The King Blues Split

     Britain’s most successful Punk Ska band, the King Blues officially announced their split via their website this Monday, the 2^nd of April 2012. The band was formed in 2004 and was a cutting-edge political hybrid collective.

     In their official statement, the band expressed ‘great sadness’ and told fans that ‘The King Blues are no more. We are all immensely proud of our body of work. We will be releasing the last The King Blues album entitled ‘Long Live The Struggle’ as the final chapter. The album will be released in early July 2012.’

     The King Blues simply feel they’d gone as far as they could as a band and felt it would be unfair to continue if they were just ‘going through the motions. We all believe strongly in what the King Blues stand for.’

    They also gracefully thanked fans for all their ‘support, love and passion’ through the years. The band brought political awareness into the minds of their fans, many whom are teens. Growing up in rough areas, with frontman Itch even selling the Big Issue and living on the streets at one point, the band sure know what it’s like to earn success. And with fifteen past members of the King Blues, there’s been many a line-up change over the past 8 years.

The King Blues

    With their Folk, Punk Rock and Hardcore influences, the King Blues are a great example of decent, politically driven music. They had heavy influences from the likes of The Clash, The Specials and Black Flag and incorporated rap, vocals and great musical ability.

Visit www.kingblues.com for the band’s official statement in full. 

Slam Dunk Festival 2012 is Here!

     Slam Dunk Festival, derived from Slam Dunk Records, is an annual music festival, evolving from a Alternative, Ska, Pop Punk, Punk and Emo night at Leeds’ the Cockpit venue. In 2010 the Southern counterpart to the festival held its first, very successful year at the University of Hertfordshire, creating a two day festival consisting of Slam Dunk North and South. The festival is held on the May Bank Holiday each year, staging a mixture of up and coming bands to more established bands as headliners, based around the genres of the original club night.

     The first announcement for this year’s festival, the 7^th annual Slam Dunk, is made up of Taking Back Sunday headlining (exclusively from the rest of the UK), Architects, The King Blues, Everytime I Die and loads more to be announced across several stages.  Taking Back Sunday’s lead vocalist, Adam Lazzara divulged that the band can’t wait for head over here; ‘It’s a bunch of great bands…it’s gonna be cool getting to see and meet everyone!’  Slam Dunk 2012 will take place on the 26^th of May in Leeds University (North) and the 27^th of May at the University’s of Hertfordshire’s Hatfield Campus (South).

     In the past, Slam Dunk Festival has played host to some of the Rock world’s most prestigious and successful bands and artists, with the likes of Paramore, New Found Glory, The Blackout, Fall Out Boy and You Me At Six having already graced the stage. It has also propelled the careers of bands such as We Are The Ocean, Lower Than Atlantis and Young Guns. The festival will also play host to the only UK shoes for Everytime I Die, Cancer Bats, Set Your Goals and Make Do and Mend. There will be more announcements in the coming weeks.

Taking Back Sunday are set for headline this year's festival

      Slam Dunk’s promoter Ben Ray has watched the festival expand over the past few years; ‘Again, this year has been hard work, but I’m extremely happy with how the line-up is shaping up so far. I’m confident the festival can deliver a line-up of bands that everyone will agree is amazing value. I also thought it was extra important this year to demonstrate the value so tickets have been frozen at 2011 prices!’ Tickets are on sale from 9am on Friday the 17th of February 2012 and there is a price freeze from last year’s ticket prices as well as a free shuttle bus system for the Hatfield site, which is just 20 minutes from London’s Kings Cross station.

 Tickets are priced at £32.50 in advance or £36 with access to the aftershow party!

http://www.slamdunkmusic.com/slam-dunk-festival