It is with unimaginable sadness and heartbreak that we say farewell to Brendan Berg, who tragically lost his life in a car accident last night alongside his beloved partner, Olivia Michalczuk. This devastating news has left us all in a profound state of shock and grief, struggling to come to terms with the sudden and heartbreaking loss of two beautiful souls.
Who was Brendan Berg
Brendan Berg was truly one of the kindest, gentlest, and most generous people any of us have ever had the privilege of knowing. His presence lit up every room he entered, and his warmth, empathy, and quiet strength were a source of comfort and inspiration to everyone around him. The void left by his passing is immense—an absence that can be felt in every corner of our lives, both personal and professional.
Brendan Berg Winnipeg
For over 15 years, Brendan Berg was not just our bandmate—he was our grounding force, our cheerleader, and our brother in every sense of the word. Through countless cross-country tours, endless studio sessions that stretched into the early hours, and the inevitable ups and downs that come with the life of a band, Brendan remained a steady and uplifting presence. His relentless positivity, infectious smile, and unfailing kindness helped keep us centered and gave us strength when we needed it most.
Brendan Berg was the first to roll up his sleeves and pitch in, no matter the task—whether it was picking up the trailer from the repair shop, loading heavy gear after a long tour, or simply being there with a word of encouragement. His selflessness and generosity were legendary, and he never sought recognition for it. He gave because it was in his nature to give—of his time, his heart, and his energy.
Brendan Berg Career
We still remember the first time Brendan Berg jammed with us in Royal Canoe. We were searching for someone with a unique and rare blend of talents—someone who could not only play bass with virtuosity, but also manipulate synths with precision and sing in harmony with the rest of us. It seemed like an impossible request—until Brendan walked in and effortlessly did all three.
Oh, and he was also tall, disarmingly handsome, and incredibly humble about it all. We often joked—how was one person allowed to have it all? Beyond his musical brilliance, Brendan had an adventurous soul and a gift for finding the magic in every journey. He loved to explore, whether it was scenic detours through national parks, booking us into secluded cabins at the bottom of Texas canyons, or tracking down the perfect local meal.
In every band, there’s someone who becomes the de facto “restaurant scout,” and that was always Brendan Berg. He had a knack for uncovering hidden gems—a crawfish boil in Louisiana, a speakeasy cocktail bar in Prague, or a hole-in-the-wall diner in the middle of nowhere that turned out to be unforgettable. He was always one step ahead, his ear to the ground, leading us not only to great meals but great moments.
And then there was his uncanny resemblance to James Van Der Beek—a running joke that never got old, especially when strangers would mistake him for the actor. Brendan Berg took it in stride, with that characteristic sly smile of his.
One of the most endearing things about Brendan Berg was his ability to maintain friendships across distances and time. He had a way of making deep connections with people, and those connections lasted. We’d arrive in a city we hadn’t played in for years, and sure enough, Brendan would have a “good buddy” waiting at the venue—someone the rest of us had forgotten but Brendan had quietly stayed in touch with, nurturing those bonds with the same care he gave to everything in his life.
His love for music ran deep, and he introduced us to some of the most cherished albums in our personal canon—Sparklehorse, Morphine, Latin Playboys, Townes Van Zandt—records that we now associate with road trips, long drives, and memories that Brendan Berg helped create. Sometimes, without a word, he’d cue up an album by an artist from the city we were passing through—always thoughtful, always paying attention to the moment, gently guiding the vibe of the journey.
We take some comfort in knowing that Brendan’s memory will live on—not only through the music we made together, but through the countless people whose lives he touched so deeply. His kindness, generosity, and adventurous spirit left an indelible mark on this world.
Tribute in honor of Brendan Berg and Olivia Michalczuk
We also grieve deeply for Olivia Michalczuk, whose radiant energy and passion brought out the very best in Brendan Berg. Their love was beautiful, and their loss is doubly devastating for everyone who had the privilege of witnessing their connection.
To Brendan’s family—his mother, Louise, and his brother, Stephen—we send our deepest love and condolences. We hold you in our hearts during this unimaginable time. And to Olivia’s family, we offer our heartfelt sympathy as well, mourning this tragic loss alongside you.
We leave you with a line from Gold Day by Sparklehorse, a song from one of the many gorgeous and quietly profound albums Brendan introduced to us over the years. It’s a reminder of the light he brought into our lives—and the music that will forever carry his spirit.
Brendan Berg, we miss you more than words can express. Thank you for your friendship, your laughter, your loyalty, and your love. Thank you for holding down the low-end—not just in our music, but in our lives.