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{{Short description|British ska punk band}}
{{bracketed|title=[spunge]}}
{{confuse|Sponge (band)}}

{{For|similar terms|Sponge (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox_band |
{{EngvarB|date=December 2017}}
band_name = [[Image:Logo spunge.jpg|220px]] |
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2017}}
image = <!-- Unsourced image removed: [[Image:-spunge-.jpg|220px]] -->|
{{More citations needed|date=June 2016}}
years_active = July [[1994]]-present |
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
origin = [[Tewkesbury]], [[England]] |
| name = Spunge
music_genre = [[Ska punk]] |
| image =
record_label = [[Sucka-Punch Records]],<br />[[Moon Ska Europe]],<br />[[B-Unique Records]],<br />[[Dent'All Records]] |
| caption =
current_members = Alex Copeland<br />Damon Robins<br /> [[Chris Murphy (musician)|Chris Murphy]]<br />Jeremy King |
| image_size =
past_members = Paul Gurney |
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| origin = [[Tewkesbury]], England
| genre = [[Ska punk]]
| years_active = 1997–present
| label = Sucka-Punch Records<br/>[[Moon Ska Europe]]<br/>[[B-Unique Records]]<br/>Dent'All Records
| associated_acts = Whitmore, [[Capdown]], [[Reel Big Fish]], [[The Toasters]], [[King Prawn (band)|King Prawn]]
| current_members = Alex Copeland<br/>Damon "Des" Robins<br/>Chris "Jarvis" Murphy<br/>Jeremy "Jem" King
| past_members = Paul "Wol" Gurney<br/>Simon Bayliss<br/>Martin Holt
}}
}}


'''[spunge]''' is a [[ska punk]] band from [[Tewkesbury]], [[England]]. Through many years of constant touring, [spunge] have toured or played alongside with a huge number of moderately successful [[United Kingdom|UK]] bands and several more famous [[United States|American]] bands like [[Green Day]] and [[Bowling for Soup]]; the latter of whom contributed backing vocals to the song "Centerfold" on the ''[[That Should Cover It!]]'' album.
'''Spunge''' (often typeset as '''[spunge]''')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kickingpigeons.freeuk.com/features/raq.html |title=Kicking Pigeons - A &#91;spunge&#93; Fan Site |access-date=14 November 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090804101520/http://www.kickingpigeons.freeuk.com/features/raq.html |archive-date=4 August 2009 }}</ref> are a [[ska punk]] band from [[Tewkesbury]], England. Through many years of touring, Spunge have toured with or played alongside a number of UK bands; and several American bands such as [[Green Day]], [[Dropkick Murphys]] and [[Reel Big Fish]]; and been supported on a UK tour by [[Bowling for Soup]]; the latter of whom contributed backing vocals to the song "Centerfold" on the ''[[That Should Cover It!]]'' album.


In 2019 the band toured the UK supporting Reel Big Fish,<ref>{{cite web
==Pedigree Chump & Room For Abuse==
|url=https://www.gigsandtours.com/news/reel-big-fish-announce-fall-uk-tour/3741|title=Gigs and Tours News }}</ref> playing the same set they recorded for the album Live in 'nam... (Cheltenham)
Conceived in July 1994 with almost the same line up as today (the only difference being that vocalist Alex used to double up on [[bass guitar|bass]]), the band went through a lengthy gestation period (adding bassist [[Simon Bayliss]] in 1995 and replacing him with local hardcore man [[Martin Holt]] in 1997) before emerging with the 'Kicking Pigeons EP' in 1998. Having sold 5000 copies at pub gigs the [spunge] boys decided that there was enough potential to jack in the day jobs and make the band a full time concern. Having soon gained a manager in Dave Juste of Birmingham's Xposure Rock Cafe (a regular early haunt), [spunge] hit the road, and would eventually notch up well over three hundred gigs in just two years.[[Image:Kicking Pigeons EP.jpg|thumb|200px|right| Cover to ''[[The Kicking Pigeons EP|Kicking Pigeons]]''.]]


