Viletones

The Viletones were a raucous fixture of Toronto’s late-’70s punk scene, blending chaos, confrontational energy, and a reputation for wild live shows that often tipped into (literal) bloodshed. Fronted by the infamous Steven Leckie, aka Nazi Dog, the band—alongside peers like D.O.A. and the Demics—helped cement Canada’s punk identity with their raw, stripped-down sound and anti-establishment attitude. Tracks like their cover of The Stooges’ “No Fun” and originals such as “Screwdriver” became anarchic anthems, while their DIY singles and comp appearances (including the snarling “A Taste of Honey” and “What It Feels Like to Kill”) captured their unpolished ferocity. Though short-lived, the Viletones’ legacy as pioneers of Canadian punk’s first wave remains iconic, a testament to an era where danger and distortion ruled the stage.