Liverpool based ska band The Stopouts were formed in 2006 after Al and Dejan saw ska legends The Toasters play a gig in a total dive on a scummy industrial estate near Liverpool, supported by pathetic ‘chaos’ and ‘rape’ metal bands. They decided a ska revival was needed on Merseyside to counter the prevailing influence of dire metal bands and arsehole indie wannabes. Recruiting Rob on drums, they started playing a few covers, before quickly moving to original material with the arrival of vocalist Tom and Anna on saxophone. Gigging began in February of 2006 with Dejan and Tom playing some acoustic sets in Hannah's bar, before full band gigs at Stamps, the Drezla Lounge and the Zanzibar established The Stopouts on the local ska scene (of which they are the only band). Since then, The Stopouts have played around 30 gigs in the past year, mainly in Liverpool, Manchester, St. Helens and Birmingham. They recorded their first, self-titled EP in August 2006, featuring six tracks of 2-tone punk dub sextura – it can be ordered by emailing or getting in touch on myspace. Late in 2006 Andrew joined on Bass (replacing original bassist Al who relocated to Helsinki), and they added another Tom to the line-up, this one playing tenor sax. This reinvigorated six piece is now the current Stopouts line up, and can be seen catapulting brainbeats and invading the psychoskank on their current mission of live mayhem infiltration and socio-political awareness broadcasting across the UK. Influences include The Clash, Specials, Toots and the Maytalls, Gogol Bordello, Dead Kennedys, Chris Murray, Operation Ivy and King Tubby. The Stopouts share a love of roots music and dancing through the night - they value sincerity and togetherness, honesty and intelligence in music and lyrics. Website: http://www.stopouts.com