==''Pedigree Chump'' and ''Room for Abuse''==
Less than a year later in 1999, [spunge] released their debut album [[Pedigree Chump]] on MoonSka Europe and thus set about introducing the band and their unique brand of ska, dub, punk and comedy to a wider audience. Unfortunately [[Martin Holt|Martin]] got sick of being on the road, so good friend Jarvis ([[Chris Murphy (musician)|Chris Murphy]]) from local pop-punks B-Movie Heroes jumped in on bass despite being a guitarist and stayed there!
Conceived in July 1994, with almost the same line up as today (the only difference being that Copeland used to double up on bass), the band went through a lengthy gestation period (adding bassist Simon Bayliss in 1995, and replacing him with Martin Holt in 1997), before emerging with the ''Kicking Pigeons'' EP in 1998. Having sold 5000 copies at pub gigs the band decided that there was enough potential to leave their day jobs, and make the band a full-time concern. Having soon gained a manager in Dave Juste of Birmingham's Xposure Rock Cafe (a regular early haunt), Spunge hit the road, and would eventually notch up well over three hundred gigs in just two years.[[File:Kicking Pigeons EP.jpg|thumb|200px|right| Cover to ''Kicking Pigeons''.]]


Less than a year later in 1999, Spunge released their début album ''[[Pedigree Chump]]'' on MoonSka Europe and thus set about introducing the band to a wider audience. Holt tired of touring, so good friend Chris Murphy joined to play bass.
Their second album [[Room For Abuse]] was recorded at DEP International Studios (owned by UB40 strangely enough) and released on Sucka-Punch Records in 2000, featuring the single 'Ego' plus covers of Bob Marley's 'No Woman No Cry' and Sublime's 'Santeria'. The album version of 'No Woman No Cry' - complete with new lyrics from Alex - was the first cover of a Bob song ever to receive permission to be altered by the Marley family as Ziggy liked it so much.


Their second album ''[[Room for Abuse]]'' was recorded at DEP International Studios, and released on Sucka-Punch Records in 2000, featuring the single "Ego" plus [[cover version|covers]] of Bob Marley's "[[No Woman No Cry]]" and Sublime's "Santeria". The album version of "No Woman No Cry" – complete with new lyrics from Copeland – was the first cover of a Bob Marley song ever to receive permission to be altered by the Marley family, as Ziggy liked it so much. All this attention brought them to the eyes of B-Unique and a deal was signed in February 2002.
All this attention brought them to the eyes of B-Unique and a deal was signed in February 2002.


==The Story So Far==
==''The Story So Far''==
The new recording contract led to Spunge's third studio album, ''[[The Story So Far (Spunge album)|The Story So Far]]''. It spent one week in the [[UK Albums Chart]] at No.&nbsp;48.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/> The first single to be taken from it was "[[Jump on Demand]]". Produced by John Cornfield, "Jump on Demand" reached No.&nbsp;39 in the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book
{{NPOV}}
| first= David
The New Record Deal lead to [spunge]'s third studio album, '[[The Story So Far]]'. The first single to be taken from the new album ‘[[The Story So Far]]' was '[[Jump On Demand]]'. Produced by [[John Cornfield]] (Muse, Oasis), '[[Jump On Demand]]' hit the Top 40 (number 39) despite being ignored by radio and mainstream media magazines and also topped the [[Kerrang TV|Kerrang! TV]] chart for two weeks. Following up this success was going to be difficult with next single '[[Roots]]', but the band still managed to chart in the top 60 (number 52 in the end) again with zero radio play showing that their army of fans were as loyal as ever. However, things between the band and the label B-unique|Warners weren’t rosy. Both releases had been delayed after the band had arranged sold out tours and promotional appearances meaning that things were not coinciding as they should.
| last= Roberts
| year= 2006
The album, '[[The Story So Far]]' was then scheduled for release at the end of August 2002. On the same day as the Reading and Leeds festivals which the band were playing. Great timing. No, the band didn't think so either. Most of their fans were at the festivals and wouldn't have the money to buy festival stuff and the album at the same time. The band then recorded a cover of '[[Oliver's Army]]' with Steve Harris, which Alex Donnelly at Radio 1 said he would A List, Alex having seen the band at a press show at London's Camden Monarch in July and at Reading. For once the band would have radio support for a release, who knew what that could mean?! The label again asked for a tour to go with the release and a huge UK tour was arranged for November/December 2002. The band were in full control of all the promotion for the tour and most shows were sold out with over 15,000 tickets sold to [spunge] fans, with no financial support from the label, and no press coverage at all. The single wasn't released.[[Image:Story So Far.jpg|thumb|200px|left| Cover to ''[[The Story So Far]]''.]]
| title= British Hit Singles & Albums
| edition= 19th
| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited
| location= London
| isbn= 1-904994-10-5
| page= 522}}</ref> It also topped the [[Kerrang! (TV channel)|Kerrang! TV]] chart for two weeks. The follow-up "[[The Story So Far (Spunge album)|Roots]]", peaked at No.&nbsp;52 in the UK [[record chart|chart]].<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/> However, communication between the band and their record label was not good. Both releases had been delayed after the band had arranged sold-out tours and promotional appearances.


