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Bob Bissonnette

Bob Bissonnette was a Canadian singer-songwriter and former ice hockey player known for humorous, sports-themed rock songs.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bob Bissonnette was a Canadian singer-songwriter and former ice hockey player known for humorous, sports-themed rock songs. Born Roberto Bissonnette in Venezuela and raised in Quebec, he released three albums between 2010 and 2014 and was also a minority co-owner of the Québec Capitales baseball team. He died in a helicopter crash in New Brunswick in 2016.

Early life and hockey career

Bob Bissonnette was born Roberto Bissonnette on 27 April 1981 in Caracas, Venezuela, and later grew up in Quebec. He played competitive ice hockey before turning to music, including in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Music career

After leaving hockey, Bissonnette built a following as a French-language entertainer known for humorous songs about hockey and sports. He released three albums between 2010 and 2014: Recrue de l'année (2010), Les Barbes de séries (2012), and Rockstar (2014).

Public image and style

Bissonnette was associated with a lively, comedic stage persona and a working-class sports identity. His music blended rock and folk influences with references to Quebec hockey culture.

Death and legacy

Bissonnette died in a helicopter crash near Campbellton, New Brunswick, on 4 September 2016 at age 35. He remained a notable figure in Quebec’s sports-and-music crossover scene after his death.

Key facts

  • Before his music career, he played ice hockey, including in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
  • He released three albums as a singer-songwriter: Recrue de l'année (2010), Les Barbes de séries (2012), and Rockstar (2014).
  • His songs often focused on hockey and sports culture.
  • He was a minority co-owner of the Québec Capitales baseball team.
  • He died in a helicopter crash in New Brunswick in 2016 at age 35.
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Canadian context

Bissonnette was a distinctly Quebec figure whose French-language songs drew heavily on Canadian hockey culture, making him especially recognizable to Canadian readers in Quebec and francophone communities.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Bob Bissonnette?
Bob Bissonnette was a Canadian singer-songwriter and former hockey player known for sports-themed rock songs.
What was Bob Bissonnette's real name?
His birth name was Roberto Bissonnette.
What albums did he release?
He released Recrue de l'année (2010), Les Barbes de séries (2012), and Rockstar (2014).
What was his connection to hockey?
He played ice hockey before his music career, including in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
How did Bob Bissonnette die?
He died in a helicopter crash near Campbellton, New Brunswick, on 4 September 2016.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Bissonnette
    Supports: Birth name, dates, hockey career, albums, death, and co-ownership of Québec Capitales
  2. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/bob-bissonnette-quebec-sports-1.3748609
    Supports: His death, hockey background, Quebec connection, and role as part-owner of the Quebec City Capitales
  3. Apple Music — https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/bob-bissonnette/380609148
    Supports: Biography, musical style, Quebec prominence, and album list
  4. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberto_Bissonnette
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, music career, and minority co-ownership of the Capitales de Québec