Here are Toronto’s top 6 fictional bands of all-time from Sex Bob-omb to Zit Remedy, Canada Reviews

Toronto, as we know, has an incredible music scene. Not sure if you’ve heard, but Drake lives here. So. Beyond that, the city is known for producing both world-renowned musicians and scrappy indie rock super heroes. But Toronto has also served as the backdrop for some of the most memorable fictional bands in film and television. These bands, though not real per se, have become icons in their own right, contributing to the city’s rich pop culture tapestry. And, name-dropping any of these at music trivia night will give you instant credibility.

Here’s a look at the top 5 fictional bands from Toronto that have left us wanting more.

1. Ming Tea (Austin Powers)

Though Ming Tea isn’t exclusively tied to Toronto, it has strong connections to the city through its lead, Mike Myers, who hails from Scarborough. Ming Tea, the groovy band featured in the Austin Powers series, was a playful homage to the swinging 60s. The band, with Myers as the charismatic Austin Powers on lead vocals, also featured Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles and Matthew Sweet. Ming Tea’s retro style and infectious energy made them a fan favorite, perfectly complementing the over-the-top, psychedelic vibe of the Austin Powers films. The band’s playful performances, especially the hit “BBC,” are a reminder of how music can be both fun and integral to a character’s persona. And, the band actually inspired the Austin Powers films, not the other way around.

2. Sex Bob-omb (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World)

Perhaps the most well-known fictional band associated with Toronto, Sex Bob-omb, was the chaotic, punk-infused garage band from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Based on the graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O’Malley and directed by Edgar Wright, the film was set and shot in Toronto, with many local landmarks making appearances. The band, fronted by Scott Pilgrim (played by Toronto’s own Michael Cera), encapsulated the raw energy and DIY ethos of the indie music scene. Songs like “Garbage Truck” and “Threshold” were not just catchy but also perfectly captured the band’s scrappy, underdog spirit. With its mix of music, video game references, and comic book aesthetics, Sex Bob-omb became an instant cult classic, resonating with audiences far beyond Toronto.

3. The Plateaus (The Plateaus)

A more recent addition to the list, The Plateaus were the central band in the Canadian CBC Comedy web series of the same name. Back before Annie Murphy became a huge star on the heels of a little comedy dubbed Schitt’s Creek, she starred in this gem following a band that was as dysfunctional as it was ambitious. The Plateaus, with their pretentious attitudes and constant in-fighting, were a hilarious send-up of the indie rock world. The Plateaus may not have had the same longevity as some other bands on this list, but they perfectly captured a specific moment in Toronto’s indie scene.

4. Zit Remedy (Degrassi)

No list of fictional Toronto bands would be complete without mentioning Zit Remedy, later known as The Zits, from the Degrassi franchise. Debuting in Degrassi Junior High, Zit Remedy was a trio of high school friends—Joey Jeremiah, Wheels, and Snake—who dreamed of rock stardom. Their one and only song, “Everybody Wants Something,” became an anthem for fans of the show. Simple, repetitive, and undeniably catchy, the song was a reflection of the band’s earnest, if somewhat naïve, aspirations. Sure, that Drake guy might be the best-known musician to graduate from Degrassi, but Zit Remedy is not far behind.

5. The Recess Monkeys (SCTV)

Originating from the iconic sketch comedy show SCTV (Second City Television), the Recess Monkeys were played by three members of the legendary Toronto comedy troupe: Rick Moranis, Eugene Levy and the late, great John Candy.  The Recess Monkeys were a hilarious send-up of the classic high school band. Although the Monkeys were, well, bad, it was a nod to the music stylings of one Rick Moranis, who, later in his career released a bona fide country and western album entitled The Agoraphobic Cowboy.

6. Hardcore Logo (Hard Core Logo)

Hard Core Logo is a gritty, mockumentary-style film that follows the fictional punk band Hard Core Logo, a group of aging musicians from Toronto who reunite for one last tour across Canada. Directed by Bruce McDonald, the film is a raw, unflinching look at the realities of life in a punk band. It’s also one of the most iconic Canadian films about music ever made. Of course, is it a fictional band? Sure. But it is a fictional band led by the very real Hugh Dillon as Joe Dick. Dillon is one of the great Canadian rock frontmen of all-time as the singer and guitarist for the band The Headstones. So, the band is kind of a ringer. More trivia, the guitarist in Hard Core Logo is named Billy Talent, which inspired another iconic band of the same name. Still an amazing film though, well worth checking out if you haven’t seen it yet. Watch below!