Shonen Knife Announce North American Tour Dates

Shonen Knife have been the most internationally recognized name in Japanese Rock music since their entrance onto the alternative rock scene in the early 90s seeing them become the indie darlings of hipsters and rock stars alike. 2011 celebrates thirty years since Naoko and the band began releasing albums of their joyous mixture of pop, punk, food and fantasy for the world to enjoy. Since their inception in Osaka in 1981 (featuring Naoko’s sister Atsuko and their friend, bassist/vocalist Michie) to their current lineup featuring members Ritsuko (bass,vocals) and Emi (drums,vocals), Shonen Knife have maintained their rightful place in the ever changing indie rock scene.

In celebration of this milestone, Shonen Knife has announced plans for a North American fall tour kicking off October 20 in Toronto, during which they will be playing fan favorites as well as songs from the recently released, Osaka Ramones, Tribute to the Ramones. The NYC punk forefathers are often cited as one of Shonen Knife’s biggest musical inspirations. A November 18^th show at The Bellhouse in Brooklyn, NY will feature a special guest appearance from bassist CJ Ramone, who will join the ladies on stage. The band is also confirmed to perform during CMJ on October 22^nd.

The new album, Osaka Ramones gets its title from the trio’s ongoing musical side project, which has made its way in and out of their performing history for decades. This East meets West punk rock combination is now captured in an album recorded and mixed between Osaka and New York over the last year and was co-produced by Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls.

“Ramones were my all-time idols since I first heard their music from a radio and rushed to a record shop. This year is the 30th anniversary of Shonen Knife. For celebration, we decided to record a cover album of our favorite band the Ramones. The title is “Osaka Ramones” with our respect. I’m very happy to release an Osaka Ramones project and to recognize their contribution to the evolution of Shonen Knife“
-Naoko, Shonen Knife

To stream snippets of Shonen Knife’s Osaka Ramones go to: www.goodcharamel.com.

Tour Dates:

10.20.2011 Horseshoe Tavern Toronto, ON CAN

10.21.2011 II Motore Montreal, ON CAN

10.22.2011 Public Assembly Brooklyn, NY

10.23.2011 Sewell, NJ Gloucester County College (open to public)

10.24.2011 Otto Bar Baltimore, MD

10.25.2011 The Pinhook Durham, NC

10.26.2011 Masquerade Atlanta, GA

10.27.2011 Alabama Music Box Mobile, AL

10.28.2011 Stereo Live Houston, TX

10.29.2011 Red 7 Austin, TX

11.01.2011 The Echo Los Angeles, CA

11.02.2011 Casbah San Diego, CA

11.03.2011 Alex's Bar Long Beach, CA

11.04.2011 Bottom of the Hill San Francisco, CA

11.05.2011 Dante’s Portland, OR

11.07.2011 Biltmore Cabaret Vancouver, BC CAN

11.08.2011 Tractor Tavern Seattle, WA

11.11.2011 First Avenue & 7th St Entry Minneapolis, MN

11.12.2011 Empty Bottle Chicago, IL

11.13.2011 The Strutt Kalamazoo, MI

11.14.2011 Radio, Radio Indianapolis, IN

11.16.2011 Mayday Cincinnati, OH

11.17.2011 31st St Pub Pittsburgh, PA

11.18.2011 The Bellhouse Brooklyn, NY

11.19.2011 Mohawk Place Buffalo, NY

11.20.2011 Valentine's Albany, NY