of the Edge’s Thursday 30 Countdown. (Booted from the Edge earlier this year after the station under went a so-called “corporate reconstructing”).

Streek emceed The Spirit of Radio – a weekend late show broadcast live with ongoing parties at Club 102: The Phoenix Concert Theatre on Saturdays and Sunday nights at Toronto’s Velvet Underground. He was famously known for repeating the now ironic words, “Come down early and stay late!”
Formally untrained and ill-experienced in radio, it was Streek’s knowledge and passion on alternative rock – favoring The Clash, Nine Inch Nails and Tool – that were seemingly the only tools he needed to kick start his career. This record-spinning entrepreneur soon rose to become an instrumental component in Toronto’s rock culture scene, conquering the radio airwaves.

Undoubtedly, Streek shaped the music industry in the GTA by playing obscure and unusual songs for most radio stations during his programs (i.e the Ministry’s lengthy “So What”). His original and opinionated concept to radio broadcast quickly made him popular with youth and young adults and he was voted DJ of the Year numerous times by NOW Magazine.

In October 2007, Streek, for the first time, tried his hand at some stand-up comedy. According to this website, his seven-minute routine at Betty’s (King Street East, Toronto) inspired a second and a third comedy routine. It wouldn’t be long until Streek hosted another comedy event - a fundraiser to be exact - with his friend Hamilton-raised funnyman Manolis.

Before Streek’s body was discovered, Facebook revealed, what seemed to be, a farewell message:

“So...I guess that's it...thanks everyone...I'm sorry to those I should be sorry to, I love you to those that I love, and I will see you all again soon (not too soon though)... Let the stories begin.”

Prior to Steek’s death he had completed two pilot episodes of a new television show titled “Martin Streek’s Backstage.” Filming was set to continue this September.

Streek left behind a devastated Canada. Fans will remember him as an incredible storyteller, one heck of a pool player, a clever jokester creating hilarious nicknames for some of the industry’s finest (Lenny Krab-nuts, George SloppyDroopyPants and Red Hot Chili Willies), a man who knew how to throw an eerily fantastic party and a friend for the late night drive home from work.

Join over 12,000 other fans and share your favourite Martin Streek memory on the Facebook memorial page.