Topp: Promoter Gary Topp Brought Us the World

As with all of Collier's work, his latest graphic novel is a combination of memoir and biography. This time, he explores his involvement in the cultural landscape of Toronto in the 1970s and 80s, specifically focusing on the life of Gary Topp, a concert promoter and founder of the pioneering Canadian repertory cinema. Topp emerged from an immigrant background, abandoned the family textile business, and became an influential figure in the lives of an entire community. He was also Collier's first boss and mentor. Though outspoken and opinionated, Gary Topp inspired love and devotion, not only in those who worked for him, but also in the acts he booked-including the Ramones, The Police, and the Dixie Chicks.This graphic novel looks at a rapidly disappearing past and uses Topp's ability to see beyond the mainstream for a look at where our culture is heading.

“"When we first came to Canada there was our good 'ol buddy who promoted our concert down at a club called The Horseshoe, and there were only about ten people there, all from the record company. The promoters took some chances with us in the early days and now that we've made it big we are sticking with them." -- Stewart Copeland, The Police”

"Topp is an important historical record that will be appreciated by ex-punks and scholars alike."

David Collier is considered a national treasure in Canada and has had books published by Conundrum Press, Fantagraphics (Colliers) and Drawn & Quarterly (including Portraits from Life, Just the Facts, Hamilton Sketchbook, and Surviving Saskatoon) as well as strips in various newspapers and anthologies including Kramers Ergot, American Splendor, and Weirdo.

As with all of Collier's work, his latest graphic novel is a combination of memoir and biography. This time, he explores his involvement in the cultural landscape of Toronto in the 1970s and 80s, specifically focusing on the life of Gary Topp, a concert promoter and founder of the pioneering Canadian repertory cinema.Topp emerged from an immigrant background, abandoned the family textile business, and became an influential figure in the lives of an entire community. He was also Collier's first boss and mentor. Though outspoken and opinionated, Gary Topp inspired love and devotion, not only in those who worked for him, but also in the acts he booked-including the Ramones, The Police, and the Dixie Chicks.This graphic novel looks at a rapidly disappearing past and uses Topp's ability to see beyond the mainstream for a look at where our culture is heading.

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