English psychobilly legends The Meteors have announced a show at The Underworld Camden in London this coming July.
Formed in 1980, The Meteors, from south London, are often credited with being amongst the founding acts of the psychobilly sub-genre- a fusion of American rockabilly and punk rock with a pinch of horror thrown in. Often relying heavily on honky-tonk and horror comic/film imagery, psychobilly was founded on the west coast of the United States but found much popularity in England and northern Europe.
The Meteors led the scene in the UK, with their blend of horror and stage antics sometimes proving too extreme, particularly within the city that punk had its founding. Far from deterring the trio, The Meteors persisted with their style of music and deft non- political stances that bridged gaps between reactive elements of British culture at the time.
The band is also credited with introducing the ‘wrecking’ dance as it has become known by-an aggressive, mosh like movement that has become a staple of many a punk rock show, recognised throughout the world. Fans of the band, affectionately referred to as ‘The Crazies’, have often cited, in addition to inventing the dance itself, that The Meteors are the genres first, and only, psychobilly band-employing the slogan “Only The Meteors are pure psychobilly.”
Formed by guitarist and vocalist P. Paul Fenech, Nigel Lewis and Mark Robertson, the band was slated by the UK music press as dangerous and were refused entry by many clubs and venues around the UK. Today, Fenech remains the only original member of the band (Hendrik Corleone and Wolfgang Hordemann playing bass and drums respectively) but has continued to record new music and play live shows.
With the band making an appearance at the equally legendary venue of The Underworld, the chance to see The Meteors in a more intimate venue is surely not to be missed. Located in the heart of Camden, in fact directly across from Camden Town tube station, The Underworld has become one of London’s, if not the entire UK’s, premier venues for alternative music. Frequently considered a starting point for many bands on the way to super-stardom and selling out arenas, the small London club boasts past live performances from artists such as The Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age and Soundgarden.
The Underworld is also a favourite spot for bigger bands to play surprise or secret shows when they are in town, easily packing the venue to the rafters. With typically lower ticket prices and the draw of famous pub The World’d End right next door, the club is renownded by visiting bands and fans alike.
The Meteors will play their live show at The Underworld Camden on 14th July, 2023. Find tickets here.
The Meteors UK Tour:
13/07/2023 – 1865 – Southampton
14/07/2023 – The Underword Camden – London
15/07/2023 – Bedford Esquires – Bedford
17/07/2023 – Retro Bar – Manchester
18/07/2023 – The Parish – Huddersfield
04/08/2023 – Redrum – Stafford
Find tickets to these dates here.