In 1980, Kirk Brandon formed Theatre Of Hate from the ashes of heralded punk band The Pack. Joining Kirk on vocals were notable punk musicians Stan Stammers and Luke Rendall, along with old school friend, Steve Guthrie and Canadian born John “Boy” Lennard, who revolutionised the band’s sound with his haunting sax lines.
Theatre Of Hate’s debut double-A-side single, “Legion”/”Original Sin”, topped the independent chart in 1980, and “Westworld”, their debut album, produced by Mick Jones from The Clash and released in 1982, held the number one position for 21 weeks. The single taken from the album, “Do You Believe In The Westworld?” has become an anthem and is still widely played in clubs and on international radio, as well as featuring on numerous compilation albums.
Supporting the likes of The Clash & Ian Dury lead to Theatre Of Hate headlining major venues across the UK & Northern Europe.
Theatre Of Hate imploded in 1982, with Kirk taking Stan forward to form Spear Of Destiny, but the band has resurfaced over the years to play some very special shows.
Having been asked by John Curd to join The Damned for a massive show at London’s infamous Roundhouse in December 2014 the band once again joined the fray. A short set of dates around the London anchor show attracted rave reviews, as did a 6 night night SOLD OUT run in December 2014. (see reviews below)
2015 saw the band play two short jaunts across the UK in April and December both sets of dates wowed large crowds.
During touring in 2014 and 2015 the band constantly recorded at Oxygen Studios in Manchester, the first new studio album in 30+ years is now complete and released via a private pledge! ‘Kinshi’ was released on October 14th 2016 on CD, Vinyl, Download & Dub to pledgers. The 12 brand new songs are simply stunning. 2018 is looking like a very busy year with the album getting labels releases in Europe & the USA. Shows in the UK, Europe and the USA are already on sale.
Kirk, Stan and John will be joined by current Spear Of Destiny band member Adrian Portas (New Model Army) on guitar and Chris Bell(Hugh Cornwall) on drums to pay homage to the iconic TOH sound.
THEATRE OF HATE Summer Assault 2018
June
Fri 29th DERBY Hairy Dog
Sat 30th LONDON Shepherds Bush Empire
July
Sun 1st NORWICH Waterfront
Wed 11th HAMBURG Drafthouse
Thur 12th BERLIN Wild at Heart
Fri 13thBOLKOW Castle Party
Wed 18th SHEFFIELD Greystones
Thu 19th DUNDEE The Church
Fri 20th ABERDEEN Assembly
Sat 21st PAISLEY Bungalow
Sun 22ndFALKIRKWarehouse
Thur 26th BEDFORD Esquires
Fri 27th CLEETHORPES Moon on the Water
Sat 28th YORK Fibbers
Sun 29th MANCHESTER Ruby Lounge
August
Wed 1st LEICESTER The Musician
Thur 2nd BLACKPOOL Rebellion Festival