Billy Talent is a Canadian punk rock band from Mississauga, Ontario. They formed in 1993, under the name Pezz, with Benjamin Kowalewicz as the lead vocalist, Ian D'Sa on guitar, bassist Jon Gallant and drummer Aaron Solowoniuk. After changing their name to Billy Talent in 2001, they achieved mainstream success with their first self-titled studio album, and have released 5 albums to date.

The band members met at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Secondary School, which they all attended, and the lineup has stayed the same ever since, though drummer Aaron Solowoniuk could not take part in the recording of the Afraid of Heights album due to complications from the multiple sclerosis he was diagnosed with in his mid-20s, being thus replaced by friend and fellow drummer Jordan Hastings from Alexisonfire.