Brutus

Websites:  No
Origin: Toronto, Ontario, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Brutus was a Canadian rock band formed in 1969 and active, with interruptions, between 1969 and 1978. Known for their flamboyant stage presence, theatrical rock style, and brass-driven sound, Brutus carved out a unique place in Canada’s rock landscape during the glam rock and progressive era.

The original band lineup featured:
Walter Zwolinski (then billed as “Wally Soul”): lead vocals
Tom Wilson: bass
Michael Magann: trumpet
Lance Wright: drums
Eldon “Sonny” Wingay: guitar
Bill Robb: saxophone, trombone

In their early years, Brutus opened for major touring acts like The Guess Who and Chicago at venues such as the University of Waterloo. Their 1970 single “Funky Roller Skates” reached #7 on the RPM Canadian Content chart, though it did not cross over into the national Top 100. During this era, they were occasionally billed as Brutus and the Assassins, in reference to another Toronto group, Little Caesar and the Consuls.

Brutus was also featured on high-profile festival lineups, including the Freak Out festival held at Rock Hill (August 29–September 1, 1969), alongside The Brass Union, Rhinoceros, Lighthouse, Motherlode, and The Guess Who. They were also booked at the Midsummer Night’s Rock Fest in Michigan (June 26–July 5, 1970), alongside Rotary Connection, The Poor Souls, and Chimo!.

The band disbanded in 1971, then reformed in 1973 with a revised lineup and a more theatrical visual identity, echoing the glam rock aesthetic of the UK scene. With heavy makeup, outlandish costumes, and sexually provocative stage routines, Brutus became a dynamic live act, though they clashed at times with local authorities and concert promoters. Their live appeal culminated in a sold-out performance at Ontario Place in Toronto, where they shared the stage with The Stampeders, April Wine, and the Greaseball Boogie Band (later Shooter).

This new lineup recorded two singles with GRT Records in 1975. “Ooh Mama Mama,” featuring Frank Ludwig on keyboards and vocals, became their most remembered track—although it didn’t chart in RPM, it was named Top Canadian Single of the Year in a Montreal Star reader’s poll and performed well in regional markets. Their lone studio album, Brutus (1976), followed and included the national charting single “Who Wants to Buy a Song” (#65 RPM), as well as other hard rock tracks fusing horns and guitar-driven energy. A final non-charting single was released before the group disbanded again.

In one of their final major shows, Brutus opened for Peter Gabriel at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens, a high-profile farewell moment for the group.

Brutus also served as an incubator for many Canadian rock talents. Among the musicians associated with Brutus over the years:

Frank Ludwig (later of Trooper)
Doni Underhill (later of Trooper)
Gino Scarpelli (Goddo)
Paul Dean (Streetheart, Loverboy)
Jerry Doucette (solo artist)
John Bride (Cameo Blues Band)
Dennis Pinhorn (Downchild Blues Band)
Len Sembaluk (later of Alabama)

Brutus worked with legendary producer Jack Richardson, best known for producing The Guess Who. While Brutus never broke internationally, their mix of glam, brass, and theatricality—as well as their role in launching key Canadian rock players—secured their place in Canada’s musical heritage.
-Robert Williston