Tossin' and Turnin'

The Twilights
(later known as The 4 Frenchmen / Les 4 Français)

Originally formed in Montréal in the early 1960s as an instrumental trio called The 3 Frenchmen, the band quickly evolved in sound and lineup. Before the end of 1962, they changed their name to The Twilights, marking a shift toward a more modern, electric rock ‘n’ roll style.

Under this new name, they recorded and released their debut LP Tossin’ and Turnin’ in 1962—a lively collection of twist-inspired instrumentals and early rock arrangements that captured the youthful energy of Canada’s pre-Beatles pop scene.

Following the addition of a fourth member, Fred Torak, the band rebranded once more—this time as The 4 Frenchmen, or in bilingual settings, Les 4 Français.

In 1964, Les 4 Français achieved a historic milestone when they became the only Canadian band ever to open for The Beatles, performing the opening set at the Montréal Forum on September 8, 1964, in front of 21,000 fans. The Beatles only visited Montréal once, and Les 4 Français were part of that legendary night. Later that same year, on October 29, 1964, they also opened for The Dave Clark Five at the Forum, further cementing their role in the British Invasion era.

The group’s lead guitarist, Nick Angelo (Nick Nastos)—pictured in classic photos with his prized 1959 Fender Jazzmaster—went on to become a respected figure in Canadian music circles. Today, he owns and operates The Guitar Boutique, where he designs custom guitars and continues to share his legacy with new generations of musicians.

Nick is currently recovering from heart surgery, and this tribute to his remarkable musical journey will hopefully serve as a well-deserved and uplifting reminder of the impact he’s had on Canadian rock history.

Read more about Nick’s Beatles legacy and custom guitars here: https://theguitarboutique.com/pages/nick-s-beatles-legacy
-Robert Williston, July 23, 2025