In a world and time when sex was everywhere, sponsorship was a sellout, and political correctness did not exist, The Forgotten Rebels were born.

The punk rock movement had just begun, and the young teens of the day were drawn to the chaos, rawness, and truth of this new mutation. In 1977, a raged group of motley youth from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada were about to introduce a decidely more in your face approach to music and songwriting. This movement by the Forgotten Rebels would influence punk rock for future generations.

During the band's infancy, a decision was made to question everything, everyone, and everywhere. We were all part of the joke, including themselves. Singer and founding member Mickey DeSadist recalls: "The bands I admired most were Bowie, T-Rex, Slade, New York Dolls, Gary Glitter, and The Sweet. However, being new our musical instruments, the best we could pull off were bad out of key versions, so we decided to write out own songs with less chords instead".

In the summer of 77', they released a cassette tape entitled "Burn The Flag". Shortly thereafter they followed with the infamous 4 song EP "Tomorrow Belongs To Us". This record garnered the Rebels a myriad of attention and critical acclaim. Currently, the EP now commands $250-400. It is regarded internationally as one of the finest punk rock records ever made, and was reissued on CD in 1998.

The first full length album was released in 1980, entitled "In Love With The System". It solidified their position in punk rock forever. The album was an instant favourite. In 1982, "This Ain't Hollywood" was released. The album showcased DeSadist\'s strong pop sensibility along with his flare for composing catchy punk rock hooks. To this day, 'Surfin' On Heroin' plays in all of the coolest punk rock jukeboxes.

Over the years, the band would release a plethora of full lengths, EPs, and singles proving their worth on the top shelf punk music. Long time Rebels guitarist Jeff Campbell continues to add shape and energy to the band's music, while veteran punk rock drummer Dan Casale's stamina is a force that continues driving songs with over the top adrenaline.

In 2023, The Forgotten Rebels invited Gymbo Jak (Dayglo Abortions, Sick Sense, Grey Bush) to look after bass guitar responsibilities. Fans and critics are convinced that this lineup is not only refreshing, but by far their strongest, ever. Gymbo's muscle and musical abilities push the band's mercury even higher.

Fast forward to today...The Forgotten Rebels are working on new material. They also continue to perform their beloved punk rock anthems to a demographically mixed audience everywhere they go. Younger fans add to the legacy, while the diehards never let go.

AKA: Mickey DeSadest, Mickey DeSadist, Mickey
Founded: August 1977
Albums: All
Other Bands: Black Curtain (Vocals, Bass 1974 for 6 months), Damien (Vocals, Guitar 1975 for 6 months), Slippery When Wet (Vocals, Guitar 1976- Early 1977), The Mickey DeSadist Show (Vocals ?-?), L.A.M.F. (New York Dolls/Johnny Thunders Revue) (Vocals ?-?)

Notes: Born: April 10, 1957. Attended Westdale Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario. Mickey played lead guitar in the Forgotten Rebels until 1978 when they got their first guitarist. Married on June 19, 1999. Previous jobs: Otis Elevator. First song performed live was Stairway to Heaven with Black Curtain in 1974 because their guitarist couldn't sing and play at the same time.

AKA: Jeffrey Dee Campbell, Jeffrey Dee, Jeff C
Joined: 1989
Albums: Untitled, Criminal Zero, Nobodys Hero's, Live - Last Ones Standing
Other Bands: Mad Daddys (?-?), The Chosen Few (Guitar 1984-?), The Throbs (Guitar ?-1986-?)

AKA: Dangerous Danny C.
Joined: 2004
Albums: Live - Last Ones Standing
Other Bands: Currently of Nasties (Drummer Jan 2015-Current), Previously of Riotstar (Drummer ?-2002), The Red Light Rippers (Drummer 2005?- June 2007), Poisoned Aeros (Drummer ?-June 2006)

AKA: Gymbo, Jimbo
Joined: Sep 25, 2023
Albums: N/A
Other Bands: Dayglo Abortions (Singer 1994-2007), Maximum RNR (Singer 2009)

1977-1978: Angelo Maddalena (aka Styx / Mr. Madness)
Albums: Burn The Flag
Other Bands: Unknown
Note: Forgotten Rebels first drummer. Departed from the band in early 1978.

