Former theatre manager relives Tony Bennett performance in Saskatoon

Legendary singer Tony Bennett died Friday morning at the age of 96.

Bennett was one of the most recognizable and beloved voices in the music industry. Best known for his signature 1962 hit “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” Bennett’s professional career spanned eight decades, including 18 Grammy Awards and a No. 1 album at age 85.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, but continued to perform and record through 2021.

Bennett’s last performance in Saskatoon was Oct. 12, 2009, at TCU Place.

Gerard Cullen was the theatre manager at the time, and he described Bennett’s performance as electric.

“He really put on a great show. The people in attendance were treated to a really great night,” said Cullen.

Cullen said getting Bennett to come to Saskatoon in 2009 was extremely difficult.

“The performance was very expensive, and we needed six other venues to agree to host Tony Bennett as well,” said Cullen.

Once everything was agreed upon, Bennett made his way to Saskatoon.

Cullen said he’d heard that Bennett’s team always asked if the piano had been cleaned and polished, so Cullen said his staff made sure the piano was in perfect shape. But, he said, neither Bennett nor his team asked about the piano before the show.

Although 2009 was the last time Bennett was in Saskatoon, Cullen said he tried to get the legendary singer back to the city for another performance.

“We tried to get him back in 2014 or 2015, but the price had gone up even more, so we were unable to make it work,” said Cullen.