The Ska Is Dead Tour

Ska Is Dead 4 Tour
.The Ska Is Dead tour returns to Eastern half of the U.S. this November. The Toasters, Mustard Plug, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Deal's Gone Bad are amoung the many bands involved once again. Specific dates/bands will be listed here and on Ska Is Dead.com
GENERAL SKA NEWS
For more details go to http://www.skaisdead.com
Deal’s Gone Bad Posts European Tour Diary (4.18.09)
Chicago’s Deal’s Gone Bad have posted the 3rd installment of their tour diary documenting their European Tour with the Toasters. So far the bands have traveled through Spain and Eastern Europe. Among other feats, Deal’s Gone Bad has become the first American ska band to play Istanbul Turkey. You can read all about it on their myspace page or facebook group. www.myspace.com/dealsgonebad
Skappleton Turns 15 Years Old (4.18.09)
This year's Skappleton Muisc Fest will take place May 16th at Tanner Hawley's, 730 S. Railroad St., Kimberly, WI with Chicago ska legends Deals Gone Bad in the headlining spot. Other bands include Something To Do, The Invaders, Hired Geeks, Car Full of Midgets (of Appleton), Green Room Rockers, the Socialites and Umbrella Bed. This year a Minneapolis date will also be added at the Triple Rock on May 17, featuring Something To Do, , Car Full of Midgets, the 2 Tone Runts and Umbrella Bed. For more info go to myspace.com/skappleton
Lord Mike’s Dirty Calypsonian’s Last Show (3.15.09)
Lord Mike’s Dirty Calypsonians played their last show on Saturday March 14 in Chicago.
One Night Band New Side Project (3.15.09)
Montreal’s One Night Band is now on a break, but ONB’s singer/guitarist Alex Giguere has a new band with some of the former members of ONB called The Beatdown. You can check out a new track at:www.myspace.com/jointhebeatdown
Deal’s Gone Bad release Dub Album (3.15.09)
Chicago’s Deal’s Gone Bad have self-released an album of Dub music based on tracks from their album, “the Ramblers”. These tracks were remixed by the Drastics and contain guest vocals from Dr Ring Ding among others. The cd version is currently only available at their shows. A future vinyl version will be available through Jump Up Records.
Version City releases Podcast 5 (3.15.09)
Version City has released their fifth podcast at www.versioncity.podOmatic.com. This series hosted by King Django and Steady Rocker features the best in Reggae, Ska, Rocksteady and Dub as well as guest hosts (See 2 for Vic from the Slackers).
Westbound Train New Album (3.15.09)
Westbound Train will have it’s new album, “Come and Get It” released by Hellcat Records on April 22. The band will be playing a couple weeks of shows throughout the Midwest and Eastcoast to celebrate the album’s release before hitting the Warped Tour this summer.
Ska Is Dead IV (2.28.09)
The first installment of the Ska Is Dead tour was a huge success. It played 17 cities across the American West, and sold nearly 6000 tickets in the process! Look for the second leg to hit the rest of the U.S. and Eastern Canada in the fall of 2009.
TELEGRAPH REUNION | posted 2.28.09_
Former Detroit ska-punk band Telegraph, (formerly the Skolars/The Telegraph), have announced a reunion show at Smalls in Hamtramck, Michigan for Friday, March 13. The show will feature the lineup of Jeff Sanguis, Mark Penxa, John Reynolds, Matt Van (Uncle Kracker, Parka Kings, Mustard Plug), Chris Brock(Mustard Plug), Steve Kachnowski, and Derek Grant (Suicide Machines, Alkaline Trio).
CHASE LONG BEACH | posted 2.28.09_
Victory Records has just signed California pop-ska band, Chase Long Beach. The band will record in April at the Blasting Room Studios in Ft. Collins Colorado (Mustard Plug, Suicide Machines, Less Than Jake, etc.). A cd release party is planned for June 12 at Chain Reaction in Anaheim.
Two Tone is Back!
We have a whole backlog of new news on the original Two Tone bands:
Madness announce new album
