The House of Love will return to North America this May for the first time in nearly 30 years, playing an 11-date tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its second self-titled studio album, the so-called “Butterfly album” that marked the band’s first inroads in the U.S.
It won’t, however, by the full band. In a handwritten note about the tour posted by Brooklyn Vegan, frontman Guy Chadwick explains that his partner, guitarist Terry Bickers, will not be participating. He writes:
“Over the years, we have had may offers to come to the U.S.A. but I have never been able to persuade Terry Bickers to come, which is why when we got the offer of this tour, I decided to put a new live band together. We have been rehearsing solidly and it’s no holds barred House of Love!”
It’s not yet known who’ll be joining Chadwick for the North American dates. The U.K. indie legends’ Facebook page lists the current lineup as Chadwick, Bickers, original drummer Pete Evans and bassist Matt Jury, who joined the band when it first reunited in 2003, nearly a decade after its initial breakup — and 14 years after Bickers originally left the band.
The reformed House of Love has released two albums this century, 2005’s Days Run Away and 2013’s She Paints Words in Red. The band in recent years has celebrated the 30th anniversary of its self-titled debut — 1988’s The House of Love, not to be confused with 1987 compilation The House of Love or the aforementioned 1990 sophomore set The House of Love.
In his handwritten note about the North American tour, Chadwick talks about writing that 1990 self-titled album, which features “Shine On,” “I Don’t Know Why I Love You” and “Beatles and the Stones”:
“It’s hard to believe it’s over 30 years ago our debut album came out in the USA and that the songs still mean so much to people. When I wrote these songs in my tiny squalid bedsit in Islington, using an ironing board as a table for my Fostex 4-track and my Roland 808 drum machine, I never dreamed I was making a record that would resonate so much and influence so many other bands. We’re looking forward to playing those classics, plus songs from later albums and some new material.”
The House of Love, which last played the U.S. in 1992, will open its tour May 6 in New York City and wrap up May 23 in San Francisco. Check out the band’s website for ticket details.
Here are the full dates:
The House of Love tour dates
May 6: Gramercy Theater, New York City, NY
May 7:White Eagle Hall, New Jersey, NJ
May 8: First Unitarian Church, Philadelphia, PA
May 10: Lee’s Palace, Toronto, ON
May 11: Subterranean, Chicago, IL
May 12: First Ave, Minneapolis, MN
May 14: Fox Theater, Vancouver, BC
May 16: Neumos, Seattle, WA
May 17: Star Theater, Portland, OR
May 19: The Chapel, San Francisco, CA
May 23: The Palace Theater, Los Angeles, CA
PREVIOUSLY ON SLICING UP EYEBALLS
- The House of Love’s Creation Records debut to receive 30th anniversary 5CD box set
- The House of Love announces spring U.K. tour, previews 2 tracks off new album
- The House of Love reveals title, artwork for ‘She Paints Words in Red’ — due in spring 2013
- The House of Love announces completion of new studio album — first in 7 years
- The House of Love’s Creation Records debut to be reissued in 3CD set with demos, rarities
- Video: The House of Love makes first live appearance in 4 years at Poland’s Off Festival
This is a show I never thought I’d see in North America. Cheers to them for making it happen!
Definitely worth seeing. I was at the show they videoed at The Lexington pub/London in 2013 and it was a dream come true. Never thought they would ever make it back here. Could be the last time you’ll ever have the chance to see them live.
I am jazzed …!
Tix in the bag !
One of my favorite bands- would love to see them in LA. 6 hour drive to LA……..maybe?
Was this tour cancelled because of you know what?