The Hip Priests

British Punk Rock band formed in May 2006 in Nottingham, England. Original line up was Gary X-Ray (vocals), Lee Love (Bass), Fast Jimmy (Guitar) and Skintight Tim (drums). Initially formed just for excuses to hang about and get pissed, the band's hastily recorded initial demo of six songs was snapped up by Sweden's esteemed Bootleg Booze record label - forcing the band to continue. Jimmy/James left the band in 2009 claiming that the band partying and drug intake had become more important than their musical endeavours. By this time, new guitarist, [a2670430] had taken predominant guitar. [a3234307] left the band in 2010 following a fatal midlife crisis and, although the band considered jacking it in, the recruitment of local panda-eyed kickboxing champion, [a2665501], instantly injected the band with a new lease of life - despite being banned from glamorous Grimsby at their first gig with the new line up after altercations with Hell's Angels and 'exotic dancers' in attendance. Drummer, Skintight Tim then left in August 2015 and was replaced bye 'the kid', [a4886542] In October 2017 Joe then left and was replaced by the new drummer [a7032201] At the same time, the band decided to recruit a rhythm guitarist and took on Canadian, [a7032202]. The band then parted ways with Mike in December 2018 and then located the local wunderkid guitarist, [a10121260]. They released their 4th album 'Stand For Nothing' on March 11th 2019 and toured extensively. In 2023 they signed to Swedish Label The Sign (who actually turned out to be piss poor) and completed what turned out to be their final album 'Roden House Blues' - this was released in 2023. As of November 2024, the band have now put out 5 studio albums, a double singles compilation, a single singles compilation, one 12" EP and now one final 10" and around 31 singles of genius anthemic Garage / Post Scandi / Action Proto Punk / Rock 'n' Roll (or whatever you wanna call it). Despite their best efforts and hard work - they continued to be largely ignored by what's left of the mainstream 'music business' (if that's still a thing) and continued to revel in their UK scene pariah status. The singles pretty much sold-out in little time at all and they amassed a hardcore fanbase of loons, misfits, many of which now form their 'fan club', The Spasm Gang. The UK and world at large doesn't give a fuck but neither, in the main, do they. In 2024 they announced that they were bored of casting endless pearls before swine and were to split in November 2024 (after 18 years). They released a final 10" EP 'We Become Nothing' in October 2024. The UK will not see their like again.