The Slits (UK)

PRESS RELEASE
12 January 2007

Mysterygirlpresents are excited to announce, for the first time in NZ, legendary UK dub punk group

THE SLITS

Formed in 1976, the band earned immediate notoriety after opening for The Clash on the ‘White Riot Tour’. They soon recorded their legendary debut album ‘Cut’ with Reggae veteran Dennis Bovell, followed by the more experimental ‘The Return Of The Giant Slits’. These two albums, along with a clutch of acclaimed singles, make up The Slits cannon. The band broke up, and Ari pursued a solo career as the Ragga Queen Mad-dusa, while Tessa become a lethal martial arts expert!

In 2005 Ari and Tessa joined forces again, to record the ‘Revenge of The Killer Slits’ EP, marking the beginning of their long awaited return. The Slits are back!

The reformed Slits band will feature Ari Up, Tessa Pollit, NO, Adele Wilson, Anna Schulte and Hollie Cook.

Timeline:
1976 :The Slits formed by members from the bands The Flowers of Romance and The Castrators. The members were Ari Up (Arianna Forster) and Palmolive (Paloma Romera) (who later left to join The Raincoats), with Viv Albertine and Tessa Pollitt replacing founding members Kate Korus & Suzi Gutsy. Palmolive was replaced by male drummer Budgie (aka Pete Clarke) whom later joins Siouxsie and the Banshees.

1977 : The Slits play a brand of brash, fun, snotty, catchy punk rock naturally suited to supporting The Clash on their White Riot tour along with the Buzzcocks and the Subway Sect (documented both on- and offstage by Don Letts in The Punk Rock Movie).

1977-78: Captured on the legendary Peel Sessions.

1979 : The Slits' originally extremely raw and raucous live sound was subsequently cleaned up and considerably polished by the time of their reggae influenced, dub heavy, Dennis Bovell produced debut album Cut (Island Records). As well as the exceptional music this album contained, it was also notable for its cover art, a photo depicting the band naked save for mud and loin-cloths.

1980 : Their sound and attitude become increasingly experimental and avant-garde, they form an alliance with Bristol post punk mavericks The Pop Group, sharing a drummer (Bruce Smith) and releasing a joint single, "In The Beginning There was Rhythm/Where There's A Will" (Y Records).

1981 : By the time of the release of their second LP Return Of The Giant Slits, many felt that their initial energy, exuberance and innovativeness had deserted them. Two months later, they held their final gig at Hammersmith Palais, announcing that they had no more plans as a group.

Post Split : Various Slits became involved with On-U dub-jamming project New Age Steppers (Ari Up / Tessa Pollit) along with free improvisers such as Steve Beresford and also a young Neneh Cherry.

2006 : Ari Up and Tessa Pollitt reform the band with new members and released the EP "Revenge Of The Killer Slits"

2007 : The Slits play at The Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland New Zealand

New Zealand Show:
Auckland – Friday 16th March – The Kings Arms Tavern

Tickets on sale nationally from Monday 15 January at Real Groovy store and at Fast & Loose in Auckland.

Websites:
http://theslits.co.uk/ www.mysterygirl.co.nz

ENDS

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