Psychobilly legends King Kurt to perform in Reading

Psychobilly pioneers King Kurt are heading to Reading this autumn as part of a nationwide tour celebrating 40 years since the release of their second studio album, Big Cock.

Presented by Good Wrecking Tonight and Future Transmissions, the band will perform at the Face Bar this autumn.

Formed in 1981 under the moniker Rockin’ Kurt and The Sour Kruats before shortening their name, King Kurt built a reputation as one of the most energetic and chaotic live acts of the decade.

Their early performances became legendary for crowd participation, with audiences regularly pelted with flour, eggs, and buckets of wallpaper paste.

The original line-up featured vocalist Jef Harvey, who was later replaced by Gary “Smeg” Cayton, alongside guitarists Paul “Thwack” Laventhol and John Reddington, drummer Rory Lyons, bassist Bert Boustead, and saxophonist Alan “Maggot” Power.

In 1983, the band signed to Stiff Records and released their breakthrough debut album, Ooh Wallah Wallah.

The record propelled them into the UK singles charts with tracks including Mack The Knife, Zulu Beat, and Destination Zululand.

Three years later, in 1986, the group followed up with their sophomore LP, Big Cock, released on Polydor Records.

The group remains an active presence on the international live circuit, regularly appearing at genre gatherings such as the Psychobilly Meeting.

Berkshire’s own Surfin’ Lungs will support the evening.

Formed in Bracknell in 1981, the outfit specialises in high-energy surf punk and power pop, complete with loud shirts.

Across more than four decades, the band has released nine studio albums and continues to tour widely.