LIMERICK lost boys The Hitchers will play Dolans Warehouse on Friday October 28 presented by Seoda Shows – finally getting to mark the 25th Anniversary vinyl release of their 1997 debut album It’s All Fun and Games Til Someone Loses an Eye which is available now through the bands website.
Talk of a possible silver anniversary re-release gained momentum following The Hitchers inclusion on BBCs Steve Lamacqs ‘Lost Alternatives’ – a double vinyl/4xCD compilation album of acts he championed in the 90s.
This led to a crowdfunding campaign to finance the reissue that surpassed its target and all expectations in half the time it was to run. The album, originally released on compact disc, was remastered for a vinyl release in Limerick by Richard Dowling at his renowned WavMastering studio and throughout 2022 supporters have been receiving rewards which as well as vinyl records have included Hitchers themed greeting cards, handmade glass coasters and even original photographs and artwork from the 1997 release.
Releasing two albums and a slew of EPs in the late 90’s the Limerick band came to the attention of legendary BBC DJ John Peel who championed the bands debut UK release It’s All Fun & Games Til Someone Loses An Eye and had the band record a session for his show that gets repeat broadcasts to the present day.
Though The Hitchers officially de-mobbed in 2001, interest in the band is rekindled every few years for their football / not football song Strachan.
Drummer Niall says, “it’s fair to say The Hitchers are mainly remembered for Strachan. That was the tune that got played most and still gets played and knocked about and that stirs up interest when the World Cup or the Euros roll around.”
As well as the world cup qualifying lineup that performed on Fun and Games there’ll be some special guest performers appearing alongside the bands and a full night of fun and frolics.
A Seoda Shows presentation, The Hitchers play Dolans on Friday October 28. Tickets at www.dolans.ie.
