40 Years of Blue Rodeo: A Conversation with Jim Cuddy

40 Years of Blue Rodeo: A Conversation with Jim Cuddy

Blue Rodeo is celebrating a significant milestone in 2025—forty years as one of Canada’s most beloved bands. Over the decades, their achievements have included earning a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, appearing on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, winning an impressive 12 Juno Awards, and, most recently, being honored with their own Canada Post commemorative stamp.

In advance of two highly anticipated summer performances—one at the Guitars and Gasoline Festival in Calabogie and another on Canada Day at Base31 in Picton—Jim Cuddy sat down with us to reflect on the band’s legacy, the spirit of Canadian music, and his personal connection to the region.

Cuddy revealed that his ties to Prince Edward County are more than professional—his mother grew up in Cherry Valley, and he has fond, if mischievous, memories of what is now the Base31 venue.

“I know Base31 well, but from a very different time. Back then, it was just the old Picton airstrip. We used to go up there to scare ourselves when we were kids—it was abandoned and mysterious. Now, there’s this amazing venue on the hill. It’s wild how the past and present collide. I had a similar experience playing The Regent Theatre—that’s where my brother and I were dropped off to watch double features when we were little.”

The Jim Cuddy Band and Blue Rodeo have a longstanding relationship with the Quinte region, with countless performances at Belleville’s Empire Theatre. It was in that very theatre where this interview took place, just before a sold-out show by the Jim Cuddy Band.

Speaking about the upcoming festival in Calabogie, Cuddy emphasized the camaraderie that defines the Canadian music scene.

“Festival shows are like big family reunions. Canadian musicians really support each other. There’s not the same competitive culture here—you’re not stepping over anyone to reach some big prize. We’ve always shared resources, played on each other’s records, and introduced each other to new music. These events are great because they bring together bands and artists who’ve known each other for years. It’s something really special.”

As Blue Rodeo continues to inspire generations of fans, their longevity is a testament not just to their music, but to their deep roots in Canadian culture and community.