The Dead 60s

Coming off an extremely successful 2004 where they toured with The Thrills, Morrissey and Kasabian, The Dead 60s have gained critical acclaim for their UK hit single, "Riot Radio," which arrives at U.S. radio April 19.

Hailing from Liverpool, The Dead 60s sound nothing like anything the city has ever produced. Putting classic songwriting aside, this foursome brings wired-up punk energy, super heavy reggae grooves and booming dub echoes to the forefront. The Dead 60s have always been determined to stay totally separate from the insular music scene around them. "We want to make a social comment," says bassist Charlie Turner. "Our songs should be graffitied on every wall in the country. We're interested in sloganeering, not interested in proper songwriting in the conventional sense."

The Dead 60s - Matt McManamon (vocals/guitars), Charlie Turner (bass), Ben Gordon (guitar/organ) and Bryan Johnson (drums) - have been honing their radical assault since early 2003. Previously only released as singles in the UK under the Deltasonic label, the bands first full-length studio album was produced by Central Nervous System at The Ranch in Liverpool. For more information on The Dead 60s, visit their official site at thedead60s.com.

The Dead 60s hailed from Liverpool, England. The combo was led by vocalist and guitarist Matt McManamon, and featured guitarist Ben Gordon, bassist Charlie Turner, and drummer Brian Johnson. After forming out of high school the combo perfected a patchwork of post-punk, dub, and ska influences, with touchstones like the Clash, Specials, and dub legend Lee "Scratch" Perry. By 2004 the Dead 60s had signed with local imprint Deltasonic, home to U.K. indie sensations like the Coral and the Zutons. The insistent, boppy "Riot Radio" single appeared in September of that year, the dub-inflected "Last Resort" followed in February 2005, and a self-titled full-length dropped later that summer. By that point the Dead 60s had enjoyed plenty of positive press, as well as high-profile gigs with bands like Garbage, the Killers, and the Bravery. They also headed out to woo the U.S. with dates on the Warped Tour. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide