The band was originally founded as Friendlyness And The Human Rights in 2007 by Friendlyness, known across Canada as the keyboardist & backup vocalist for seminal Canadian rock-pop band Big Sugar as well as from his time with Canadian reggae acts such as Truth & Rights and Culture Shock; along with drummer Eric Woolston (Maylee Todd, Hooded Fang, Os Tropies). The band became known simply as The Human Rights in 2013 when Juno-nominated vocalist Tréson joined to form one of the world’s most formidable vocal front lines. THR’s “sage” is the lion in winter Bernie Pitters, immortalized on Toronto’s Reggae Lane and one of the Jamaican-Canadian pioneers of the music. Other core members include bassist Tyler Wagler (Alysha Brilla) and guitarist Graham Campbell. They are regularly joined by a rotating cast of top Toronto and national horn players.
