Change of Heart (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 in Toronto, Canada |
| Founder | Ian Blurton, Rob Taylor |
| Defunct | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Alternative rock music |
Change of Heart was a Canadian alternative rock group active between 1982 and 1997. They scored a single Top 40 hit with "There You Go" in 1992 and enjoyed multiple successes on Canada's modern rock charts, including tracks like "Trigger" and "Little Kingdoms". Their musical style was eclectic, incorporating elements from pop, hard rock, and punk genres.
History
Originating in Toronto in 1982, the band was founded by vocalist and guitarist Ian Blurton alongside bassist Rob Taylor. Their early influences included punk bands such as The Clash and Gang of Four. Blurton also participated in side ventures with acts like Jolly Tambourine Man, Cowboy Junkies, Slightly Damaged, and A Neon Rome. Founding drummer Mike Armstrong exited during the production of their 1987 album Slowdance and later became a member of King Cobb Steelie.
The 1989 release Soapbox featured the track "Pat's Decline," which achieved nationwide recognition through MuchMusic and Brave New Waves exposure. After drummer Ron Duffy left in 1991, Glenn Milchem took over for the 1992 album Smile. Milchem departed post-recording to join Blue Rodeo, with John Richardson stepping in as his replacement; Bernard Maiezza from A Neon Rome also joined the lineup around this time.
Created under the guidance of producer Michael-Philip Wojewoda on a modest $5,000 budget within four days, Smile contained their sole Top 40 hit "There You Go," which gained popularity following airplay in Saskatchewan. The extensive 21-track album invited comparisons to Sonic Youth's Daydream Nation and received acclaim from fellow musicians; members of Blue Rodeo, Barenaked Ladies, and Sloan were frequently seen sporting Change of Heart apparel.
After completing a Canadian tour alongside Crash Vegas, Rob Taylor departed and was succeeded by John Borra, who had previously played with Maiezza. The band supported acts such as The Tragically Hip and Blue Rodeo while winning $100,000 in CFNY-FM's "Discovery to Disc" competition over competitors Treble Charger and Killjoys.
Following the 1994 album Tummysuckle, Borra left the group, with Rob Higgins joining for their final record, Steelteeth (1997). Singles like "Little Kingdoms" and "Grifter's Plow" received significant rotation on MuchMusic's alternative show The Wedge. The band embarked on an extensive tour promoting Steelteeth, including participation in the Another Roadside Attraction festival circuit before ultimately disbanding.
After the breakup, Ian Blurton formed new projects Blurtonia and C'mon while pursuing a career as a record producer. Bernard Maiezza collaborated with Brendan Canning of hHead to create Cookie Duster; their debut album was produced by Blurton in 2001.
Reunion
The lineup from the Steelteeth era—Blurton, Richardson, Higgins, and Maiezza—came together for a one-time performance at Toronto’s Horseshoe Tavern on June 20, 2009.
In 2012, Ian Blurton curated a 25-track retrospective double LP titled There You Go '82 - '97, released through Sonic Unyon Records on September 18. To support this release, the band reunited for shows starting with the Supercrawl festival in Hamilton, Ontario on September 15. A special concert at the Horseshoe Tavern on October 5 featured appearances by all former members.
In celebration of the 25th anniversary vinyl reissue of Smile in 2017, the group consisting of Blurton, Maiezza, Milchem, and Taylor reunited for select performances across Ontario and Alberta.
In 2025, they unveiled In the Wreckage, marking their first new studio album since Steelteeth. This launch was accompanied by two concerts at Toronto’s Sound Garage, representing their first live shows since the 2017 reunion tour.
Discography
- 50 Ft. Up (1986)
- Slowdance (1987)
- Soapbox (1989)
- Smile (1992)
- Tummysuckle (1994)
- Steelteeth (1997)
- There You Go '82 - '97 (2012)
- In the Wreckage (2025)