Name Is Ned: Handsome Ned

Handsome Ned: The Queen Street West Country Rebel
Discovered at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto

On a recent walk through Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto, I found the grave of Robin Masyk, better known by his stage name, Handsome Ned—a true legend of the Queen Street West music scene.

Though Ned never achieved widespread fame beyond Toronto, he is credited with sparking the early 1980s country and roots rock revival in the city. His unique blend of country flair and rock sensibility laid the groundwork for future Canadian bands like Blue Rodeo, Prairie Oyster, Skydiggers, and The Cowboy Junkies—all of whom would go on to national and international success.

Handsome Ned was also a vital force behind the cultural transformation of Queen Street West into the vibrant artistic hub it remains today. While his commercial success was limited, his song “Put the Blame on Me” gained recognition when it was featured in the 1989 cult film Roadkill.

Tragically, Ned’s promising life and career were cut short in 1987 when he died of a heroin overdose at the age of just 29.

1957-1987