Bio

Royal Rumble are a ska/punk outfit outta the Wellington scene, describing their sound as energetic third-wave, "with a nod to the old skool in sweet home Jamaica, totally disregarding two tone quirkyness". Their influences include Bob Marley, AC/DC, Rancid, Stooges, MC5, Motorhead, The Pietasters, Desmond Dekker and The Skatalites.

The Rumble started in mid ’98 when founding members/brothers James and Nick finally talked Rimu into starting a band with them. A bunch of skater/chrisso buddies, they were looking for something fun to do when it was windy and raining. Ska seemed like a good idea..."It's positive, hopeful music, we in the Rumble are pretty positive hopeful people..."

Rimu's first ever gig was playing a new years ho-down with South Island ska legends The State Of It, which was a weird gig for a 14-year-old mullethead toting a Hondo Les Paul copy. Ska, with attitude had to be the vibe...

With the addition of a drummer, trombone, and eventually Mark beefing the band up, they set about learning a set of songs penned by Rimu, eventually sussing out a few unorthodox covers along the way. Rumble live gigs have been described as everything from "AC/DC with horns" to "Bob Marley through a distortion". Dunno, but the punters can surely dance to it!

Getting signed to Grassroots records late in ’99 encouraged the release of their first full-length album 'This Are Rumbletones', recorded with (ex-Skapa/Loony Tunes) studio legend Mike Gibson at Inca studios. Produced with reggae/dub legend Moz over nine days in January 2000, the album boasts strong tracks and a taste of the group's live energy ska/punk.

Band Members:
Rimu (vocals, guitar)
Nick (saxophone)
Justin (drums)
Razor (bass)
Mike (trumpet)
Tim (trombone)
Kezza (guitar, vocals)