Hou-Lops

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Origin: Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Les Hou-Lops – A Pioneer of Quebec’s Rock Scene
Les Hou-Lops were a rock 'n' roll group from Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, formed in 1962. The original lineup featured Gilles Rousseau (vocals), Yvan Côté (lead guitar), Jean-Claude Domingue (rhythm guitar), Jean-Claude Bernard (bass), and Claude Laviolette (drums).

From their early days, Les Hou-Lops performed in dance halls across the Eastern Townships. By 1963, they had become the house band for the TV show Bonsoir Copains, broadcast on CHLT Télé 7 in Sherbrooke.

In 1964, the band briefly changed their name to Les Têtes Blanches and bleached their hair to match the look of their new identity. However, due to a legal dispute with Les Classels, they were forced to revert to their original name by late 1965.

With a high-energy mix of rhythm 'n' blues and rock 'n' roll, Les Hou-Lops gained widespread popularity. They are best known for their hit song "Blue Jeans sur la Plage." In 1965, they won the Yé-Yé Group Award at the Festival du Disque for their album C’est Chip.

Their growing success led to an international breakthrough in 1966 when they opened for The Rolling Stones at the Olympia in Paris. In 1968, René Hamelin replaced Jean-Claude Domingue on guitar. That same year, the band performed alongside Johnny Hallyday at the Starovan Festival and later joined the Musicorama tour.

Les Hou-Lops disbanded in 1969. Tragically, lead singer Gilles Rousseau passed away in 1972 at the age of 27, followed by drummer Claude Laviolette in 1981.

In 1994, surviving members revived Les Hou-Lops with new musicians, bringing back their signature sound and celebrating their legacy.

Recognized as one of the most influential Quebec rock bands of the 1960s, Les Hou-Lops left a lasting mark on the francophone rock scene.
-Robert Williston