Gypsy’s Kiss Talk 50th Anniversary, New Album And More

Gypsy’s Kiss, an integral part of the revered ‘Iron Maiden Family Tree,’ proudly announces their latest milestone: celebrating their 50th Anniversary with the release of a highly anticipated album due for release summer 2024. Guitarist Fraser Marr told us about their plans:

Who is in Gypsy’s Kiss and what do they play?

We are…. David Smith – Vocals and guitar. Robin Gatcum – Hippy Bass. Stu Emms – Drums. Fraser Marr – Guitar. Jonathan Morley – Guitar. Ross Hunter – Keyboards.

When and how did you all meet?

Some of the band have known each other for way too many years and even gigged together but this version of Gypsy’s Kiss came together over a period starting in 2018 and being fully formed in 2019. Then of course we immediately separated for Covid!

The band will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Do you have any stories, memories, highlights of the band’s career so far?

The first highlight would be having Steve Harris start the band with David and seeing how well he’s done with Maiden and what he’s done for rock and metal music. Then the other highlights would be recording our first album for sure. Playing live is the most fun though. Gigs and festivals. touring Europe is special. Poland was a blast!

 You have released your new single ‘We’ve Come To Play’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

Yes.. the new single has been received incredibly well and it’s great that it’s getting hundreds and hundreds of radio plays around the world. The inspiration is semi autobiographical but all long serving bands and fans can relate to it. The song tells the tale of a band reforming to play simply for the fun of it. There’s no money guys hahahahhahaaha!

The single is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?

This video was deliberately humorous and simple. No gloss. No green screen or special effects. It was directed by myself (Fraser Marr) and edited by Luke Archer and it simply shows a band having fun playing their new song. Importantly it also features footage from The Cart & Horses in East London… The birthplace of Iron Maiden and Gypsy’s Kiss. Both bands played their first gigs there.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals etc?

Oh yes.. Myself I have always played a Gibson Flying V as it’s the iconic guitar of rock but I also use a Gibson Les Paul. The band favour Gibson but also use Fender and PRS. I myself am also experimenting with Charvel. Until recently all three guitars were powered by the truly exceptional Bluguitar Amp 1 though David has recently tried using Blackstar. Favoured effects would be MXR, Tech 21, Mooer and Valeton but I am always on the look out for something that works! Robin our Hippy Bass player favours the mighty Fender PBass with Blacksmith Head and Bergontino cabs. Stu drums away on a Premier Resonator kit with Zildjian and Paiste cymbals. His fabulous stick are by Promark… Not Primark. Our keyboard player is inscrutable and refuses to discuss such things. I know he has a Nord though and all sorts of other gizmos that make strange noises…..

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

I myself live in Hastings – The music capital of England!

 Do you have any plans for live shows in Europe/UK in 2024?

Yes we do! We are playing a 50th anniversary show at The Cart & Horse on April 27th which has all but sold out. We then play a few more low key shows in May and some festivals through the year. We going out in August as support to the magnificent and rejuvenated Paul DiAnno which will be special. We are booked to play France a couple of times and will add more European dates in the coming weeks. It should be an exciting year.

In addition, you have a new album scheduled for release in Summer 2024. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

We have been very busy and delayed the release of the album as this needs to rock like never before. Having made the time to focus on writing we find that process is nearly complete so we’ll be heading to the studio soon and can’t wait. We like Pearce’s Farm Studio near Wokingham. It’s a lovely place!

Which of your new tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Well really that would be giving too much away but so far there are great catchy heavy songs, a couple of left field numbers, at least one quiet tune and at least one epic rocker!

Was it a difficult album to write?

I would say no. It’s been quite a slow process but well worth it. The album is shaping up quite nicely. You wait and see…

What makes Gypsy’s Kiss happy and what makes you unhappy?

Happy is playing live. Unhappy is all the time we are not….. that’s not true of course but sounds right.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Artist 

Gypsy’s Kiss latest single ‘We’ve Come To Play’ is out now. 

It is available on digital platforms here: https://gypsyskiss.hearnow.com/weve-come-to-play/ 

Their new album is scheduled for release in Summer 2024.

The dates for Gypsy’s Kiss’s 50th Anniversary Tour (UK):
 
April 27th: Stratford (Cart & Horses)
May 11th: Hastings (The Carlisle) – Free entry show
May 15th: The Barnoldswick Arts Centre
May 16th: Cambridge (The Six Six Bar)

More dates to be added. For tickets and more information visit their official website: https://www.gypsyskiss.net/