Ska Is Dead - Header
| | | | | |
| | |
|
Ska Is Dead - Sidebar

RECENT UPDATES

7" Club - 3/17
Past Tours - 6/12
News - 2/1
News - 9/28
Ska News - 6/29
News - 6/23

SKA IS DEAD
Facebook
YouTube
Myspace



To submit news, email daveplug1@aol.com and please put "ska news" in the subject line.

VIC RUGGIERO/CHRIS MURRAY/FORTHRIGHTS TOUR| posted 6.29.10
Two of the biggest names in North American ska are teaming up to do one of the summer's most anticipated tours. Vic Ruggeiro(keyboard player/singer for the Slackers) and Chris Murray(Chris Murray Combo/ex. King Apparatus) will both be backed by NYC's The Forthrights who will be warming up the shows with their own set of ska/rocksteady/reggae. Look for a number of other well respected acts to be added to various tour dates, such as Deals' Gone Bad (July 17) and Matt Wixson (July 18).

Jul 7 Eastern District, Brooklyn, NY
Jul 8 Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park, NJ
Jul 9 The Space, Hamden, CT
Jul 13 The Fire, Philadelphia, PA
Jul 14 The Side Bar, Baltimore, MD
Jul 15 Solly’s U Street Tavern, Washington DC
Jul 17 Billys Lounge, Grand Rapids, MI
Jul 18 The Blind Pig, Ann Arbor, MI
Jul 21 The Brass Rail, Fort Wayne, IN
Jul 22 The Beat Kitchen, Chicago, IL
Jul 29 Funk n Waffles, Syracuse, NY
Jul 30 Middle East, Boston, MA

6 HOURS OF SKA ON CALIFORNIA WARPED TOUR DATES | posted 4.16.10
Tazy Phillipz, DJ for Southern California’s "The Ska Parade" radio show, is in the process of putting together “The Ska Skrapbook,” which is the follow up to “The Reggae Scrapbook” (written by Bob Marley's chief historian, Roger Steffens). To celebrate it’s release, he has teamed up with Kevin Lyman & the Van's Warped Tour, to create "6 hours of SKA" on the Kia Kevin Says' Stage at four dates of this year's tour! The bands performing include: Voodoo Glow Skulls, The Uptones, Knockout, GoGo 13, Monkey, the Impalers, The Skank Agents, and many more. During each show, each band will be performing 1-2 songs of historical importance to the development of ska. Additionally, there will be ska-oriented booths including: The Ska Parade/Ska Skrapbook, England Belongs Clothing, CAL Moto Vespa, Bar Italia Classics,The Ska Is Dead Tour/MusicalOccupation.com & Dancing Mood Media. Organized scooter rallies will occur for these select Warped Tour Ska dates with special parking and discount rates for Scooter Clubs attending!

Fri June 25 - Home Depot Center, Carson, CA
Sat June 26 - Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA
Sun June 27 - Ventura County Fairground At Seaside Park, Ventura, CA
Tue August 10 - Cricket Amphitheatre, San Diego, CA

MUSTARD PLUG RELEASES NEW SONG AS FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD | posted 4.16.10
Mustard Plug is proud to announce the release of their new song "Aye, Aye, Aye." The song is the first new original song recorded by Mustard Plug since 2007's "In Black and White" album. The band recorded it themselves at bass player Rick Johnson's Cold War Studio and had it mixed at Bill Stevenson's Blasting Room Studio (the same place Mustard Plug recorded 3 of their last 4 records). "Aye, Aye, Aye" received it's world premiere on March 29 on BBC1's "The Punk Show" with DJ Mike Davis.

To coincide with their April UK/Europe tour and Groezrock music festival, the band is releasing “Aye, Aye, Aye” as a free MP3 download here.

MUSTARD PLUG UK/EUROPEAN TOUR DATES:
4.13.10 Bristol, UK | Croft | w/Dirty Revolution
4.14.10 Manchester, UK | Satans Hollow | w/ Dirty Revolution
4.15.10 Newcastle, UK | Trillians | w/ Random Hand, Dirty Revolution
4.16.10 London, UK | Underworld | w/ Mouthwash, Dirty Revolution,
4.17.10 Den Haag, Holland | De SuperMarkt
4.18.10 Frankfurt, Germany | Nachtleben | w/ Toasters, Red Five Point Star
4.20.10 Berlin, Germany | Wild At Heart | w/ Chipko
4.22.10 Zurich, Switzerland | Dynamo | w/ Envy
4.24.10 Meerhout, Antwerpen, Belgium | GROEZROCK 2010 FESTIVAL
4.25.10 Kingston, UK | Fighting Cocks
U.S. FESTIVAL DATES
6.25.10 Rustland, OH | Skatopia | SKATOPIA FESTIVAL
6.26.10 Pomona, CA | Fox Theater| SKA IN THE PARK

