NEWS/LISTEN: GYPSY'S KISS celebrate 50 years in the game with new track 'We've Come To Play'....
Gypsy’s Kiss were formed in the East End of London in early 1974 by Iron Maiden founder and bassist, Steve Harris, and David Smith, who lived close to each other and went to the same school. Therefore, the band sit proudly at the ‘top of the Iron Maiden Family Tree’.
They were determined to be a hard rocking band and quickly made a significant impact on the growing East London music scene playing at The Cart & Horses, Bridgehouse, and other well-known local venues.
After nearly two years Gypsy’s Kiss came to its natural end in the second half of 1975. Steve then famously formed Iron Maiden in December 1975. The band remain good friends to this day.
David was asked to reform Gypsy’s Kiss many times over the years so Maiden fans could hear their original songs (last played live in 1974) and it finally happened in March 2018 (with another original member Bob Verschoyle) to a capacity crowd as a one off.
It was so well received that they played two more gigs in 2018 (with the current line up). Overwhelmed by support from the Iron Maiden Fan Community, they decided to do it all over again and have since gigged extensively in both the UK and Europe and have, to date, released singles and two critically well received albums.
Although Gypsy’s Kiss remain loyal to their Maiden heritage, they continue to bring their classic rock sound to a wider audience beyond their Iron Maiden roots. 2024 will mark 50 years since their formation in 1974.
On their 50th year:
A 50th anniversary for us? Who would have thought in 1974 that a raw 19 year old long haired “would be” musician from East London - straight from school - would still be playing and writing new music and releasing critically acclaimed singles and albums in 2024 - after 50 years - with top notch musicians and to large enthusiastic crowds in the UK and in Europe. Not me! I couldn’t be more surprised, thrilled, and delighted. Long may it continue. (David Smith)
On the album We’ve Come to Play
Our last album ‘1974’ was really well received by both critics and fans. This time we have made the conscious effort to deliver some slightly shorter, punchier songs with audience pleasing hooks, whilst retaining our signature guitar and vocal harmonies. We believe the new single “We’ve Come to Play” is a great example of this. The album is well developed, and we are amid putting those songs down in the studio now and we are confident that the album will be a winner and we’ll achieve the launch date of June 2024. There will be a few surprises on the album, and we hope that both our existing and new fans will love it. Classic rock with a modern twist. (David Smith)
Live dates: 50th Anniversary (UK) April/May 2024
April 27th - Stratford, (Cart & Horses) - On sale
May 11th - Hastings, (The Carlisle) - Free entry show
May 15th - The Barnoldswick Arts Centre - On sale
May 16th - Cambridge, (The Six Six Bar)- On sale
May 18th - Nancy, (France) *(on sale soon) *
Aug 31st - MearFest 2024 - Nuneaton (on sale)
Oct 5th - British Steel Festival (France) (on sale)
More live dates to be added!
About the song:
We’ve Come To Play catalogues the return of a legacy (and old) band who burned out and split up after their first run, but have come back - not for vanity, ego, or money - but for their last chance to play again and to entertain an audience - David Smith.
Band members and instruments played.
David Smith (Vocals, Backing Vocals and Guitars)
Jonathan Morley (Guitars and Backing Vocals)
Fraser Marr (Guitars)
Ross Hunter (Keyboards, Backing Vocals)
Robin Gatcum (Bass)
Stuart Emms (Drums)
Hailing from:
David - Leyton East London
Jonathan- Glasgow
Fraser - Hull, Yorkshire
Ross - London
Robin - Camberley
Stuart - Sunderland
Now based:
David - Chessington, Surrey
Jonathan - Hinchley Wood, Surrey
Fraser - Hastings, East Sussex
Ross- Claygate, Surrey
Robin - Swanage, Dorset
Stuart - Kingston, SW London
Musical influences for each band member:
David – Beatles, David Bowie, Deep Purple
Jonathan – AC/DC
Fraser – Aerosmith
Ross – Wham!
Stu – Rush
Robin – Rush
For fans of:
Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, AC/DC and, of course, Iron Maiden.
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