Dutch electro pioneers Minny Pops are to reform for their first live dates in three decades.
Led by Wally van Middendorp, the band revealed in November that they planned to break their 30-year silence by returning for a series of live performances in early 2012. The dates have now been confirmed and will go ahead later this month, with support from fellow Dutch band Rats on Rafts. Former Slit Viv Albertine will also appear at the London show only.
A new CD/DVD package, Standstill To Motion, will accompany the live dates. The two-disc set, which features recordings of the band’s 1981 sets in Amsterdam and New York as well as video footage of performances in both cities, is due for release on January 30th.
Minny Pops’ reformation comes years after they were signed to Factory Records, a move which saw them play alongside the likes of Joy Division, New Order and A Certain Radio. Their short career saw the notoriously confrontational post-punks work with Joy Division producer Martin Hannett, gain critical acclaim for their 1982 album, Sparks In A Dark Room, and become the first Dutch band to record a John Peel session for BBC radio.
The live dates are as follows:
JANUARY
19th – Sheffield, Plug (w. Rats on Rafts)
20th – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club (w. Rats on Rafts)
21st – Manchester, Gulliver’s (w. Rats on Rafts)
23rd – London, Upstairs at The Garage (w. Rats on Rafts, Viv Albertine)
Photo by Gavin Russell