CHERRY POPPIN' DADDIES TO RELEASE 2 ALBUMS | posted 7.16.09
In celebration of the bands 20th year in the music business, Eugene, Oregon's horn-heavy, genre-bending, multi-platinum-selling Cherry Poppin' Daddies are giving store shelves a double shot of musical goodness in September: both "Susquehanna" and "Skaboy JFK: the Skankin' hits of the Cherry Poppin' Daddies" are scheduled for release on September 29, 2009, on Rock Ridge Music/Space Age Bachelor Pad Records. "Susquehanna" will finally receive its national release, as it was previously only available on the band's website, while "Skaboy JFK" is a compilation of new ska tracks with older Cherry Poppin' Daddies ska songs (some of which have been re-recorded) in a collection that comes off like a classic of the genre.

With "Skaboy" the Daddies plan to reconnect with a ska audience that is largely aware of the band as merely a swing band. "We toured with many of the iconic ska bands when we were coming up," band leader Steve Perry says, "like the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Fishbone, Reel Big Fish, The Specials, No Doubt, and Madness, but at that time, we were really touring behind 'Zoot Suit Riot,' so we didn't play a ton of ska in our sets. Now we will."

Speaking of sets, the band plans to tour in support of both albums, with tour dates to be announced soon.

RBF/ENGLISH BEAT TOUR | posted 6.1.09
Reel Big Fish front man Aaron Barrett says the band is amped to be touring with one of its musical idols. Barrett explains, “We are so excited to be playing with one of our favorite bands of all time and
one of the biggest influences on our music!! We LOVE the English Beat. This tour is a dream come true for us!”

The English Beat front man Dave Wakeling responds, “I was thrilled many years ago to be invited to play at Reel Big Fish's first album release party, and we are thrilled again to be touring with them now that they are bona fide Skadfathers!”

Reel Big Fish will also be releasing a new DVD entitled “Live! In Concert!” on Rock Ridge Music, due July 21. The DVD was filmed this past January in front of a sold-out, hometown crowd at the Grove of
Anaheim.

DEAL'S GONE BAD POSTS EUROPEAN TOUR DIARY | posted 4.19.09
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.

SKAPPLETON TURNS 15 YEARS OLD | posted 4.19.09
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. Click here for more info.

LORD MIKE'S DIRTY CALYPSONIAN'S LAST SHOW | posted 3.19.09
Lord Mike’s Dirty Calypsonians played their last show on Saturday March 14 in Chicago.

ONE NIGHT BAND NEW SIDE PROJECT | posted 3.19.09
Montreal’s One Night Band is now on break, but ONB’s singer/guitarist Alex Giguere and bass player Pascal Lesieur have a new band with some of the former members of ONB called The Beatdown. You can check out a new track on their Myspace page.

DEAL'S GONE BAD RELEASE DUB ALBUM | posted 3.19.09
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 | posted 3.19.09
Version City has released their fifth podcast. 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 | posted 3.19.09
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 East Coast to celebrate the album’s release before hitting the Warped Tour this summer.

SKA IS DEAD IV | posted 3.19.09
The first installment of the Ska Is Dead IV 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 | posted 1.20.09
We have a whole backlog of new news on the original Two Tone bands:

MADNESS ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM | posted 1.20.09
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 their Myspace page.

SPECIALS REUNITE FOR TOUR | posted 1.20.09
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 vocalist, 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.

Also, Neville Staple has a new biography about him out now called “Neville Staple: Original Rudeboy.” You can order it through Amazon.

THE ENGLISH BEAT / BAD MANNERS U.S. TOUR | posted 1.20.09
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, Bad Manner’s drummer, will be writing a tour blog.

PRESSURE COOKER "WHAT SHE WANTS"
| posted 12.3.08
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 myspace page. Check out the new track, it's a scorcher!

