Formed of high school friends Ben Kowalewicz (vocalist), Ian D’Sa (guitarist), Jon Gallant (bassist), and Aaron Solowoniuk (drummer), Billy Talent had previously performed under the moniker Pezz. Featuring a punk-revivalist sound the band made their debut recording “Demoluca” in D’Sa’s basement in 1994. After a subsequent demo “Dudebox” the band started to gain more exposure in and around Toronto aided by their debut full-length “Watoosh”. The independently-released album, produced by Brad Nelson, introduced the band’s new new pop punk delivery with Kowalewicz singing in melody with D’Sa. After pressure from American punk band Pezz, the band became Billy Talent and began wiggling their way towards a recording contract. After a useful connection with Jen Hirst, who was later hired by Warner Music Canada, led to meeting their producer Gavin Brown, the band singed a co-agreement with Atlantic Records and Warner Music Canada in 2002.
Billy Talent’s major-label debut “Billy Talent” was released in the Autumn of 2003 and earned positive reviews from the musical press. Noted for its singles “Try Honesty”, “The Ex”, “River Below” and “Nothing to Lose”, the album peaked at No 6 on the Canadian Albums chart and went on to be certified 3x platinum. The release also led to receiving two Juno Awards for Best Album of the Year, and Best Band of the Year, and was promoted with an extensive tour of Canada, the U.S., and parts of Europe.
Recorded in Vancouver, British Columbia, “Billy Talent II” was issued in June 2006 and topped the album chart in Canada. Having developed from the un-focused, profanity-rich thrust of their debut, “Billy Talent II” represents a more mature band who continue to develop their sound. Once again Billy Talent supported the album with a 18-month worldwide tour including small shows in the likes of Finland and Belgium, as well as arena shows alongside Rise Against, Anti-Flag, and Moneen.
The album “Billy Talent III” appeared in 2009 following appearances at Coachella festival, the UK’s Download and Reading & Leeds Festivals, and Australia’s Soundwave Festival. The band’s third full-length, like its predecessor, topped the Canadian Albums Chart, spawning the singles “Turn Your Back”, “Rusted from the Rain”, and “Devil on My Shoulder”. Ahead of their fourth album Billy Talent released the singles “Viking Death March” and “Surprise Surprise”. The album, “Dead Silence”, arrived in September 2012 and earned much stronger reviews than its predecessor for its ambitious change of style.
I had never been to a Billy Talent concert before. I was totally shocked- had no idea how lively it'd be! He came out screaming asking "How are you?!" in a classic rock move and then immediately the pyrotechnics started, sending sparks and lights everywhere, flashing and sending up smoke. I swear to god it was like there was a dragon on stage.
The audience was jumping up and down, screaming along and throwing rocker hands (I have NO idea what the term is- the pointer and pinkie up? Sorry, first rock concert!) He kept shouting questions at the audience and we'd scream back. The place smelled of sweat and was hot as heck after, but I don't think there was a single person there who hadn't been dancing and having a blast.
His guitar work was excellent, as were the drums and vocals and bass. (The bassist haircut was really funky and cool! Might get my boyfriend to try it!) Compared to other concerts I've been to the pyrotechnics were top notch and would have made the concert with it even if Billy Talent sucked, which is nowhere near the case.
I give the concert a 10/10, I'm definitely gonna go to the next one.