career. In 1975, Mendelson was signed by Taurus Records to record a studio album with producer Adam Mitchell (of The Paupers). Released as "Sophisto", the album was not a commercial success, so the label instead pursued a project in which Mendelson and McKenna, joined by Mitchell, would reunite and record a Mainline reunion album. This led to the album "No Substitute" released the same year credited to "Mainline Featuring Joe Mendelson and Michael Mckenna." The sessions were rancorous with Mendelson at his dictatorial best and the album was, unsurprisingly, a failure. This was to be the last recording featuring Mendelson and McKenna as bandmates. Changing his name to Mendelson Joe, Mendelson returned to his solo career, joined by former MMM bandmate Ted Purdy, who worked with Joe on several of his early solo albums as musician and co-producer. Mainline Today The Mainline reunited in the 1900s without Mendelson, but with Mike McKenna (guitar, slide guitar, vocals), Tony Nolasco (drums, lead vocals), Mike Harrison (bass, vocals), Ted Purdy (acoustic guitar, vocals), and Bob Adams (harmonica). This group played regularly into the 2000s, including to a sold out crowd at the last ever show at the El Mocambo Tavern, later released by Bullseye Records as the album Last Show @ The Elmo. To date, their final show was at the Black Swan Tavern On April 25, 2009, celebrating McKenna's 45 years on the Toronto music scene. With the exception of "No Substitute", Mainline's albums today remain available on music streaming services such as Apple Music and Spotify. Frank "Zeke" Sheppard died of lung cancer on October 10, 1997, at the age of 56. Mike Harrison died on January 7, 2022, at the age of 74, after suffering a stroke in late 2021. Mendelson Joe, after five years suffering from Parkinsons Disease, chose an assisted death on February 7, 2023, at the age of 78. Discography Albums 1969 Stink (Liberty/United Artists) 1969 McKenna Mendelson Mainline Blues (Paragon/Allied); 1996 CD re-issue (Pacemaker) 1971 Canada Our Home & Native Land (GRT Records) 1972 Mainline Bump 'n Grind Revue - Live at the Victory Theatre (GRT Records) 1975 No Substitute (Taurus Records) 2001 Last Show @ The Elmo Singles A: One Way Ticket / B: Beltmaker Liberty 1969 A: Better Watch Out / B: She's Alright Liberty 5 Jul 1969 A: She's Alright / B: Mainline Liberty 1969 A: Don't Give Me No Goose For Christmas