The album, ''The Story So Far'', was then scheduled for release at the end of August 2002 on the same day as the [[Reading and Leeds Festival]]s which the band were playing. The band then recorded a cover of "[[Oliver's Army]]" with Steve Harris, which Alex Donnelly at [[BBC Radio 1]] stated he would 'A list'. The label again asked for a tour to go with the release, and that was arranged for November and December 2002. The band were in full control of all the promotion for the tour and most shows were sold out with over 15,000 tickets sold to Spunge fans. With no financial support from the label, and no press coverage, the planned single was not released.
Another meeting in December between label and band management had [spunge] pointing out that the label had let the band down again, that there had been 5 different production managers in 6 months (including 3 in seven days!), that the press representative had not even contacted the big four magazines to arrange press for the tour (a fact confirmed by the editors), and that overall the organisation was a sham. The label agreed. 48 hours later [spunge] and B-Unique parted company. Despite this the band went on to play the very 1st Download Festival at Castle Donington in July 2003, alongside acts such as [[Audioslave]], [[NOFX]] and [[Metallica]] as well as several other smaller festivals to great crowds. This proved to the band that there was still a great audience out there for them and they decided it was time to make some big changes to the way things were being dealt with.


Following a meeting in December between label and the band's management, Spunge and B-Unique parted company. Despite this the band went on to play the inaugural [[Download Festival]] at Castle Donington in July 2003, alongside [[Audioslave]], [[NOFX]] and [[Metallica]]. They parted company with their manager, Dave Juste, around this time, and decided to manage themselves. They also created their own record label, Dent'All Records, in 2004. All subsequent recordings have been released on this label.
Firstly the band decided to part company with their manager Dave Juste mainly due to a difference of opinion in how the band should grow. After this split the band decided that, rather than get another manager, why not manage themselves? So that's exactly what they did.


==''That Should Cover It!''==
The Tewkesbury quintet, known for their touring ethic, are strong believers in touring to building a following. After being represented, but ultimately dissatisfied, with labels including Sucka-Punch Records, [[Moon Ska Europe]] and [[B-Unique Records]]), the band created their own label, [[Dent'All Records]], in [[2004]]. All recordings, including [[That Should Cover It!]], have been released on this label. [spunge] recently signed new band Cousin Joey; though the band have since disbanded. [http://www.dent-all-records.com/]
On 23 February 2004, the label released its first album, ''[[That Should Cover It!]]'' a collection of covers, previously unavailable live demos and two brand new songs. The album was successful, with sales still continuing.


