Well, we all find ourselves in the situation of the relaxing of lockdown stages that mean more freedoms. The vaccination roll out seems to be taking effect the but the new strain Indian variant is a worry we need to keep an eye on in the music world.

However - we need to remain positive and with that in mind, shows continue to book and rescheduled gigs  become confirmations. So , ladies and gentlemen, with that positive mindset in full on mode, we present you with our dates for 2021.

Of course, these can all go to the wall, so pleased check with our website and social media to keep abreast of any developing situations or contact venues BUT we pray and sincerely hope to see you on Part 1 of The Northern Gods Tour which will also run into 2022.

Hold on to your pork pie hats - here we go!

Hello there!

Yes- another release we have on Bandcamp this week ending May 7th is the  mini live album "Still A-Live" recorded on our travels around the UK.

There's also a small remix of "Dyna-Mite!" chucked in and how much is this all gonna cost you?

A mere £3.00! that's all. Remember - only on Bandcamp! It won't be available anywhere else

THE SKAPONES ON BANDCAMP

We have a Bandcamp page - Now here you'll find a the obscure tracks we don't release on a big scale. 

Today we have issued a LIVE version of "Betrayal Of Trust" that was recorded on tour. 

Pop over and have a listen and a look around and if you like Betrayal or any others - its only £1.00. 

Have a great weekend and stay safe. xxx (SEE YOU SOON!) 

Link to Betrayal Of Trust (Live)

Yes- on Wednesday 21st April 2021!

We will be appearing on national radio with BBC Radio 5  Live;s drivetime programme.

Be on about 6.30pm. 

Willo will join a panel to chat about the pandemic and its effect on music and the local area then we will play out the show in an acoustic stylee. Much excitement - will post it up after on a listen again link if you miss it live.

After much ado over the coronavirus pandemic and 2 rescheduling logistical nightmares for the promoters, The Beat ft Dave Wakeling have released the dates for the tour in 2021 covering end of June and through July.  We were originally scheduled in for the Newcastle date as well but on the first rescheduled tour that clashed with our gig in the USA at Supernova Fest in Virginia so unfortunately we wont be playing that date on this new schedule either but we kick off with a sold out show at the Thekla in Bristol. If we are asked to play any more we'll let you know.

All links to tickets are attached to the individual gigs but you can also book any date from the link provided.

See you on tour!!!!

The reviews are still coming in and here's a cracker from Guy Shankland of Vive Le Rock and Original Rock for the new single "The Eyes Of A Child".  Big love to Guy & Original Rock.

" North East Ska pioneers THE SKAPONES continue their own personal mission to keep the now legendary 2-Tone legacy alive and well in and beyond 2021. The band’s latest offering is the slightly slower paced ‘Eyes Of A Child’. The track’s melancholy edge effortlessly glides into a Specials slipstream of danceable desperation. The subtle mix of musical styles balances the track out beautifully and if you’re looking for a new band to get you both skanking, and thinking then look no further than The Skapones. 

The band are due to head out later this year for a UK tour supporting Ska leg-ends The English Beat. For more Skapones info, tour dates and merch head over to; 

https://www.facebook.com/theskapones

Guy Shankland March 2021..."

LINK TO ORIGINAL ARTICLE - ORIGINAL ROCK REVIEW MARCH 2021

BRAND NEW PROMO VIDEO PREMIERED LAST WEEK AND ITS BELOW - 

Thanks to ButtonDown radio blog for the review of the new split single. More to come when we get em.

"...Ska-Line Round up of the Global Ska Scene 21st February 2021 

Whilst we await the next version of our escape plan from COVID here's what's going on in the ska scene! 

Due soon - the new split single from The Skapones and Detroit Riddim Crew on Cosa Nostra Records. The Skapones track - Eyes of a Child. DRC - Look Around. 

Last time Detroit Riddim Crew hosted The Skapones on the Do Something / Girl Inside split EP. This time, it's The Skapones hosting. There really is no such thing as a typical Skapones single is there. And again they break any mould that starts to form around them. At just a shade under 6 minutes long, this is never going to be a 100mph skanker but this is no slouch of a tune. The extra time gives the tune time to develop and grow. From their press release: 'we are given deep and insightful lyrics that remain direct yet ambiguous, to achieving awareness, to life lessons to awakenings, all delivered in a sharp crisp arrangement and tune bursting with 2Tone-esque rhythms, great brass riffs and harmonious melody from the North east skankers whilst showcasing all their major influences yet remaining highly original.' 

I think that Cartoon Violence are setting some kind of record for the most mentions on the BDR blog as Chuzz lends his ivory tinkling talents and Carlos Russell from Malambo Ska adds to the percussive battalion. Thought provoking and imminently danceable, this gives us a sneaky insight into what we may experience in the eagerly awaited second Skapones album - Northern Gods. On the flipside, we get what I thing is the best Detroit Riddim Crew track yet. Look Around is superbly catchy number with an easy laid back feel. A ska influenced tune after last year's Fight For Your Rights / Falling Down (Another jewel in the DRC crown) which had a much more dubby feel. This complements the Skapones track superbly. Available on digital and luvverly red vinyl (no firm date due to delays after lockdowns etc. - it will be worth the wait.) Keep a cautious eye on https://www.theskapones.co.uk/ for ordering when it lands, It will go quick as only limited numbers available!..."

ButtonDown Radio Blog February 2021

Hows everyone doing in these strange old times? 

Our forthcoming  brand new single, recorded mainly ona  remote levbel at home due to the pandemic, is mixed and mastered by Paul Ayriss and is away to the vinyl pressing plant! and to make this a really cool 7" vinyl release (digi download will also be available)  its coming out on luscious RED vinyl!!! So good you could lick it.

Ordering link swill be available soon as the vinyl lands with us.

The Detroit Riddim Crew track " Look around" was recorded in Jamaica and this really makes it a cool split single, our 2nd with the DRC. the vinyl will be available on limited edition here in UK and the USA.

Stay tuned!!!!! and stay safe x

A LIVE VERSION of our track "Dorian's Going Grey" is to be featured on a brand new international ska compilation album titled "Ska Man Saves The Ska Show With Beefy"

This release is a digi download benefit compilation whose aim is to help raise funds for the future broadcasting of one of the globe's finest ska radio shows "The Ska Show With Beefy" airs every week on Southern FM out in Melbourne, Australia & DJ Beefy His benefit comp features a stunning array of 60 bands from all over the globe playing all genres of the ska scene. The album is out on 30th January and you can pre-order it now on Bandcamp here:

SKA MAN SAVE STHE SKA SHOW COMPILATION

Hot on the trail of the news of another UK/USA collaboration between ourselves and the Detroit Riddim Crew comes another belter with the news that The Skapones will be featuring on a new track with our Mexican friends Los Chicklets! 

This will be coming soon and although we cant reveal what the title is JUST yet, it has a NUTTY theme!

Stay tuned for more info soon!