artists » Matt McManamon of the Dead 60s

A big fan of the VOX AC15, Matt McManamon of the Dead 60s fell in love with the new AC30 Custom Classic when he came over to the States to tour this year. Now he won’t go on tour without one. He explains, “Back in England someone said, ‘Hey why don’t you try an AC15’ and I said, ‘Ok, I’ve never tried one before.’ But in the States on tour, I use an AC30 because they’re more powerful. Besides, they’re definitely the coolest amps going. I really like the built-in reverb so you don’t have to use any effects or pedals. You can just flick it on or off. That’s a great feature!” exclaimed Matt. He goes on to state that, “My tone is kind of sharp and I space it out with a bit of reverb. It’s got a nice feel and some texture to it.”

Matt’s tone isn’t the only thing that’s sharp and spaced out. The Dead 60s have been slicing their way across the country and winning over audiences with their highly original material. Pop, fused with punk, lively hip-hop grooves and spacey dub, doesn’t even begin to sum up the Dead 60s unique sound. Taking inspiration from the ‘60s generation (of course), English punk a la The Clash and The Sex Pistols, and reggae influences such as King Tubby and Lee “Scratch” Perry, Matt and The Dead 60s have become very appealing to fans of these genres.

The Dead 60s hail from Liverpool, England, and formed when two rival bands joined forces. Combining Jamaican ska, punk, and dub influences and jamming in a studio for eight months earned them a record deal with Deltasonic records less than a year after they formed. Their first single, “You’re Not the Law,” made its way into the ears of would-be fans, but it was the second single, “Riot Radio,” that really jumpstarted the Dead 60s. It also brought the band to Stephen Morrissey’s attention, eventually earning them a spot on tour with the legendary artist.

More touring with such impressive acts as Garbage and The Killers followed along with the release of their third single, “The Last Resort.” “We landed the Garbage gig because we have the same management company, Q Prime,” explains Matt. Q Prime is also the home of such major attractions as Metallica and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The road has become a second home for the Dead 60s as they have just finished another successful run of the states in which time “Riot Radio” became the #3 Most Added Song on Alternative Radio just behind The White Stripes and Coldplay. But the party will not stop as the band returns to the U.S. to tour in support of The Bravery and their latest single, “Loaded Gun.” They will also be doing some headline dates as well as the Vans Warped Tour. From there, The Dead 60s head back to their native U.K. where they will be playing with The Stereophonics in support of the release of their self-titled debut album.

The Dead 60s are becoming a touring machine; so go check them out and see what the buzz is all about. For more information and tour dates visit: www.thedead60s.com

By Kenny Kuehn
Photo by Keith Smith