A Neon Rome
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Defunct | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
A Neon Rome was a Canadian alternative rock group active between 1984 and 1987. Frequently characterized as a fusion of The Sex Pistols, The Doors, and The Velvet Underground, the band played a significant role in Toronto's Queen Street West music environment. Although they disbanded prior to gaining widespread popularity, they are chiefly recognized for inspiring Bruce McDonald's cult classic film Roadkill (1989).
History
The band was initiated in 1984 by lead vocalist Neal Arbic, who had composed a narrative poem about a rock band whose sound was described as "like heroin" to its audience. Their musical style was reportedly shaped by accidentally playing a Psychic TV record at an incorrect speed.
The original lineup featured bassist John Borra, drummer Ken Burchell, and guitarist Kevin Nizol. They attracted notice in Toronto's club scene through live performances that combined Arbic’s magnetic stage persona with loose, improvisational sets often created spontaneously during shows.
Following Burchell’s exit, the group briefly performed without a drummer until Ian Blurton joined, accompanied by keyboardist Bernard Maiezza. They secured the role of house band for Elvis Mondays, a weekly underground rock event held at Toronto’s Beverly Hotel, which helped broaden their fan base. Afterward, Blurton departed and Burchell returned on drums.
In March 1987, their debut album New Heroin was launched on Fringe Product in Canada and New Rose Records in Europe. It garnered favorable critiques from prominent music magazines such as Sounds, NME, and Melody Maker. Shortly after the release, Nizol left the band and was succeeded by Crawford Teasdale. Around this period, Bruce McDonald began working on a concert film chronicling the band’s tour through Northern Ontario.
Collapse
While touring to promote New Heroin, Arbic became increasingly disenchanted with the music industry and resisted the promotional expectations typical for an emerging act. He shaved his head, adopted a strict almond-and-raisin diet, occasionally missed performances, and ultimately took a vow of silence. Although he sporadically performed vocals during concerts and recording sessions for their second album All the Children Are In, these appearances became infrequent, and he refused to speak offstage. Despite completing the album, it was never released.
McDonald’s planned documentary transformed into the black comedy film Roadkill, which fictionalized A Neon Rome as "Children of Paradise," a band that mysteriously disappears during a tour following its lead singer’s breakdown.
The group’s final live appearance took place at Toronto’s Rivoli around the time of the film’s debut. During this show, Arbic whispered lyrics instead of singing before the band dissolved. Subsequently, Arbic embarked on a spiritual journey, finding equilibrium through meditation teachings by Baba Hari Dass.
Afterward, Borra and Maiezza joined Ian Blurton’s band Change of Heart, while Nizol went on to play with Pure/Love Bomber and later 66 Kicks.
Arbic has since performed spoken word poetry at venues in Toronto including the Elvis Mondays revival at the Drake Hotel and has collaborated on spiritual music projects with Mahendra. A Neon Rome reunited briefly for a one-time performance celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Elvis Monday on December 1, 2008.
Discography
- New Heroin (1987)