One of Saskatchewan's best-known comedians, one who has stood the test of time with more than four decades of making people laugh has just released a book chronicling his career.
The book, entitled 'Standing Ovulation' is the story of 'Metro' the accented alter ego of Les Pavelick.
Pavelick said the book was one he had been told he should write, but added the decision was not easy.
"For a couple of months I struggled, do I go ahead and write this," he told Yorkton This Week when in the city last week. He explained he didn't want to do a book which came off like he was bragging about his career, but in the end forged ahead because it was a way to thank many people who have helped him along the way.
When it comes to looking back on a near five-decade career Pavelick said he is grateful for the opportunities performing as Metro has afforded him.
"It's quite amazing how many people you know, and the thing I've done," he said.
One such experience came about when Metro was invited to perform for Canadian troops overseas.
"I had no idea of the importance of going over and entertaining our troops was, until we got there and started to put on the show. Our guys and gals who are overseas really appreciate the effort and time we put into doing the show. Everyone in the show would also be away from their families over the Christmas season so this sacrifice did not go by unnoticed. Everywhere we went we were well received," Pavelick wrote in the book.
Pavelick said Metro also had the opportunity to meet many famous people, from Grammy-winner Walter Ostanek, to members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and hockey greats such as Gordie Howe, Don Cherry and Danny Gallivan. He relates a Cherry story in his book. "For three years my friend John McPake got us out to the Portage MB. Terriers' Annual dinner. The first year we had Eddie Shack and Billy Harris, both former Leafs. The next two years Don Cherry graced the tables and it was at one of the dinners, he said, 'Yes Metro you are a better dresser than me.' Wow. The next year along with Don Cherry, we had a chance to meet the legendary Montreal Canadians play-by-play man Danny Gallivan. Man, what a storyteller. Over the past 40 plus years, he was my favourite sportsperson THEMET met - a truly fine gentleman."
While meeting the famous, and traveling overseas are part of the Metro story, Pavelick said he is most proud of his character being involved in fundraisers throughout the years, from a last ditch effort to stave off bankruptcy at the Weyburn Inland Terminal during a severe downturn in the agricultural sector, to helping launch the Birch Hills Kinsmen.
"So in the past three years we have been fortunate to help various charities raise over $105,000 in Saskatchewan. Looking back at all the other shows we have been involved with, I know the amount raised is well over the One Million Mark. Not too bad in anybody's books, (or book-nouwell), and best of all we had a ball doing it. But the real bonus that makes all of this worthwhile is all the new friends we have acquired," he related in the book.
It was the type of opportunity Pavelick said he certainly never dreamed of when he first donned the familiar tweed suit and had first took to a stage as Metro.
The year was 1967, and the venue was a simple Christmas party where Pavelick decided to dress up and have a little fun.
"In around 1967 I was working at CKCK in Regina and we had a Halloween staff party coming up what should I go as? So down to the Sally Ann I go and find this old suit. In my mind's eye, I could just wisuall eyes an old farmer from Weirdale or out in da kountree and how heed drass up wit his bast outfit I tried the suit on and it fit great. It was a late 50's vintage and extremely well-made. It was a really heavy tweed, so really hot to say the least. I then picked up a tweed cap to go with the outfit. When I put this on and checked it out in front of a mirror I nearly peed myself laughing. Viola - The Metro Outfit ! (This would do for about 40+ years)," he explained in his book.
As luck would have it someone at the party liked the show Metro gave and asked if he'd do an Elks' convention in Saskatoon, and the ball began rolling.
Pavelick said it's always gratifying to hear how fans have connected with his brand of humour. He related how Karen Stepko, a fan, started a fan page for his alter ego on the popular social network site Facebook, something he said was a major surprise.
And there are more personal stories too, like the one included in his book. "In 2009 The Metro Show was asked to do the Tisdale Chamber of Commerce town Christmas party. We did the show and at the break a fellow came up and asked if he could get a picture. We obliged. Then he told me of how his mom was a huge fan and when we did radio or TV she demanded silence so she could catch THEMET. Over the years when anything would break down she would say, 'Just like Metro says working not working.' Well a few years ago she was ill and on her death bed. The family wanted her to sign a document. She took the pen and sure enough it didn't work, to which she said, 'Just like Metro says '."
Pavelick said its hearing stories like that from fans which really get to him.
"That guy brought a tear to my eye," he said.
Being on stage as Metro wasn't a huge departure for Pavelick who has played in a band for years, including while in Yorkton in the late 1950s and early 60s. He said it didn't take him long to realize that in a band he might get $50 a night, while he could earn $75 doing a much short set as Metro.
Pavelick looks back on his time in Yorkton in the book.
"When Metro talks of history and go'in way back hear it is one old storey and den sum We met Barry when we moved to Yorkton in the mid 50's. Here were Barry and THEMET, two young kids from the west end of Yorkton. Hell we didn't even know there were some other ends in town let alone the west end. Barry lived right next to St. Mary's Hall and St. Joe's College. In the fall of '55 Barry and I tried out for the Yorkton Bantam hockey team and could this guy motor like dat wind Most of the time it was Metro who haddit dat wind ."
Pavelick still performs as Metro, even releasing a second recording of his unique take on Christmas music in the last few years. He said he still enjoys what he does, noting every day he think how fun he has doing the role.
"I've always looked at it as a hobby but it's opened up some doors," he said with a smile.
Check it out at www.metroscomedy.com The book is also available locally at Audio Warehouse and the new Co-op 'C' Store.
