The Homosexuals @ NXNE 2009

Sneaky Dee's

Toronto, ON

on Jun 19 2009

Evan Dickson (CHARTattack)

06/20/2009 12:43pm

Background/ Composition:
Fifty-eight-year-old punk lifer Bruno McQuillan (a.k.a. Bruno Wizard) brought a pair of teenagers who he calls "the future of rock 'n' roll" to teach the kids the true meaning of punk.

Grade: 84

Comment:
McQuillan had 90 per cent just from walking out on stage looking like a debonaire crackhead and giving a speech on the African roots of Western pop music.

"Stay black, my brother!" shouted the only black guy there.

Of course, that was all a tangent that grew out of his dismissal of a drunken heckler. He also played some Homosexuals songs from throughout his lengthy career, but they weren't nearly as entertaining as the talk.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronunciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The Homosexuals songs were good, but I would have been perfectly happy to listen to McQuillan's meandering train of thought. He delivered his theories about organized religion with less self-righteousness than most aging punkers. Johnny Rotten wishes he had McQuillan's wit.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: G
Problem Solving: S
Teamwork: G
Work Habits: G
Organization: S
Audience Participation: G
Sound: G
Composition: G
Songs: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The young guitarist and drummer were borrowed from their band, The Fiasco. They somestimes seemed a little perplexed by Bruno's rambling. They nailed the practiced songs, but the arrangement sounded weak without a bassist.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: S
Sexiness: N
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposable Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
As if in anticipation of his 'E' for footwear, McQuillan liked to point out his shiny hightop shoes. He also wore wrinkled white shorts and a matching blazer over a shredded grey T-shirt. If you saw him on the street you'd be inclined to give him some spare change. It was the exact opposite of sexy.