The Dishes (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
| Website | www |
The Dishes emerged as a new wave group during the initial wave of punk rock in late 1970s Toronto, Canada.
History
Established in 1975, The Dishes originally consisted of Tony Malone on keyboards, Scott Davey handling guitar, Murray Ball as vocalist, Steven Davey on drums, Ken Farr playing bass, and Michael LaCroix on saxophone. In 1977, Glenn Schellenberg replaced Tony Malone on keyboards. Their musical style drew inspiration from art-rock pioneers such as Roxy Music, David Bowie, and Sparks, incorporating elements of Bonzo-style humor and stage props into their live performances. Although the band formed in Thornhill, Ontario, they gained recognition primarily within Toronto’s music scene.
As one of Toronto’s pioneering new wave acts alongside Rough Trade, both bands were distinguished by having openly gay members. The Dishes frequently performed at venues like the Beverly Tavern and held shows at the Ontario College of Art (OCA). They predated Toronto’s punk explosion by approximately two years but disbanded just as the movement was picking up speed. Their influence extended to contemporaries who later became part of The Viletones, B-Girls, and Martha and the Muffins. Notably, The Diodes served as the opening act at The Dishes’ second live performance.
Musically, The Dishes gravitated toward art-punk groups such as Talking Heads and early (John Foxx era) Ultravox, distinguishing themselves from the louder, faster punk bands typical of that period. They maintained a presence in art galleries and fashion events, collaborating closely with the art collective General Idea, which was responsible for designing their record sleeves.
In 1977, The Dishes released the EP Fashion Plates, marking them as the first Toronto band to independently produce a 45 rpm record. This was followed by their 1978 single "Hot Property". That same year, they recorded a concert broadcast for TV Ontario, becoming only the second Canadian new wave band to appear on television after FM’s 1976 feature. Despite their association with an art-school aesthetic—largely due to their proximity to OCA and distinctive street poster campaigns—none of the members were enrolled in art school. Their artistic endeavors extended beyond music into fanzines and photographic art projects, broadening their cultural impact.
The group disbanded in 1978 but briefly reunited for a performance at the Winnipeg Art Gallery in 1984. Following the breakup, Tony Malone established Drastic Measures, which achieved greater commercial success including a contract with CBS Records and a minor charting single. Steven Davey shifted to vocals and guitar with The Everglades; both bands contributed songs to The Last Pogo LP, although neither appeared in the film. Steven later pursued a career in journalism with publications such as the Toronto Star and MacLean's Magazine before his passing in 2014. Tony Malone continued his solo career until his death in 2023. Scott Davey joined The Sharks alongside Sherry Kean, later performed with Rough Trade, then retired from music. Ken Farr briefly played with Drastic Measures before transitioning to a career in Canadian government silviculture. Murray Ball found success as a restaurateur and club owner; Michael LaCroix advanced into professional sound recording for major film productions.
Members of The Dishes appear in the documentary The Last Pogo Jumps Again. In 2002, a CD featuring their TV Ontario concert along with previously unreleased tracks was issued.
References
- Liz Worth. Treat Me Like Dirt, Bongo Beat, 2010
- Sam Sutherland. Perfect Youth: The Birth of Canadian Punk, ECW Press, 2012
- B. George & Martha DeFoe. International Discography of the New Wave 1982-1983 Edition, Omnibus Press, 1983
External links
- http://www.therealdishes.com/ (official site)
- [1] (biography and discography)
- https://nowtoronto.com/news/steven-davey-1950-2014/ (Steven Davey obituary)