October 14, 1982. It had been a cool autumn Thursday in Toronto, with light showers that had lingered for hours. In the Rexdale neighbourhood near Pearson International Airport, almost all the 1,500 employees at the Litton Systems plant on Cityview Drive had gone home for the night. Only a few workers and security guards remained. Traffic was steady on Highway 27, which also ran in front of the plant.
Just before midnight, a stolen pickup van with British Columbia plates pulled up next to the main building. In the back were 550 pounds of dynamite.
Fuses were set, and boom! The explosion blew off the front wall of the two-storey building. No one was killed, but four night-shift employees and three cops were hurt. A few people in passing cars were also hit by the debris.
The damage was severe, with some estimates putting the bill at $50 million. The bombers fled under cover of the night.
We’d later learn that five people were involved, including the former bass player of a fierce Vancouver punk band.
This is episode 75 of Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry. And this time, it’s the story of Canada’s punk rock terrorist bombing.
This is Episode 74 of “Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry.” And this time, it’s the story of the mysterious death of Bobby Fuller.
In addition to the podcasts, you can hear Uncharted on these Corus radio stations (all times local):
- Toronto: AM 640 (4-5 am)
- London: 980 CFPL (4-5 am)
- Vancouver: 730 CKNW (1-2 am)
- Edmonton: 630 CHED (1-2 am)
- Calgary: QR77 (770 AM) (1-2 am)
- Winnipeg: 680 CJOB (1-2 am)
And don’t forget about my current national speaking tour that will feature a live Uncharted podcast presentation. Get your tickets here.
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