Les Colocs facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Les Colocs
Left to right: André Vanderbiest, André Fortin, Mike Sawatzky
Background information
Origin	Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Genres	Rock, blues, swing, Senegalese music
Years active	1990 (1990)–2000 (2000)
Labels	BMG Musicomptoir
Associated acts	Mononc' Serge
Past members	Dédé Fortin Patrick Esposito Di Napoli Mike Sawatzky Serge Robert Jimmy Bourgoing André Vanderbiest

Les Colocs was a Canadian rock band. It started in Montreal, Quebec in 1990. The band became famous for playing many different kinds of music. They were also known for their exciting live shows.

History of Les Colocs

Early Years (1990-1992)

In October 1990, André “Dédé” Fortin and Louis Léger left their old band. They then started Les Colocs in Montreal. Their very first show was at a rock festival.

Another early member, Marc Déry, left the band. He wanted to start his own group. Les Colocs looked for a new member. Serge Robert joined as their bass player.

Later, the band's guitarist, Louis Léger, also left. Mike Sawatzky took his place.

The name "Les Colocs" became official in 1992. This happened at a big summer festival in Quebec City. André Fortin, Mike Sawatsky, Jimmy Bourgoing, Patrick Esposito di Napoli, and Serge Robert played together.

In 1992, the band signed their first music contract. It was with a company called BMG Music Canada.

First Albums and Changes (1993-1995)

In 1993, Les Colocs released their first album. It was also called Les Colocs. This album sold more than 150,000 copies!

In October 1993, the band won four Félix awards. These awards are very important in Quebec music. Two awards were for being the best group and the best new artist of the year.

In 1994, Patrick Esposito di Napoli, who played the harmonica, passed away. He had a serious illness.

In 1995, Les Colocs made their second album, Atrocetomique. Dédé Fortin chose a special release date for it. He believed that Quebec should be independent from Canada. So, he released the album on October 30, 1995. This was the same day as a big vote about Quebec's future.

Later, Dédé decided that Serge Robert would no longer be in the band. About a year later, André Vanderbiest joined Les Colocs.

Later Years and Legacy (1996-2000)

In May 1998, Les Colocs released their third album. It was called Dehors Novembre. This was the last album released while Dédé Fortin was alive. The album was dedicated to Patrick Esposito Di Napoli. He had passed away four years earlier.

The songs on this album, like others, had deep lyrics. Some people felt they showed the singer's sad feelings. The album sold over 100,000 copies across Quebec.

In November 1998, Les Colocs won another Félix award. This time, it was for rock album of the year.

On May 8, 2000, André “Dédé” Fortin passed away. This sad event brought an end to the band.

Band Members

• André Fortin (1990-2000): He wrote songs, sang, played guitar, drums, and percussion. He was also a tap dancer.
• Serge Robert (1990-1995): He sometimes sang and played bass or double bass.
• Patrick Esposito Di Napoli (1990-1994): He sometimes sang and played the harmonica.
• Jimmy Bourgoing (1990-1998): He sometimes sang and played drums or percussion.
• Mike Sawatzky (1991-2000): He wrote songs, sometimes sang, played guitar, harmonica, and saxophone.
• André Vanderbiest (1996-2000): He wrote songs, sometimes sang, and played bass or double bass.

Albums by Les Colocs

• 1993: Les Colocs
• 1995: Atrocetomique
• 1998: Dehors novembre
• 2000: Les années 1992-1995
• 2001: Suite 2116
• 2003: Les Colocs live
• 2009: Il me parle de bonheur

See also

In Spanish: Les Colocs para niños