New Zealand band sell up to play Brighton gigs (From The Argus)

New Zealand band sell up to play Brighton gigs

8:00am Tuesday 11th August 2009 in

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Members of a New Zealand band were so impressed by tales of Brighton they sold their possessions to play some shows by the sea.

Badtown, a ska-punk band from West Auckland in the north island of New Zealand, had some first-hand tales of rock and roll in Brighton and Hove from the city’s own legendary punk band Peter And The Test Tube Babies.

Matt Daniel, Badtown’s bassist, said: “Myself and a friend brought the Test Tubes over to New Zealand for a tour at the start of this year and we got to know the boys really well.

“Their tales about Brighton inspired us. One person remortgaged to come here while others took out loans and two members lost long-term relationships.

“I don’t know if some of us can go back because of the havoc this journey has caused.”

The six-piece band, who are joined by another four musicians who call themselves The Rockers, bought a bus once they arrived in Europe and have already played in Holland, Germany and the Czech Republic before arriving in Sussex.

Last week they played in Worthing and then hit Brighton, appearing with another legendary Brighton band, rockabilly outfit Long Tall Texans, at The Albert in Trafalgar Street.

Matt said: “The Albert show was cool, we supported some awesome bands. There was a real Banksy piece on the wall of the venue.

“Brighton is a place where I think I'm going to spend a lot more time.”

Since their arrival, the Badtown boys have developed a taste for British beer.

Matt said: “British lager stacks up similar to NZ beer for me. The real ale is like a meal in a glass – but I like it – and the cider here is amazing compared to the scrumpy at home.”

Badtown are appearing with Chris Murray at The Hobgoblin in York Place, Brighton, on Friday, August 14, and at the Engine Rooms – with Subhumans and Brighton band The Fish Brothers – on Thursday, August 27.

They also have a show in Bognor at QE2 on Friday, August 28.

For more details, go to www.myspace.com/badtownnz.