During 2004, the band returned to the recording studio to record two tracks for the next album, with the intention of producing a [[music video|video]] for one of them to coincide with a major tour in October and November 2004. The two tracks were "[[Backstabber (Spunge song)|Backstabber]]" and "[[One More Go]]". A video was commissioned through Goblin Pictures for "One More Go" and was sent out to several television stations in the hope of getting it played on air. Spunge also decided to put on an all-day gig at [[Cheltenham]] Town Hall. Hosted by Dent'All Records and Spunge, this became Extraction Fest 2004. The show was a success, but the video did not get aired, but their planned autumnal tour with Whitmore and [[Phinius Gage]] went ahead.
==That Should Cover It==


The band decided to release a full length DVD (''The High Life'') incorporating the video for "One More Go" on 21 March 2005.
On Feb 23rd 2004 the label released its first CD called ‘[[That Should Cover It]]’ a collection of covers [spunge] have done, some previously unavailable live demos and two BRAND NEW [spunge] songs to wet the appetite before the next full length album. [spunge]’s first [[Dent'All Records]] release ‘[[That Should Cover It]]’ was a great success for the band with sales of the CD still going strong. Reception for the album was (and still is!) great with many people liking the covers better than the original versions by the Artists themselves! This was a great boost to the band as it showed that they hadn't made a mistake by doing their own thing.[[Image:That Should Cover It!.jpg|thumb|200px|right| Cover to ''[[That Should Cover It]]''.]]


==Album re-release and self-titled album==
During 2004 the band returned to the studio for a short while to record two more brand new tracks for the next album with the intention of producing a video for one of them to release to coincide with a major tour in Oct/Nov 2004. The two tracks chosen to record were ‘[[Backstabber]]’ and ‘[[One More Go]]’, the second track being the most likely candidate for the video release. They follow on the tradition of catchy riffs and infectious chorus’ that has become the [spunge] trademark. A video was commissioned through Goblin Pictures for the song '[[One More Go]]' and was sent out to all the tv stations etc in the hope of it getting played on air. While all this was going on they also decided to put on an all-dayer at Cheltenham Town Hall. Hosted by [[Dent'All Records]] and [spunge] this was to become EXTRACTION FEST 2004 - something that they hope to host annually if possible. The show was a great success and they waited to hear which stations would be playing the new video. The video wasn't added to ANY playlists, various excuses were made but the upshot was no-one was going to see this awesome video. They booked up the UKKO tour and went out and played it live to the masses instead. Another blow for [spunge] but it would take more than that to shake them.
Rhythm guitarist Wol (Paul Gurney) left the band in January 2006, for personal reasons. Spunge decided to carry on as a four piece.


On 6 November 2006, Spunge released a re-recorded version of their second album called ''[[Room for Abuse 2006]]'' that also included a DVD, which was also a re-release of their first video ''Skankin 'N' Skulkin''.
The band decided that if the TV stations and labels didn't want '[[One More Go]]' then they would release it themselves and why not a full length DVD ('[[The High Life (music DVD)|The High Life]]') with the video on as well while they were at it! The single and DVD were to be released on the same day, 21st March 2005, and to coincide with that they booked another tour entitled the ONE MORE GO TOUR to help promote both releases. The tour was great and although there were a few hiccups with getting the single into the shops on time, the releases came about and both did great, again with no backing from radio or tv. With more bands being added to the label and the continued success of ‘[[That Should Cover It]]’ and the DVD '[[The High Life (music DVD)|The High Life]]' things are going from strength to strength.


On 20 August 2007, the band announced it had finished the fourth studio album and would be releasing it on 12 November. The album was [[Spunge (album)|self-titled]]. In October 2007, as part of the promotion for their new album, Spunge released as a free download on their website and Myspace site, their [[A-side and B-side|b-side]] "Happy Ending". The band undertook two tours supporting the album's release.
==Recent Events==


On Monday 3 September 2011, the band digitally released a new double A single, "Nothing at All"/"Higher Ground", following recording sessions earlier in the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bananatown.co.uk/uncategorized/spunge-new-single-crashes-the-charts/|title=2011 new Spunge double A Single|publisher=Bananatown.co.uk|accessdate=17 September 2011}}</ref>
Rhythm guitarist Wol (Paul Gurney) left the band in January 2006, due to personal reasons. [spunge] have since decided to carry on as a four piece to record the first part of their fourth album as well as some select live shows.


