Charlie Moniz
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Charles "Charlie" Moniz (born Burlington, Ontario, October 31, 1980), was formerly Avril Lavigne's bassist and previously held the position as drummer for the band Grade.
[edit] Biography
Moniz attended Nelson High School in Burlington, Ontario where he was introduced to one of his first band experiences through his older sister Michelle. Already a proficient drummer by the time he started grade nine, he was snapped up by a band composed mostly of senior students called Euphoric Crush. Moniz stayed with Euphoric Crush for a little over a year, playing the Burlington, Ontario and Hamilton, Ontario bar/cub scene before the group disbanded as the lead members moved on to post secondary education. Before the break-up of the band, a demo was recorded in a practice space built in the basement of Moniz' parents - it was at this time Moniz and bassist (Paul Sveda) teamed up with Mike Baker to form a new band in 1995.
With Baker on vocals and guitar, the threesome called themselves Balm. The group immediately fell into a steady stream of weekend shows, sparked in large part by the growing profile of the area's premier independent record label, Sonic Unyon, and the accompanying increase in the number of viable all ages venues in the area. Balm recorded an 8-track ep, "Shoegazer", and gained enough momentum that they began headlining their own shows (despite the fact Moniz' young age -- he was only 15 when the band formed -- often kept the group from appearing at non-all ages venues), gaining some notoriety around Burlington, Ontario and Hamilton, Ontario and playing with the likes of Grade, Slurpy Mundae, SianSpheric and the Rainbow Butt Monkeys (now Finger Eleven). Balm's final recordings were 4 songs for a CD release of local Burlington, Ontario bands; produced in part by Sianspheric's Steve Peruzzi, the recordings were far and away the group's crowning achievement, showcasing both the band's Codeine-inspired glacial roar and Charles's rapidly evolving restrained style. Following a short hiatus during which time Mike moved away to university and Paul was replaced by Hamilton native Brad Isaacs, the group renamed themselves Toshiro and played two final shows (one in support of the CD release of Burlington-based electronic duo Oprph-Onic) before calling it quits in late 1997/early 1998.
Following the demise of Balm, Charles turned his attention to bass guitar while continuing to play drums for several local outfits, including The Pettit Project. Shortly thereafter, Grade -- who at the time were going through personnel changes -- enlisted Charles to record and tour in support of "Headfirst Straight to Hell", the group's final release. Grade broke up in July 2002 and had their last performance at Edge 102.1 FM's Edgefest in Barrie, Ontario, but opportunity knocked once again with the offer (which arrived via a network of friends) to play bass in Avril Lavigne's band in the fall of 2002.[1]
Moniz was an active member of Lavigne's touring band until February 2007 when he, Craig Wood, and Matt Brann were replaced by session musicians in advance of the release of Avril Lavigne's album "The Best Damn Thing".
He also has a younger brother, Alec.
