Go Go Kings play three Hull dates
The Go Go Kings don't expect to make a bean out of being in a band.
The Hull punk rock outfit may be one of the most vibrant on the city's live scene but the thought of ever drawing a wage from their music seems little more than a distant dream, says drummer Grant Dobbs.
"I suppose we could always go and form a covers band in our spare time," chuckles the drummer, who occupies two stools as sticksman with both The Go Go's and The Paddingtons.
"That's what a lot bands on the Hull circuit are doing now," he says. "They're constantly looking for the next band that needs a tribute act. I suppose there's nothing wrong with that. It's where the money is.
"It's not about losing your integrity. You have to be good musicians to be a successful covers band but when they abandon their musical roots for a pound or two, I kind of think 'what's the point?'
"For us, it's never been about the money, which is lucky, because there's isn't any. Anything we make from playing gigs is instantly poured back into rehearsals.
"Our main aim is to be making the music we want to make and if other people want to hear it too, then great."
Fans of the band's brand of Ramones-esque post punk will be able to hear the band in their full glory tomorrow night when they play the first in a trio of hometown dates.
The foursome will take to the stage at The Lamp, in Norfolk Street, tomorrow, ahead of dates at The Sesh, at the Linnet & Lark, in Princes Avenue, on Tuesday, March 9, and The Adelphi, in De Grey Street, on Thursday, April 1.
The shows will also be a chance to snap up copies of the group's new EP, Vada Vada Unus which is Latin for Go Go One, which it has recorded on new Hull label Kitsch 'N' Sync Records.
The EP is being released as a limited collector's edition vinyl as well as a more modern, but less romantic, digital download.
"The EP sounds absolutely great," says Grant, whose experiences with The Paddingtons have made him wary of big business record labels and accountants bearing contracts.
"I think it's really caught the essence of us as a live band. It's a lot heavier than I think a lot of people were expecting.
"We were approached by Kitsch N Sync, which is just run by one guy from Hull, who asked us if we wanted to record an EP and we jumped at the chance. It's only a small label, but it's run like a proper old-fashioned record company where they actually care about the band and the music.
"We recorded it in Hull and it was such a good experience that we're planning to do a full album with them in the summer. We're just writing stuff and pulling all the elements together now.
"I don't think it will ever sell a million copies. But we're not really that bothered."
The Go Go Kings play The Lamp, Norfolk Street, Hull, on Friday, February 19, from 9pm. Support on the night comes from Hull band Snubnose 44, The James Dean Syndrome, The 500 Club and Blank. Entry cost £3.50 on the door. For more information call (01482) 326137.
Home