“Late Fakirs’ songs are stories of shared human experience – sometimes confessional, sometimes humorous or edgy – with images that connect us emotionally in a conversation. Metaphor has the power to teach both of us – writer and listener – something about ourselves and maybe each other. Performance of the song is just the start of the conversation – ideally we have the rest of our lives to see where it takes us. So long as we’re talking, you and I, we’re still alive. ”
— Greg "Harpfool" Shields

Parked somewhere in the Alt-Country/Singer-Songwriter intersection, Late Fakirs (pronounced FAY-kerz) share relatable stories, cinematic images and edgy philosophy, grounded in metaphorical truth. In Late Fakirs' music you may detect sonic reminders of Dylan or Steve Earle, as well as classic bluegrass, folk and country, with occasional roots rock forays a la Wallflowers or Tom Petty. Lyrically the songs attempt to hang on to something of youthful optimism while coming to terms with change and regret – a little Paul Simon world-weariness and Zevon-like mock-cynicism mixed into lyric perspectives that are uniquely the Fakirs’.

Greg Shields founded Late Fakirs in 2016. He is the principal songwriter, supported by a circle of talented musicians and producers.

After a youth misspent in the UK with working stiffs and freedom fighters from across the Middle East North Africa, Greg returned to Canada for a low-profile gig in fatherhood and writing. All experience is grist for the mill, and throughout his 25 year musical career Greg has recorded the moves people make, watching from the dark end of the bar or behind the dumpster in the back alley. The perspective has been likened to George Carlin as gutter poet.

Emerging from roots and rock acts in Ottawa and Toronto, Greg was a long time member of Toronto hellbilly alt-country band Luckyfool, co-writing and co-producing two full-length CDs, “Luckyfool” (2007) and “Dark Hotel” (2015).

Partners in Crime since 2016

  • Greg "Harpfool" Shields - vocals / guitar / piano / harmonica / banjo


  • Dan Beeson - recording & production / vocals / guitars / keyboards / drums & percussion

  • Geoff Breen (Forevertree, Luckyfool, Black Eyed Barbie) - recording & production / acoustic and electric bass / percussion

  • Matt Bergman (aka Matt Groopie) (The Steady Beats, The Phoenix Complex, King Beez) - recording & production / guitars / bass / drums & percussion

  • Gabriel Pick (The Pick Brothers Band, Gabriel Pick) - recording & production / guitars / keyboards / bass / drums & percussion / beats

  • Mark Zubek (ZEDD Records) - recording & production / guitars / bass / drums & percussion / kalimba


  • Ron Cahute (Burya) - accordion

  • Justine Maw Farrar - backing vocals

  • Josh Harris - drums & percussion

  • Dwayne Jackson (Forevertree, Black Eyed Barbie) - guest vocals

  • Vanessa Lio (Vanessa Lio Music) - guest vocals

  • Casey Pick (The Pick Brothers Band) - bass

  • Jeremiah Pick (The Pick Brothers Band) - guitars

  • John Redley (Black Eyed Barbie) - piano / organ

  • Brian Samuels - cello


The original Late Fakirs – January 2017