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Canadian entertainment icon Bill Welychka has released the second edition of his popular memoir, A Happy Has-Been: Exciting Times and Lessons Learned by One of Canada’s Foremost Entertainment Journalists, now available online and in bookstores.
Best known as the longest-running VJ on MuchMusic and MuchMoreMusic, Welychka has been a familiar and respected face in Canadian media since first appearing on national television in 1992. Renowned for his thoughtful interview style and deep knowledge spanning music, pop culture, and politics, his career has earned him numerous exclusives, accolades, and a loyal following.
First published in August 2023, A Happy Has-Been quickly gained widespread attention and went on to become a No. 1 and top-10 bestseller across multiple platforms. In 2025, Welychka returns with an expanded second edition featuring additional stories, new photographs, and reflections on the whirlwind journey following the book’s initial release, including updates on major personal and professional developments.
The memoir offers behind-the-scenes stories from Welychka’s encounters with some of the biggest names in music history, including Madonna, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Prince, Johnny Cash, Oasis, AC/DC, Garth Brooks, members of The Beatles, and many more. Alongside these unforgettable moments, Welychka candidly shares his personal struggles with depression, offering readers an honest and deeply human perspective.
The book also highlights the life lessons he has gained over a career spanning more than three decades, during which he has conducted over 5,000 interviews with musicians, actors, politicians, royalty, and athletes. The memoir features a foreword by Paul Langlois of The Tragically Hip, with partial proceeds supporting the White Ribbon Campaign.
Welychka’s recent appearances include hosting the premiere of The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal documentary in Kingston, raising $80,000 for United Way, as well as participating in the sold-out Canadian tour of the documentary 299 Queen Street West.
The second edition was officially celebrated with a successful book-signing event at Indigo in Kingston on October 11, where fans gathered for hours to meet the media veteran. The memoir is now available through FriesenPress, Indigo, Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and directly via www.billwelychka.ca.
