Differents, Les
Websites:
No
Origin:
Chambly, Québec, 🇨🇦
Biography:
Les Différents – The Bold Outsiders of Quebec’s Garage Scene
With their long hair, polka-dot shirts, floral ties, and wildly colorful outfits, Les Différents weren’t just another garage band—they were a statement. Formed in Chambly, Quebec, in 1966, this five-piece outfit quickly gained notoriety for their raw, fuzz-driven sound, rebellious attitude, and refusal to conform to industry standards. Unlike many of their contemporaries who relied on cover songs, Les Différents insisted on playing their own compositions, making them one of the most original acts of their time.
Signed to Disque Monde by Ken Ayoub (who also discovered Les Sultans), the band recorded their only album at Studio Stéréo Sound in Montreal over the course of just three days in early 1967. The LP, released under Disque Monde 65006, featured twelve tracks of gritty, fuzz-drenched garage rock, and although commercial success eluded them, the album has since become one of the rarest and most sought-after Quebec garage records.
From their riotous live shows to their psychedelically painted tour van with giant hands attached to its sides, Les Différents embraced a punk-like defiance years before punk even had a name. In fact, their outspoken rejection of cover songs and refusal to purchase compositions made them one of the only openly anti-industry bands in Quebec at the time.
A Band That Shocked and Provoked
Les Différents were more than just a band—they were a cultural rebellion. Their bizarre stage outfits, confrontational attitudes, and loud, distorted sound put them at odds with the more polished mainstream acts of the time. While some compared them to The Rolling Stones, their aggressive fuzz and defiant stance bore more resemblance to The Sonics or The Count Five.
Their single “Soyons Différents” (Disque Monde 865, 1967) was more than just a song—it was a mission statement. With its rallying cry of “Il faut que nous soyons différents”, the track became an anthem for young Quebecois rebels who were tired of the establishment.
But their radical look and attitude came with consequences. During a tour stop in Saguenay, local conservative men armed with scissors tried to cut off their long hair, chasing them through the streets. And at a riotous show in Jonquière, over 900 fans broke windows trying to get into the venue.
The Sound of a Cult Classic
The Les Différents LP is now a treasured piece of Quebec garage history, featuring standout tracks like:
'Je ne veux plus': A fuzzed-out, aggressive garage classic that echoes The Seeds or Psychotic Reaction-era Count Five.
'Soyons différents': The band's defining track, capturing their raw energy and anti-conformist spirit.
'Je t’aime': A blistering side-B opener, packed with almost-psychedelic guitar solos and a pounding rhythm section.
Though rumored to have been pressed in 5,000 copies, the LP is one of the rarest Quebec records of its time, with some collectors believing the true number may be closer to 500.
Legacy and Rarity
Les Différents disbanded in 1969, but their music has gained a legendary reputation in garage rock circles. Their album has been reissued multiple times, including a vinyl reissue on Voila 1002 and a CD version by Mérite. Collectors still hunt for original pressings, which can fetch up to USD500 due to their extreme rarity.
Today, Les Différents are remembered as trailblazers of Quebec garage rock, a band that refused to play by the rules and paid the price for their defiance. Their punk spirit, raw energy, and DIY ethos were ahead of their time, making them true pioneers in Quebec’s underground music scene.
For those looking to discover a piece of pure, unfiltered 1960s garage rock from Quebec, Les Différents are essential listening.
-Robert Williston
Johnny “Blondinette” Whitton: lead vocals, guitar, drums
Jacques “Jimmy” Moreau: Lead guitar, trumpet, “Le Diplomate des Diplomates”
Richard “Le Plus Grand Parmi les Plus Grands” Trottier: 12-string guitar, harmonica
Jean-Claude “Le Poète Crotté” Durand: Bass guitar, lyricist
Claude Lamontagne: Drums, first member of the official Les Différents fan club
