Survive

The song "Survive" by Harlequin from their debut album Victim of a Song is a standout track that captured the raw energy of the Canadian rock scene in the late 1970s. According to a 2013 interview with lead vocalist George Belanger on Harlequin's official Facebook page, the song was inspired by the band's early struggles to break into the music industry. Belanger shared that "Survive" was written during a late-night jam session in a cramped Toronto rehearsal space, reflecting the band's determination to push through financial hardships and skeptical audiences. The track's driving guitar riffs and anthemic chorus, he noted, were meant to embody resilience, a theme that resonated with fans, particularly in Western Canada, where the song became a radio staple.

Another piece of trivia comes from a fan post on the Harlequin Fan Club Facebook group, where a longtime listener recalled hearing "Survive" played live at a 1980 Winnipeg concert. The fan described how the band extended the song's outro with an impromptu drum solo by David Budzak, which whipped the crowd into a frenzy. This live energy is also captured in a rare video clip shared on Harlequin's Instagram, showing a 1979 performance where Belanger's charismatic stage presence turned "Survive" into a sing-along moment. The song's production, overseen by Jack Douglas' team, gave it a polished yet gritty edge, which Belanger credited in a 2007 X post as key to its enduring appeal.

Harlequin got started in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1975, when bassist Ralph James assembled a group of talented musicians to form a rock band with a distinct edge. According to the band’s bio on their official website, James recruited vocalist George Belanger, formerly of the band Next, along with guitarist Glen Willows, keyboardist Gary Golden, and drummer David Budzak. The group began honing their sound by playing local gigs and recording demos, eventually catching the attention of representatives of producer Jack Douglas while performing in Toronto. This pivotal moment, detailed in a 2006 Western Canadian Music Hall of Fame induction post on Facebook, led to their signing with CBS/Epic Records in 1979 and the release of Victim of a Song later that year.

The band’s early days were marked by relentless gigging in small bars and clubs, as shared in a 2017 tour update on Instagram. Belanger often recounted how the band would drive long hours across Canada in a beat-up van, playing to diverse crowds, from rowdy bar patrons to festival-goers. Their persistence paid off when "Survive" and other tracks from the album gained heavy radio play, establishing Harlequin as a staple of Canadian rock. Fans can connect with the band through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and nostalgic throwbacks. The Harlequin Fan Club Facebook group is also a vibrant space for Zoo Freaks to swap stories and celebrate the band’s legacy.