Japanese alternative idol fever is set to invade London once again as ‘WACK in the UK’ returns to The Underworld in Camden on March 27, 2024.
Following the success of the debut event on November 16th, where WACK founder Watanabe Junnosuke announced the next showcase, the upcoming event will feature performances from GANG PARADE, the returning ASP, and the recently formed KiSS KiSS.
GANG PARADE
GANG PARADE, formerly known as “pla2me” in 2014, has evolved into WACK’s second-longest-running group. Over 8 years, the group witnessed numerous lineup changes, totaling 19 members over its course. Emerging from hiatus in 2022, the addition of 4 new members reinvigorated their lineup, which now comprises 13 members. The release of the single ‘PARADE GOES ON’ and subsequent works like the album ‘OUR PARADE’ and EP ‘The Night Park E.P.’ underscores the group’s enduring spirit and commitment to creative growth.
GANG PARADE
The Night Park E.P.
Release Date: 15/11/2023
Label: FUELED BY MENTAIKO (Warner Music Japan)
Listen on: Spotify
ASP
ASP burst onto the scene in March 2021, embracing a punk-rock identity under the provocative acronym ANAL SEX PENiS. Initially masked, each member revealed their identity after amassing 20,000 followers on Twitter. Now known as ANTi SOCiETY PUNKS, their videos, including tracks like ‘BOLLOCKS’, ‘A Song of Punk’, and the latest single ‘I HATE U’, have garnered over three million views on YouTube. ASP’s transformative journey from punk-rock to hyper-pop, rap, and hip-hop reached its peak with their international debut at the inaugural ‘WACK in the UK’ event.
ASP
I HATE U
Release Date: 09/08/2023
Label: Avex
Listen on: Spotify
KiSS KiSS
Formed in March 2023 with members selected from GANG PARADE, KiSS KiSS is a dual-unit continuing activities alongside the parent group. Their debut digital single, ‘KiSSES’, released on April 17, 2023, set the stage for their debut album, aptly named ‘FiRST ALBUM’, blending sugary sweet J-pop with punk undertones.
KiSS KiSS
FiRST ALBUM
Release Date: 21/06/2023
Label: WACK RECORDS
Listen on: Spotify
Organised by JPU Records, the masterminds behind numerous Japanese music events in London since 2010, WACK’s first international showcase was a three-hour spectacle. Featuring AiNA THE END and AOI YAMADA’s duo, AiNATOAOI, ASP, and ExWHYZ, the event attracted over 300 attendees, including both local and international fans.
Suggested: ‘WACK in the UK’ to Bring Japanese Alt-Idol Madness to London
‘WACK in the UK’ Featuring GANG PARADE, ASP, KiSS KiSS
Wed 27th Mar – UK, London, The Underworld