Bruno De Vos, the 25-year-old son of late Gorki frontman Luc De Vos, is stepping out of his father’s shadow with his punk band Pissbugs, releasing their debut album Luid en duidelijk in the spring. Twelve years after his father’s death on November 29, 2014, Bruno fronting the Ghent-based band has inevitably drawn constant comparisons to the legendary Belgian folk-hero, a reality he says now largely slides off him.
The Rise of Pissbugs and ‘Havenpunk’
Pissbugs formed three years ago in a rehearsal space built by the father of drummer Jef Jacobs, located behind a warehouse along the Meulestede in Ghent. The lineup includes frontman Bruno De Vos, bassist Faust De Vogelaere, and guitarist Cobus Van den Abeele. Their raw musical style has been dubbed ‘havenpunk,’ combining aggressive punk elements with accessible, working-class themes. Their debut single, “Mijn fiets is kapot,” deals with literal transportation frustrations and everyday setbacks, themes De Vos notes are universally recognizable, especially in Ghent.
Stepping Out from the Shadow of Luc De Vos
Growing up in a household surrounded by instruments, Bruno initially learned piano before taking up guitar to play Nirvana and AC/DC tracks. Despite being raised by one of Flanders’ most celebrated songwriters—who famously worked upstairs while Bruno played Game Boy downstairs—Bruno developed his own writing style independently. When asked about accidental similarities between his lyrics and Gorki’s catalog, such as the phrase “Vroeger was het een soldaat” in his new single echoing Gorki’s “Ooit was ik een soldaat,” De Vos admitted he never intended the overlap, stating it simply rhymed naturally.
Did you know? Bruno De Vos works a day job as a part-time dishwasher in a restaurant to maintain the financial flexibility needed to tour and rehearse with Pissbugs on demand.
Comparing Musical Legacies
While comparisons to Gorki are unavoidable—both write in Dutch and share a sharp, cynical wit—Bruno rejects the idea of stopping or changing paths. He acknowledges that interviewers primarily want to talk about his father rather than Pissbugs’ current achievements, but he accepts the dynamic without bitterness. Regarding Gorki’s most famous track, “Mia,” Bruno noted that even he is tired of hearing it and believes his father wrote many superior songs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pissbugs formed?
Pissbugs was formed three years ago in a rehearsal space along the Meulestede in Ghent by Bruno De Vos and Jef Jacobs, later joined by Cobus Van den Abeele and Faust De Vogelaere.
When will Pissbugs release their debut album?
Pissbugs is set to release their debut album, titled Luid en duidelijk, in the spring.
What is the band’s first official single?
Their first official single is titled “Mijn fiets is kapot.”
How does Bruno De Vos view the legacy of his father, Luc De Vos?
Bruno acknowledges that his father inspires him and shares a similar cynical yet accessible approach to language, but he emphasizes that he writes his own lyrics and operates independently from Gorki’s legacy.
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