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Kavin Sandhu is a British musician from Leicester, England, now based in Los Angeles. Sandhu played guitar with British band Happy Mondays for four years after helping reform the band with frontman Shaun Ryder in 2004. He launched his solo project under moniker "KAV" in 2008 with long-time friend and drummer Jim (James) Portas. His solo material has been compared by the media to Iggy and the Stooges, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club,[1] Primal Scream, Kasabian, the Rolling Stones[2] and Bob Dylan. He uses a full band for live performances, which sometimes features guest musicians from various bands.

Early career

[edit]

Sandhu's first band, A.K.A Weave, toured the UK, playing at venues such as the London Astoria, Camden Underworld, and the Manchester Roadhouse. The band caught the eye of Oasis's ex-bassist Guigsy, who had recently parted with Oasis. This resulted in an opportunity to record at the Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, Wales with Guigsy, where the band recorded their debut album.[citation needed]

In 2000, Sandhu launched "Groove Harder" tours which A.K.A Weave played at featuring special guest DJs such as Shaun Ryder, Bez, Mani Gary Mounfield and other indie performers such as Rick Witter from Shed Seven DJing.

Getloaded – Club events and festival

[edit]

After the split of A.K.A Weave, Sandhu moved to London in 2003 and co-launched the club night Getloaded at London's Turnmills nightclub. This was the start of a partnership with Turnmills MD and House promoter Danny Newman.[citation needed] Over the next 18 months, Sandhu brought various musicians to Getloaded, including Factory Records boss Tony Wilson, Howard Marks (Mr Nice), Clint Boon (Inspiral Carpets/ XFM) Peter Hook (New Order/ Joy Division), Annie Mac (Radio 1), Steve Lamacq (Radio 1/ 6Music), Carl Barat (Libertines/ Dirty Pretty Things) Beta Band, Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce (The Smiths), The Farm, Client, and El Presidente.

Getloaded launched its inaugural summer festival in 2004. Ten thousand revellers attended the festival held on Clapham Common. It would go on to become one of the biggest indie festivals in London, and one of the early challengers to the mainstream UK festivals. "Getloaded in The Park 2004" was awarded "Best New Festival" at the UK Festival Awards 2004.[3][4] Kav parted with Getloaded in 2006.[citation needed]

Happy Mondays

[edit]

The headliner for Getloaded in the Park 2004 was Happy Mondays, their first live gig in nearly five years. Shaun Ryder had toured with A.K.A Weave as a DJ, and recruited Sandhu to join the Happy Mondays on guitar, handing him the task of recruiting new band members to fit alongside original members Gary Whelan and Mark Berry ("Bez"). Sandhu completed the new line-up of the Happy Mondays, along with ex A.K.A Weave band member Mikey Shine and San Diego-born slide guitar player Jonn Dunn. After their successful appearance at "Getloaded in the Park 2004", the Mondays continued touring live across the UK & Europe and decided to record a new album.[citation needed]

The Hollywood producers for British football film Goal! asked the Happy Mondays to write the title track for their film. Sandhu co-wrote the track "Playground Superstar" with Shaun Ryder, Gaz Whelan and producer Dave Parkinson. The track was released on Big Brother Records surrounding the film release. Following this, Happy Mondays commenced work on their new studio album.

Happy Mondays continued to tour the world, including appearances at Fuji Rock 2006 and 2007, Coachella Festival, Roskilde Festival, Summercase Madrid and Barcelona, Global Gathering, Getloaded festivals, MEN Arena, Brixton Academy and V Festival.

Sandhu spent his spare time playing DJ gigs worldwide, including Japan, Mexico, South America, Europe. He played on the same line-up as Guns N' Roses and Bob Dylan and toured Australia on the same line-up as James Brown as part of Good Vibrations Festival.