On 25 November 2013 the band released Greatest Hit......S album which is a compilation of their greatest hits voted by fans during the PledgeMusic project. Band said they are letting the fans to decide the track listing for the album. All of the tracks were re-recorded in 2013 for this album and few of them were mixed up a bit. Greatest Hit......S is sold in CD format only by the band themselves at their shows. The digital version is widely available through digital music stores and services.
On 19th July Alex Copeland posted this on the band's official website regarding the long awaited 4th studio album:


==Hang On? and Single releases (2014-present)==
'We have also just come out of the studio where we have been recording (deep breath) our 4th album! Yep that's right, we have actually got in there and got on with it! We're bound to say this but we really do think this record is sounding like our best yet, we are going in the studio to finish off some vocals and various parts in September time but most of it is now down and finished.. and we're well happy with it! Due for a release early next year we think you're gonna agree it's been worth the wait....'
Spunge announced through social media that they are making a new studio-album which will be released in digital format on 5 December for everyone who has preordered it from their PledgeMusic event.
The Physical CD will be only available for preorder through PledgeMusic and won't even be available for sale at the shows.
This will be the band's 8th full-length album and 5th album with new original tracks.


In late 2018 the band released two new singles "Liar" and "Get Out" through the band's own label, Dent’All Records. The band announced in an interview that they are writing new songs and instead of a new album release they will be releasing the new tracks regularly throughout 2019 as singles.
On the 6th November 2006 [spunge] released a re-recorded version of their Second Album [[Room For Abuse]]. The new album was called [[Room For Abuse 2006]]. It also included a DVD, which was a re-release of their first video release [[Skankin 'N' Skulkin]].


On 4 November a new single "No One Said It Was Easy" and a music video was released. The video accompanying the single is filmed and produced by Elliot Withers from Lion Island Media.
The band are currently booking a UK tour in October/November to promote the release of the new album, which is set to be released at the same time.

In addition to Singles, after their latest album the band has also released 2 Live Albums: "Live in London EP" (2016) and "Live in 'nam... (Cheltenham)" (2019).


==Band members==
==Band members==
*Alex Copeland ([[singer|Vocals]])
*Damon Robins ([[Lead guitar|Lead Guitar]])
*[[Chris Murphy (musician)|Chris Murphy]] ([[Bass Guitar]])
*Jeremy King ([[Drum kit|Drums]])


==Ex Members==
===Current members===
*Alex Copeland (vocals)
*Paul Gurney ([[Rhythm Guitar]])
*Damon Robins (lead guitar)
*[[Simon Bayliss]] ([[Bass Guitar]])
*Chris Murphy (bass guitar)
*[[Martin Holt]] ([[Bass Guitar]])
*Jeremy King (drums)

===Former members===
*Paul Gurney (rhythm guitar)
*Simon Bayliss (bass guitar)
*Martin Holt (bass guitar)


==Discography==
==Discography==

===EPs===
===EPs===
* [[The Kicking Pigeons EP]] - March, [[1998]]
* ''The Kicking Pigeons EP'' – March 1998


===Singles===
===Singles===
* [[Ego (single)|Ego]] - [[June 19]], [[2000]]
* "Ego" – 19 June 2000
* [[Live Another Day/Kicking Pigeons 2001]] - [[February 12]], [[2001]]
* "Live Another Day/Kicking Pigeons 2001" – 12 February 2001
* [[Jump On Demand]] - [[June 3]], [[2002]]
* "Jump on Demand" – 3 June 2002 – [[UK Singles Chart|UK]] No.&nbsp;39<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/>
* "Roots" – 12 August 2002 – UK No.&nbsp;52<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/>
* [[Roots (single)|Roots]] - [[August 12]], [[2002]]
* [[One More Go]] - [[March 21]], [[2005]]
* "One More Go" – 21 March 2005
* [[Backstabber]] - [[January 14]], [[2006]], [[Digital Download|Download Only]]
* "Backstabber" – 14 January 2006, [[Digital distribution|download only]]
* "Nothing at All/Higher Ground" – 29 August 2011, [[Digital distribution|download only]]
* "Liar" - 19 October 2018
* "Get Out" - 23 November 2018
* "No One Said It Was Easy" - 4 November 2019
* "Just Sayings" - 20 November 2020


