Breaking: Founder Of Chart Topping 70s Band Hospitalized After ‘Serious Stroke’

Guitarist, Founder Is “Responding” After Stroke

Best known for founding 60s and 70s rock chart toppers The Guess Who, Canadian singer-songwriter Chad Allan has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke last night at his home in British Columbia. The 74-year-old was rushed to a nearby hospital and as of this morning his publicist has revealed that Allan’s stroke was, indeed, “pretty serious” but added that “he is responding” to treatment, leaving his family hopeful that he will be able to make a full recovery.

Allan’s foray into the rock world began in 1958 when he formed his first band, Allan and the Silvertones; the name was later changed to Chad Allan and the Reflections in 1962 and boasted a lineup that included Allan on lead vocals and guitar, keyboard player Bob Ashley, guitarist Randy Bachman, bassist Jim Kale and Garry Peterson on drums. The band would again rename themselves – this time as Chad Allan & the Expressions – before releasing their first hit, a 1965 cover of Johnny Kidd & the Pirates’ “Shakin’ All Over” until a marketing ploy by their record label forced them to accept the name they would forever be known by: The Guess Who.

Allan left the band in spring 1966 to pursue a college education, missing the success that would later find The Guess Who with hits like “American Woman” and “These Eyes,” but enjoyed success as a solo artist and played an integral role in the formation of Bachman-Turner Overdrive. His family has requested privacy during this time, but like everyone, we’re pulling for him to make it through this and send our love to both he and his family. Stay tuned to Society of Rock for more updates as they become available!