Clockwork

Websites:  https://citizenfreak.com/artists/91649-blind-ravage
Origin: Laval, Québec, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Blind Ravage was a Canadian hard rock band formed in September 1969 in Laval, a suburb of Montreal, Quebec. The original lineup consisted of Jean (John) Charbonneau on guitar and vocals, Bob Dufour on bass and lead vocals, and Danny Gorman on drums. The trio performed extensively in Montreal's nightclub circuit, delivering energetic covers of artists like Rod Stewart, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin.

During one of their performances, Charbonneau and Dufour met drummer André Deguire, who was backing various shows and singers at the time. Following Gorman's departure, Deguire was invited to join the band. Deguire had previously collaborated with organist and pianist Serge Fleury in a Montreal R&B group. Fleury, a former music professor at a Montreal high school, was well-acquainted with Dufour from their early 1960s band, The Furys, which had gained popularity in Montreal's dance halls with covers of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Fleury's addition to the group solidified the classic lineup of Blind Ravage.

In 1971, Blind Ravage released their self-titled debut album under the Crescent Street label, produced by Ken Ayoub. The album featured primarily original compositions, with the exception of a cover of The Beatles' "Birthday." The single "Loser" backed with "My Life" was released as a single. Despite the album's limited commercial success, it has since become a sought-after collector's item, praised for its raw energy and impressive guitar work.

The band toured extensively across Quebec, Ontario, and the northeastern United States, performing in states such as New York, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Their live shows were known for their high energy and musicianship. However, by 1973, Blind Ravage disbanded.

Following the split, Dufour, Deguire, and Fleury embarked on a progressive rock project called Clockwork, drawing inspiration from bands like Genesis and Yes. Clockwork gained popularity in Quebec and released a single titled "Cybernaut" backed with "Mean Lady" before disbanding in late 1975. Subsequently, Dufour and Charbonneau formed a country rock band named Mirage, which lasted a couple of years. Listen here: https://citizenfreak.com/titles/271537-clockwork-cybernaut-b-w-mean-lady

In the late 1970s, the members pursued separate paths but remained close friends, occasionally reuniting for special events. André Deguire passed away in 1997, and Jean Charbonneau died in late 2006. In 2007, Gear Fab Records reissued the band's self-titled album, bringing renewed attention to their work. Bob Dufour and Serge Fleury have continued to explore blues music over the past two decades and still perform together occasionally.

Blind Ravage's legacy endures as a testament to the vibrant Canadian rock scene of the early 1970s, reflecting a blend of hard rock energy and blues influences that continue to resonate with enthusiasts and collectors.
-Robert Williston