Offenbach. Montreal blues-rock band, fl 1969-85. It evolved from a succession of rock bands in the late 1960s, the last of which, Les Gants blancs, went through several names (7e Invention, Grandpa & Company, Offenbach Pop Opera and Offenbach Soap opera) before settling in 1971 on Offenbach. Founding members were the singer Gerry Boulet, the guitarist Johnny (Jean) Gravel, the singer and organist Pierre Harel, the bass guitarist Willie Lamothe Jr (son of Willie Lamothe), and the drummer Denis Boulet (brother of Gerry). Gerry Boulet and Johnny Gravel remained with Offenbach throughout its history. Denis Boulet left in 1972, his place taken by Wezo (Roger) Belval, and Harel followed in 1974, his keyboard responsibilities assumed by Gerry Boulet. Lamothe and Belval left in 1977 (to join Harel in Corbeau - see Marjo) and personnel thereafter underwent frequent change. Members 1977-85 included the guitarists Jean Millaire, Doug McCaskill, and John McGale, the bassists Norman Kerr and Breen Leboeuf, and the drummers Pierre Lavoie, Bob Harrison, and Pat Martel. Leboeuf also emerged as a featured singer.
Initially Offenbach's repertoire comprised pop songs of the day, blues, and original material. Its first LP, Offenbach Soap opera, included two songs in English, as well as the early classics 'Faut que j'me pousse' and 'Câline de blues'. Its second album, Saint-Chrone de néant, was a recording of a performance 30 Nov 1972 of its 'Mass for the Dead' at Saint Joseph's Oratory, Montreal.
Offenbach made its first trip to France in 1973 and was based 1974-5 in Paris. Performances in France and Holland during 1974 were documented in the film Tabarnac. The group also appeared in Switzerland and Belgium. On its return to Montreal in 1975 Offenbach moved to the forefront of Quebec rock groups despite its reliance on US-styled blues and rock material which set it apart from other bands in the province. In fact Offenbach, and more specifically Gerry Boulet (who, in the wake of Harel's departure, emerged as the band's creative force), have been credited with a successful adaptation of the French language to the hard rhythms of US rock.
Offenbach also recorded two LPs of songs in English, Never Too Tender and Rock Bottom, and followed the first in 1976 with a tour across Canada. Its next LP in French, Offenbach, issued in 1977, included the songs 'La voix que j'ai,' 'Chu un rocker,' and 'Le blues me guette'. Transversion followed, with 'Mes blues passent pu dans porte,' 'Je chante comme un coyote,' 'J'ai l'rock n' roll pi toé,' and 'Ayoye,' and brought the group its first Félix Award in 1979 - for rock album of the year.
In 1979 Offenbach toured Quebec with the Vic Vogel Big Band; a recording of their concert at the St Denis Theatre was issued as Offenbach en fusion, a Félix winner in 1980 as rock album of the year. The band also received Félix Awards in 1980 as group of the year and for show of the year, the latter honoring a concert 3 April in which Offenbach became the first Québécois pop act ever to headline at the Forum. The band continued to tour in France, returning annually 1979-81, and played the Forum again in 1981 and, as part of a Quebec tour with Plume Latraverse (documented by the live LP from the Forum, À fond d'train), in 1983. Offenbach disbanded in 1985 after concerts at the Colisée in Quebec City and, on 1 November, once again at the Forum, where the recording Le Dernier Show and the film Marci were made.
Other songs associated with Offenbach include 'Promenade sur Mars' from Tabarnac, 'Palais des glaces,' 'Le bar-salon des deux toxons,' and 'Ouv'-moé ta porte' from Coup de foudre, 'Prends pas tout mon amour' from Tonnedebrick.
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