Billy Talent Biography

Punk revivalist quartet Billy Talent used to be known as Pezz back in their Streetsville, Ontario, high-school days. But by 1999, the quartet -- vocalist Ben Kowalewicz, guitarist Ian D'Sa, bassist Jon Gallant, and drummer Aaron Solowoniuk -- had adopted a new moniker and were making their way in Toronto with the self-released Watoosh! LP under their belt. The Try Honesty EP followed in 2001; it led to strong local buzz, exposure supporting larger touring acts, and an eventual demo deal with EMI. The band entered the studio in early 2003 with producer Gavin Brown and emerged with its eponymous debut in July, which was slated for a September release on Atlantic. Billy Talent got the word out during that summer with a slot on Lollapalooza and a series of dates with the Buzzcocks. Submitting to fan requests, the group re-released Watoosh! in September 2005.