Mark Hiscock,a celebrated musician and a cornerstone of Newfoundland and labrador’s vibrant music scene,has passed away at the age of 53. Based out of St. John’s, Hiscock’s influence resonated deeply within the province and across Canada.

A Legacy Forged in Folk Music

Hiscock’s most enduring contribution was as a founding member of Shanneyganock,a folk band renowned for it’s storytelling through music. Formed over 30 years ago as a duo with Chris Andrews, the band cultivated a dedicated following and became a staple on the Canadian music circuit.

Tributes Pour In

Chris Andrews, who was with Hiscock when he died, remembered him fondly: Mark was a very kind, gentle person. He liked everybody. He loved music. Andrews further emphasized hiscock’s deep connection to his home and passions: He loved Newfoundland. He loved the accordion and music, and he loved his life and his family and his wife. You know,[he] was a happy man,and it’s just so sad at this great stage of his life,he was taken away.

The Show Will Go On

Despite the profound loss, Shanneyganock is scheduled to perform at the 37th annual East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs) at the Mary Brown’s Center in St. John’s. andrews affirmed the band’s commitment to honoring Hiscock’s memory: We know what he’d want, and we’re going to play. The performance will be dedicated to Hiscock.

A Lifetime of Achievement

Shanneyganock received a lifetime achievement award from the ECMAs in 2020, along with a lifetime achievement award from MusicNL. Reflecting on these honors, Andrews shared: We always used to laugh because we got a lifetime achievement award from the ECMAs, a lifetime achievement award from MusicNL. And we’d laugh and say,you know,’What do you mean lifetime? We’re onyl in our 50s,we got lots of music left to make. He added, now, I couldn’t be more happier that he got to get those things and see the appreciation.

A Passion for the Stage

Hiscock’s dedication to performing never waned. In a previous interview,he expressed his enduring love for the stage: There’s times when you think,’Jeez,how did we manage to get this far?’ And then there’s othre times you look out,when you’re playing in front of the crowd like tonight,and you go,’this is the reason we’ve done it.’ We do it for the fans.

Beyond Shanneyganock

Hiscock’s musical talents extended beyond Shanneyganock. He was recognized as one of the province’s best button accordion players and pursued a solo career, releasing albums and collaborating with other artists.

A Lasting Impact

Bud Davidge, who played with Shanneyganock and Hiscock for over eight years, emphasized Hiscock’s profound influence: His presence in the music industry in this province is right up there. Major.Big time. And he’s going to be missed very, very much for a long, long time. Davidge added,I’m going to miss him terribly. no question about it.

Musicians Chris Andrews and Bud Davidge remember Hiscock for his kindness and love for music, friends, and family.