National Velvet

Websites:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/2416066908/
Origin: Toronto, Ontario, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Toronto’s Gothic Rock Trailblazers

Formed in the mid-1980s, National Velvet emerged from Toronto’s underground with a sound that blended brooding gothic textures, glam-infused theatrics, and punchy rock hooks. Fronted by the magnetic and theatrical Maria Del Mar—a vocalist known for her deep contralto and defiant stage presence—the band carved out a unique space in the Canadian alternative scene long before goth found mainstream footing.

The band’s name, borrowed from the 1944 Elizabeth Taylor film, hinted at the drama and romanticism that would become central to their aesthetic. The original lineup coalesced in 1985 and included guitarist Mark Crossley, bassist Mark Storm (born Mark Erickson), and drummer Ken Sinclair. The group rehearsed in a dilapidated industrial space on Carroll Street known locally as The Jam Factory, a raw creative hub that also housed acts like Honeymoon Suite, The Jeff Healey Band, and The Tragically Hip in their formative years.

From the outset, National Velvet made waves through word of mouth and sweat-soaked performances on Toronto’s club circuit. Within six months of forming, they self-financed and released a debut EP, selling copies directly at shows. Their rising profile caught the attention of Capitol Records’ Canadian affiliate Intrepid Records, and in 1987 they inked a deal that came with a mandate for change: out went Sinclair, guitarist Mick Gzowski, and saxophonist Chris Weiss; in came Tim Welch (formerly of Images in Vogue) on guitar and Garry Flint on drums.

Their self-titled debut album followed in 1988, featuring the reworked single “Flesh Under Skin”, which gained momentum on radio and helped them secure a CASBY Award for emerging artist recognition. Subsequent singles like “Pacifist at Risk,” “Change My Mind,” and “68 Hrs.” further built their reputation, but mainstream chart success remained elusive.

Their breakthrough came with 1989’s Courage, recorded at Eastcote Studios in London with German producer Zeus B. Held (known for his work with Dead or Alive and Nina Hagen). The album spawned their biggest hit, “Shine On,” followed by the provocative and misheard “Sex Gorilla,” which received heavy rotation on MuchMusic and even broke into MTV airplay in the U.S. The album was certified gold in Canada, cementing their place in the country’s alt-rock history.

Yet creative differences and label interference soon took their toll. When their third single “A Place Called Hysteria” was met with apathy from the label and no promotional support, tensions rose. By the early ’90s, the band parted ways with EMI and retreated from the spotlight, regrouping on their own terms.

Their final studio album, Wildseed, arrived in 1995 on the indie label Iron Music, produced by Garry Flint at the band’s own eNVy Studios. Featuring a revamped lineup and hard-edged sound, the record was praised by critics but overlooked by a public increasingly distracted by grunge and electronic music. Tracks like “Prize,” “Life Force,” and “Take Charge” stood as bold testaments to their growth, but the album failed to reignite the commercial spark.

After disbanding, the members pursued separate paths. Maria Del Mar continued to perform and has since taken part in various musical and theatrical productions, including appearances with Classic Albums Live. Tragedy struck in 2002 when bassist Mark Storm went missing; his body was discovered in Lake Ontario the following year.

Despite the ups and downs, National Velvet’s impact endures. They were one of the few Canadian bands of their era to bridge goth and mainstream rock, paving the way for later acts with darker aesthetics and female-led intensity. Their music, much like the nightscapes they often evoked, remains textured, powerful, and defiantly their own.
-Robert Williston

Founding Lineup (1985–1987)
Maria Del Mar: vocals
Mark Crossley: guitar
Mark Storm (Mark Erickson): bass
Ken Sinclair: drums
Mick Gzowski: guitar
Chris Weiss: saxophone

Formed in Toronto in 1985, this original lineup rehearsed at “The Jam Factory” and self-released an early EP before signing to Intrepid/Capitol.

Classic Lineup (1987–1990)
Maria Del Mar: vocals
Mark Crossley: guitar
Tim Welch: guitar
Mark Storm (Mark Erickson): bass
Garry Flint: drums

This is the core lineup for the National Velvet (1988) debut and Courage (1990), which included their hit “Shine On.”

Transitional Lineup (1991–1994)
Maria Del Mar: vocals
Mark Crossley: guitar
Tim Welch: guitar
Garry Flint: drums
Darrell Flint: bass

Following their departure from EMI, the band began operating independently with this updated rhythm section.

Final Recording Lineup – Wildseed (1995)
Maria Del Mar: vocals
Mark Crossley: guitars
Tim Welch: guitars
Garry Flint: drums
Darrell Flint: bass

This lineup recorded Wildseed at eNVy Studio and Metalworks, released by Iron Music. It marked the band’s final studio album.