American ska-punk band The Interrupters hit the UK tonight to begin a tour which could be the last chance for many people to see them in modestly-sized venues.
The band, formed in Los Angeles, California, in 2011, kick off their 2020 UK tour in Cardiff tonight and play seven dates in the next nine days before winding up at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, on Friday, February 7.
But the band, who have the backing of Rancid’s Tim Armstrong, will spend the summer on the epic Hella Mega stadium tour opening up for Weezer, Fall Out Boy, and Green Day.
The dates could really see things take off for vocalist Aimee and the Bivona brothers Kevin (guitar), Justin (bass) and Jesse (drums).
The band’s last visit to these shores, in 2018, was to promote their most recent album, Fight The Good Fight, which was produced by and featured aforementioned Rancid man Armstrong, who has championed their music.
Their third album after their 2014 self-titled debut and 2015’s Say It Out Loud, the record, released by Hellcat/Epitaph, found The Interrupters delivering their two-tone-inspired, powerfully melodic, punk-fueled sound with more vitality than ever before.
They channeled the raw energy of their live shows by recording almost entirely to tape. “There’s a certain feeling you get from that process that you can’t really get digitally,” said guitarist Kevin. “There’s no overthinking anything – everyone’s got to be fully present and committed. It was definitely high-pressure, but also really fun.”
The lead single from the last album, She’s Kerosone, made The Interrupters the first female-fronted band to score a US Alternative Radio hit since No Doubt, and the follow-up, Gave You Everything, followed it into the chart.
As well as selling out their own headlining shows at increasingly large venues, the band have appeared over the last couple of years at festivals including Coachella, the final Warped Tour and Aftershock, as well as supporting Rancid.
They’re a fantastic high-energy live act, with a back catalogue of songs guaranteed to get you moving. Catch them if you can.
THE
INTERRUPTERS 2020 UK TOUR DATES
Jan
27 Cardiff, UK Tramshed
Jan 28 Birmingham, UK O2 Institute
Jan
29 Liverpool, UK O2 Academy
Jan 31 Glasgow, UK Barrowland
Ballrom
Feb 1 Leeds, UK O2 Academy
Feb 2 Manchester, UK O2
Ritz
Feb 4 Bristol, UK O2 Academy
Feb 5 Nottingham, UK Rock
City
Feb 7 London, UK O2 Forum Kentish Town