Madness have announced the release of a new album, “the Libery of Noton Floodgate”. You can already pre-order a special edition of it that allows you to download the tracks now. The band has also announced another of their massive “Madstock” shows, This one to be July 17 at Victoria Park in London. For more info on both go to:
www.myspace.com/madnessofficial
Specials Reunite for Tour
The Specials have reunited, (sans Jerry Dammers) to tour the UK for their 30th anniversary. So far the dates are limited to the UK and commence April 22- May 7. According to Terry Hall, Specials vocalists, their music is as relevant as ever because “Climates have changed slightly but we’re still faced with this huge recession, unemployment and racism. It still exists and that’s what we dealt with first time round.” “We’re bound to go and play other places because we’re enjoying it so much, but there are no definite plans.” (BBC) They have also just announced a special homecoming show in Coventry’s Ricoh Arena on May 15.
http://www.thespecials.com/
Also, Neville Staple has a new biography about him out now called “Neville Staple: Original Rudeboy” You can order it through Amazon:
http://www.amazon.ca/Original-Rude-Boy-Borstal-Specials/dp/1 84513480X
The English Beat/Bad Manners U.S. Tour
The English Beat & Bad Manners are teaming up for a short U.S. tour. The tour will start Jan. 22 in Dallas and end Feb. 6 in NYC.
Steve DiFranco, the Bad Manner’s drummer will be writing a tour blog you can read it at: www.badmannersontour.com/blog Tour date info is available at:
www.myspace.com/officialbeatspace
Mustard Plug contest on Interpunk
Interpunk is holding a contest to celebrate the release of Mustard Plug’s new DVD, “Never Get Out of the Van” by giving away some rare Mustard Plug artifacts, including:
1. The carved wooden monkey from the "Pray For Mojo" album cover.
2. One of the yellow tuxedo jackets worn on the back cover of "Big Daddy Mulititude". (as well as in the DVD)
3. One of the bowling shirts worn by the band on the inside of "Evildoers Beware"
4. One of the lab jackets worn by the band on the inside group photo for the "Yellow 5" album.
5. One of the super limited edition "In Black and White" Lp's with the album jacket hand made by Mustard Plug vocalist David Kirchgessner.
For details go to: http://www.interpunk.com/showcontest.cfm?contestname=552& ;Key=141264&
Pressure Cooker "What She Wants"
Boston's ska and reggae sensations, Pressure Cooker will be releasing their sixth album, "What She Wants", in December, on Jump Up Records. "What She Wants", is the follow up to Pressure Cooker's 06 release, "Future's History". Pressure cooker have a new song up on Jump Up Record's my space page. Check out the new track, it's a scorcher!
http://www.myspace.com/jumpuprecords
The Ska Calendar 2009
The Ska Calendar 2009 showcases the vibrant photography of Joelle Andres in culmination with the colorful graphic design work of Mike Krol. The 12x12 glossy pages not only lists common holidays, they also features members' birthdays from all 13 months. Your favorite groups from around the world are all presented in thematic pictures to fit each holiday and season. Featured bands include The Pilfers, Suburban Legends, Babylon Circus, Oreskband, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Reel Big Fish, Bomb the Music Industry, The Flaming Tsunamis, The Pietasters, Big D and the Kids Table, We Are The Union, Catch 22, and "Skandrew" W.K.. Limited edition of 2000, they are available at www.TheSkaCalendar.com
The Up Beat Movie released on DVD
Brandon Smith's long awaited ska documentary "The Up Beat" has been released on DVD. This movie documents Brandon's investigation of the ska scene through interviews with internationally prominent bands such as the Bad Manners, the Toasters, Slackers and the Maytals. The movie also explores the history of the local Utah ska scene and portrays the struggles of Brandon's own band, The Upstarts in a scene that has declining mainstream popularity. Visit www.theupbeatmovie.com to find out more.