===Albums===
===Albums===
* [[Pedigree Chump]] - [[March 1]], [[1999]]
* ''[[Pedigree Chump]]'' – 1 March 1999
* [[Room For Abuse]] - [[October 9]], [[2000]]
* ''[[Room for Abuse]]'' – 9 October 2000
* [[The Story So Far]] - [[August 26]], [[2002]]
* ''[[The Story So Far (Spunge album)|The Story So Far]]'' – 26 August 2002 – [[UK Albums Chart|UK]] No.&nbsp;48<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/>
* [[That Should Cover It!]] - [[February 23]], [[2004]]
* ''[[That Should Cover It!]]'' – 23 February 2004
* [[Room For Abuse 2006]] - [[November 6]], [[2006]]
* ''[[Room for Abuse 2006]]'' – 6 November 2006
* Studio Album 4 - Due Late 2007
* ''[[Spunge (album)|Spunge]]'' – 12 November 2007
* ''Greatest Hit......s'' – 25 November 2013
* ''Hang On?'' – 4 December 2014
* ''Live in London'' – 27 May 2016
* ''Live in 'nam... (Cheltenham)'' – 7 October 2019

===Music Videos===
* "Kicking Pigeons" (1998)
* "Ego" (2000)
* "Jump on Demand" (2002)
* "Roots" (2002)
* "Centrefold" (2004)
* "One More Go" (2005)
* "Everyone Else" (2014)
* "No One Said It Was Easy" (2019)


===Videos===
===Videos===
* [[Skankin 'N' Skulkin]] - [[2001]]
* ''Skankin 'n' Skulkin'' – 2001


===DVDs===
===DVDs===
The High Life
* [[The High Life (music DVD)|The High Life]] - [[March 21]], [[2005]]


==Trivia==
==References==
{{Reflist}}

*Lead singer, [[Alex Copeland]] has joked that the brackets are in the name so that the letters don't fall out. [http://www.kickingpigeons.freeuk.com/features/raq.html] The correct name does not capitalise the 'S', probably for aesthetic reasons.
*[spunge] are the only band who has ever officially been given permission by the Marley family to change the lyrics of a [[Bob Marley]] song, on their cover of "[[No Woman, No Cry]]" (this can be found on their second album, [[Room For Abuse]]). The permission came from [[Ziggy Marley]], who liked the new version so much when they played it to him live. [http://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/music/2004/10/spunge.shtml]


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.spunge.co.uk/ Official <nowiki>[spunge]</nowiki> Website]
* [http://www.spunge.co.uk/ Official <nowiki>[spunge]</nowiki> website]
* [http://www.beartrappods.com/podcasts/spunge_34.html <nowiki>[spunge]</nowiki> Interview April '08]
* [http://www.sucka-punch.freeserve.co.uk/ Sucka-Punch Records Website]
* [https://academymusicgroup.com/blogs/interview-spunge Academy Music Group Interview]
* [http://www.moonskaeurope.com/ Moon Ska Europe Website]

* [http://www.b-uniquerecords.com/ B-Unique Records Website]
{{Authority control}}
* [http://www.dent-all-records.com/ Dent'All Records Website]
* [http://www.azchords.com/s/spunge-tabs-3760.html <nowiki>[spunge]</nowiki> guitar/bass tabs]
* [http://www.kickingpigeons.freeuk.com/ Kicking Pigeons, <nowiki>[spunge]</nowiki> fan site]
[[Category:British musical groups]]
[[Category:UK Underground Punk Scene]]


[[Category:English ska musical groups]]
[[fr:Spunge]]
[[Category:Underground punk scene in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Ska punk musical groups]]
[[Category:Rock music groups from Gloucestershire]]

Latest revision as of 05:30, 8 October 2024

Not to be confused with Sponge (band).
For similar terms, see Sponge (disambiguation).

