RUTS DC AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR NOVEMBER 2015
The Ruts were a UK reggae influenced punk band formed in 1977. The band consisted of singer Malcolm Owen, guitarist Paul Fox, bass player Segs Jennings and drummer David Ruffy and were active in anti-racist causes as part of the Misty In Roots People Unite collective, playing several benefits for Rock Against Racism.
The group began to evolve and became more musically adventurous, incorporating reggae and dub into their repertoire.
Their first single “In A Rut” was released in 1979 and in that same year the band toured the UK with The Damned. The single “Babylon’s Burning” reached number 7 in the UK singles charts, followed by “Something that I Said”. Their debut album “The Crack” was released in 1979. In 1980 the band released the “Single staring at the Rude Boys” which reached number 22 in the UK singles chart.
Malcolm Owen died shortly before the release of their sixth and final single “West One (Shine on Me)”. The band continued as Ruts DC and released two more albums before disbanding in 1983.
In 2007 the band reformed and played a benefit gig for Paul Fox who had been diagnosed with lung cancer. The line up included The Damned, Misty In Roots, UK Subs, TV Smith and Tom Robinson. Henry Rollins stood in on vocals for The Ruts and this gig has rightly gone down as a memorable landmark in punk history.
Paul Fox died later that year.
Reforming in 2011 and touring extensively since 2012, Ruts DC continue to add the fluidity of reggae to the toughness of punk; the now legendary rhythm section of Segs and David Ruffy allowing Leigh Heggarty to excel on guitar as Segs handles lead vocal duties with panache and respect. They are widely considered to be one of the very best of the original UK punk bands still performing, once again touring with The Damned in 2013 and recording a new live album.
Ruts DC visit Australia and New Zealand for the first time in November 2015, performing the songs that are still proving to carry an important message in these current times.
RUTS DC AUSTRALIAN TOUR NOVEMBER 2015
November 12, Perth, The Rosemount Hotel
www.ozitx.com.au
Dilip 'n the Davs
The Peaky Blinders featuring Nick Sheppard
Them Sharks
November 13. Sydney, The Factory Floor
www.factorytheatre.com.au
The OzSkas
The Rumjacks
The Black Heart Breakers
November 14, Melbourne, The Evelyn Hotel
www.oztix.com.au
Dixon Cider
Strawberry Fistcake
The Kujo Kings
November 15, Adelaide, The Crown and Anchor
www.oztix.com.au
Young Offenders
Perdition
November 17, Brisbane, The New Globe Theatre
www.oztix.com.au
Spike City
Kingston Stompers