L'Étranger (band)
| Company type | Punk rock group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Founder | Andrew Cash, Charlie Angus, Peter Duffin |
| Defunct | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Punk rock music |
L'Étranger (translated as The Stranger or The Outsider) was a punk rock group originating from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Drawing its name from Albert Camus' novel L'Étranger, the ensemble produced politically motivated punk music influenced by The Clash and shaped by the members' commitment to social justice rooted in their Roman Catholic beliefs. Their most notable work includes the anti-apartheid track "One People," which became one of the pioneering independent videos to be broadcast on MuchMusic.
History
Established in 1980 by lifelong friends—vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist Andrew Cash, bassist Charlie Angus, and drummer Peter Duffin—L'Étranger debuted with a six-track EP titled Innocent Hands in 1982. The songs, crafted by Cash and Angus, addressed political themes and drew comparisons to "Gang of Four infused with humor." The band frequently played at Toronto venues like the Cabana Room located within the Spadina Hotel.
With Bruce Meikle ("Bruce P.M.") joining for their follow-up EP, 1984's Running Out of Funtown, L'Étranger broadened their presence throughout Ontario under the guidance of manager James Booth. After Angus departed to create Grievous Angels, he was succeeded by Tim Vesely for their final release, Sticks and Stones (1986); although Vesely is credited as a member in the liner notes, he did not participate in the recording sessions.
The group dissolved later in 1986. Following the breakup, Cash embarked on a solo path, re-releasing Sticks and Stones before producing multiple albums both solo and with The Cash Brothers, alongside a career in freelance journalism. Duffin went on to co-found the acoustic pop band Barnhouse Static with songwriter Kathy Evans.
By 2011, both Angus and Cash had entered politics as representatives of the New Democratic Party within the House of Commons of Canada. Cash was defeated in the 2015 election, whereas Angus served as an MP until 2025 before choosing not to run again. Additionally, Angus contested for NDP leadership in 2017, securing second place.
Discography
- 1982: Innocent Hands
- 1983: Running Out of Funtown
- 1986: Sticks and Stones