MUSTARD PLUG DVD CONTEST | posted 12.2.08
The good people at Interpunk are holding a contest to celebrate the release of Mustard Plug's new dvd with some pretty unique prizes, courtesy of Mustard Plug:

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), formerly worn by Dave.
3. One of the bowling shirts worn by the band on the inside of "Evildoers Beware" (also formerly worn by Dave).
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 the band. (They did 100 when the LP came out. Each one is 100% hand made. These have been out of print for months. This is one of the 15 done by Dave).

THE SKA CALENDAR 2009 | posted 11.22.08
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 feature 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 | posted 11.22.08
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 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.

HEPCAT IS BACK! | posted 11.22.08
That's right people, Hepcat are playing not one, but two shows in December! Saturday, December 20th at the El Rey Theatre in L.A. and Sunday, December 21st at Slim's in San Francisco.

THE SOUND OF 69 | posted 11.22.08
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.

THE FAD: 2000-2008 | posted 11.22.08
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'S DEADPAN FACE VIDEO | posted 10.27.08
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.

BOSSTONES HOMETOWN THROWDOWN | posted 10.27.08
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.

ROCKSTEADY STAR ALTON ELLIS DIES AT 70 | posted 10.14.08
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 d in London's Hammersmith hospital on Friday night. He leaves more than 20 children.n London's Hammersmith hospital on Friday night. He leaves more than 20 children.

MUSTARD PLUG - BIG DADDY MULTITUDE 15TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION LP+7” | posted 10.3.08
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 a strictly limited edition with 100 on Black Vinyl (exclusive to VinylCollective.com), 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 | posted 9.23.08
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 Myspace page along with songs from their debut album, "Way Back Home." Give them a listen!

MONKEY "LOST AT SEA" | posted 9.23.08
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 myspace page. Check it out!

THE SPECIALS REUNION 9/6/08 | posted 9.23.08
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!

Gangsters: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bhwb6OL8pxs
Nite Klub: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWgsOs00wtc
Rat Race: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Wp1Scoh7tk
Too Much Too Young: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ov2PWNT0Xo
Do The Dog: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI2Chaivl6U
A Message To You,Rudy: www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1sTjGdKMEs
Monkey Man/Blank Expression: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVvt5tw2HB4
It's Up To You: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAOZXU2O8RE
Too Hot: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsB4nye8fNg
Concrete Jungle: www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWKj_vCo1uE
www.nme.com/news/nme/39559

NEW DAVE HILLYARD AND THE ROCKSTEADY 7 RECORDINGS
| posted 9.23.08
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.

They will be recording the following tunes:
sunny - 60s tune
greedy - original swinghi
change of plans - original strange
get back up - original reggae
esta tarde - armando manzanero
rna - original binghi
death ride - the hippy boys
morning ya ya - fela kuti
soul thing - original ska and soul
7 years of plenty - lino trujillo
ca pulange - brazillian song
swing no 7 - old new orleans standard

HUB CITY STOMPERS "SKA SKA BLACKSHEEP" | posted 9.23.08
Hub City Stompers will be releasing, "Ska Ska Black Sheep", shortly, on Stubborn Records. They have two new songs on their myspace page (the much anticipated, "Ska Train To Dorkville" and "Where's My Hooligans").

BOMB TOWN "?!INTERROBANG?!" | posted 9.23.08
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!

MR. SYMARIP - NEW SINGLE | posted 9.23.08
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. It's a catchy tune. Check it out.

SYMARIP - SKINHEAD MOONSTOMP 2CD DELUXE EDITION | posted 9.23.08
Get Ready For Some Of That Old Moonstompin‘! 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.

Once more we would like to thank Steve Hoare, Philippe Terral, Chris Silles, the Bush Doctor and Kevin & Stephen Nye, whose contributions have enabled us to present what is the most comprehensive collection of the group’s work ever to see issue.

DISC #1:
1. Skinhead Moonstomp (as Symarip)
2. Phoenix City (as Symarip)
3. Skinhead Girl (as Symarip)
4. Try Me Best (as Symarip)
5. Skinhead Jamboree (as Symarip)
6. Chicken Merry (as The Pyramids)
7. These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ (as Symarip)
8. Must Catch A Train (as Symarip)
9. Skin Flint (as Symarip)
10. Stay With Him (as The Pyramids)
11. Fung Shu (as Symarip)
12. You’re Mine (as Symarip)
Bonus Tracks:
13. The Fit (aka Wish) (as Seven Letters)
14. Please Stay (as The Seven Letters)
15. Special Beat (as The Seven Letters)
16. Flour Dumpling (as Seven Letters)
17. Equality (as The Seven Letters)
18. Mama Me Want Girl (as The Seven Letters)
19. Sentry (as The Seven Letters)
20. Soul Crash (as The Seven Letters)
21. Throw Me Things (as The Seven Letters)
22. There Goes My Heart (as Seven Letters)
23. Bam Bam Baji (as Seven Letters)

