District 97 launch tour crowdfunder

District 97 have launched a crowdfunding campaign to assist with their planned UK tour in March and mainland Europe dates in April.

It follows the announcement of a new lineup, with bassist Tim Seisser and keyboardist Andrew Lawrence replacing Patrick Mulcahy and Rob Clearfield respectively.

The band last year funded the release of third album In Vaults with the support of fans.

District 97 say: “All the puzzle pieces are in place and we are ready to come play for you. The question becomes, how can we do this without losing our necks?

“Back when the music industry was booming, record labels used to bankroll world tours and provide bands with booking agents who would sort out all the particulars. That model has all but evaporated.

“So we humbly come before you yet again, and ask that you join us in helping us spread District 97 music near and far. Your pledge will help us thrive as a band and significantly widen our fan base – which can lead to more opportunities in the future.”

Pledge points include an exclusive live album and tour diary, personalised tour shirt, and the opportunity to bring the band to a chosen location to perform.

They add: “In the event that this Kickstarter is not funded, the tour will go on, because we feel we owe it to our fans. However, we will take a massive financial hit – and this would more than likely be the last major touring endeavour we’d be able to undertake for the foreseeable future. We are asking for the bare minimum to cover our travel expenses to avoid that fate.”

UK dates are with the Dave Kerzner Band. US dates and further European dates may be added to the current itinerary.

District 97 2016 tour dates

Mar 25: Cheltenham The Cotswold Inn, UK
Mar 26: London Borderline, UK
Mar 27: Leicester Musician, UK
Mar 28: Bilston Robin 2, UK
Mar 29: Manchester Sound Control, UK
Mar 31: Russellsheim Das Rind, Germany
Apr 01: Reichenbach Art Rock IV Festival, Germany
Apr 02: Nuremburg Z-Bau, Germany
Apr 03: Zoetermeer Prog Dreams Festival, Netherlands
May 17: Dunellen Roxy & Duke’s, NJ

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.