The Ripps Are Back!

Patch and Raul Ripp

The Ripps are back with a whole new sound and a brand new line up after being out of the spotlight for many months. Legends in Coventry and the originators of the "I Love Cov" t-shirts long before Rebecca Shiner went into the Big Brother house.

Brother's Patch and Raul Lagunas form part of the original band with Phil Cox (drums) and Alan Ferguson (bass) joining them to deliver the SKA influenced beats during their performance at Cox's Yard in Stratford-Upon-Avon. While many bands would compromise their lyrics for the sake of the record label, The Ripps have kept their integrity and maintained their ability to write about real life.

The Ripps @ Cox's Yard, Stratford

The Ripps pull no punches with their hard hitting lyrics and song titles to match, 'Blood On The Streets' and 'Guilty Conscience' lead the way before 'Rudeboy' took us back to their main influence - SKA. Several more tunes into the set and the lads are joined on stage by the brass section as they performed 'Daddy Was A Hero'. Mr Lagunas senior was in the audience and a fitting dedication to a father who can be proud of his kids and in response he is a hero in their eyes. The set ended with 'The People Have Spoken' and judging by the cheers and claps the people approved!

Patch and Raul Ripp

This weekend (April 25/26) will see The Ripps fulfilling one of their dreams - they share the stage with Coventry SKA legends The Specials. With two dates at Birmingham Academy and one date at Coventry's Ricoh Arena (May 15), fans are in for a musical treat. The Ripps are indeed back and this time around the sound is a lot more grown up and mature.

*see more photos HERE