In April 2019 KAV SANDHU (Happy Mondays) launched BLITZ VEGA with ANDY ROURKE, the legendary bassist who helped craft the iconic sound of the 80s with seminal band, The Smiths. His recognizable and undeniable iconic bass lines from Barbarism Begins at Home to How Soon Is Now helped solidify the sound of the Smiths. It is no wonder Johnny Marr declared Rourke's playing on The Queen of Dead LP as "Something no other bass player could match."
BLITZ VEGA debuted their first single, "Hey Christo" in April 16, 2019. They played their debut live show on July 24, 2019 at the House of Machines in the Los Angeles Art District. They followed up with the release of their second single "Lost & Found" mixed by Jagz Kooner (Primal Scream/ Kasabian/ Massive Attack) on September 20, 2019 and a single for Halloween on October 30, 2019 called LA Vampire. They then released the single "Strong Forever" on November 17, 2022 which featured special guest Johnny Marr, the guitarist of the Smiths. Rourke and Marr reunited for their first recording together in 35 years.
KAV helped Shaun Ryder re-form the legendary Manchester band Happy Mondays in 2004. He went on to tour internationally with the Happy Mondays, playing Coachella with the band in 2007 and co-writing their album Unkle Dysfunctional as well as the title track "Playground Superstar." He launched his solo project under moniker "KAV" in 2008 and debut his EP "Blaggers N' Liars" which the single was featured in Showtime. KAV co-founded the club night Getloaded in London's Turnmills nightclub, one of the biggest indie festivals in London and awarded "Best New Festival " at the UK Festival Awards in 2004.
Andy passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer on May 19, 2023. As Andy had requested, BLITZ VEGA will be releasing their album in early 2024. Thank you Kav for this interview.
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