Well, really, I haven't been able to sit down and put together much news for you. In Issue #2 I had a pretty good news section, too. Oh well. Anyway, let's see, a few bands have broken up since I last reported breakups.
- See Spot from California. If you caught them at this year's Penn State Ska Fest, that was one of their last shows.
- Kongo Shock from Arizona.
- Two Thousand Flushes from State College, PA. (on Jump Start Records)
- The Ska Blazers from Philly, PA. This just happened (on Wednesday, July 8th). I didn't really see this one coming. I'd like to wish everyone in the band good luck with their upcoming musical adventures.
- The Unmarked Cars from East Stroudsburg, PA. (on Stirling Records)
- There are some rumors of Johnny Too Bad & the Strikeouts breaking up. I do know for sure that there has been major lineup changes, but did they actually decide to break up? Who knows.
- Orange Street from NY. You can catch them on the new New York comp on Moon Records.
- There are many more, but I just can't think right now!! (this page will be updated soon)
Paul Phelps (guitar) and Sean (Tenor Sax) have left The Articles. The Band is still very much so "alive and kicking".
Sean Agnew of R5 Productions has stopped doing ska shows with bands he doesn't know well. There were many problems with the Philly Ska Fest this year. There were fights between the bands (with the exception of Eastern Standard Time and The Articles) and Sean. He decided to quit his ska promoter "job" (again, except with bands he knows).
If you haven't heard yet, Tommy McCook, legendary saxophonist from The Skatalites has died.
On another sad note and followup, Roland Alphonso, legendary saxophonist from The Skatalites passed away on November 19, 1998 (my birthday). He was 67.
For local Pennsylvania Ska News, check out the news section to my Pennsylvania Ska Page. Thanks.