Hepcat Is Back!
That's right people, Hepcat are playing not one, but two shows in December! Saturday, December 20th El Rey Theatre in L.A and Sunday, December 21st at Slim's in San Francisco.
The Sound of 69
Crazy Baldhead's, new album, "The Sound of 69", features songs from 1969 by groups like The Stooges, James Brown, The Beatles, Johnny Cash and more, done in a skinhead reggae/rocksteady style. "The Sound of 69", includes vocals by Alex Desert(Hepcat), Steve Jackson(Pietasters), Vic Ruggiero(Slackers) and Bucket(The Toasters). The band features Victor Rice, Eddie Ocampo, Glen Pine, Dave Hillyard, Vic Ruggiero and of course, Agent Jay. Crazy Baldhead's, "The Sound of 69", is available from interpunk on CD and vinyl. http://www.interpunk.com/item.cfm?Item=10163&
The Fad 2000-2008
After 8 years, Long Island’s The Fad, have broken up. The following is part of a statement posted on the band’s myspace page: “This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Friday afternoon it was decided that after almost 8 years The Fad will be calling it quits. This past year has been hard for all of us. Our van and trailer were destroyed, and it seems like we will never be able to recover from that. In our time off it seems as if everyone else has parted with the goals we had a year ago. We've done other projects, found jobs and following Cody's decision to leave the band, the others have decided to step down as well” -Jimmy Doyle
Big D and The Kids Table- Deadpan Face video-
The music video for Big D and The Kids Table’s, “Deadpan Face”, is up. The video was directed by independent horror film maker, Mark Borchardt. Check it out at: [url]http://www.bigdandthekidstable.com/wimpy_wasp/waspPopup .html?theFile=http://www.bigdandthekidstable.com/wimpy_wasp/ deadpan.flv&wW=320&wH=268[/url]
Bosstones Hometown Throwdown-
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones 11th Hometown Throwdown was announced. The shows will take place December 26-31 at the Middle East in Boston, MA. The band will be playing at Lupos in Providence, RI on New Years Eve. For more info go to http://www.myspace.com/themightymightybosstones
Rocksteady star Alton Ellis dies at 70
Alton Ellis, known as "the Godfather of rocksteady", died, October 10 at the age of 70.The Jamaican-born singer, who moved to Britain in the 1970s, achieved fame with a number of hits, including “Girl I’ve Got a Date” , “I'm Still in Love” and “I'm Just a Guy”. He was a leading pioneer of the rocksteady sound, which came out of Jamaica in the 1960s. Ellis was still performing until August this year, when he collapsed after a concert in central London. The prolific singer, who began his career in the 1950s and fronted vocal group The Flames, was diagnosed with cancer in 2007.Ellis underwent chemotherapy before returning to the stage, but died in London's Hammersmith hospital on Friday night. He leaves more than 20 children.
Mustard Plug - Big Daddy Multitude 15 Anniversary Edition LP+7”
On December 2nd, Asbestos Records is releasing a 15th anniversary edition of Mustard Plug’s “Big Daddy Multitude record. This is the first time the band's classic first full length has been released on LP. It will be strictly limited edition with 100 on Black Vinyl (exclusive VinylCollective.com Preorder Color),125 on Clear Vinyl (exclusive to NerdAlertRecords.com), 250 on White Vinyl (exclusive to MUSTARD PLUG SHOWS!) and 525 on Yellow Vinyl (retail version)
One Night Band Release New Album:
Montreal's, The One Night Band has a new album of dirty reggae and ska coming out on Stomp Records. The album is titled, "Hit & Run" and will be out October 7th. "Hit and Run", was produced by Brian Dixon of The Aggrolites. There's a new song up on their my space page along with songs from their debut album, "Way Back Home". http://www.myspace.com/theonenightband

