St. Albert man's avalanche death hits local music community hard

Todd Chisholm would laugh while he drummed.

His bandmates said everyone came to Exit 303 shows to see what they described as "the eighteenth wonder of the world."

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"Todd was the anchor," said Chisholm's bandmate Dean Park, "He was the guy that everyone came to watch because he was just so full of energy.

"We fed off him hugely, I don't know how many times I would just have to turn around just to keep him in check because he was just crazy."

Chisholm, 47, was one of the five people killed in the McBride avalanche on Friday. He was the father of fourchildren and a loving husband to his wife of 18 years, his bandmates said.

His family released a statement sayingChisholm enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and playing games with his children and wife, as well as music.

"He died too young doing what he enjoyed with his sledding buddies," the statement read.

The St. Albert resident was the drummer of long-time Edmonton band Exit 303. The group has played together for 16 years completing two albums and numerous western Canadian tours. They were just in the middle of their third album; it was their first record since 2003.

Todd was a musician, he was our buddy, but he was so much more than that.-Cameron Ambrose

They played more than 300 shows together, andChisholmwas the centre of attention for almost all of them saidbandmateCameron Ambrose.

"Todd was a musician, he was our buddy, but he was so much more than that. He was a family guy, he was just a good friend to everybody. People just liked being around Todd.

"His kids were everything to him."

Chisholm's death rippled further into the music industry than Exit 303. He used to play in a band with well-knowncountry singerGeorgeCanyon.

Canyon posted a statement on his Facebookpage on Saturday night sayingChisholm "was not only a big part of my career when I first went into the music business but was a dear friend and like a brother all those years ago."

The band played their last show in November at The Drake inCanmore.

Ambrose and Park saythe venue was packed and the audience was singing along to both old and new tunes.

Chisholmeven took a turn at singing when the band took a stab at Bon Jovi's Living on a Prayer.

"On the Saturday night we had a full crowd, the place was absolutely packed," Ambrose said.

"And we had people just belting out at the top of their lungs for a lot of songs. It was just a really fantastic show. After 16 years, I would put it in the top fivethat we've played.

"I'm really glad we had that."

And while Exit 303 may see the stage again Ambrose and Park are adamantthey will never see another drummer quite likeChisholm.

"Todd's irreplaceable for as far as I'm concerned," said Ambrose.