In mid 2005, Sandhu started a new indie/electro project called Sonic Audio. The band released a white label 12" Killing Yourself on London indie label Puregroove Records. Sonic Audio went on a small UK tour, playing a show with guest Shaun Ryder at Glastonbury Festival on the Leftfield stage with The Rakes and British Sea Power. Sonic Audio also played Alan McGee's Pop Tones stage as a late replacement for the Libertines's former guitarist Carl Barât.

In 2006, Happy Mondays recorded their fifth album, Uncle Dysfunktional, after a gap of over ten years. Sandhu played guitar, sang vocals and co-wrote the music. The album was released on Sanctuary Records in 2007. Sandhu played his last show with the Mondays at V Festival 2007, leaving to pursue his solo project.[citation needed]

KAV (solo project)

[edit]

In January 2008 Kav Sandhu announced his new solo project titled KAV.[5]

On 21 April 2008, he released his début EP Blaggers N' Liars. It received good reviews in the press, including The Guardian, which described Sandhu as a "Latter Day Jagger".[6] The Sun rated the EP four out of five.

The music was compared to bands like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Primal Scream, the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin by The Guardian and other publications.[citation needed]

Los Angeles

[edit]

After recording several album tracks in London at Fortress Studios, KAV moved to Los Angeles in 2008 to work with producer and Eastern Conference Champions front man Josh Ostrander.

He began recording his debut album in Los Angeles, meanwhile playing live at local venues; Spaceland, The Viper Room, Whisky a Go Go, The Silverlake Lounge & the Key Club, testing the new material on US Audiences. Sandhu also DJed Cinespace as part of Dim Mak Records night and The Standard Hotel Hollywood. Back in the UK the band performed at The Aftershow in Manchester with The Music, London club night This Feeling & venues Punk, The 100 Club and Proud Galleries.

In August 2007, Kav guested with Norwegian dance-rockers Datarock at festivals in Reading and Leeds, along with some London shows.

He spent the majority of 2008 to 2011 in Los Angeles, touring the US and on a tour with DATAROCK & Esser, including dates at The El Rey Theatre, SXSW 2010 & CMJ Music Marathon.

In October 2010, KAV released The Mr Nice EP featuring Howard Marks (AKA Mr Nice), touring the UK with to promote the release.[7][8]

In 2009 his track "Easy" was featured in Netflix documentary Naked Ambition. The sound track for the movie was chosen by Nic Harcourt. In 2011, his music was featured in the soundtrack for a short film, To Live & Ride in LA. His track "City of Sun" was also used by AMC across North America in May 2012 for their Spring Trailer.

In 2011, KAV's album was remixed by Josh Ostrander and mastered by Stephen Marcussen. He also recorded a live album at Bedrock Studios, Echo Park, mixed by Nick Tipp.

His first single "Blaggers N' Liars 2012" was released on 26 March 2012,[citation needed] followed by a UK tour.

Gibson Guitar Studios showcased KAV in London on 16 February 2012. In mid 2012, KAV headlined Club NME at KOKO and supported Kasabian at the Brixton Academy London, with Band of Skulls. He also played BT London Live as part of the London Olympics celebrations in Hyde Park and Victoria Park, and played headline shows at King Tuts Glasgow, Death Disco and a headline show at Camden barfly

In October 2012, KAV supported Liverpool band the Farm as part of their 20th Anniversary London Show with special guests Mick Jones and John Power. His single "King of the World (The Undefeated Champion)" was released on Suburban Records on 29 October, featuring Pro MMA Fighters in the video.