Spunge
OriginTewkesbury, England
GenresSka punk
Years active1997–present
LabelsSucka-Punch Records
Moon Ska Europe
B-Unique Records
Dent'All Records
MembersAlex Copeland
Damon "Des" Robins
Chris "Jarvis" Murphy
Jeremy "Jem" King
Past membersPaul "Wol" Gurney
Simon Bayliss
Martin Holt

Spunge (often typeset as [spunge])[1] are a ska punk band from Tewkesbury, England. Through many years of touring, Spunge have toured with or played alongside a number of UK bands; and several American bands such as Green Day, Dropkick Murphys and Reel Big Fish; and been supported on a UK tour by Bowling for Soup; the latter of whom contributed backing vocals to the song "Centerfold" on the That Should Cover It! album.

In 2019 the band toured the UK supporting Reel Big Fish,[2] playing the same set they recorded for the album Live in 'nam... (Cheltenham)

Pedigree Chump and Room for Abuse

[edit]

Conceived in July 1994, with almost the same line up as today (the only difference being that Copeland used to double up on bass), the band went through a lengthy gestation period (adding bassist Simon Bayliss in 1995, and replacing him with Martin Holt in 1997), before emerging with the Kicking Pigeons EP in 1998. Having sold 5000 copies at pub gigs the band decided that there was enough potential to leave their day jobs, and make the band a full-time concern. Having soon gained a manager in Dave Juste of Birmingham's Xposure Rock Cafe (a regular early haunt), Spunge hit the road, and would eventually notch up well over three hundred gigs in just two years.

Cover to Kicking Pigeons.

Less than a year later in 1999, Spunge released their début album Pedigree Chump on MoonSka Europe and thus set about introducing the band to a wider audience. Holt tired of touring, so good friend Chris Murphy joined to play bass.

Their second album Room for Abuse was recorded at DEP International Studios, and released on Sucka-Punch Records in 2000, featuring the single "Ego" plus covers of Bob Marley's "No Woman No Cry" and Sublime's "Santeria". The album version of "No Woman No Cry" – complete with new lyrics from Copeland – was the first cover of a Bob Marley song ever to receive permission to be altered by the Marley family, as Ziggy liked it so much. All this attention brought them to the eyes of B-Unique and a deal was signed in February 2002.

The Story So Far

[edit]

The new recording contract led to Spunge's third studio album, The Story So Far. It spent one week in the UK Albums Chart at No. 48.[3] The first single to be taken from it was "Jump on Demand". Produced by John Cornfield, "Jump on Demand" reached No. 39 in the UK Singles Chart.[3] It also topped the Kerrang! TV chart for two weeks. The follow-up "Roots", peaked at No. 52 in the UK chart.[3] However, communication between the band and their record label was not good. Both releases had been delayed after the band had arranged sold-out tours and promotional appearances.

The album, The Story So Far, was then scheduled for release at the end of August 2002 on the same day as the Reading and Leeds Festivals which the band were playing. The band then recorded a cover of "Oliver's Army" with Steve Harris, which Alex Donnelly at BBC Radio 1 stated he would 'A list'. The label again asked for a tour to go with the release, and that was arranged for November and December 2002. The band were in full control of all the promotion for the tour and most shows were sold out with over 15,000 tickets sold to Spunge fans. With no financial support from the label, and no press coverage, the planned single was not released.

Following a meeting in December between label and the band's management, Spunge and B-Unique parted company. Despite this the band went on to play the inaugural Download Festival at Castle Donington in July 2003, alongside Audioslave, NOFX and Metallica. They parted company with their manager, Dave Juste, around this time, and decided to manage themselves. They also created their own record label, Dent'All Records, in 2004. All subsequent recordings have been released on this label.

That Should Cover It!

[edit]

On 23 February 2004, the label released its first album, That Should Cover It! a collection of covers, previously unavailable live demos and two brand new songs. The album was successful, with sales still continuing.

During 2004, the band returned to the recording studio to record two tracks for the next album, with the intention of producing a video for one of them to coincide with a major tour in October and November 2004. The two tracks were "Backstabber" and "One More Go". A video was commissioned through Goblin Pictures for "One More Go" and was sent out to several television stations in the hope of getting it played on air. Spunge also decided to put on an all-day gig at Cheltenham Town Hall. Hosted by Dent'All Records and Spunge, this became Extraction Fest 2004. The show was a success, but the video did not get aired, but their planned autumnal tour with Whitmore and Phinius Gage went ahead.

