WAIST HIGH: Killing Joke

7/02/2008

Original Killing Joke Lineup Returns.

Finally, after numerous line-up changes through the years, all original Killing Joke members have reunited for a new album and world tour.

Drummer Paul Ferguson will rejoin the lineup for the first time since 1987, enabling a whole new generation of fans to see Killing Joke's legendary original formation. Diehard fans have been waiting for this moment for two decades.

Bassist Martin 'Youth' Glover also steps back into the live arena after a near 15 year hiatus, having not played live with Killing Joke since 1994's Pandemonium tour.

The tour will see Killing Joke take up a two night residency in most venues, offering a different set on each evening. On the first night, they will play their first two albums in their entirety, 1980's self-titled album, followed by the album What's THIS For...! Their second performance in each city will treat fans to 1994's Pandemonium and the Island Records singles of '79 to '80.

Once described by Ferguson as "the sound of the earth vomiting," Killing Joke is anthemic and grandiose in it's evocation of nightmare visions. Taking a sarcastic jab at authority and perceived reality to a sonically charged mixture of post punk and metal, Killing Joke's heavy guitars and pounding tribal drums conjure a primitive atmosphere of doom, gloom, and resistance.

Notorious for their use of inflammatory imagery, a backlash against a world they perceived as ever more materialistic, unjust and conservative, Killing Joke railed against the establishment and created a unique sound from their very conception.

Ironically, in the current musical climate with it's obsession with rehashing eighties sounds, the '80s saw Killing Joke really pushing music forward, incorporating danceable elements with aggressive, grinding guitars and thumping drums. With elements of proto-techno rock, their post apocalyptic vision has inspired bands as diverse and influential as Nirvana, Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, and Godflesh. Killing Joke have always been and continue to be more than just a band.

Godfathers of post-punk, Killing Joke will return with their eagerly anticipated new album to coincide with their world tour. Album release date TBC.

LIVE DATES
September
11 - Tokyo, Duo
12 - Tokyo, Duo
16 - Madrid, Heineken
18 - Barcelona, Apollo
19 - Milan, Rolling Stone
20 - Milan, Rolling Stone
22 - Zurich, Abart
24 - Berlin, Columbia Hall
25 - Berlin, Columbia Hall
26 - Paris, Trabendo
27 - Paris, Trabendo
29 - Brussels, AB Club
30 - Brussels, AB Club
October
02 - Glasgow, ABC
03 - London, The Forum
04 - London, The Forum
09 - Los Angeles, House Of Blues
11 - New York, Filmore East/Irving Plaza
12 - New York, Filmore East/Irving Plaza
14 - Chicago, House of Blues

Material: myspace.com/killingjokeofficial

2/26/2006

Happy Birthday Jaz Coleman.

Vocalist and keyboard player Jaz Coleman co-founded Killing Joke in 1978. Coleman is also an orchestral composer best known for his composition The Doors Concerto, performed by Nigel Kennedy. It is from Killing Joke that Waist High takes the title for her feature "Living In The Eighties News."

Additionally, it was Kurt Cobain who "couldn't help but brilliantly swipe the main guitar riff from the great 1985 single 'Eighties,' and use it as the basis for a highly successful single of his own, 'Come as You Are.'"

Quoted material: popmatters.com

CAST OF CHARACTERS

THE KERN COUNTY DRUNKARD
Everything at Waist High is a long story, and the story of The KCD is no exception. After this individual told Waist High in December of 2003 that she was going to kill her, "Waist High" the blog was born. Please do not tell Waist High the person that you are going to kill her or she will create "Waist High" the blog and write nasty things about you! Including the time you stunk up the bathroom at The Alley Cat. The "Kern County Drunkard Watch" detailed the drunken comings and goings of the live-in love interest of one of Waist High's most cherished male friends. Never has Waist High met anyone who drank as much as or as often as The KCD. The KCD, because she was an insecure drunk, hated Waist High for most of her decade long relationship with Waist High's most cherished male friend. She hated Waist High for the obvious reason: Waist High is hot. A one time source of much of the material for Waist High the blog, The "Kern County Drunkard Watch" was permanently retired in March 2005 when Waist High's most cherished male friend finally came to his senses and kicked her ass to the curb.

RAMPART
Rampart is the first ex-husband of Waist High. She refers to him as her first ex-husband because she knows there will eventually be a second. Rampart grew up on the mean streets of Bakersfield and claims to have been the co-discoverer of the well known 1980s dirt field party spot known as "The Place." Rampart's 1987 directive to Waist High, "Drink this six pack before I get back!" made both Waist High and Rampart parents at age 20. Rampart currently resides 4.5 miles from Waist High in the wilds of Oregon and is an enduring fixture at their local Cigs For Less shop. Once a Bakersfield Del Taco associate, Sail Thru Hamburgers drive up dude, and Wible Road AM/PM graveyard worker, Rampart claims to now net $49,000 per month. But only to impress people, not when required.

(THE FORMER) LOVELY TEENAGED DAUGHTER
Not your average 37 year old. Born to Waist High as a "Miracle on 34th Street" in Bakersfield Memorial Hospital on 34th Street, LTD is on the board of MAC cosmetics. Not really, but she swears allegiance only to them. When LTD's mother once purchased LTD some eye shadow from Target, LTD threatened to call the police. Sweeter than Tupelo Honey, with the attitude of a feral cat, LTD is disgusted with most things. Including being forced to live with Waist High from 1988-2005. The child at one time even had her own blog, "Living With Waist High," which detailed her misery. A graduate of the oldest institution in the Oregon University System, LTD kept her promise of not getting knocked up at age 20 like Waist High did.

THE STRANGER
Oh God bless The Stranger. The Stranger was one of Waist High's most loyal confidants during some of the darker periods of the blog. Although his fierce allegiance to really bad music was a great source of aggravation for Waist High, The Stranger gave her a much needed look at life. Through the eyes of someone not yet bitter. The Stranger was almost pushed out of a moving vehicle when he revealed to Waist High that not only did he not know who Barry Manilow, Captain & Tenille, or Spandau Ballet were, but that he literally had no clue what Trail Mix was.

"TRI-TIP"
Special Correspondent to Waist High, and one of Waist High's most cherished friends. Used to live with The Kern County Drunkard. Was a Special Correspondent to Waist High for 9 months before knowing it. Long story. This individual coined the ultimate mid '80s Bakersfield drinking phrase, "Lock hubs. Party!"

DESI
Waist High's former work spouse. Cares about Waist High so much that he once took Waist High with him on a smoke break the very next day after she spent $250 for hypnotherapy TO QUIT SMOKING. Was the first person in conversation to introduce Waist High to concepts like "The Dirty Sanchez," "Dog In A Bathtub," "Tea Bagging," and "The Shocker." Reminds Waist High as often as possible that if women "neglect the balls," their men will leave them.