In March 2013, Shameless used KAV's track "Blaggers N' Liars" for their new series on Showtime.[9] KAV spent the rest of 2013 recording an album project with Rick Genest aka 'Zombie Boy'. Zombie Boy featured on KAV's single "Dirty Rejects", released on 21 May 2013.[10] He went on to tour with Zombie Boy throughout 2012 & 2013.[11]

KAV released his single "Dance In A Panic" in May 2014. The single was picked for a movie teaser for feature film Decoding Annie Parker and saw Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) dancing to the track as part of a movie teaser.[12] In May 2014, KAV was joined on stage by Oasis founding member Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs at The Viper Room, Los Angeles.[13]

KAV's debut album, The Man With No Shadow was released on 29 August 2014 on Wild Echo Records.[14][15] His album debuted at #20 on the CMJ 'Most Added' chart in its first week and was in the Top 30 Chart on 22 US College Stations including KXLU, KFSR, KVMR & KLSU, while also securing airplay at influential stations like KUMD, WKNC, WRUV & WUNH. Stryker from KROQ named "Blaggers N' Liars" as his "favorite '4.20' of the year" in December 2014.[16]

In 2016, KAV recorded the end credits for a movie starring John Malkovich and Rhys Iffans, directed by Steven Bernstein. The movie was due to be released in 2017.[17]

Dance in a Panic

[edit]

In March 2016, he launched his LA-based, 'British-style rock n' roll' dance parties, "Dance in a Panic", at the 1200 capacity Regent Theater in DTLA, in conjunction with established local promoters Spaceland. The launch event was curated by Peter Hook (Joy Division/ New Order).[18] Dance In A Panic also organized a Coachella kick-off party at The Hard Rock Hotel, Palm Springs, in April with partners Jack Daniels.

The April event in Los Angeles saw live performances from Deap Vally & Le Butcherettes with Andy Rourke from the Smiths DJing, with official sponsor partners Britweek and Norwegian Air and Lagunitas.[19] The event has had notable attendees including John Frusciante, Nick Zinner, Anna Faris and Alexandra Holden.

Blitz Vega

[edit]

In April 2019 KAV launched new band Blitz Vega with Andy Rourke from the Smiths.[20]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Kav Sandhu

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Kav Sandhu (born 30 March 1980) is an English musician, guitarist, singer, and songwriter from Leicester, now based in Los Angeles. Best known for his role as guitarist with the alternative rock band Happy Mondays from 2004 to 2007, Sandhu co-wrote tracks like "Unkle Dysfunktional" and performed at major festivals including Fuji Rock Festival in Japan (2006 and 2007, closing the main stage in 2006) and Coachella in 2007. His early career included working as a touring DJ in the , leading the band Sonic Audio at age 24, and playing in A.K.A Weave before joining at the invitation of frontman . Sandhu founded the genre-mashing Get Loaded club nights in during the early 2000s, which evolved into the annual Get Loaded in the Park music festival, and he later co-founded the dance party events in . Under the stage name KAV, he released his debut EP Blaggers N' Liars in and full-length album Rise of the Clowns in 2009 after relocating to to record the latter, where he has been based since around 2009. In 2016, Sandhu co-founded the band Blitz Vega with , bassist of , contributing as guitarist, vocalist, and primary songwriter; the project yielded singles "Hey Christo" and "Lost & Found" in 2019, followed by the posthumous debut album Northern Gentleman in September 2023, dedicated to Rourke who died earlier that year. The project has continued, with the single "Superbrain" released in August 2025 and a new EP announced. Beyond live performances and touring— including DJ sets with and production work with model and musician (Zombie Boy), who appeared in Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" music video—Sandhu has composed for film, such as the score for (2016) starring , and licensed tracks to television shows like Riverdale and Shameless, as well as sports broadcasts including coverage.

