The Shutes are Chris Jones, Michael Champion, Dave Champion and Rob Potter, a four-piece from the Isle of Wight who make well-crafted indie-rock with psychedelic and surf flourishes.
NME described them as “The most far out rock ‘n’ roll joyride to leave the Isle of Wight since August 31st 1970, when Hendrix’s trailer pulled out”
The band grew up on the Isle of Wight and still live and record on the island when they can. Their their name is taken from a long winding path known as ‘the Shute’ which runs down the cliff edge to the shore near their homes.
The band formed about 5 years a go when Mike, Chris and Rob got together for a jam having met through playing in other bands. Within a few months they were playing gigs in London and released their first cd soon after. The band has toured Europe three times, playing in Hamburg, Berlin, Zurich, Vienna to name but a few. They have supported the likes of The Go! Team, The Bees, Alexander Ebert and Peter, Bjorn and John and will be supporting Level 42 at Northwood Park this Jubilee weekend.
The Shutes 'live' at Koko
In recent years The Shutes have headlined at the ‘Barfly’ and ‘Koko’ in London and closer to home have played the Isle of Wight Festival and Bestival for the last 4 years. In 2011/12 The Shutes recorded in London studios their latest release, ’Echo of Love’ which was released earlier this year.
Chris and Mike met through surfing on the Island. Mike grew up surfing around Niton while Chris’s local breaks were Compton and Freshwater Bay. It was a few years before they both realised they both had a passion for music.
When Mike started surfing he was looking up to guys like Raff, Lee Webster and the Wells brothers Tim, Sam and Jobie. Chris started surfing with people like Dougie Richards, Ian Pacey and friends.
Chris at Freshwater Bay
Chris at Freshwater Bay - Image by Jason Swain ©
Wight Surf History are proud to announce that on Saturday 2nd June 2012 ‘The Shutes’ will be playing live at Dimbola Museum and Galleries.
Island band ‘The Shutes’ will be headlining the evening with support acts Black House Crow and Sam Scadgell.
This will be the first time The Shutes have played on the Island for nearly a year. The Shutes are on the Island to support Level 42 at the Northwood Park Jubillee Party, but you have the chance to come and see them perform some of their new material first.
Suggested donation on the door of £4 (that’s not much more than a price of a pint). This is a BYO (bring your own alcohol) event but Dimbola hope to have a licence too.
Please RSVP to Wight Surf History or Dimbola direct to ensure your place as numbers are limited.
Listen to The Shutes on Soundcloud