The band decided to release a full length DVD (The High Life) incorporating the video for "One More Go" on 21 March 2005.

Album re-release and self-titled album

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Rhythm guitarist Wol (Paul Gurney) left the band in January 2006, for personal reasons. Spunge decided to carry on as a four piece.

On 6 November 2006, Spunge released a re-recorded version of their second album called Room for Abuse 2006 that also included a DVD, which was also a re-release of their first video Skankin 'N' Skulkin.

On 20 August 2007, the band announced it had finished the fourth studio album and would be releasing it on 12 November. The album was self-titled. In October 2007, as part of the promotion for their new album, Spunge released as a free download on their website and Myspace site, their b-side "Happy Ending". The band undertook two tours supporting the album's release.

On Monday 3 September 2011, the band digitally released a new double A single, "Nothing at All"/"Higher Ground", following recording sessions earlier in the year.[4]

On 25 November 2013 the band released Greatest Hit......S album which is a compilation of their greatest hits voted by fans during the PledgeMusic project. Band said they are letting the fans to decide the track listing for the album. All of the tracks were re-recorded in 2013 for this album and few of them were mixed up a bit. Greatest Hit......S is sold in CD format only by the band themselves at their shows. The digital version is widely available through digital music stores and services.

Hang On? and Single releases (2014-present)

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Spunge announced through social media that they are making a new studio-album which will be released in digital format on 5 December for everyone who has preordered it from their PledgeMusic event. The Physical CD will be only available for preorder through PledgeMusic and won't even be available for sale at the shows. This will be the band's 8th full-length album and 5th album with new original tracks.

In late 2018 the band released two new singles "Liar" and "Get Out" through the band's own label, Dent’All Records. The band announced in an interview that they are writing new songs and instead of a new album release they will be releasing the new tracks regularly throughout 2019 as singles.

On 4 November a new single "No One Said It Was Easy" and a music video was released. The video accompanying the single is filmed and produced by Elliot Withers from Lion Island Media.

In addition to Singles, after their latest album the band has also released 2 Live Albums: "Live in London EP" (2016) and "Live in 'nam... (Cheltenham)" (2019).

Band members

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Current members

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  • Alex Copeland (vocals)
  • Damon Robins (lead guitar)
  • Chris Murphy (bass guitar)
  • Jeremy King (drums)

Former members

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  • Paul Gurney (rhythm guitar)
  • Simon Bayliss (bass guitar)
  • Martin Holt (bass guitar)

Discography

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EPs

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  • The Kicking Pigeons EP – March 1998

Singles

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  • "Ego" – 19 June 2000
  • "Live Another Day/Kicking Pigeons 2001" – 12 February 2001
  • "Jump on Demand" – 3 June 2002 – UK No. 39[3]
  • "Roots" – 12 August 2002 – UK No. 52[3]
  • "One More Go" – 21 March 2005
  • "Backstabber" – 14 January 2006, download only
  • "Nothing at All/Higher Ground" – 29 August 2011, download only
  • "Liar" - 19 October 2018
  • "Get Out" - 23 November 2018
  • "No One Said It Was Easy" - 4 November 2019
  • "Just Sayings" - 20 November 2020

Albums

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Music Videos

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  • "Kicking Pigeons" (1998)
  • "Ego" (2000)
  • "Jump on Demand" (2002)
  • "Roots" (2002)
  • "Centrefold" (2004)
  • "One More Go" (2005)
  • "Everyone Else" (2014)
  • "No One Said It Was Easy" (2019)

Videos

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  • Skankin 'n' Skulkin – 2001

DVDs

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The High Life

References

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  1. ^ "Kicking Pigeons - A [spunge] Fan Site". Archived from the original on 4 August 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2006.
  2. ^ "Gigs and Tours News".
  3. ^ a b c d e f Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 522. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  4. ^ "2011 new Spunge double A Single". Bananatown.co.uk. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
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