Brutus (Canadian band)
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Headquarters | Canada |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
Brutus was a Canadian rock ensemble established in 1969, with periods of activity continuing sporadically until 1978.
Background
The founding members included Walter Zwolinski on vocals, Tom Wilson handling bass duties, Michael Magann on trumpet, Lance Wright on drums, Eldon "Sonny" Wingay playing guitar, and Bill Robb covering saxophone and trombone. They served as opening acts for notable Canadian and American groups such as The Guess Who and Chicago. Their 1970 release "Funky Roller Skates" climbed to #7 on RPM's Canadian Content chart and received radio play despite not charting within the top 100 nationally. Occasionally, they performed under the name Brutus and the Assassins.
Career
Brutus appeared at significant music events including the 1969 "Freak Out" festival near Orangeville, sharing the stage with bands like Rhinoceros and Lighthouse. In 1970, they took part in Michigan's Midsummer Night's Rock Fest alongside acts such as Rotary Connection.
Following their breakup in 1971, Brutus regrouped in 1973 with a refreshed lineup embracing a glam rock aesthetic characterized by elaborate makeup, costumes, and a bold stage presence. This transformation enhanced their live appeal despite some pushback from local officials. Their most notable performance was a sold-out concert at Toronto's Ontario Place, where they played alongside The Stampeders and April Wine.
In 1975, the band issued two singles through GRT Records, with Ooh, Mama Mama emerging as their hallmark song. While it did not achieve national chart status, it was recognized as the top Canadian single by the Montreal Star and enjoyed regional success. Their self-titled debut album Brutus, released in 1976, featured the track Who Wants To Buy A Song which reached #65 on Canadian charts. Prior to their final dissolution, they supported Peter Gabriel at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens.
Several prominent musicians have been associated with Brutus over time, including Gino Scarpelli (later of Goddo), Paul Dean (Streetheart, Loverboy), Jerry Doucette, John Bride (Cameo Blues Band), Frank Ludwig and Doni Underhill (Trooper), Dennis Pinhorn (Downchild Blues Band), and Len Sembaluk (Alabama).
Singles
- 1970 "Funky Roller Skates" / "Flyer" (Quality)
- 1970 "Duck Pond" (Quality)
- 1971 "Help Me, Free Me" (Yorkville)
- 1975 "(Let Me Down) Slow And Easy" / "Tonight, Tonight" (GRT)
- 1975 "Ooh Mama Mama" / "Ride Cowboy Ride" (GRT)
- 1976 "Who Wants To Buy A Song" (GRT) #65 Canada
- 1976 "Ooh Mama Mama" (Pye - UK)
- 1976 "Sailing" / "Search For Tomorrow" (GRT)
Albums
- 1976 Brutus (GRT)
- 2000 For The People: The Best of Brutus (Bullseye)
Members
- Walter Zwolinski – lead vocals, organ, synthesizers
- Sandy White – bass
- Eldon "Sonny" Wingay – guitar
- Bill Robb – saxophone, trombone
- Michael Magann – trumpet
- Lance Wright – drums (1969–1970; 1972–1973)
- Len Sembaluk – drums (1971)
- Bruce Gordon – trumpet, organ, guitar, bass (replaced Magann)
- Danny Smith – drums (replaced Sembaluk; 1973–1978)
- John Bride – guitar, banjo, ukulele
- Frank Ludwig – keyboards (1975)
- Dennis Pinhorn – bass (1975)
- Doni Underhill – bass (succeeded Pinhorn; 1975–1976)
- Chris Brockway – bass (followed Underhill; 1976–1977)
- Woody West – guitars
- Laurie Del Grande – piano, organ, synthesizers
- Dave Breckles – drums
- Breen LeBoeuf – bass, vocals
- Paul Dean – guitar
- Bill Wade – drums
- Gino Scarpelli – guitar
- Jerry Doucette – guitar