Interview: Red Rum Club Revel in the Wake of Success With ‘Western Approaches’

Up-and-coming British rock outfit Red Rum Club excitedly discuss a successful album release, Liverpool culture, live performances, and more in anticipation of next month’s US tour!

Stream: ‘Western Approaches’ – Red Rum Club

Hailing from Liverpool, England, the lively and popular Red Rum Club will be making their way across the pond to grace American audiences this May.

Fresh off the release of their latest album, Red Rum Club have rightfully garnered success with this past February’s Western Approaches. Their fourth album in five years included hit singles like “Last Minute” and “Afternoon,” which helped the band earn a Top 10 spot in the UK Official Charts during the week of the album’s release – an incredible first time feat for the group. “Obviously we’re very grateful,” the band state. “It’s a bit like winning the lottery… You’d love it to happen, but never really think it will!” – hard work really does pay off!

Western Approaches - Red Rum Club — Western Approaches – Red Rum Club

Formed in 2016 and comprised of Fran Doran, Joe Corby, Michael McDermott, Neil Lawson, Simon Hepworth, and Tom Williams, Red Rum Club were recently honored with their own brick in The Cavern Club’s “Wall of Fame” in recognition of the band’s contribution to Liverpool’s music legacy. The Cavern Club is the starting point of The Beatles and a bucket list destination for many a band – the boys are (literally) making their mark!

As if that weren’t cool enough, Red Rum Club found themselves as guests on Elton John’s Rocket Hour radio show shortly after the album’s release (that’s a big deal; the man was knighted by The Queen. Look it up, Americans). The talk with John was a dream come true for the band and a great insight on what makes Red Rum Club tick. The Rocket Man was fascinated by the band’s origin in Liverpool, their approach to sound, and their instrumentation – which includes the use of a single trumpet player; many a reason to get a shoutout from a living great!

Speaking of Red Rum Club’s sound, audiences have come to love the energy the band delivers in person, yet there is a creative formula to their approach to live performances.

“We’d love to say that we just turn up and play to be that organic, but it’s not like the ’60s.” The deluxe version of Western Approaches features a few live versions of the album’s key tracks which display the band’s electric sound. “We chose songs that, as well as being the singles from the album, really deliver what has been described as our ‘Mariachi Merseybeat’ sound!” (an incredible description). It’s clear the band take their performances very seriously and have a good time doing it.

So what does Red Rum Club hope to convey to an American audience? Well of course the band ‘luvs’ playing in America!

“We believe that we GET the USA audience and they GET us, and that’s maybe because we involve them as part of the performance.” Making a point to create an interactive environment breaks down the barrier between the ‘entertainers & the entertained’ which makes for a more fun and enjoyable experience for all. They also like selling t-shirts… Hey, a band’s gotta eat!

Though not much for the ‘touristy thing,’ Red Rum Club are excited to once again spend time abroad (and they are open to any and all American dining suggestions –anyone know any good Chicago deep dish?). Red Rum Club urge fans to come see their exciting live performance, fresh off of the heels of a completely sold-out UK tour, in any one of the eight US states they will be performing in this spring!