The Diodes

by Craig HarrisThe first Canadian punk band signed to a major label, the Diodes are best-remembered for their moody, head-banging hit Tired of Waking Up Tired and their hard-hitting interpretation of the Paul Simon-penned tune Red Rubber Ball. With vocalist Paul Robinson backed by guitarist John Catto, bassist Ian MacKay, and drummers John Hamilton and, later, Mike Lengyell, the Toronto-based band roared with unabashed intensity. Signed by Columbia, the Diodes released their debut self-titled album in 1977. Columbia released their second album, Released, on its Epic subsidiary two years later, but poor sales of both albums led the label to drop the bands contract.Although they relocated to England after releasing their third album, Action/Reaction, on the independent Orient label, the move came late to save the band. They disbanded shortly after, releasing an album of outtakes and demos, Survivors, in 1982.