Wheat Chiefs
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1990 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Vancouver , Canada |
| Products | Music albums and recordings |
The Wheat Chiefs were a Canadian rock ensemble with roots in punk rock, established in 1990 in Edmonton before relocating to Vancouver. Comprised of former members from SNFU and one from Jr. Gone Wild, they issued their only album, Redeemer, in 1996 and dissolved two years later in 1998.
Formation and early phase (1990–1992)
At the close of 1989, twin guitarists Marc and Brent Belke concluded their tenure with the seminal skate punk group SNFU amid disagreements with vocalist Ken Chinn and a wish to pursue different musical styles.[1][2] They then created The Ship of Fools alongside SNFU bassist Curtis Creager and drummer Dave Rees, moving toward a melodic alternative rock sound. After initial performances, they adopted the name Wheat Chiefs, reflecting on their earlier compositions as somewhat extended.[3]
Early in 1990, bassist Trent Buhler took over from Creager. The band produced a demo tape for industry exposure and toured across Canada.[4] Their song "Redeem" was included on the compilation Thrasher Skate Rock Volume 10 (1991). The Belke brothers revived SNFU in September 1991; subsequently, Rees and Buhler exited the Wheat Chiefs in early 1992 to establish Cowboy Dick.[5]
Revised lineup and activities (1992–1996)
Although SNFU was active again, the Belkes continued with the Wheat Chiefs, bringing in drummer Ed Dobek (formerly of Jr. Gone Wild) and bassist Rob Johnson, who had worked as a roadie and later joined SNFU. This formation embarked on brief tours and recorded new tracks under producers Marek Forysinski and Dave Ogilvie. Brent Belke characterized their refreshed style as "faster and more straightforward."[5]
Throughout 1993, the band toured extensively.[6] They recorded "Joe Murphy," named after the professional ice hockey player, with Ogilvie producing and Rees guesting on drums. This song was featured on Puck Rock Volume 1, a hockey-themed punk compilation curated by John Wright of The Hanson Brothers. The Wheat Chiefs turned down a seven-figure deal from Mercury Records, expecting a superior offer that ultimately did not come.[7] In early 1994, they revisited two demo tracks with Rees again contributing as guest drummer. Meanwhile, SNFU secured a contract with Epitaph Records and remained highly productive, while Wheat Chiefs' activity slowed.[1]
Redeemer release and dissolution (1996–1998)
Following two years primarily devoted to SNFU, Johnson and the Belkes recommenced full-time rehearsals for the Wheat Chiefs in early 1996. The Redeemer album, assembled from sessions recorded in 1992 and 1994, was released that year through BangOn Records, an imprint of Canadian Cargo Records. They supported this release with their most extensive tour to date throughout Canada and the United States.
In 1997, Ed Dobek was succeeded by drummer Dan Moyse. The Wheat Chiefs performed intermittently but encountered challenges when SNFU’s contract with Epitaph concluded. The group disbanded after Brent Belke departed both bands to focus on composing music for film and television. Their final show took place on March 28, 1998, at a festival held in Edmonton.
Members
- Marc Belke – guitar, lead vocals (1990–1998)
- Brent Belke – vocals, guitar (1990–1998)
- Curtis Creager – bass guitar (1990)
- Dave Rees – drummer (1990–1992, 1994)
- Trent Buhler – bass and vocals (1990–1992)
- Rob Johnson – bass guitar, vocals (1992–1998)
- Ed Dobek – drums (1992–1997)
- Dan Moyse – drums (1997–1998)
- Timeline
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LineData =
at:07/01/1996 color:black layer:back
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bar:Marc text:"Marc Belke" bar:Brent text:"Brent Belke" bar:Creager text:"Curtis Creager" bar:Buhler text:"Trent Buhler" bar:Johnson text:"Rob Johnson" bar:Rees text:"Dave Rees" bar:Dobek text:"Ed Dobek" bar:Moyse text:"Dan Moyse"
PlotData=
width:10 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4) bar:Marc from:01/01/1990 till:end color:Vocals bar:Brent from:01/01/1990 till:end color:Guitars bar:Creager from:01/01/1990 till:05/01/1990 color:Bass bar:Buhler from:05/01/1990 till:02/01/1992 color:Bass bar:Johnson from:02/01/1992 till:end color:Bass bar:Rees from:01/01/1990 till:02/01/1992 color:Drums bar:Dobek from:02/01/1992 till:02/01/1997 color:Drums bar:Rees from:02/01/1994 till:03/01/1994 color:Drums bar:Moyse from:02/01/1997 till:end color:Drums width:3 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4) bar:Marc from:01/01/1990 till:end color:Guitars bar:Brent from:01/01/1990 till:end color:Vocals bar:Buhler from:05/01/1990 till:02/01/1992 color:Vocals bar:Johnson from:02/01/1992 till:end color:Vocals
</timeline>
Discography
Studio albums
- Redeemer (released in 1996 via BangOn Records/Hom Wreckerds Music)
Demo recordings
- Wheat Chiefs (self-distributed cassette, 1991)
Appearances on compilations
- Thrasher Skate Rock Volume 10 (1991)
- Puck Rock Volume 1 (Wrong Records, 1993)
- Edmonton Rocks Volume 1 (1997)
External links
- Wheat Chiefs on CBC Radio3