Death of Guitar Pop Guitar Pop Guitar Pop
Death of Guitar Pop is an English ska-influenced duo from Essex, active since 2016, known for blending 2-Tone ska, pop, and punk influences with vibrant live performances.
Formation and Members
Death of Guitar Pop was formed in 2016 in Essex, England, consisting of Oliver “Silky” Hookings and Jonny “Top Kat” Hick, both handling vocals and guitars . The duo began collaborating after concluding a prior musical project and quickly started releasing recordings independently through their own label, Ska Club Essex . Their sound reflects a fusion of ska revival, pop, and punk, drawing inspiration from skinhead and mod subcultures .
Musical Style and Influences:
The band’s music is heavily influenced by 2-Tone ska, mod culture, and early British pop-punk. They describe their style as Skinhead–Mod Fusion and have cited favorites such as The Specials, Madness, and The Rifles as inspiration . Their vibrant, high-energy performances often reflect their underground mod and ska fanbase, combining nostalgic and contemporary elements.
Key Releases:
Death of Guitar Pop have released several studio albums:
69 Candy Street (2017) – Their debut album, featuring collaborations with The Mafia horn section and Neville Staple, received attention for its pop-oriented take on two-tone ska .
In Over Our Heads (2019) – Their second album, continuing to build their ska-pop identity .
Pukka Sounds (2021) – This album reached #23 on the UK Official Album Charts .
Be Lucky (2023) – Peaked at #30 on the UK Official Album Charts, demonstrating their continued relevance in the UK music scene .
Notable singles include “Rickety Old Train” (2017), “Suburban Ska Club” featuring Neville Staple (2017), and “Feeling Like a Right James Blunt at Christmas” featuring James Buckley (2019) .
Live Performances:
The duo has gained recognition for their energetic live shows, performing across the UK and internationally. Highlights include festival appearances such as Rebellion Festival, shows at venues like Camden Underworld, and participation in Flogging Molly’s Salty Dog Cruise . Their live sets often showcase extensive audience interaction and a strong connection to the ska and mod community. Recent 2026 tour dates include performances in Southampton, Bedford, Sheffield, Bath, and Norwich .
Recognition and Impact:
Though operating primarily in the underground scene, Death of Guitar Pop have established a dedicated mod and ska following and survived periods of commercial instability in the music industry. Industry commentary notes their resilience as one of the few bands from their era to maintain authenticity while garnering chart success .
Online Presence:
The duo shares music videos, behind-the-scenes content, and tour updates on platforms like YouTube (DOGPTV), Bandcamp, and social media, keeping their fanbase engaged with new releases and live performance highlights .
In summary, Death of Guitar Pop has developed a unique niche in the modern ska and pop-punk scene, maintaining a loyal fanbase, producing multiple charting albums, and delivering high-energy live shows that continue to celebrate the 2-Tone and mod traditions .
The Moochers UK
The Moochers UK were formed in late 2019 comprising of local singers, John O’Shea and Patrick O’Reilly, performing and singing roots reggae, ska and rock steady music from the 1950’s to the present day.
2023 was be a fresh start for both artists, following separate projects and careers. Get ready to hear some well-known classics hits, from the founder of the moochers, John O Shea.
The AC 30's
Who They Are:
A 7‑piece, highly experienced tribute band based in the Midlands.
Specialise in authentic Jamaican Ska, Rocksteady, and Reggae, with touches of 2‑Tone.
Known for staying true to the original recordings.
🌟
Reputation:
Described by Ska Radio UK as “the greatest Tribute to Ska, Reggae and Rocksteady you are likely to hear.”
Notable Collaborations:
The AC30’s have served as the backing band for major artists, including:
Susan Cadogan (“Hurt So Good”)
Carroll Thompson
Troy Ellis (son of Alton Ellis)
Stranger Cole
Alpheus
Derrick Morgan
Dave Barker
Roy & Yvonne
What They Play:
A setlist featuring classics from The Skatalites, Prince Buster, John Holt, Max Romeo, Ken Boothe, Jimmy Cliff, Alton Ellis, Toots & The Maytals, and more.
They also perform original material.
Their shows are described as high‑energy and dance‑floor‑filling.
AKA The Syndicate
In 2019, Gary Knight, a gifted songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, launched AKA The Syndicate after receiving a skin cancer diagnosis that ignited his creativity. This unexpected challenge propelled him to finalise a collection of songs he had long been developing.
With a strong network within the ska scene, Gary set out to form a ‘super-group’ of talented musicians to create fresh, original music that pays homage to the classic sounds of ska and 2 Tone, while infusing it with a contemporary twist.
Collaborating remotely during lockdown using modern technology to write and record, many band members didn’t even meet in person for a couple of years! The songs were recorded at Panther Studios in Reigate, a beloved creative space owned by punk and psychobilly legend Richard Coppen (Tenpole Tudor, King Kurt, The Weird Things).
AKA The Syndicate released their debut LP, AKA The Syndicate, in 2021, showcasing their impressive versatility and a diverse array of influences.
The album features guest appearances from 2 Tone legend Roddy Radiation of The Specials on two tracks.
With relatable social commentary, infectious hooks, and a blend of genres, the LP received rave reviews from fans and garnered airplay on independent radio stations worldwide.
Following the album’s success, fans eagerly called for live performances, leading to their first gig in 2021. Since then, the band has played across the UK and even secured a festival slot in Germany.