Early Career

A.K.A Weave and Initial Ventures

Kavin Sandhu was born in Leicester, England, where he developed an early interest in music influenced by a mix of genres including hip hop, funk, soul, rock, and bands such as The Space Monkeys, Primal Scream, and Happy Mondays. Prior to forming bands, Sandhu worked as a touring DJ in the 1990s, blending various genres in club settings. These influences shaped his approach to blending electronic elements with rock, leading him to form the band A.K.A Weave in the late 1990s as a rebranding and continuation after the split of his initial group, Weave. A.K.A Weave, fronted by Sandhu on guitar and vocals, adopted an electro-rock style characterized by genre-mashing sounds, featuring two DJs—one handling beats and the other —to create a distinctive live energy that set them apart from contemporary trends. The band's lineup evolved through various changes, with Sandhu as the founder and core member driving their innovative fusion of electronic programming, samples, and rock instrumentation. This approach emphasized high-energy performances over polished recordings, prioritizing the raw, interactive vibe of their shows. The band toured extensively across the in the early 2000s, building a following through gigs at prominent venues such as the London Astoria, Camden Underworld, and Manchester Roadhouse, where their unconventional setup and dynamic sets attracted attention from industry figures, including Oasis members. These performances highlighted A.K.A Weave's ability to merge live rock elements with DJ-driven electronics, fostering a club-like atmosphere in traditional music halls. Their touring efforts caught the eye of ex-Oasis bassist Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan, who later managed the band and produced their work. In 2001, A.K.A Weave recorded their debut album at the renowned in under Guigsy's production, capturing their electro-rock sound in a professional setting for the first time. Although the album was not commercially released, the recording process underscored the band's focus on live prowess and experimentation rather than immediate market output, allowing them to refine their material through ongoing tours. This period marked a pivotal phase in Sandhu's development as a , emphasizing collaborative and performance-driven . Building on their touring momentum, Sandhu launched the "Groove Harder" tours in 2000 as an extension of A.K.A Weave's electro-rock aesthetic, incorporating live band sets with guest DJ appearances to enhance the hybrid club-concert experience. These tours further amplified the band's genre-blending approach, bridging rock performances with electronic dance elements and paving the way for Sandhu's later ventures in club promotions.

Getloaded Club Nights and Festival

In 2003, following the dissolution of his earlier band, Kav Sandhu relocated to and co-launched the Getloaded club night at nightclub, where he served as a key organizer and DJ. The events were designed as crossover nights that bridged and electronic music, featuring a mix of live band performances, DJ sets spanning genres like drum'n'bass, , and , and an eclectic playlist drawing from influences such as and . These genre-mashing sessions quickly gained traction in 's underground scene, attracting international acts and establishing Getloaded as one of the city's most successful indie club nights. Building on the popularity of the club nights, Sandhu co-founded the Getloaded in the Park festival in 2004, held on and emphasizing support for emerging bands alongside innovative concepts in music presentation. The inaugural edition drew a crowd of around 20,000 and was recognized with the "Best New Festival" award at the UK Festival Awards that year. As the event expanded over subsequent years, it evolved into a multi-stage affair with four dedicated music areas, incorporating global food vendors, fairground attractions, and a diverse lineup of international performers to foster a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere. Sandhu's hands-on role as DJ and promoter during these events helped cultivate a platform that influenced the broader music landscape by spotlighting hybrid sounds and up-and-coming talent in the indie and electronic spheres. This success in the club and festival circuit laid the groundwork for subsequent opportunities in established bands.

Happy Mondays Era

Joining and Role in the Band

In 2004, Kav Sandhu, leveraging his connections from organizing the Get Loaded club nights and festival, persuaded frontman to reform the band for a last-minute headline performance at the Get Loaded In The Park festival on in . This opportunity positioned him to recruit Ryder and revive the group. Ryder later credited Sandhu's persistence, stating in a 2004 interview, "I like the way he works and everything, so he twisted my arm." Sandhu joined as the live guitarist during this , bringing fresh energy to the lineup alongside core members like , drummer , and dancer Mark "Bez" Berry. His role focused on delivering dynamic guitar performances that revitalized the band's Madchester-era sound for live audiences, adapting classic tracks with arrangements that emphasized the group's and roots. The reformation marked the band's third incarnation, with Sandhu helping to assemble additional musicians to support Ryder's vision amid the fast-paced demands of reunion touring. Over the next four years, from 2004 to 2007, Sandhu toured internationally with , performing across , North and , , , , and the , including a notable appearance at the 2007 Music and Arts Festival in the United States. These tours captured the chaotic, high-energy band dynamics of the reformation period, where Sandhu's collaboration with fostered a renewed sense of camaraderie and spontaneity, though the relentless schedule often left little time for reflection. His contributions as guitarist helped sustain the band's live appeal, bridging their 1990s legacy with contemporary audiences during this extensive global run.

