Blind Ravage

Websites:  https://citizenfreak.com/artists/93132-clockwork
Origin: Laval, Québec, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Blind Ravage was a hard rock band from Laval, Quebec, formed in September 1969. The group’s classic lineup featured Jean (John) Charbonneau on guitar and vocals, Robert (Bob) Dufour on bass and lead vocals, André Deguire on drums and vocals, and Serge Fleury on organ, piano, and vocals. Together, they forged a raw, blues-inflected rock sound that left a lasting mark on the Canadian underground music scene.

Originally a trio consisting of Charbonneau, Dufour, and drummer Danny Gorman, the band performed regularly throughout Montreal’s nightclub circuit, delivering high-energy sets that included both covers and original material. Their live sets drew on the heavy rock and blues influences of the era, featuring songs by Rod Stewart, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, and The Stooges.

Following Gorman’s departure, Deguire was recruited as drummer. He had previously played in an R&B group with Serge Fleury, who was also brought into the fold. Fleury, a former music teacher, had played alongside Dufour in the early 1960s with a group called The Furys. With Fleury’s addition, the lineup of Blind Ravage was complete.

In 1971, the band recorded and released their only album, Blind Ravage, on the Crescent Street label. Produced by Ken Ayoub, the LP featured mostly original material, showcasing the band’s heavy riffs, driving rhythms, and gritty organ work. The Beatles' "Birthday" was the only cover on the album. The single “Loser” backed with “My Life” was also released, but despite the group’s efforts and strong live presence, the album didn’t achieve mainstream commercial success at the time.

Blind Ravage performed extensively throughout Quebec and Ontario, and toured the northeastern United States, including New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. They built a loyal following with their powerful live shows, but by 1973, the band had dissolved.

After the breakup, Dufour, Deguire, and Fleury went on to form Clockwork, a progressive rock outfit inspired by bands like Genesis and Yes. Clockwork released the single “Cybernaut” b/w “Mean Lady” and performed regularly in Quebec until disbanding in late 1975. Dufour and Charbonneau then formed Mirage, a country-rock band that performed for a few more years.

https://citizenfreak.com/titles/271537-clockwork-cybernaut-b-w-mean-lady

Though the members went their separate ways, they remained close and occasionally reunited for special performances. André Deguire passed away in 1997, and Jean Charbonneau died in 2006. Bob Dufour and Serge Fleury have remained musically active, with a focus on blues music in recent decades.

In 2007, Blind Ravage was reissued on CD by Gear Fab Records, introducing the band’s powerful music to a new generation and cementing their place in the history of Canadian hard rock. The reissue helped highlight the group's musical legacy—characterized by its heavy, melodic sound and raw, emotional intensity.
-Robert Williston

JEAN CHARBONNEAU - Guitar:
Jean was born in Rigaud Quebec on March 16, 1947. He also plays piano on the record. Playing music since the age of 7, he has learned to play bass, mouth organ, and guitar and is outstanding on these instruments.

ANDRE DEGUIRE - Drums:
Born in old Montreal, March 1948. He has been playing the drums for six years. Andres has a long record of success in the music business, such as playing on some of the top recording dates for name performers, etc. Caught between making a decision to leave his studio work and joining up with the group, he then decided to do what he wanted most — here he is today with Blind Ravage. He is also an outstanding songwriter. "My Life" on their first single release was composed by Andre.

SERGE FLEURY - Organ:
Serge, the organizer of Blind Ravage plays mainly organ and piano. He was born in Laval-des-Rapid (a suburb of Montreal) in September 1944. Serge was a music professor in a Montreal high school for four years. His ambition was to get out and do more in life to further his talents. That is when he decided to form Blind Ravage. Now heading the group successfully, he does not regret a moment of it. He keeps the group constantly in work, playing at high schools on one-nighters.

ROBERT DUFOUR - Bass:
Bob is also a very fine songwriter. Born in Chomedey, Quebec in November, 1940, he plays mouth organ and guitar as well. Collaborating on "Loser" with Jean Charbonneau, the two have turned out a great song. Most of the cuts on their soon-to-be released album are written by them.

Jean Charbonneau: guitar, vocals, piano, bass, mouth organ
Robert (Bob) Dufour: bass, lead vocals, guitar, mouth organ
Serge Fleury: organ, piano, vocals
André Deguire: drums, vocals