THE PILFERS 2008 Reunion TOUR!
The original Lineup of 3rd wave super-group The Pilfers , featuring Coolie Ranx (of the Toasters, and voice actor from Grand Theft Auto 4) and Vinny Nobile (of Bim Skala Bim) will touring the East Coast from Nov. 21-29. Englands’s Sonic Boom Six will be on all the dates www.myspace.com/pilfersnyc

Monkey "Lost At Sea":
Monkey is very close to finishing their fourth album titled, "Lost At Sea". The album will feature 11 ska and reggae tracks, with guest performances from Kincaid Smith (Hepcat). Parker Jacobs(Gogo13, The Aquabats, Yo Gabba Gabba, Paul Frank, etc), will be providing the artwork. Look for, "Lost At Sea", on Asian Man Records later this year! They have a new song("Chemical Nation")up on their my space page. http://www.myspace.com/monkeyska

The Indepedents “Do it Again”
South Carolina Horror Punk/Ska Band The Independents have a new album called, “Do It Again” coming out Oct. 14. They’ll be out touring the entire U.S. through the end of November, the first half of which is with the Queers www.theindependents.net

Riot Fest 2008
This year’s Riot Fest in Chicago will feature a reunited Mighty, Mighty Bosstones as well as sets by Mustard Plug and Leftover Crack. Other bands on the bill include ALL, TSOL, DOA, The Casualties, the Horrorpops etc. Riotfest takes place Oct. 12 at the Congress Theatre in Chicago. www.riotfest.org

Streetlight Manifesto – 99 songs of Revolution
Streetlight Manifesto is planning on releasing a full album of cover songs in early 2009. This is part of their 99 Songs of Revolution project in which 4 Streetlight Manifesto related bands release 2 albums each consisting of all cover songs. http://www.streetlightmanifesto.com

The Specials Reunion 9/6/08:
6/7 of The Specials played their first show in 27 years at Bestival last weekend (September 6). The band was officially billed as Terry Hall And Friends. Founding member, Jerry Dammers, was not present, but this is a great start!

New Dave Hillyard and The Rocksteady 7 Recordings:
Dave Hillyard is heading back to the studio to record a third album with the Rocksteady 7. The Dave Hillyard Rocksteady 7 will start recording their new album on September 20/21 at Seaside Studios in Brooklyn. http://www.myspace.com/davidhillyardrocksteady7

Hub City Stompers "Ska Ska Blacksheep":
Hub City Stompers will be releasing, "Ska Ska Black Sheep", shortly, on Stubborn Records. They have two new songs on their my space page(the much anticipated, "Ska Train To Dorkville" and "Where's My Hooligans"). http://www.myspace.com/hubcitystompers

Bomb Town "?!INTERROBANG?!":
New Jersey's Bomb Town are back with their second album, "?!INTERROBANG?! ". The new album was recorded and mixed at Version City by King Django and is being released on Stubborn Records. You can order, "?!INTERROBANG?!", from Stubborn Records for $12! http://www.myspace.com/bombtown

Mr. Symarip- New Single:
Roy Ellis a.k.a. Mr. Symarip has a new single, "Shine, Shine, Shine a.k.a. When Those Skins Come Marchin' In", out on Liquidator Music http://www.myspace.com/musicliquidatorSymarip- Skinhead Moonstomp 2CD Deluxe Edition:
The long-awaited 2 CD deluxe edition of Symarip’s ‘Skinhead Moonstomp’ album is soon to issue. Comprised of the original 12 tracks, augmented by an incredible 34 tracks, a number of which have never previously been released, the set follows the group’s career from their late sixties singles for Graeme Goodall’s Doctor Bird Records through to their early seventies work with Bruce White and Tony Cousins of Creole Records. Also newly released isSymarip- Moonstompin' At Club Ska:18 track CD and 90 minute DVD recorded and filmed at SYMARIP..S first UK appearance in 35 years at the legendary Club Ska. It features the best of SYMARIP live performing tracks like their mega 1970..s Skinhead Reggae classic "Skinhead Moonstomp" and tracks from their Trojan Records album of the same name as well as some standard Ska and Reggae classics for good measure! DVD features the whole set on the night plus interviews with original SYMARIP members.

Chris Murray Combo- Love Flame video:
Check out the video for Love Flame by the Chris Murray Combo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhA8MBP-vqY

Johnny "Dizzy" Moore (1938-2008):
Johnny "Dizzy" Moore, died Saturday, August 16th, from colon cancer. He was 70 years old. Johnny "Dizzy" Moore, was a founding member of The Skatalites, along with Tommy McCook, Don Drummond and Roland Alphonso. He will be missed by many.