Boys Brigade (band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Boys Brigade was a new wave ensemble originating from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, established in 1980. The group consisted of Malcolm Burn on vocals and keyboards, Tony Lester handling guitar and vocals, Wayne Lorenz playing bass, Billie Brock on drums, along with percussionists David Porter and Jeff Packer. Their signature style incorporated prominent percussion elements within a conventional rock and new wave framework.
History
The formation of Boys Brigade occurred after Malcolm Burn connected with Tony Lester, who had previously been a member of the British outfit Bandit. Following the disbandment of Lester's earlier projects, they assembled additional musicians and enlisted manager Raymond Perkins. Perkins facilitated numerous performances throughout Toronto’s Queen Street West district, securing appearances at notable venues such as The Rex and the Drake Hotel.
In 1981, the band entered the 'Homegrown' competition hosted by Toronto’s radio station Q107, with their song "Mannequin" included on the contest’s compilation release. This opportunity led to a short-term management arrangement with Howard Ungerleider, known for his work as Rush’s lighting designer, who introduced them to Rush’s lead vocalist Geddy Lee. Impressed by their music, Lee took on production duties for their debut album following their signing with Anthem Records via SRO Management.
Their eponymous album Boys Brigade was unveiled in 1983, spawning two singles: "The Passion of Love" and "Melody." Both tracks achieved top 40 status in multiple markets; notably, "Melody" climbed to #15 in Toronto and maintained a top 20 position for nine weeks while reaching #104 on the US Billboard charts. Music videos for these singles received airplay on MuchMusic. Moreover, their song "Into the Flow" was featured on the soundtrack of the Canadian motion picture Heavenly Bodies released in 1985.
The band embarked on tours across Canada and the eastern United States, including a performance at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, New York, which was recorded for broadcast on the King Biscuit Flower Hour. Their live set featured a medley blending Del Shannon’s "Runaway" with a new wave interpretation of Bob Dylan’s "Blowin' In The Wind."
Following internal disagreements, Boys Brigade disbanded shortly thereafter. Malcolm Burn went on to develop a solo career and earned recognition as a Grammy-winning producer. Tony Lester contributed to two albums with Strange Advance, worked extensively as a session musician, and produced various independent records.
Discography
Albums
- Boys Brigade (1983), (Anthem/Capitol-EMI) ANR-1-1040
Singles
- "Melody" / "Africa" (1983), (Anthem/Capitol-EMI) ANS-056
- "The Passion of Love" / "Exodus" (1983), (Anthem/Capitol-EMI) ANS-053
- "The Passion of Love" / "Into The Flow" (1983), (Anthem/Capitol-EMI) 12CLJD-324
Compilations
- Q107 Homegrown Volume 3 (1981), Attic Records
- Hardest Hits Volume 5 (1994), SPG Music
- Boys Brigade / Built To Break (2019, split with National Pastime), VR Records