Contributions to Music and Departure

During his tenure with Happy Mondays, Kav Sandhu made significant contributions to the band's creative output, particularly in songwriting and instrumentation. He co-wrote the single "Playground Superstar" alongside , Gaz Whelan, and producer Dave Parkinson, which served as the band's return to recording after a 13-year hiatus from studio albums. The track appeared on the soundtrack for the 2005 film Goal!, highlighting themes of ambition and street life that aligned with the band's roots, and it peaked at number 51 on the UK Singles Chart, spending two weeks in the top 100. Sandhu's guitar work featured prominently on Happy Mondays' 2007 reunion album Uncle Dysfunktional, released by imprint Sequel Records on July 2. He co-wrote several tracks on the record, including the title track "Uncle Dysfunktional," infusing the album with a blend of , , and eclectic influences that reflected the band's experimental ethos under producer . Recorded at Moolah Rouge Studios in and mixed at in , the album captured a renewed energy but faced production hurdles amid the group's long absence from the studio. Commercially, Uncle Dysfunktional entered the UK Albums Chart at number 73 and charted for only one week, underscoring the challenges of re-establishing the band's in a post-Madchester landscape. The album's promotion involved extensive international touring, including high-profile appearances at Coachella in California and Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, where the band performed material from Uncle Dysfunktional alongside classics. These efforts highlighted Sandhu's role in revitalizing the live sound but were complicated by ongoing internal band dynamics, including substance-related issues that had historically plagued the group. By late 2007, amid these tensions and the album's modest reception, Sandhu departed Happy Mondays to focus on solo projects.

Solo Project as KAV

Launch and Early Releases

Following his departure from in 2007, Kav Sandhu launched his solo project under the moniker KAV in January 2008, marking a shift toward an electro-rock style characterized by electronically enhanced riff rock and high-energy psych-blues elements. This venture began in collaboration with longtime friend and drummer Jim Portas, emphasizing raw rock 'n' roll energy infused with danceable . The project's debut EP, Blaggers N' Liars, was released on April 21, 2008, via London-based imprint This Feeling Records, receiving positive acclaim from music press for its bold, swaggering sound. The EP featured tracks such as the title song "Blaggers N' Liars," alongside "Rock Chick/Soul Kid," blending gritty guitar riffs with electronic pulses to evoke a sense of urban rebellion. Its reception highlighted Sandhu's evolution from band guitarist to frontman, with critics noting the material's infectious, mescal-blues vibe reminiscent of influences. After the EP, Sandhu announced plans for a debut Rise of the Clowns around 2009, but it was not released. Sandhu's relocation to around 2009 served as a key catalyst, allowing him to focus on solo production after initial recordings in at Fortress Studios; there, he partnered with producer of Eastern Conference Champions to refine his electro-rock direction. This move energized early output, including the 2012 single reissue "Blaggers N' Liars (2012)," released on March 26, which updated the original track with a polished edge while retaining its anthemic core. In 2010, KAV followed with the The Mr. Nice EP, released on November 2 through a North American deal with Sidecho Records, prominently featuring collaborations with (known as "") to tie into the biopic film of the same name. The four-track EP included "Mr. Nice (Jesse Rogg Mix)," "City of Sun," "Lords Ladies N' Puppeteers," and "Mr. Nice (Chalky White DJ Mix)," showcasing spoken-word elements from Marks over electro-rock backings that explored themes of and intrigue. Sandhu toured the to promote the release and performed at the CMJ Music Marathon, where the EP's blend of narrative depth and rhythmic drive garnered attention for its cinematic quality.

