Members

Godspeed You! Black Emperor (GY!BE), since its founding in 1994, has been a dynamic and collective musical group based in Montreal, hosting many talented musicians. With a lineup that has evolved over the years, the group has created a powerful artistic community, with each member contributing uniquely to the band’s rich musical universe. Below are the current members and those who have contributed in the past.

Current Members

  • Efrim Menuck – Guitar, tape loops, keyboards (1994–2003, 2010–present)A founding member and the creative backbone of the band, Menuck was born in Montreal in 1970. Apart from GY!BE, he has been involved in projects like Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra and Set Fire to Flames. He is also a founder of the recording studio Hotel2Tango.
  • Mauro Pezzente – Bass guitar (1994–2003, 2010–present)Pezzente, a bassist, was born in Italy in 1967 and emigrated to Canada at a young age. He is a founding member of GY!BE and remains actively involved. He also co-founded venues such as Casa del Popolo and La Sala Rossa in Montreal.
  • Mike Moya – Guitar (1994–1998, 2010–present)A guitarist and vocalist, Moya was born in Canada in 1969. A founding member of the band, he left for a period before rejoining. After leaving GY!BE, he worked on projects like Hrsta and Set Fire to Flames.
  • Thierry Amar – Double bass, bass guitar (1997–2003, 2010–present)Amar, who lays the foundation of GY!BE’s rich sonic texture, was born in Canada in 1975. He joined GY!BE in 1998 and is also known for his work with Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra and Black Ox Orkestar.
  • David Bryant – Guitar, tape loops (1997–2003, 2010–present)A guitarist and keyboardist, Bryant was born in Canada in 1973. He joined GY!BE in 1997 and plays a key role in creating the band’s atmospheric soundscapes. He has also been part of Set Fire to Flames and Hiss Tracts.
  • Aidan Girt – Drums, percussion (1997–2003, 2010–present)A drummer, Girt was born in Canada in 1972. He joined GY!BE in 1997 and has also worked on projects like Exhaust and 1-Speed Bike.
  • Sophie Trudeau – Violin (1997–2003, 2010–present)A violinist, Trudeau was born in Canada in 1976. She joined GY!BE in 1999 and has also performed with Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra and Set Fire to Flames.
  • Karl Lemieux – Film projections (2010–present)Contributes cinematic visuals to GY!BE performances.
  • Timothy Herzog – Drums, percussion (2012–present)Adds rich rhythmic layers as the band’s second drummer.
  • Philippe Leonard – Film projections (2015–present)Contributes innovative projection work to the band’s visual dimension.

Former Members

  • John Littlefair – Film projections (1994–2000)A projection artist who contributed to GY!BE’s memorable visual performances between 1998 and 2000.
  • Thea Pratt – French horn (1995–1997)Briefly contributed to GY!BE’s orchestral structure.
  • Bruce Cawdron – Drums, percussion (1997–2003, 2010–2012)A percussionist born in Canada in 1970. Joined GY!BE in 1999 and has also been part of Esmerine and Set Fire to Flames.
  • Norsola Johnson – Cello (1997–2003)A cellist born in Canada in 1977. Played with GY!BE from 1998 to 2008 and has also worked on the Hangedup project.
  • Roger Tellier-Craig – Guitar (1998–2003)A guitarist born in Canada in 1976. Played with GY!BE from 1998 to 2003 and has also worked on projects like Fly Pan Am and Le Révélateur.
  • Grayson Walker – Accordion (1997)A keyboardist and accordionist born in Canada in 1975. Played with GY!BE from 1997 to 1999.
  • James Chau – Keyboards, harpsichord, guitar (2000)Contributed to the band’s experimental sounds.
  • Peter Harry Hill – Bagpipes (2000)An unconventional instrumental addition to GY!BE’s repertoire.
  • Fluffy Erskine – Film projections (2000–2003)A projection artist who added visual depth to the band’s performances.