In this September 2009 posting on their MySpace and email to fans, Future Kings of Spain (FKOS) announced that they were no longer active as a band: “Future Kings Of Spain started out in February 2000 as Joey Wilson, Anton Hegarty and Bryan McMahon. They rehearsed for 5 months until they had a set of songs long enough to play in front of people. Finally and with no name, in July 2000 they played to some friends in a nightclub in Dublin. In December 2000, introduced as Future Kings Of Spain, they played their first real show. They were joined by Karl Hussey in late 2003 and remained a 4-piece until they brought things to a close in June 2009. The band recorded 2 LPs and 1 EP. The first LP and the EP for Red Flag Records; the second and last LP for their own label, What’s The Kim? Recordings. From Dublin, Ireland FKOS toured, recorded and made friends in North America, Europe, the UK, Japan, Australia and Ireland.” Originally formed by Joey Wilson (vocals/guitar), Bryan McMahon (drums) and Anton Hegarty (bass) Future Kings Of Spain played their first gig as support to former Dinosaur Jr mainman J Mascis and The Fog in Dublin’s Temple Bar Music Centre in December 2000. Fellow Dubliners Ten Speed Racer were in the audience and brought the band to the attention of their record company, London-based independent Red Flag Records. The self titled debut album recorded by Ted Niceley (Girls Vs Boys, Jawbox, Fugazi) was finally released in late 2003 and accompanied by intensive touring the band achieved considerable momentum and a dedicated following on the basis of an intense live show. The three original members were joined by Karl Hussey. Completed in late 2005 and previewed at an invitation only event at The Temple Bar Music Centre the second album “Nervousystem” was scheduled for a 2006 release but has still not seen the light of day. Rumours of the demise of their record label and the band abounded. FKOS played their only gig of 2006 on October 13th as headliners on the opening night of the Hard Working Class Heroes festival which Hot Press called the Best Performance of the festival. In February 2007 FKOS announced they had parted ways with Red Flag Records and the release of the first single from the new album on March 30th as well as an irish tour in April/May. On 28th September 2007 the second album nervousystem was finally released, the band spent the subsequent two years promoting the album and touring Ireland. |
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