Virginia (Gin) Knott
Lead Vocals, Aux Percussion
Gin has loved music since the moment she was born. Growing up in a musical family resulted in her finding herself in spontaneous musical gatherings. As a DJ and a member of an international big band, her Grandfather, 'Jitterbug Joe' always had music in the house.
Her half sister's father, aptly nicknamed "Little Black Sambo", was an incredible multi-instrument musician, and would often spend time with her at the piano, drums, and letting her sing her heart out. The entire Frazier family is musically talented, and family reunions turned into the most amazing sing-alongs featuring all kinds of instruments and songs, which fuelled her love of Blue Grass.
Her "uncle" Fred, her mom's best friend's husband, was an incredible guitarist, and she would often spend weeks at their farm in the summer collecting eggs and listening to amazing music.
At age 8, she started taking piano lessons, and followed quickly with voice lessons at Merriam School of Music in Oakville.
Throughout high school, she participated in numerous choirs and vocal ensembles, growing her love of singing and learning the intricacies of 4-part harmonies.
When she met her now-husband Mike, the lead guitarist in The Rumour Mill, they quickly bonded over their love of music and Muskoka. You can often find them in the summer on the dock of their cottage, playing and singing with a glass of white wine.
They both make it a priority to instil a love for music in their two kiddos, Lucas and Lily.
Mike Thistle
Rhythm/Lead Guitars, Backing Vocals
Mike’s musical journey began at the age of nine with his first piano lessons. However, it was at the age of sixteen, when he discovered his passion for the guitar, that his love for music truly began to flourish. Growing up in a family immersed in music, Mike experienced firsthand the joy, dedication, and sense of connection that playing music can bring.
Over six years ago, Mike’s love for music reached a new milestone when he met his wife, Gin. Their shared passion for music quickly became a cornerstone of their relationship, inspiring them to perform live together as part of The Rumour Mill.
For Mike and Gin, music is a family affair. Their children, Lucas and Lily, have grown up surrounded by the timeless classics performed by The Rumour Mill. The kids enthusiastically support the band, attending shows whenever possible and even lending a hand as honorary “roadies,” making performances a collaborative and cherished family experience. For Mike, music is not just an art form but a way to bring together family, friends, and community.
Bob (Bobber) Reeves
BASS, VOCALS
Bob is the Rip Van Winkle of our band. Back in his late teens and early 20's, Bob played the bar circuit N/W of Toronto. When he got married, he decided (rightly, he's thinking) that family life, young kids, and the bar band life were not compatible - so he hung up his axe.
He met Mike and Gin at a backyard get together when they moved into the house next door. A nice backyard fire, a few glasses of wine, and soon a guitar appeared in Mike's hand and Gin started singing. Bob's wife Lisa jabbed him in the ribs and said 'get that bass out, dude.' One thing quickly led to another and after 44 years in the shadows, Bob's '72 Gibson Ripper emerged. The rest is - well - why don't you come out and listen.
Armando Amodeo
LEAD/RHYTHM GUITARS, VOCALS
Armando grew up in a musical family and was always surrounded by the sounds of guitars and drums with influence from the rock and jazz genres. His father was an avid accordion player who often asked Armando to accompany him with acoustic guitar while they played traditional old-world music.
Armando has been playing guitar since he was 15 years old and developed a passion for rhythm and lead guitar drawn to the genres of blues, rock, and progressive metal. Throughout the 90’s, Armando played in cover bands while expanding his theoretical repertoire and refining his guitar technique to specialize with improvisation and music composition.
Armando took time off to raise his family while also engaging in additional education in the field of Nursing. In the meantime, throughout the 2010’s, he wrote lead guitar solos for musicians as a session player around the Greater Toronto Area.
Up till recent, Armando has worked with Grant Avenue Studios in Hamilton to record his single named ‘Fall Away’. Along with this, there’s rumour going around that he is now focused and ecstatic to partake in this amazing cover band called The Rumour Mill!
Phil White
drums
Phil is a trained musician who has been playing the drums for over 30 years. Over the years he has been in several cover bands and the drummer in the all original band 'Mass Conception' who opened for the likes of David Wilcox, Carol Pope, and Honeymoon Suite. The band's performance at the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto is a career highlight Phil will never forget and is very proud of.
Phil's style is to play with passion and feel while leaving everything on stage. He believes a band should have chemistry while being on the same page both personally and professionally which is what The Rumour Mill encompasses.
Phil brings energy and creativity to every performance, often adding his signature flair with well-timed drum fills that elevate the music. His connection to his craft is undeniable—he doesn’t just play the drums; he brings them to life.