About
November 2016, Andy Rourke & KAV embarked on a project to record and make music and launched Blitz Vega. The duo’s 7 year journey together was sadly cut short on May 19, 2023 when Andy lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, something he was fighting behind the scenes whilst continuing to record with Blitz Vega.
One of the most revered bass players in alternative music, Andy Rourke helped craft the iconic sound of the '80s with The Smiths, who critics have called the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s. The NME named the Smiths the "most influential artist ever" in a 2002 poll. Andy recently guested live with fellow Smiths member Johnny Marr, The Stone Roses front man Ian Brown & played and toured with the likes of Sinead O' Connor, The Pretenders, Badly Drawn Boy, Killing Joke & Bonehead from Oasis.
KAV was responsible for reforming well-known British band Happy Mondays in his early 20's with Shaun Ryder, getting the band back together and onstage for their first show in several years to 10,000 people on London's Clapham Common for the festival he co-founded “Getloaded In The Park”. He co-wrote their album "Unkle Dysfunctional" and "Playground Superstar" the title track for the movie GOAL! KAV toured internationally with the Mondays for 4 years with highlights including Coachella Festival, Fuji Rock and V Festival UK. He's since recorded his solo project under the moniker 'KAV' & has worked with a number of artists on music projects including Zombie Boy, Howard Marks, DATAROCK, Mondo Cozmo & Tall Paul to name a few.
To honour Andy's work and with the love and support of Andy’s family, on January 17th 2024, Blitz Vega announced the release of their upcoming Album 'Northern Gentleman'. This date also marked what should have been Andy’s 60th Birthday, fulfilling the first part of Kav’s promise to Andy; to release and tour the album. “He was so excited for people to hear it”.
Set to be released on May 17, via FutureSonic Records/ CEN/ The Orchard; ‘Northern Gentleman’ is a bittersweet celebration of Andy’s impact on the music world, especially Blitz Vega
Blitz Vega have released a number of singles surrounding ’Northern Gentleman.’ In 2019 they released 'Hey Christo', 'Lost & Found' and 'LA Vampire’.
'Strong Forever', featuring Andy’s friend and former band mate Johnny Marr was released in November 22. The track was premiered in Rolling Stone & saw Andy & Johnny recording together for the first time in 35 years.
in April 2023 Blitz Vega released an 8 song Vinyl exclusively for Record Store Day 2023 featuring unreleased versions of the single ‘Strong Forever’, along with brand new music.
'Disconnected’ released on March 8 is the latest single from the album, which will be followed by 'Love City’ which is set to be released on May 3. In an added tribute; Blitz Vega will also release footage of their Live recordings from Abbey Road Studios recorded in 2019.
The band have also been filming a documentary since the start of the project, and will continue to film right up until their tribute show for Andy in fall 2024.