| The Dik Van Dykes | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | DVDs |
| Origin | Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
| Genres | Garage punk, Comedy rock |
| Years active | 1985—1989 |
| Labels | Og Records |
| Website | Myspace Page |
| Past members | |
| Sarah Hodgson: Back up vocals Steve Hoy: Rhythm Guitar Mike "Dik" Johnson: Lead Guitar/Vocals Stu Smith: Drums Frank Viola: Bass Blurt Van Dyke Renee Wetselaar: Back up vocals |
|
The Dik Van Dykes were a garage punk sextet based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada who first formed in 1985 and folded in 1989.
They released two albums, Nobody Likes...The Dik Van Dykes, released 1987, and Waste Mor Vinyl, released 1989, on the Og Records label, preceded by a limited edition indie cassette Live At the Gown and Gavel... and countless compilation records such as the It Came From Canada series issued by OG Records (the Deja Voodoo guys).
The Dik Van Dykes referred to themselves as "Hamilton's Ambassadors of Tackiness to the World" and dressed accordingly during their stage performances. Back up vocalists Sarah Hodgson and Renee Wetselaar often wore matching outfits and were referred to as the PopTarts. In one show, the sextet dressed as cereal boxes.
Most of The Dik Van Dykes' songs were humorous in nature, often satirizing local and Canadian culture. Curling , Birthday Song and Adult Gumby were three fan favorites. The band received significant airplay on McMaster University's CFMU-FM 93.3, Memorial University of Newfoundland's (MUN) CHMR 93.5, and many other student-run radio stations.
Often compared to a cross between The Ramones / The Rezillos / The B-52's. Others thought they were more like the Dead Milkmen. In fact, their first LP "Nobody likes the Dik Van Dykes" was a nod to the Rezillos LP Can't Stand the Rezillos. Opening for The Ramones 3 nights in 1988 and playing with other great bands of the era such as Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet, UIC, Wetspots, Heimlich Maneuver and Deja Voodoo (Canadian band).
In the 90's, Sarah asked Mike (Dik) to join her band Sinister Dude Ranch. Mike accepted, but with one condition... that the band change its name to I Love My Shih Tzu. I Love My Shih-Tzu's first song was actually a DVD's song- Too Much Like Fun, and the band broke up in the early 21st century.
Mike Johnson went on to play with the Coop Boys, and is a Lawyer.
Renee Wetselaar has been working in the arts and social justice sector since 1990 and is now Executive Director of the Workers Arts and Heritage Centre. While she doesn't make music right now, she still makes art and causes trouble.
Sarah Hodgson is working as a teacher.
Stu Smith was drumming for The Late Jimmy Marvelous and has also played with Toronto area bands Ronin and the Mummers. He is employed as a Post Production Manager at Alliance Atlantis.
Steve Hoy... whereabouts unknown. May have played drums for Zappacosta
Frank Viola... whereabouts unknown.