Following their sell-out in 2015, Theatre Of Hate make a welcome return to Bedford Esquires this Friday (October 28) as part of their European tour.
In 1980, Kirk Brandon formed Theatre Of Hate from the ashes of heralded punk band The Pack. Joining Kirk on vocals were notable punk musicians Stan Stammers and Luke Rendall, along with old school friend, Steve Guthrie and Canadian born John “Boy” Lennard, who revolutionised the band’s sound with his haunting sax lines.
The band's debut double-A-side single, Legion/Original Sin, topped the independent chart in 1980, and debut album (produced by Mick Jones), held the number one position for more than five months.
The single taken from the album, Do You Believe In The Westworld? has become an anthem and features on numerous compilation albums.
ToH supported The Clash & Ian Dury before stepping out as headliners themselves. But when the band imploded in 1982, Kirk took Stan forward to form Spear Of Destiny.
The band has resurfaced over the years to play occasional special shows, mind you.
And they were asked by John Curd to join The Damned for a massive show at London’s infamous Roundhouse in December 2014 which was an out and out success.
A short set of dates around the London anchor show attracted rave reviews, and 2015 saw the band play two short jaunts across the UK in April and December.
While touring, in '14 and '15, they found time to hit the recording studio too, and the fruits of that labour has just been issued.
Kinshi is the first new studio album for more than three decades and was part funded by a fan based private Pledge campaign.
Joining Kirk, Stan and John at musical play will be current Spear Of Destiny band member Adrian Portas (New Model Army), Danny Farrent (Buzzcocks) and Chris Bell (Hugh Cornwall) to pay homage to the iconic TOH sound.
Support comes from Northampton alternative punk rockers Venus Fly Trap and tickets are £15.
Click here to book.
