WALTER LURE OF THE HEARTBREAKERS HEADS TO THE UK FOR THREE SHOWS IN AUGUST
Following two successful tours in 2010 and 2011, Walter Lure makes a welcome return to the UK this summer. The original guitarist and co-vocalist with Johnny Thunders’ iconic New York punks The Heartbreakers will play three shows in August, including a set at Blackpool punk gathering Rebellion Festival.
Walter is once again joined by bassist ’Rockin’ Ray Birch, drummer Ozzie (both of Gunfire Dance), and guitarist Jez Miller (Lords of the New Church / The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing); the British bandmates who orchestrated his return to these shores in 2010 after a 26 year absence. Branded “a smash success” by Vive le Rock magazine, that first tour culminated in a sweaty, sold-out gig at London’s legendary 100 Club, where the band were joined onstage by original Sex Pistol Glen Matlock. Public demand prompted Walter to play again just 12 months later, when a capacity crowd at Camden’s Purple Turtle were treated to a guest turn by Heartbreakers’ bassist Billy Rath.
The identities of special guests for 2013 are being kept a closely guarded secret, but one thing fans can be sure of when Walter comes to town is one very special setlist. Joining forces with Johnny Thunders and Jerry Nolan after they split from the New York Dolls in 1975, Walter played an integral part in establishing The Heartbreakers’ ragged rock ‘n’ roll identity. As a guitarist, he provided the urgent punk rhythms that connected Johnny’s switchblade re-trace of Eddie Cochran and Chuck Berry with the New York subway train rumble of Billy’s bass, while as a songwriter his collaborations with drummer Jerry included classic cuts from ‘77’s ‘L.A.M.F’ album, such as ‘All By Myself’ and ‘Get Off The Phone’. Post-Heartbreakers, Walter was invited to contribute guitar to three of The Ramones mid-80s albums, and later established his own group The Waldos, whose 1994 debut ‘Rent Party‘ is to be reissued by Jungle Records to coincide with this year’s UK tour.
Featuring some of the finest slices of Big Apple punk around and yet notoriously let down by poor production, ‘L.A.M.F’ continues to fascinate and frustrate fans, and earlier this year Jungle issued a critically praised 4-disc boxset of remasters and alternative mixes titled ‘The Definitive Edition’. Those who caught Walter’s sell-out shows in 2010/11 will be aware that the place these tunes are truly done justice is onstage. Now earning a living on Wall Street and touring in his holiday time, Walter is one a few 70s stars who can honestly say he’s on the road today purely for the love of playing live. That passion is strongly apparent in intense, immensely enjoyable shows, which see him unleash an infectious energy and excitement, and keep appreciative audiences coming back for more.
(Photo of Walter Lure © Ila Desai)
WALTER LURE PLAYS:
Thurs 8th August
BLACKPOOL, Winter Gardens (Rebellion Festival - www.rebellionfestivals.com)
Fri 9th August
BRISTOL, Exchange (w/Healthy Junkies). Doors 7pm / £12 adv
Sat 10th August
LONDON, The Underworld (w/The Parkinsons, Electric River & The Terraces) Doors 6pm / £15 adv.
