Top Five Last Pogo II Moments

Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto, ON

on Nov 29 2008

Cameron Gordon (CHARTattack)

12/01/2008 4:09pm

It's been 30 years since the Horseshoe Tavern attempted to deep six the Toronto punk community vis-a-vis The Last Pogo — at the time billed as the venue's final punk showcase. Instead, the Pogo somehow galvanized GTA punks, and while there wasn't a single household name on the bill, the murky entrails of that evening continue to blotch Queen Street West and beyond.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the event, the 'Shoe staged a Pogo 2.0 concert that featured a remarkable number of original Pogo performers onstage. There were a few more wrinkles and limited mobility, but the event itself stood as a curious glance into Toronto's musical past.

Here's a ranking of the top five "OG" Toronto punk outfits that reformed for the evening:

5. The B-Girls
The B-Girls' mini two-song set (which featured a guest appearance by ex-Blue Rodeo drummer Cleave Anderson) was primarily notable for the foxiness that these gals have maintained since 1978. Seriously, 30 years is a long time and these dames are still rather easy on the eyes. Pop/rock nonsense like "Fun At The Beach" ain't bad either.

4. Steve Leckie And The Solution
Undoubtedly the most uncomfortable appearance of the evening, Leckie (best known as vocalist for the infamous Viletones) ambled onstage, cane in hand, and launched into his performance, half-music, half-impromptu spoken word. Leckie is one jaded dude, and from behind his music stand, he slagged the Horseshoe itself, Stompin' Tom Connors and even "Bud The Spud." Yes, he slagged a potato! He also took time to give props to legendary Toronto punk promoters Gary Topp and Gary Cormier, which was cool. He only performed three songs and there was some booing as Lechie left the stage. Obligatory old school cover: Lou Reed's "Caroline Says."

3. The Scenics
Despite some unfortunate technical issues, The Scenics chugged their way through a decent 30-minute set of art-infused punk. Co-vocalist Andy Meyers was remarkably spry, which is a good thing since the yin to his yang, Ken Badger, experienced laboured breathing through out and seemingly a taste of stage fright. As a total aside, one of these fellas didn't wash his hands after exiting a toilet stall post-set. We won't say which one. Obligatory old school cover(s): The Velvet Underground's "We're Gonna Have A Good Time Together" and "I Heard Her Call My Name."

2. The Forgotten Rebels
Mickey DeSadist might be a bit of a loud-mouthed yob, but he's also one of this country's most underrated frontmen. Part Jello Biafra and part "Adorable" Adrian Adonis, DeSadist hit the stage wearing a boa and shiny blazer, yet soon found himself topless, sneering his way through such gritty punk nuggets as "Surfin' On Heroin" and "In Love With The System." Whether you love him or loathe him, there's no denying that DeSadist knows how to work an audience. Obligatory old school cover: The Who's "The Kids Are Alright" (rechristened "The Punks Are Alright").

1. The Mods
Hailing from the terminally uncool Toronto suburb of Scarborough, The Mods should have been huge — or at least a known entity outside the Toronto city limits. Poised, polished and with an incredible stage presence, The Mods were definitely the most musically proficient act in The Last Pogo line-up, all while looking like a group of feisty accountants in matching white dress shirts and dark ties. Shoulda been hits like "Step Out Tonight," "Troubled Times," "Reign Of Terror" and "Between Four Walls" came searing through the speakers and the drummer had a cool Keith Moon thing going on — total stand-up guy. Obligatory old school cover: The Beatles' "From A Window."