DISC #2:
1. Hold Him Joe (as Symarip)
2. Tomorrow At Sundown (as Symarip)
3. Parson’s Corner (aka Vindication) (as Symarip)
4. Redeem (as Symarip)
5. La Bella Jig (as Symarip)
6. Holidays By The Sea (as Symarip)
7. I‘m A Puppet (as Symarip)
8. Feel Alright (as The Pyramids)
9. Telstar (as The Pyramids)
10. Geronimo (as The Pyramids)
11. To Sir With Love (as The Pyramids)
12. Reggae Shuffle (as The Pyramids)
13. All For You (as The Pyramids)
14. Stingo (as The Pyramids)
15. Mosquito Bite (as The Pyramids)
16. Mother’s Bath (as The Pyramids)
17. Can’t Leave Now (as The Pyramids)
18. Teardrops (as The Pyramids)
19. Stop The Train (as The Pyramids)*
20. Black And White (as The Pyramids)*
21. Lasting Treasure (as The Pyramids)*
22. That’s Nice (as The Pyramids)*
Bonus Track:
23. Funky Broadway (Rock Steady) (Roy Ellis & Rico’s band)*
* Previously unissued tracks

SYMARIP - MOONSTOMPIN' AT CLUB SKA | posted 9.23.08
18 track CD and 90 minute DVD recorded and filmed at SYMARIP`S first UK appearance in 35 years at the legendary Club Ska. 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.

CD
1. Back to the Moon
2. Rukombine
3. Chicken Merry
4. Skinhead Girl
5. I'm Outnumbered
6. Stay With Him
7. Drunk and Disorderly
8. Laurels for Laurel
9. Club Ska Dub
10. Must Catch a Train
11. Try My Best
12. Enjoy Yourself
13. Mosquito Bite
14. Dancing Mood
15. Boots Were Made for Walking
16. Banana
17. Sufferer
18. Skinhead Moonstomp

DVD
01. Introduction by Geno Blue
02. Dana`s birthday song
03. Skinhead Girl
04. Jump Jump
05. Back to the Moon
06. I`m Outnumbered
07. Stay With Him
08. Drunk and Disorderly
09. Tribute to Laurel - Mrs. Sandra Aitken
10. Laurels for Laurel
11.Try Me Best
12. Club Ska Dub
13. Enjoy Yourself
14. You`re Mine
15. Must Catch A Train
16. Dancing Mood
17. Country Roads
18. These Boots Were Made For Walking
19. Mosquito Bite
20. Banana
21. Sufferer
22. Skinhead Moonstomp
PLUS special feature - SYMARIP interview

CHRIS MURRAY COMBO - LOVE FLAME VIDEO | posted 9.23.08
Check out the video for Love Flame by the Chris Murray Combo.

JOHNNY "DIZZY" MOORE (1938-2008) | posted 9.23.08
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.

THE AGGROLITES - VANS WARPED TOUR FAVORITE
| posted 9.23.08
"Los Angeles’ Aggrolites brought some much-needed veteran reggae power to the afternoon’s events, which were dominated mostly by loud-and-fast upstart punk groups." - RollingStone.com (July 2008)

"The Aggrolites, decked out in matching blue Dickies that suits their working-class music to a T, probably won a few fans of what they call "dirty reggae." In fact, it was almost as if front man Jesse Wagner was willing the crowd to warm up to the reggae. And they seemed to." - LATimes.com (June 2008)

"Other standouts…included the reggae-soul of The Aggrolites." - Hollywood Reporter (June 2008)

The Aggrolites have just wrapped up the 46-date Vans Warped Tour, where they played one of the most memorable shows of their career – the revered sunset slot at The Gorge Amphitheatre in Seattle, WA. In addition to winning over fans in each city with their infectious dirty reggae, The Aggrolites were named "Best Band" by fellow Warped artists and touring crew. After a brief month hiatus, they will be at it again.