1978-1978, 1981-1981: Robert Allen (aka Rob Allan)
Albums: This Ain't Hollywood
Other Bands: Former of Jets? (Drummer ?-?), Later of Mad Daddys (Drummer ?-?)
Note: Was in the band from September to October 1978 and played live only a couple of times. Then in the band again from 1981 until summer of 1981.

1978-1979: Pete Lotimer (aka Pete Treason)
Albums: Tomorrow Belongs To Us
Other Bands: Later of Loudmouths (Drummer ?-?), Later of Throbs (Drummer 1985-1988), Later of Lorrainas (Drummer 2005)
Note: Left band August 1979

1978?-1979?: Cleave Anderson
Albums: None
Other Bands: Former Battered Wives (Drummer Jan-Dec 1978), Later of Tyranna (Drummer 1979-1980), The Wayouts (Drummer 1979?-?), Later of The Sharks (Drummer 1980-1982), Later of Gamma Gamma (1982-1984) Later of Handsome Ned & The Hayseed Hellions (1982-1984), Later of Blue Rodeo (Drummer 1984-1989), Screaming Sam (Drummer 1993-1997), John Borra Band (Drummer 1997-Present), Screwed (Drummer 2004-Present), The Beat Club (Drummer ?-Present) (
Note: Played live only a couple of times.

1979-1980: Larry Potvin (aka Larry Electrician)
Albums: In Love With The System, Executive Outcomes
Other Bands: Oh No's (Drummer ?-?)
Note: Joined in the summer of 1979 and left August 1980

1980-1980: Chuck MacDonald
Albums: Executive Outcomes
Other Bands: Later of The Urge (Drums ?-?), Later of The Calling (Drums ?-?) and Later of Conditional Response (Drums ?-?)
Note: Was only in the band during the recording of the 1980 demo tape found on Executive Outcomes

1983-1984: Joe Csontos (aka Rockhead)
Albums: ?
Other Bands: Teenage Head (Drummer ?-?), Throbs (?-?), Loudmouths (Drummer ?-?), Simply Saucer (Drummer 2006-2009)
Note: Replaced Dave McGhire temporarily 1983 to fall 1984.

1981-2003: Dave McGhire (aka Dave England / Dave McGhee / Dave McGhie / Damien McGlieu)
Albums: Boys Will Be Boys, The Pride And The Disgrace, Surfin' On Heroin, Untitled, Criminal Zero, Nobodys Hero's
Other Bands: Previously of the original lineup of Dream Dates (1978-1978), Slander (Bass 1978-1982 replacing Carl Johnson) and Untouchables (Bass 1982-?), The Chosen Few (1984-?)
Note: Dave McGhire was replaced temporarily by Joe Csontos from 1983 to fall 1984. Was a former sound guy and roadie for the Rebels since 1978 before joining.

2003-2004: Paul Newman
Albums: None
Other Bands: Doughboys (Drummer 1990-1997), Blue Mercury Coupe (Drummer 2004?-Present)

1977-1977: Pete Timusk (aka Peter Paranoid, Peter Nasty)
Albums: None
Other Bands: The Iguana Puppets (197x), Insurrection (1979?), Little Sister (197x), The Primitives (197x), 'Chris, Jim and Pete' (197x), The Comdemended (197x), The incense Essence (199x), Fresh Dogma (1998-?), Flinch (1995-1998), Carla Parchelo (Accompanyist) (199x), The Mechanic City Psychos (199x), E1 Feden (199x)
Note: Forgotten Rebels first bassist.

