A prominent musician from Hamilton is on a ventilator in an intensive care unit battling COVID-19.
Gene Champagne, 52, is the drummer of Canadian rock bands Teenage Head, the Killjoys and Tongue Fu. He’s also the front-man of his own band The Un-Teens.
His wife, Julie Champagne, said he has been on a ventilator at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington since Thursday as a “last resort.”
“He’s heavily sedated, he’s not conscious and we don’t know the end in sight, unfortunately,” she said in a phone interview on Monday morning.
Julie is optimistic her husband will pull through, but she and their roughly one-year-old dog, Figgy, are both staying in their Stoney Creek home, missing Gene.
“Figgy sleeps on his pillow at night. That’s a new thing … I know that’s her way of telling me she’s missing him,” Julie said.
Julie and Gene Champagne pose with their dog Figgy. (Submitted by Leigh Johnston)
“She does still look for him in the house. He would come home from work for lunchtime every day, and she’s a bit out of sorts because he’s not here.”
Julie said she and Gene haven’t flocked to stores and restaurants throughout the past year because “we thought it was too soon. We didn’t want to chance it. And it happened anyway.”
“It felt like a shock … we were pretty fortunate up until now.”
Teenage Head posted on Facebook about their drummer.
“Gene’s wife Julie sends hugs from both of them for all the loving support and good vibes they’ve received during this difficult time, and apologizes for not being able to keep up with the overwhelming response they’ve received,” the band wrote.
The Killjoys tweeted on late Monday about Gene’s circumstances, asking for good thoughts from fans.
“Pulling for you, brother,” the band said.
Family hopes people see COVID-19 is real
Julie said Gene got infected through his full-time job outside of music, involving transportation and logistics, two weeks ago. Little else is known about how he got the virus.
He initially tested negative, but as his fever, chills, body aches, lack of appetite and other symptoms worsened, Julie said he took another test, and that one showed that he had COVID-19.
Julie managed to avoid getting the virus by distancing while they were home together.
As Gene’s condition deteriorated, Julie worried he had a chest infection. He ended up in Joseph Brant Hospital and tests confirmed he had pneumonia because of COVID-19.
Gene and Julie Champagne stayed away from shopping and restaurants during COVID, she says. “We didn’t want to chance it. And it happened anyway.” (Submitted by Gord Hawkins)
“The whole time he was in hospital, he was on oxygen and they had to keep increasing it … I was able to see him for two days, and Thursday he was moved to the ICU because he required stronger oxygen. Unfortunately, that was the last resort before the ventilator,” she said.
Before he moved into the ICU, Julie said hospital staff were cautious and would try to make him smile. She said she tried to speak with him when he wasn’t too uncomfortable. They would talk about their wins of the day and kept their conversations light.
“It’s important for people to know this is real,” she said.
No pre-existing conditions
Lou Molinaro, the former co-owner of the now-defunct This Ain’t Hollywood music venue in downtown Hamilton, said Gene’s circumstances have shaken the local music scene and reverberated beyond Canada, prompting online comments from people abroad.
“He’s highly respected … he has that thorough knowledge of song composition and being a solid songwriter. A lot of people recognize Gene as not just being a musician, but an overall artist,” he said.
“When it hits a musician like Gene, it really shows how fragile music has become because of COVID.”
Molinaro said seeing a friend he’s known for more than a decade get infected is “super scary.”
“It’s put a lot of perspective on this whole COVID thing, and for people who don’t believe in it … this is real and it’s really hit home. It’s a really bad reality check,” he said.
“The good thing about Gene is a he’s a fighter … he’ll get through this.”
Gene Champagne is known for playing multiple instruments, in addition to singing, songwriting, producing and engineering. (Gene Champagne/Facebook)
Julie is also optimistic.
“The statistics for this are really scary, but Gene is a young guy and didn’t have pre-existing health conditions, and he’s healthy enough to fight this,” she said.
“We have that on our side. His body just needs a break and that’s what the ventilator will do for him. And now it’s just a waiting game.”
Julie said the outpouring of support from people has been unbelievable.
“I wish he could feel it. I wish he knew. I can’t wait to wake him up and read all of this stuff to him.”
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
