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Shonen Knife announce 35th anniversary UK & Ireland tour

By | Published on Wednesday 16 December 2015

Shonen Knife

Shonen Knife have announced a tour of the UK and Ireland to mark their 35th anniversary. The shows will also coincide with the band’s appearance at the Stewart Lee-curated edition of ATP on 15 Apr. The band are also recording a new album, which sees the return of original drummer (now bassist) Atsuko Yamano. That’s due for release in March.

After various line-up changes in recent years, the group have now settled on something of a revolving line-up, as frontwoman Naoko Yamano explains: “Many things have happened to the band this year. Ritsuko is taking maternity and childcare leave, then Naru became the support bassist and Risa joined the band as a new drummer. It is very hard for girls to continue a band. We tour overseas a lot and it’s difficult to keep the balance of private life and band activity. Nevertheless, I’d like to … keep on rocking as an all-girl band”.

“All members, Atsuko, Risa, Ritsuko and Naru, have the same feeling which is ‘I like Shonen Knife'”, she continues. “I’d like to make music with the members who can share the same feeling and have a good time. Basically, the official members are Atsuko, Risa and I – who can go to long tours – but I want Ritsuko and Naru to join the band when there are opportunities”.

Here are the upcoming UK and Ireland dates:

14 Apr: Manchester, Ruby Lounge
16 Apr: Birmingham, Oobleck
17 Apr: London, Dingwalls
19 Apr: Falmouth, Princess Pavilion
20 Apr: Southampton, The Joiners
21 Apr: Brighton, The Haunt
22 Apr: Guildford, Boileroom
23 Apr: Norwich Arts Centre
24 Apr: Colchester Arts Centre
26 Apr: Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
27 Apr: Gateshead, Sage 2
28 Apr: Edinburgh, Summerhall
29 Apr: Glasgow, CCA
30 Apr: Dublin, Whelans
2 May: Cork, Crane Lane
4 May: Liverpool Arts Club
5 May: Nottingham, Maze
6 May: Leicester, Musician
7 May: Bedford, Esquires
8 May: Bristol, Fleece



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