A Winnipeg drummer who has gone on to have international success with some of the biggest names in rock and roll is being recognized by the city he grew up in and built his musical skills. Mayor Scott Gillingham announced Brent Fitz is receiving an honourary street renaming Friday. Fitz, who is from Winnipeg, started his musical journey at a young age and has gone on to play with acts like Alice Cooper, Gene Simmons, Slash and Theory of a Deadman. Bellavista Crescent, between Voyageur Avenue and Rogan Drive, will now be known as Brent Fitz Way. “Today is, of course, about recognizing one of our own, a Winnipegger who has achieved remarkable success on the world stage while never forgetting where his journey began,” said Gillingham. “Many of you know that we are standing just steps away from where that journey started. This neighbourhood helped shape a young man who dreamed big, worked hard, and went on to become one of the most respected drummers in rock music.” Fitz started his drumming career as a teenager, offering lessons to fellow drummers, and then eventually performing at gigs around the city and across Canada. Fitz made the transition to the United States as he got older, living in L.A. and Las Vegas, all while performing with some of the industry’s biggest names. Despite the fame and success that has come with his musical career, Gillingham said he has always shown pride for where he started—something Fitz showed Friday by wearing a “Made in Winnipeg” shirt during the renaming ceremony. “No matter where his career has taken him around the world, Brent has always spoken proudly about Winnipeg,” said Gillingham. “He’s never forgotten his roots and that’s something that we certainly appreciate as a city.” Speaking at the ceremony Friday, Fitz called the area his “superpower corner.” “My whole life and career has been built on people. People business, music business, and somehow I found that to be my superpower, built on this street,” he said. “I burned a lot of Wayne Gretzky rookie hockey cards in my bike on this street. Just the flow of memories alone of all these beautiful people, friends, family, band members.” Fitz said he is very humbled by this honour. While the street is being named after him, he notes it should be named after his entire family because they helped shape his musical career. “I love this city. I love everything that it’s taught me and it’s the people and the experiences and this street,” said Fitz. “I hope I’m a good servant to the city.” The city said the honourary street renaming program recognizes those who have made a lasting impact on Winnipeg through its history, culture, economy and community life.