Breaking New Ground
This September, the quintet will be heading back overseas to Europe, entertaining fans with their high energy set during a two week tour. They will be exploring new ground this time around, hitting stages for the first time in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Poland and Czech Republic. Their recent album Reggae Hit L.A. (Hellcat/Epitaph 2007) got nothing but rave reviews from the European press – Riddim (Germany) called the songs "masterpieces" and according to Big Cheese (UK) the album was "addictive" and "their best yet."

A Homecoming
Then The Aggrolites will treat Southern Californians to four big homecoming shows, which will include their first headline slot at the world-famous Roxy Theatre in Hollywood. "We can’t wait to perform an entire Aggro set back home and may even have a few surprises," shares Jesse Wagner, the leader of the pack. The new pop reggae outfit Cipes and the People, led by actor Greg Cipes (Ghost Whisperer, Deadwood), will be opening on these dates.
www.myspace.com/cipesandthepeople

Another Road Trip
Mid to late October will take them to the East Coast of the U.S. and Canada with a tour sandwiching the CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival in New York City. Other musical treats at CMJ will include Lee "Scratch" Perry, Broken Social Scene and Donavon Frankenreiter. The Aggrolites have hand-picked punk rockers Everybody Out! for support on this October tour. Everybody Out! features former Dropkick Murphys guitarist Rick Barton and former The Dead Pets and Lost City Angels frontman Sweeney Todd.

The Aggrolites are Jesse Wagner (vocals, lead guitar), Brian Dixon (rhythm guitar), Roger Rivas (organ), Korey Horn (drums) and Jeff Roffredo (bass). Formed in late 2002, they have toured with the likes of Social Distortion, Rancid, Madness, 311, Dropkick Murphys, The Skatalites, The Aquabats and Hepcat.

European Tour
Sept 12 - Tampere, Finland - Klubi
Sept 13 - Helsinki, Finland - Tavastia
Sept 15 - Stockholm, Sweden - Debaser Slussen
Sept 16 - Oslo, Norway - John Dee
Sept 17 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Sticky Fingers
Sept 18 - Malmo, Sweden - Kulturbogalet
Sept 19 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Loppen
Sept 20 - Barcelona, Spain - Sala Salamandra
Sept 21 - Madrid, Spain - Gruta 77
Sept 23 - Warsaw, Poland - CDQ
Sept 24 - Wroclaw, Poland - Lykend Club
Sept 25 - Prague, Czech Republic - Cross Club
Sept 26 - Pfarkirrchen, Germany - Boogaloo Club
Sept 27 - Berlin, Germany - Kesselhaus

North American Tour
Oct 03 - San Diego, CA - Canes Bar & Grill
Oct 04 - Santa Barbara, CA - Soho Restaurant & Music Club
Oct 09 - Hollywood, CA - The Roxy Theatre
Oct 10 - San Clemente, CA - OC Tavern
Oct 14 - Covington, KY - The Mad Hatter
Oct 15 - Chicago, IL - Subterranean
Oct 16 - Ann Arbor, MI - Blind Pig
Oct 17 - Guelph, ON - Cowboys Bar
Oct 18 - Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern
Oct 19 - Montreal, QB - Petit Campus
Oct 21 - Washington DC - Black Cat
Oct 22 - Philadelphia, PA - The M Room
Oct 23 - New York, NY - Blender Theater at Gramercy, CMJ Music Marathon
Oct 24 - Farmingdale, NY - Crazy Donkey
Oct 25 - Boston, MA - Middle East
Oct 26 - Providence, RI - The Living Room

RIOT FEST | posted 7.16.08
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Mustard Plug and Leftover Crack will be playing this year’s Riot Fest in Chicago. Other bands to appear include ALL, The Casualties, TSOL, Big Drill Car, DOA, Teenage Bottlerocket, Valient Thorr, and The Methadones. More info is available at RiotFest.org.

DEAL'S GONE BAD | posted 7.15.08
On Monday July 14, Todd Hembrook, vocalist for Chicago Ska/Jamaican Soul band Deal's Gone Bad was rushed to the hospital with extreme stomach pains. Todd then underwent surgery to have his appendix removed. He is recovering well but his condition is forcing the band to cancel most of their East Coast Tour which was scheduled to start Friday. The band is hoping he'll be well enough to still play the last three dates on the tour. More info will be put up on their website as soon as it is known.

Deal's Gone Bad plans to re-schedule dates as soon as possible. The band is currently touring to support their most recent CD, "The Ramblers" which was released in conjunction with Jump Up and Megalith Records. The band has also just released a 3 CD box set of their earlier CDs.

