Sunderland, UK‚ Leatherface formed in August 1988, and their live shows have become the stuff of legend, if you’ve ever been lucky enough to catch them live you’ll have witnessed the pre-gig excitement, the trepidation of the emotional possibilities, the rollercoaster ride of each song and the overall full on powerhouse brutality of melodic punk rock which is down to Dickie Hammonds unique guitar playing, the bombast of the rhythm section that includes Graeme Philliskirk on bass. On top of this mighty backdrop is Frankie Stubbs’ lyrics, with his incredibly raspy voice and passionate delivery, exudes an aura that demands and gets respect. He wins admiration, in part, for his distinct lack of trying to be something he’s not. He is utterly devoid of pretence and flash.
Leatherface have obtained a massive cult following outside their native country over the years. The band have been cited as an influence by higher-profile acts in the USA such as Hot Water Music, Dillinger Four, Tiltwheel and many other bands around the globe. Jack Rabid, music critic and publisher of the music magazine Big Takeover, rates Leatherface’s The Stormy Petrel on par with their 1991 release Mush which he described as one of the fifty greatest punk albums of all time.