Lutins, Les
Websites:
No
Origin:
St-Hyacinthe, Québec, 🇨🇦
Biography:
Garage Rock from Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
Les Lutins were a vibrant garage rock group from Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, who rose to prominence during the mid- to late-1960s with a dynamic blend of beat, surf, yé-yé, and proto-psychedelia. Their polished vocal harmonies, high-energy performances, and youthful charisma made them one of the most beloved French-Canadian bands of the era.
Origins: From Douar to Les Lutins
The band originally formed in 1963 under the name Douar, while its members were still in their teens. The early lineup included Simon Brouillard (vocals, guitar), his brother Normand Brouillard (bass), Alain Blanchard (guitar), Serge Lambert (vocals), and Yves St-Onge (drums). Their first manager and van driver was Guy Dubé, who helped the group gain local exposure. Around 1966, Simon's sister, Nicole Blanchard, assumed managerial duties and helped steer them to broader recognition.
Rising Stardom: From Talent Show to Television
By 1965, Les Lutins were gaining national attention thanks to their appearances on youth-focused television programs like Jeunesse d’aujourd’hui, produced by CHRS and broadcast on Télé-Métropole. Their exposure on the show opened doors to live gigs across Quebec, where they shared bills with other major acts such as Les Sultans, Les Hou-Lops, Les Aristocrates, and Les Habits Jaunes.
In 1966, they released their debut single on the Citation label, quickly followed by a self-titled LP that featured French-language covers of British and American hits, alongside original compositions. Their youthful appeal and tight musicianship helped them ride the wave of Quebec’s Beatlemania-era pop explosion.
Recording Career and Style
Their second album, "En personne" (1967), captured their live energy and expanding musical range, including surf-rock instrumentals and fuzz-driven rockers. That same year, they appeared on multiple compilation albums and TV specials, further solidifying their status.
Les Lutins also recorded under the name Simon et les Lutins for some releases, emphasizing Simon Brouillard’s central role. Throughout their recording career, they worked closely with producer Pierre Laurendeau, who helped craft their accessible, radio-friendly sound.
Among their most notable tracks were “Je suis libre,” “L’amour s’en va,” and “Oh non,” the latter two also appearing on the R-4149934 EP. Their version of “Petit Girl” (a French cover of "Pretty Girl") was a fan favourite, showcasing their knack for reinterpreting international pop in their own Québécois flavor.
End of the Road
By 1968, the group’s momentum began to slow as musical tastes shifted. While a few members remained involved in music, the group disbanded around 1969 after a final series of 45s and television appearances. Despite their brief career, Les Lutins left a lasting legacy in Quebec’s 1960s music scene.
Their recordings, particularly the early EPs and LPs, are now highly collectible among garage rock enthusiasts and Quebec yé-yé aficionados. Tracks like “Je suis libre” and “L’amour s’en va” remain touchstones of a youthful, optimistic era in Canadian music.
-Robert Williston
Simon Brouillard: vocals, guitar
Normand Brouillard: bass
Alain Blanchard: guitar
Serge Lambert: vocals
Yves St-Onge: drums
Former manager: Guy Dubé
Later manager: Nicole Blanchard
Producer: Pierre Laurendeau
