The Slackers Winter Tour 2023
Preview By Chris Hazel
Published November 28th, 2023
The Slacker Social
Voodoo Glow Skulls Social
As winter fast approaches, The Slackers are embarking on one last tour before the holidays, taking along with them the Voodoo Glow Skulls, Chris Murray, and Los Mal Hablados with five dates in California.
Established in 1991, these seasoned performers have been among the standout bands to emerge from the ska revival scene in New York City and they have played a crucial role in the music industry for an impressive 32 years. In the wake of the Third Wave Ska explosion in the '90s, The Slackers have maintained their robust presence by blending rocksteady, reggae, and soul.
With 15 albums, numerous singles, and a multitude of concerts worldwide, the band continues to thrive. The New York Times said the Slackers are “the sound of New York, and Rude International said they are “the best ska band in the world.”
Also on this tour is the rock en español ska punk band from SoCal formed by brothers Frank, Eddie, and Jorge Casillas, the Voodoo Glow Skulls. Diverging from the multitude of ska/punk/metal bands in the industry, The Voodoo Glow Skulls resist easy classification and proudly stand as a formidable testament to individuality and the unbridled, tumultuous force of rock and roll.
Voodoo Glow Skulls fierce determination is unmistakable in latest album "Livin' the Apocalypse" which dropped in 2021 on Dr. Strange Records. This is the band’s first release with Efrem Schulz from Death by Stereo and Manic Hispanic on lead vocals. These amigos just got back from Japan, are no staggers to touring, and are known for their energetic and fan engaging shows.
Joining on this tour is none-other Chris Murray, who stands as a distinctive presence in today's music landscape, having carved out a robust reputation as a dynamic performer and skilled songwriter. Former member of the now-defunct ska band King Apparatus, this Canadian-singer-songwriter and guitarist collaborated with The Slackers to produce "Slackness," an 11-song album. On this record, Murray takes on lead vocals, offering fresh renditions of his solo works, introducing new compositions, and delivering a rendition of The Clash's "Janie Jones." His live performances are renowned for their relaxed ambiance, with the majority of his set list being shaped almost entirely by spontaneous requests from the audience.
Skanking & two stepping their way in the underground music scene is Portland Oregon’s newest skacore band, Los Mal Hablados. Described as Spanish hardcore with a full brass sound, Los Mal Hablados delivered their 1st live EP recordings with Bridge City Sessions on April 9th & then released July 14th of 2023.
Okay moon stompers, pick up the beat and enjoy some sick tunes! You can catch the local SoCal shows on December 8th at the 1720 Night Club in Los Angeles, December 9th at The Garden Grove Amphitheater in Orange County, or December 10th at the San Diego House of Blues.
After the Slackers tour the west the band will head to the east for some shows with Mustard Plug, The Freecoasters, and Stop The Presses for a few selected dates.
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