INTERNATIONAL SKA CIRCUS | posted 6.22.07
The International Ska Circus has annouced it's line up and it looks amazing:

ISC 2007, Saturday, Sept 8th
Clark County Ampitheatre
Las Vegas, Nevada

The English Beat
The Slackers
The Toasters
Mustard Plug
The Pietasters
Buck-O-Nine
Westbound Train
Hub City Stompers
Deals Gone Bad
Goldfish Don't Bounce

2 more bands will be added as well as a soundclash tent with national DJ's spinning and a merch village and band signings. Plus there will be a pre-party at Jillian's nightclub on the Friday night, as well as an after party!!

2007 YEAR OF SKA? | posted 2.21.07
2007 is sizing up to be an amazing year for ska in terms of tours, festivals and releases...so much is going on. This is just a partial list of bands that are planning new releases for the year: Big D, Mustard Plug, Flatliners, Pietasters, MU330, Voodoo Glowskulls, Streetlight Manifesto, The Toasters, Buck O Nine.....Also look for the long awaited Ska Is Dead compilation CD to come out this summer!

GO BEARS | posted 2.2.07
Just in time for the Super Bowl, Chicago Ska-punkers, Manic Sewing Circle have done their own version of the Chicago Bear's fight song, "Bear Down". They even got the chance to perform it on WGN's morning news show. You can see this amazing performance here.

STUDIO NEWS | posted 1.8.07
SID alums Mustard Plug and Big D and the Kids Table are both presently in the studio recording and mixing new albums. Mustard Plug are recording and mixing with Bill Stevenson of All/Descendents/Black Flag fame at his studio, the Blasting Room in Ft. Collins, Colorado. In addition to Bill's previous work with Mustard Plug he has recorded notable albums by the Suicide Machines, Kemuri, NOFX, MXPX, etc. Mustard Plug's album is yet untitled and will be released once again on Hopeless Records. Big D is recording at Camp Street Studios with Joe Gittleman of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones producing. Their record, entitled "Strictly Rude" will be out on Side One Dummy Records. Check out both bands' respective websites for more info.

BREAKING UP | posted 1.8.07
After 8 years, Florida ska-punkers The Know How are breaking up. They will be playing 2 final, farewell shows at Club 1982 in Gainesville Florida, February 16 & 17. For info on tickets, go to their website.

NEW MU330 | posted 9.8.06
Big news out of St.Louis / Santa Cruz: MU330 is working on both a brand new album as well as a DVD documentary of the bands history. Also MU330 frontman, Dan Potthast is finishing up work on a new solo album which will be all ska based.

SKA IN THE UK | posted 9.7.06
The first Ska Is Dead UK tour is currently being set up for the first two weeks in December. It will be co-presented with our friends at Household Name records. Bands already confirmed include The Planet Smashers, Mustard Plug and Bomb the Music Industry. Stay tuned for more details.

TIM ARMSTRONG | posted 9.7.06
Tim Armstrong (Rancid/exOp Ivy) is putting together a new solo album and has released the first track. Recorded with the Aggrolites, it has more of a Jamaican feel than most of what we've heard from Tim lately. You can check it out here. Here is what he had to say about it:

"The first song and video off my solo record is called Hold On. It was recorded with the Aggrolites in Los Angeles. This track has an old school sound. We put one mic on the drums and everything was played live, keeping it real raw. The video was shot in one night wth a group of friends. Lars even flew down from SF to hang out and be in it. In the months to come I plan on dropping the rest of the record for free on the internet, one track at a time."

10 YEARS | posted 6.18.06
Catch 22 will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of their band with the release of their new album, "Permanent Revolution" on June 27. The album is billed as a concept album that follows the life of Bolshevik revolution figurehead Leon Trotsky. In addition the band will be playing dates this summer on the Warped and Summer of Ska Tours. Also they will be releasing a limited edition 7" available to those who pre-order the new album through Interpunk and FYE.

DESMOND DEKKER | posted 5.31.06
The ska community mourns the loss of Jamaican ska great Desmond Dekker. With hits beginning in 1968 after winning the Jamaican Festival Song competition and soon after releasing "Israelites", a recording career that spanned nearly 40 years, and being responsible for paving the way for the acceptance of other reggae artists, Desmond Dekker can only be described as a legend.

SKAPPLETON 2006 | posted 4.13.06
Skappleton 2006 will be held on May 6, 2006 at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI. Check out skappleton.net for more details.

