The Dead 60s

The Dead 60s hailed from Liverpool, England. The combo was led by vocalist and guitarist Matt McManamon, and featured guitarist Ben Gordon, bassist Charlie Turner, and drummer Brian Johnson. After forming out of high school the combo perfected a patchwork of post-punk, dub, and ska influences, with touchstones like the Clash, Specials, and dub legend Lee "Scratch" Perry. By 2004 the Dead 60s had signed with local imprint Deltasonic, home to U.K. indie sensations like the Coral and the Zutons. The insistent, boppy "Riot Radio" single appeared in September of that year, the dub-inflected "Last Resort" followed in February 2005, and a self-titled full-length dropped later that summer. By that point the Dead 60s had enjoyed plenty of positive press, as well as high-profile gigs with bands like Garbage, the Killers, and the Bravery. They also headed out to woo the U.S. with dates on the Warped Tour. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide