Remembering Niall Mellors

When a popular musician passes away, having a memorial Concert is an honor to that person. We recently said goodbye to Niall Mellors who passed away December 27,2025.

I spoke with many of his friends at the memorial concerts and they seemed broken up and still didn’t quite know how to express their grief.

I came across these words that can give you a strong interpretation of who Niall Mellors was to us in this world.

His Memorial

With heavy hearts, we are saddened to be sharing the news of Niall’s recent passing. Following a magical final chapter that included October tour dates in Newfoundland, a meaningful birthday celebration in November, and a joy filled Christmas spent with family and friends, Niall shared a few additional quiet days and his last sunset, embraced in the love and care of his wife, Leslie and dear son, Pierce. On the eve of December 27th, at St. Michael’s Hospital, Niall passed peacefully with those he loved most at his side.

Niall is deeply missed and survived by his loving partner of 26 years, Leslie and his adoring son, Pierce [ Pierce’s mother, Celeste]. He will be further missed by his mother, Una, brother, Luke (Charlotte; nephew Winston), sister, Wanda (Ken), sister-in-law, Lois, sister-in-law, Marcia (Jason) and brother-in-law, Ekem (Danya). Niall is now reunited with his father, Terry Mellors, stepfather, Bill Lougheed, mother-in-law, Patsy Jordan, and his sweet puppy, Freddie.

Niall embraced life as a forgiving, humourous, silly, playful, curious, and understanding soul. At his core, he was the very definition of kindness. He loved football, camping, blazing campfires, sitting on a beach, and capturing sunsets. His Newfie gift for gab and reporter level skill for interviewing people while also making them feel at ease made him a dear friend to many. He loved to be in the company of others to engage & connect, and was often the life of the party.

Though his official work life took him from hospitality recruiter to courier, playing live music was always his passion and goal. His rock star dreams very nearly coming true with his band Smeer. From his teens until his final tour just weeks ago, Niall was happiest sitting behind a drum kit and supplying the steady pulse for a vast array of bands. A highly skilled, largely self-taught musician, his passion for the music he loved was experienced by anyone who heard or saw him play.

Niall was heavily involved in the local Toronto music scene, playing gigs and jamming regularly over the last 30 years. While rocking out, he developed and nurtured many meaningful relationships and contributed something special to the music community that will be sorely missed.

Niall had a special enthusiasm for life right to the very end. If you were around him, you experienced it. Although his absence will be felt deeply, his bright spirit and love have made a home in all of our hearts. We will treasure the time we had with him and carry him with us always.

The Benefit Concert

Although, Blast Toronto could not be there for the entire show, this is what we witnessed. In the Merch area of the Rockpile there were tables of items you could bet on or put your ticket in for a raffle. Some of the items were donated by close friends and other items were the personal property of Niall. He really seems to love those monkey puppets and the band Kiss (See photos). There were Rock and Roll books up for grabs and a beautiful guitar in mint condition. All the proceeds will be going to Niall’s family.

The Bands

Here is a quick description of the band we saw play to honour this well loved man.

Metyer Girlz

This is a trio of rockers that love old school Rock and Roll. It has that great street sound. It is a solid meat and potatoes kind of band. Even when they pulled out a pop song by Tiffany call, “I think were alone now”, they kept it rocking well. The Bass player Dan Paterson did an original that had that classic 70’s rock vibe called, “On the Curb”.

Metyer Girlz:

The Thrown together band

The next band up didn’t make it, so the organizer struggled quickly to put strange musicians on stage and see what happens.

This jigsaw band first consisted of Jim on vocals and singing Judas Priest’s Diamonds and Rust. Eventually he gave up the mike to Jeff from Innocent Gunnz to finish off with more Judas Priest. BTW, Butter Chicken loves the Priest. You can find her rocking out to them in the social page called Threads.

Jim of Thrown Together:

The next band up consisted of Niall’s friends who just got up to pay tribute to him. The singer this time was a long time friend of 20 years with Niall’s on the drum kit for the past 20 years. He did a killer version of Whitesnake. When they decided to play Twisted Sister, the drummer was pounding so hard that he broke the snare skin. That is a fine tribute to a Rock and Roll drummer!

Love it to Death

I understand Niall was the drummer in a band called “The Eyes of Alice”. This band “Love it to Death” performed as if he was behind the kit. With all Alice Cooper songs from the early years, this band put forth a performance that would have made Niall proud. I am so glad I got to see them do “Halo of Flies”.

Check out Love it to Death:

Ted Axe

A long-time veteran of the hard rock scene, Ted made sure he had his turn to play for Niall. He walked in sick and walked on like a rock star. His dirty rock that seeps from the gutters had us all in awe as he strutted around the stage like a weary vampire. He was generous enough to grab a woman from the audience and have her cheerleading everyone on with her moves.

Ted Axe:

David Bowie Tribute

Gerrard Myers fronts this band and was a good friend to Niall. This was his tribute to his friend as he played Suffragette City, Moonage Daydream and Ziggy. Gerrard thanked Dave Babbett on the drums that have been filling in whenever the drummer didn’t show up.

What made this show special was how rocking the guitar player was pushing himself on stage. He pulled all the great classic rock moves that make show worthwhile.

Check out this guys moves:

Pinknip

This is the second time I have seen this band, and they are only getting better. The leader of the band has been thrashing it out for over 30 years in the Philippines. When he came to Toronto, he gathered together some very young player and together they are creating some great Metal noise. They still have plenty of styles that they borrow from, but they use those designs to enhance their own creativity.

I could hear moment of Tool, Motorhead or maybe Overkill. They can hit groove metal with ferocity and get you high with their stoner metal sound. Metalheads, go out and watch this band grow!

A Young Star rising:

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This is a solid band that does 80’s metal so well. They take the Dio years with Sabbath and hold that sound with high regard. The singer has a very powerful voice that can do Ronnie well. He can also hold his own when they decided to do the Trooper by Iron Maiden. If you love Tribute bands, I recommend this band for you 80’s Metal fans.

A solid Tribute band:

If you would like to sign the guest book for his family here is the link: Niall Patrick Mellors

If you would like to help the family with the funeral expense, you can click this link: Fundraiser by Katherine Newman : Funeral csts for Niall Mellors and other expenses.

Here are more photos of the event: