Les Colocs (The Roommates) were a Quebec rock band formed in Montreal in 1990 by singer-songwriter André "Dédé" Fortin. Known for their energetic performances and eclectic fusion of musical styles, they blended rock with folk, swing, blues, and world music. Their lyrics, written in Quebec French, addressed social themes such as poverty, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, and consumerism while maintaining a lighthearted and humorous public image, which contributed to their widespread appeal.

History

The band gained prominence with their self-titled debut album, selling over 60,000 copies and establishing a reputation for combining sharp social commentary with catchy melodies. He believed in writing from personal experience to create universally relatable songs, a method evident in tracks like "La rue principale" and "Juste une p’tite nuite". The remaining members released a final album, Suite 2116, before disbanding. Despite their relatively short career, Les Colocs remain an influential part of Quebec's music history, recognized for their blend of social commentary and musical innovation.

| colwidth =

  • Audio excerpts on Archambault.ca