Although the name Billy Talent sounds as if it belongs to one gifted solo act, the moniker actually refers to the punk revivalist quartet that hails from Kowalewicz in Ontario, Canada. Jon Gallant (bass) and Aaron Solowoniuk (drums) began jamming during high school under the name Pezz. The band, which was greatly influenced by the Clash, Jane's Addiction and Rage Against the Machine, put out a few independently released cassettes as well as a full-length indie album Watoosh. Pezz, which by now included vocalist Ben Kowalewicz and guitarist Ian D'Sa, changed their name to Billy Talent (inspired by a character in the film Hard Core Logo based on Michael Turner's book of the same name) and released their 2001 EP Try Honesty. Up until the release of their 2001 EP, the four members of Billy Talent hadn't quit their day jobs (as an auto worker, financial planner, radio producer and animator,) but when Try Honestly generated a lot of industry buzz and landed the band a record deal with EMI, they left the working world for the realm of music for good and began recording their eponymous debut LP. Billy Talent was set to release on Atlantic in September and the band supported its release by performing at Warped Tour, Lollapalooza, tours sharing the stage with the Buzzcocks and Jane's Addiction and the U.K.'s famed Reading and Leeds festivals. Billy Talent racked up the accolades in addition to tour dates, winning Album of the Year at the Junos and taking home trophies for Best New Group and Group of the Year as well.In February 2005 Billy Talent reconvened in the studio to begin recording their sophomore effort. The aptly titled II was released in June 2006 after the band re-issued Pezz's Watoosh!, much to the delight of their fans. Billy Talent continues to tour, delivering their brand of punk to adoring fans and also releasing 2007's live album 666 Live.