My Girl (Gone, Gone, Gone)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious "My Girl (Gone, Gone, Gone)" by Chilliwack, a track from their 1981 album Wanna Be a Star, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song marked a major milestone for the Canadian rock band, becoming their first Top 40 hit in the United States, peaking at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100, while hitting #3 for four weeks in Canada. Written by band leader Bill Henderson and guitarist/keyboardist/drummer Brian MacLeod, the song earned them nominations for the 1982 Juno Awards for Composer of the Year and Single of the Year. A fun tidbit from a review notes that the song’s catchy hook and MTV-friendly video helped it ride the wave of Canadian AOR popularity, despite the band facing legal battles with their former label, Mushroom Records, which prevented a full tour to support the album. The track’s memorable guitar solo in the interlude has fans raving, with one Amazon reviewer calling it “tear-jerking” and a standout moment.

Another piece of trivia comes from a 2020 Facebook post by a fan page, which highlighted how Chilliwack crafted "My Girl (Gone, Gone, Gone)" during a transitional phase, leaning into a new wave rock sound after evolving from their psychedelic roots. A 2023 Reddit thread on r/ClassicRock saw fans reminiscing about the song’s nostalgic vibe, with one user joking, “It’s been gone, gone, gone so long,” echoing the iconic chorus. On X, a user praised the intricate composition, noting how Henderson and MacLeod’s collaboration made the song a standout on their ninth album. Despite the band’s struggles with lineup changes and industry pressures, the song’s success helped Chilliwack solidify their place in rock history.

Chilliwack’s journey began in Vancouver, British Columbia, in the mid-1960s when they formed as The Classics. Fronted by Bill Henderson, the band soon became The Collectors in 1966, diving into the psychedelic rock scene with their debut album and a minor hit, “Lydia Purple.” By 1970, after key members left, Henderson rebranded the group as Chilliwack, named after a city in British Columbia. Their early albums, like Chilliwack (1970) and All Over You (1973), blended progressive and psychedelic elements, earning a cult following. The band hit their commercial peak in the 1970s and 1980s with hits like “Fly at Night” and “Whatcha Gonna Do,” but it was Wanna Be a Star that brought them international fame. Despite numerous lineup changes, Henderson has remained the constant force, keeping Chilliwack active on the Canadian tour circuit.

Stay connected with Chilliwack through their official website, where you can find tour dates and band updates. Follow them on Facebook for news and fan interactions, or check out their Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses. On X, they share posts about upcoming shows and music nostalgia. Fans can join the Chilliwack Fan Club on Facebook to connect with other Zoo Freaks and share stories about the band’s legacy. For more fan-driven content, visit gonegonegone.com, a hub for Chilliwack enthusiasts celebrating their music and history.