This awesome show will include:
Mustard Plug
The Invaders
Umbrella Bed
I Voted For Kodos
Something To Do
Hired Geeks
Stamp'd
The Skattsmen
Car Full of Midgets
Catch of the Day
Reaching Scarlet
4th & Michigan
Moving Mikey
The Skamikazes
Chicken Poodle Soup

SKA WEEKEND 2006 | posted 3.30.06
Ska Weekend 2006 update!

Knoxville, TN
Saturday, April 29, 2006 at 12:30 PM
Website: www.skaweekend.com
Tickets only $15

The Ska Weekend 2006 lineup will feature 25 bands on four stages. The lineup is ...

Catch 22
The Pietasters
Big D and the Kids Table
The Know How
I Voted for Kodos
High School Football Heroes
The Flatliners

Westbound Train
Natti Love Joys
Deals Gone Bad
Hub City Stompers
The Stingers ATX
Los Vicious De Papa
Bombtown
King Django
Milele Roots
Fat Penguin
Sun Toucher
The Shakedown
In the Face
Fatter than Albert
The Rightaways
Long Shot Hero
The Taj Motel Trio
Stuck Lucky

INTERNATIONAL SKA CIRCUS | posted 1.30.06

The details for the Las Vegas International Ska Circus have been announced: The event will take place Sat. March 11, 2006 at the Clark County Amphitheatre, a 3000 seat outdoor, all ages venue. Tickets are $17.50 in advance or $60.00 for VIP tix and are on sale now.

Current ISC Vegas Lineup:
9:30pm - The Skatalites
8:30pm - Reel Big Fish
7:30pm - The Toasters
6:30pm - The Pietasters
5:30pm - Fishbone
4:30pm - Voodoo Glow Skulls
3:45pm - Westbound Train
3:00pm - La Banda Skalavera
2:15pm - The Skeletones
1:30pm - Suburban Legends
12:45pm - The Debonaires

There will also be a pre-party the night before at Jillians featuring Voodoo Glow Skulls, Super Pineapple, Goldfish Don't Bounce, and more to be announced. For more details, go to: InternationalSkaCircus.com or Myspace.com/InternationalSkaCircus

SID ARTICLE | posted 12.15.05
The website UGO.com has put up an amazing feature on Ska Is Dead and Ska music in general. Included are interviews with Mustard Plug, The Planet Smashers and the Toasters as well as music videos, a history of Ska and much more.

PARKA KINGS REUNION | posted 12.13.05
Detroit Ska legends, the Parka Kings have announced two reunion shows in Michigan: December 23 at Smalls in Hamtramck (18+), and December 29 at Alvins in Detroit (all ages).

ISC | posted 12.13.05
The Toasters/Megalith Records have announced the date for the first International Ska Circus In Las Vegas. The event will go off on March 11th at the Clark County Ampitheatre in Las Vegas, a 3000 seat grass ampitheatre. Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster. In the event that the Saturday show sells out, a second day will be added on Sunday, March 12th.

SKA WEEKEND '06 | posted 12.13.05
The date for Ska Weekend in Knoxville has been announced for April 29, 2006. According to the website this year's event will feature 2 main stages, 2 side stages and slots for 27 bands. Pre-show and post-show events will be expanded as well. Acts should be announced by the 2nd week in January.

CATCH THESE SHOWS | posted 12.13.05
Catch 22 has announced their annual Holiday shows. In addition to Catch 22 the line up includes SID alumnus Big D and the Kids Table plus Allister and the Tossers. Dates include:
12/26 Boston, MA - Axis
12/27 Hartford, CT - Webster Theater
12/28 New York, NY - The Knitting Factory
12/29 Towson, MD - The Recher Theater
12/30 Philadelphia, PA - The Trocodero Theater

MIDWEST SKA FEST '05 | posted 12.13.05
Tickets are on sale for the Midwest Skafest 2005. The date is Wednesday, December 28 and as usual, the venue is the Metro in Chicago. This year’s line up is listed as: Mustard Plug, Deals Gone Bad, Lord Mike’s Dirty Calypsonians, Skapone, Manic Sewing Circle, and DJ Chuck Wren.

Ska Is Dead - Footer




 


Anyone interested in helping sponsor the tour or website, please contact daveplug1@aol.com.
(Big cheers go out to our current sponsors….touring is difficult and expensive!)