Do you have a secret (or perhaps, not so secret) obsession with new wave from the 80s? If so, you are in luck as British post punk/new wave icons China Crisis are visiting Hamilton on Monday, April 29/13. And how can they not play their hit Working with Fire & Steel in a town that lived and breathed steel for many years?
China Crisis was formed in 1979 near Liverpool by vocalist/keyboardist Gary Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon. The pop songs they crafted were very similar in style to new wave but also with strong similarities to the post-punk movement of the early 1980s.
Along with Lundon, Daly began writing songs, and was joined by drummer and percussionist Dave Reilly. In 1982 they released their debut single “African and White”.
The band signed to Virgin Records and recorded their debut album, Difficult Shapes & Passive Rhythms, Some People Think It’s Fun to Entertain, which was released in December 1982. A re-release of “African & White” became China Crisis’ first hit in the United Kingdom, reaching No. 45 in the UK Singles Chart.
The follow-up single, “Christian”, made UK No. 12 in early 1983 and brought them to national prominence. The album reached No. 21 in the UK Albums Chart. During this period the band toured supporting Simple Minds.
During their career, CC had ten hit singles in Britain between August 1982 and January 1987 and six albums, as well as commercial success in Western Europe, Australia and the U.S. and Canada.
Opening for CC will be Jessy Lanza, a talented local electronic pop artist.
It’s a great double bill! And to whet your appetite enjoy this classic from the cc.
China Crisis, with Jessy Lanza
April 29/13
This Ain’t Hollywood, 345 James St N., Hamilton
Doors at 9 pm.
Tickets: $20