1977-1979: Carl Johnson (aka Chriss Suicide)
Albums: Burn The Flag, Tomorrow Belongs To Us
Other Bands: Slander (Bassist 1979-1981? replaced by Dave McGhire)
Note: Started in band in August 1977 and left band August 1979

1979-1980: Chris Houston (aka Pogo Au Go Go, Carl Johnson, Chuck Yer Biscuits)
Albums: In Love With The System, Executive Outcomes
Other Bands: Chris Houston and the Sex Machine (?-?), One Eyed Jacks (Bass/Vocals 1981-1982), De Voo Voo (Bass ?-?), The Evil Twang (1984-), Garnet Sweatshirt (?-?), Chris Houston solo (1980-Present), Chris Houston Band (Vocals/Guitar 1987-88)
Note: Joined the band Dec? 1979. Left the band September 1980

1981-1986: John Welton
Albums: This Ain't Hollywood, Rhona Barrett/Tell Me You Love Me/Boys Will Be Boys
Other Bands: Intentions? (Guitar ?-1981?), Later of Moon Crickets (Bassist ?-?), Blue Angels (?-1988-?), The Coop (?-2014+)

1982?-1989?, 1991?-1991?: Mike Szykowny (aka Mike Lumen, Spike)
Albums: The Pride And The Disgrace, Untitled, Surfin' On Heroin
Other Bands: ?
Note: Was in the band for 8 years. After 1989? took a break and them played with the band for another year during 1991?.

198?-198?: Unknown
Albums: None
Other Bands: Unknown
Note: A 'roadie' played live for 8 months with the Rebels says Mike Szykowny

1989- Late 1991: Dave Kyle
Albums: None
Other Bands: Later of Crimson Jimson (Bassist ?-?)
Note: Played a many gigs as a member and participated in some of the pre-production demos at MetalWorks Studio for the album Criminal Zero. Left the band due to issues with drummer Dave McGhire.

1992-1997: Chaz Coats-Butcher
Albums: Criminal Zero
Other Bands: Previously of Lee Aaron (Bassist ?-?), Phil Naro (Bassist 1990?-1992?), Invisible Man (Vocals 2001-Present)

1997-2001: Steve Mahon (Marshall)
Albums: ?
Other Bands: Teenage Head (Bassist 1975-Present)
Note: Founding member of Teenage Head

Mid 2000-Sep 24, 2023 Shawn Maher aka TT Mahar
Albums: Live - Last Ones Standing
Other Bands: Sven Gali (Bass 1987-1996, 2007–present)

1978?-1978?: Dave Howitt
Albums: ?
Other Bands: Unknown
Note: First guitarist, taking over for Mickey.

1978-1978: Tony Maddalena (aka Les Ripper)
Albums: ?
Other Bands: Unknown
Note: Joined the band in early 1978.

1978-1980: Alan J. Smolak (aka Al McCombo)
Albums: In Love With The System, Executive Outcomes
Other Bands: Later of The Saloonatics (Guitars ?-?)
Note: Joined Rebels in March 1978 and left the band after a show on August 16, 1980. Passed away February 11, 2004.

1980-1981: Mark Shuter (Mark Edward Chewter)
Albums: None
Other Bands: Former of Chants? (Guitar ?-?), Former of Revenge? (Guitar ?-?), Former of Play Set Pizza Patio? (Guitar ?-?)
Notes: Left band in summer of 1981. Born Sep 20, 1951, passed away Jan 30, 2024

1981-1989: Mike Mirabella (aka Mike Taster)
Albums: This Ain't Hollywood, Boys Will Be Boys, The Pride and The Disgrace, Surfin' On Heroin
Other Bands: Intentions? (Guitar ?-?), Later of Lordz of Brooklyn (Guitars ?-?)
Note: Ran a restaurant in Hamilon called 'Shades of Zal'. Quit after a show in Tiajuana Mexico.

Biography information referenced from album liner notes, 'The Mole' Issue #2 and information supplied by members of the Forgotten Rebels.