The server which hosts The Riffs' website was recently hacked, bringing it and many others down. If you've surfed by recently and found no updates, we apologise for that but we're back in control now!
As a result of the above we have decided to re design the website in the near future, although this could take some time. In the meanwhile, don't forget our MySpace site which also has a message board as well as gallery and music.
GERMANY - Thanks to everyone who came to see us in Mainz at the end of June. Our first time back in Germany for a while and what a show; open air festival with fireworks, fantastic!
We'd also like to apologise to fans who turned up anywhere else to see us but despite the fact we had booked a 4-date tour and were ready here in the UK< circumstances beyond our control in Germany meant it was not to be.
We do aim to be back soon however!
Cheers, The Riffs
MARCH 2008
THE RIFFS LIVE IN LONDON
FEBRUARY 2008
DOING A FRIEND A FAVOUR
It's not a Riffs gig but Sean & Finny of Pama International are old mates so we'll happily advertise their forthcoming London show, as well as advise you get a long if possible for a good night out!
And if you're really into 'Riffs spotting', ex-bass plater Tadman will be appearing with Crunch, so collar him at KoKo and get him to buy you a pint!
NOVEMBER 2007
FANTASTIC COVER OF BLIND DATE
Our mate Sean from Pama International sent us this link that been posted on YouTube.
The description reads 'Parker Jacobs of GOGO13 plays his Fluke Ukulele (on his lunch breaks) to the post-2-tone ska classic, "Blind Date" by the Riffs. He also hopes he doesn't explode again.'
For those that don't know, Blind Date was a sonbg performed by The Riffs, brought in to the set by former singer Aidan Sterling who had written the song with his previous band, a punk outfit named the Feckin' Ejits.
Still popular in the set today (a version is included on ourt NEW live album), we think PJ's version excellent, fair play to the chap - we'll see you when we're in the US!
OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER 2007
RIFFS NEW ALBUM NOW AVAILABLE!!!
Yes it IS true, The Riffs Live At CLub Ska is finally available on Moon Ska World records.
Here follows the press release and you can get it from Amazon, Moonska and of course HERE from THE RIFFS' WEBSITE too - yippee!!!
RIFFS (THE) - LIVE AT CLUB SKA [MOON CD 110]
Excellent quality live album from the UK's Third Wave Ska heroes recorded at the now legendary Club Ska in North West London, featuring guest appearances from the Reggae legends DAVE BARKER (on "Double Barrel"), WINSTON FRANCIS on "Love Ska Music" and THE RUTS guitarist PAUL FOX on "Jah War" as well as including new live versions of their Ska classics "Blind Date", "Funny Little Fella" and "Murderation". The Stranglers "Golden Brown" even given gets THE RIFFS special street Ska treatment!
This band are a UK Ska institution and have been constantly touring for over 18 years!... THE RIFFS will be returning to the road to promote this album so watch out for dates.
Check out songs from the new album at THE RIFFS myspace page
Available 5th November 2007
Excellent quality live album from the UKs Third Wave Ska recorded at the now legendary Club Ska in North West London.
Features guest appearances from the Reggae legends DAVE BARKER (on "Double Barrel), WINSTON FRANCIS on "Love Ska Music" and THE RUTS guitarist, the late PAUL FOX on "Jah War"
Constantly touring for over 18 years! ...THE RIFFS will be returning to the road to promote this album.
Features new live versions of their Ska classics "Blind Date", "Funny Little Fella" and "Murderation"
+ 12 page booklet.
Track list:
Geno Blue (Intro)
Funny Little Fela
Ten Years On
Golden Brown
Caterpillar
Just Like You
Johnny Too Bad
Murderation
Blind Date
Double Barrel (featuring Dave Barker)
Jah War (featuring Paul Fox)
Love Ska Music (featuring Winston Francis & Paul Fox)
OCTOBER 2007
PAUL FOX OF THE RUTS DIES AGED 56
Legendary guitarist, Paul Fox, died at home in Uxbridge, Middlesex at 3AM on Sunday 21st October.
Over the years Paul has performed and recorded with many of the worlds greatest musicians but he will mainly be remembered for his revolutionary punk/dub reggae fusion guitar playing with influential punk band The Ruts.
Paul had been in semi retirement for several years but went back out on the road again in 2006 playing the Ruts music with Foxys Ruts which featured his son Lawrence Fox on drums. The band were well received, both in the UK and Europe.
Following his diagnosis with cancer at the end of May 2007 a benefit gig was organised featuring many of the musicians that Paul had worked with or alongside over the years.
There was no doubt about the high esteem in which Paul was held by his fellow musicians as the line up read like a who's who of the UK punk scene with performances by The Damned, Misty in Roots, the UK Subs, Tom Robinson, John Otway, Splodge, TV Smith and many more.
For the first time in 27 years the surviving members of the Ruts took to the stage together with Henry Rollins standing in for the late Malcolm Owen who died of a drugs overdose in 1980.
The night was a fitting tribute to one of our much under rated and unsung guitar heros.
A local night was also organised with Paul and Foxy's Ruts being joined by The Riffs, Max Splodge, The Bobs, and Paul's other band The Dubcats for a local event for friends and family.
As many of you know, The Riffs were fortunate enough to not only play with Paul, sharing the stage at both big festivals and during jam sessions at his local pub, as well as record with him. All we can add is that he was a great man and will be dearly missed by us all.
Paul leaves behind his sons Lawrence and William and his wife, Sharon.
Our thoughts are with all his family and those close to him.
RIP Foxy, and thanks very much for everything...
SEPTEMBER 2007
ALBUM LAUNCH DATE
Yes it's true, apparently The Riffs - Live At Club Ska will be launched by Moonska Records on 5th November.
This means that for all you British fans there's an extra reason to celebrate with fireworks this year!
More details on confirmed catalogue numbers etc., as and when we receive them.
Cheers, The Riffs.
