Since late 1978, Killing Joke have been ripping up rule books. The
original (and current) line-up of Jaz Coleman (vocals, keyboards), Paul
Ferguson (drums), Geordie Walker (guitar) and Youth (bass) has been
responsible for pioneering albums that have shaped music genres and
pulverisingly intense gigs often likened to religious ceremonies. The band achieved mainstream success in 1985 with both the album "Night Time"
and the single "Love Like Blood". But Killing Joke’s influence runs
much deeper and darker. No Killing Joke no Nirvana, no Jane’s Addiction,
no Faith No More, no Nine Inch Nails, no Soundgarden, no Marilyn
Manson, no Metallica not in the form you have come to know them. This official release "A Prophecy Fullfilled" is an oral history of Killing Joke, mixing over
300 anecdotes from the fans known as Gatherers with a narrative by the
band, other musicians and celebrity devotees. The book also features
never-before-seen photographs, collectable memorabilia and fans’
pictures capturing Joke’s incendiary live performances. The book is now available for pre-order from This Day In Music Books here
and the first 1,000 special edition copies come with an exclusive free
"Wardance" (Liminal Twins disorientation mix) 7 inch vinyl single,
numbered 1 – 1,000. Author, Chris Bryans can barely remember a time when Killing Joke were not part
of his life. With three decades of experience as a journalist, writer
and editor, he has worked/written for the BBC, The Observer and Time Out. He’s also been a writer and co-editor on "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" and several other titles in the hugely successful "1001…" franchise. But whatever Chris is doing, all roads usually lead him back to Killing Joke. There is no escape.
Photo from the first time I saw Killing Joke, Hammersmith Palais January 01st 1984.
