Fred and Les Northcotte, brothers and co-founders of The Bay Boys, learned to play musical instruments to entertain themselves, their family and friends in Newfoundland.

For close to 40 years, the brothers and the other members of the Bay Boys, entertained thousands of people in Ontario with their traditional "maritime sound". The popularity of The Bay Boys was relatively simple to define- they deliver an upbeat, toe-tapping brand of music that appeals not only to Maritimers, but to people from all walks of life and cultures.

The group wrote most of their own music, based upon the traditional Irish/Celtic/Scottish/ English style of Newfoundland, which sometimes crosses over into a country vein. One only has to listen to a song like "Codroy Valley" (Our Home in Newfoundland) to catch that country feeling.

Although The Bay Boys have created a sound that appeals to a large audience, their "number one" most loyal fans remain Newfoundlanders and Maritimers - wherever they may live. According to one loyal fan of the band, attending a Bay Boys concert/dance is like a little "home away from home" for the Newfoundland/Maritime crowd.

The group released a total of 6 albums which consisted of Les Northcotte (vocals, rhythm guitar and 12 string guitar) and Fred Northcotte (accordion and harmonica) appearing on all 6 of the albums.

The first two albums Down Home Favourites (1985) and Down Home Favourites Vol II (1986) were recorded with Walter Ostanek and His Band.

Our Home In Newfoundland (1989), Where Did Yesterday Go (1992), 12 Most Requested (1994) and 25th Anniversary: After All These Years (1996) albums and were recorded with:

Ricky Rochon (Bass) Vic Hayes (Drums) along with fiddlers such as Steve Perry and 1993 Canadian Open Fiddle Champion Scott Woods who perform with the group on a rotating basis.

Other members who have played with the Bay Boys throughout the years are:

John Prince - Guitar
John Beech - Bass Guitar
Gary Hibbs - Mandolin, Tin Whistle, Guitar
Gerald Hibbs - Drums
Howard Power - Bass Guitar
Billy Dinn - Accordian, Piano, Guitar
Lark Walker - Piano

 

*All band promotion written by De Roche Agency

  Les Northcotte
   
Fred Northcotte
   
Vic Hayes
   
Rick Rochon
   
Steve Perry
   
Scott Woods