The One and Only Bob Wiseman!

Often referred to by his fans as "Bobby" Wiseman, Bob is a Canadian treasure. A gifted musician who is always generous with his talents, Bob can do just about anything with a piano, accordian, and many other instruments. He also makes films, writes soundtracks, and comes up with new melodies in the blink of an eye. He's also hilarious, and has the healthiest posture in Canadian music. In need of a little entertainment? Take a moment to visit Bob's wonderful website: www.bobwiseman.com (Photo of Bob in his "counselling" role by Lee Towndrow)

The Daily Rat: How did you get involved with The Rat King?

Bob Wiseman: I got involved with the rat king behind the back of my wife, who actually got involved with him as well which was especially complicated because we assumed each other monogamous. The writer of this thing, Maggie, is probably even more implicated. I think she sent the first email or placed the
first telephone call or sent the primo telegram so it is all her fault.

Rat: What is your role in the production?

Bob: I was in the first production and wrote some songs and nourished little bits leftover, and sadly sitting in a corner to feel free to blossom in new forms. This with a midi piano, accordion, organ and much white face make up (see photo above). Hence my role was Counselling.

Rat: What other creative and/or political projects have you been involved with recently?

Bob: I am on the board of directors for the blocks recording club (blocksblocksblocks.com) former member of the board for the hamilton arts council and the hamilton artists inc.

I also used to work at Greenpeace in education and have been a member of Amnesty International,

I have played benefits:
to help Leonard Peltier,
to help the people of the Six Nation stand off,
to call attention to the death of Anna Mae Aquash,
to further knowledge of Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont
for Amnesty International,
for people living with AIDS,
for Greenpeace,
to help grizzly bears,
World Wildlife Fund,
Animal Voices
to stop nuclear creations
to help the community radio stations that get the best news out there
to help magazines about environmentalism or literacy or politics

and performed in theatrical works about corruption in politics
("hys on authorised life and tymes"), and about racism ("cowboys and indians")

and I have made 10 cds which sometimes touch on political, environmental and human rights issues.

Here is a sample:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWYLfwYRQ1M

Rat: That's a lot! Thanks for all your hard work Bob!