Dublin ska punk dub rockers The Dubtones launch their new album, The Art of Social Distancing, at the Alternative Sunday Social Club at The Wild Duck, Dublin this Sunday, 4 September at 4.00pm. We asked singer Whelo and guitarist Gipo the BIG questions . . .
Formed in 2005, they have clocked up over 350 shows, including many headliners, and opened for a who's who of legendary ska and punk outfits, including The Beat, Bad Manners, The Selecter, Neville Staple, The Damned and Vic Godard & Subway Sect.
Tell us three things about yourself?
Whelo: Originally a drummer. Shared the stage with bands I grew up listening to. Left-handed but play guitar right-handed.
Gipo: I like football. I’m bald. I like Christmas.
How would you describe your music?
W: A mix of punk, reggae, ska and rock with passion tension and truth in untruthful times.
G: Punk rock n’ roll.
Who are your musical inspirations?
G: The Clash, Sex Pistols, Elvis.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
W: Stiff Little Fingers in 1987 at the Olympic Ballroom as a young teenager with my older brother.
G: Probably Drunken Jury or The Blades.
What was the first record you ever bought?
W: AC/DC - If You Want Blood You’ve Got It. Live album from 1978) The cover was enough to sell it for an 11-year-old kid, still have it.
G: Sex Pistols - Pretty Vacant.
What’s your favourite song right now?
W: The one I am working on now, Detox on You.
G: Killing Joke - Nervous System.
Favourite lyric of all time?
W: "There Is nothing better in life than writing on the sole of your slipper with a biro on a Saturday night instead of going to the pub." Half Man Half Biscuit - The Best Things in Life.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
W: The Specials - Ghostown. The most chilling intro and perfect snapshot of the decline of the western civilisation. A musical masterpiece.
G: The Clash - White Man in Hammersmith Palais.
Where can people find your music/more information?
The Dubtones with support from The Black Pitts play The Wild Duck, Dublin this Sunday, 4 September. Doors 4.00pm Tickets €10.00/€15 with the new album.
