Out now is Theatre of Hate’s frist album in 34 years ‘Kinshi’. Self-released, the band have just toured the UK promoting it.
Hugely influential in the late 1970s / early 80s, Theatre of Hate were of one this office’s favourite bands and to be offered the opportunity to work with them is hugely exciting.
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.
Theatre Of Hate’s debut double-A-side single, “Legion”/”Original Sin”, topped the independent chart in 1980, and “Westworld”, their debut album, produced by Mick Jones from The Clash and released in 1982, held the number one position for 21 weeks. The single taken from the album, “Do You Believe In The Westworld?” has become an anthem and is still widely played in clubs and on international radio, as well as featuring on numerous compilation albums.
Supporting the likes of The Clash & Ian Dury lead to Theatre Of Hate headlining major venues across the UK & Northern Europe.
Theatre Of Hate imploded in 1982, with Kirk taking Stan forward to form Spear Of Destiny, but the band has resurfaced over the years to play some very special shows.
2015 saw the band play two short jaunts across the UK in April and December both sets of dates wowed large crowds. During touring in 2014 and 2015 the band constantly recorded at Oxygen Studios in Manchester‘Kinshi’ is a natural and worthy successor to ‘Westworld’ and will no doubt be also recognised as a classic of it’s time.
The band will be touring with Stiff Little Fingers next year before undertaking more headline shows and festival appearances.
The line is: Kirk, Stan and John with current Spear Of Destiny band member Adrian Portas (New Model Army), Danny Farrent (Buzzcocks) and Chris Bell(Hugh Cornwell).