Album and Later Singles

Sandhu's solo career gained momentum with the release of "King of the World (The Undefeated Champion)" in October 2012 on Electric Dirt Junkie Recordings, a CDr single blending classic rock 'n' roll vibes with thumping rhythms and featuring professional MMA fighters in its music video. The track marked a confident step forward from his earlier EPs, emphasizing triumphant, anthemic energy. In May 2013, he followed with "Dirty Rejects" on Suburban Records, featuring fashion icon Rick Genest (aka Zombie Boy) and exploring themes of societal outcasts through a nihilistic lens infused with high-energy collaboration. These singles built anticipation for his full-length debut, showcasing Sandhu's evolving production style and guest features. Culminating this phase, "Dance in a Panic" arrived as a single in May 2014, serving as the explosive opener to his debut album and capturing urgent, danceable rock urgency; the track even appeared in a teaser for the film , with actor featured dancing to it. Sandhu released The Man With No Shadow on August 29, 2014, via Wild Echo Records, a limited-edition CD album recorded in that self-produced with raw, introspective edges. The record delves into themes of emotional turmoil, personal nostalgia, and resilient energy, forming an emotional rollercoaster across 15 tracks like the title song "Man With No Shadow" (evoking Ian Brown-esque vocals and Joy Division-inspired intros), the closing "Lonely Man," "Blaggers N' Liars," and "Free Spirit." To promote the album, Sandhu collaborated onstage with Oasis co-founder Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs at The Viper Room in in May 2014, adding a layer of rock pedigree to his solo showcase. Critics praised The Man With No Shadow as one of 2014's strongest releases, highlighting its anthemic potential and consistent beauty, with every track offering infectious sparkle and raw insight that solidified Sandhu's transition to a mature solo artist.

Los Angeles Relocation

Adaptation and Local Scene Involvement

Following his departure from Happy Mondays after contributing to their 2007 album Uncle Dysfunktional, Kav Sandhu relocated to Los Angeles in 2009 to pursue his solo project as KAV, marking a significant transition from the UK's indie and electro-dominated music landscape to LA's vibrant electro and indie scenes. This move was partly inspired by the band's performance at Coachella in 2007, where Sandhu first experienced the festival's energetic atmosphere and LA's creative potential, prompting him to establish a base there for recording and networking. In LA, he adapted by embracing the city's diverse influences, which softened his earlier aggressive UK rock style into a more psych-blues-infused sound, drawing daily inspiration from the urban environment that contrasted sharply with London's electro-heavy club culture. Sandhu quickly integrated into the local scene through active DJing, producing, and collaborations with LA-based artists, building connections at key venues like where he tested new material. His production work included self-handling vocals, guitar, and bass on several tracks for his planned debut album Rise of the Clowns (which was not ultimately released), while partnering with local producer of Eastern Conference Champions, whose understanding of Sandhu's vision facilitated a seamless blend of British rock elements with LA's indie ethos. Pre-2016, these efforts extended to early residencies at British-style pubs such as The Cat & Fiddle, where he honed his DJ sets and networked within circles connected to bands like and , facilitated by contacts like Billy Nicgorski and Leah Blewitt. The LA festival circuit, exemplified by his Coachella exposure, profoundly influenced Sandhu's evolving style, encouraging a pivot toward composer and producer roles that emphasized live performance adaptability and cross-genre experimentation. This period solidified his transition, with the recording sessions in LA serving as an initial entry point into sustained involvement there, following the pre-relocation release of the 2008 Blaggers n’ Liars EP.

Dance in a Panic Events

In 2016, Kav Sandhu launched the "Dance in a Panic" party series in , co-curated with of and New Order fame, drawing inspiration from his earlier club nights like Getloaded to revive Madchester-era energy on the West Coast. The inaugural event took place on March 11 at the Regent Theater in , co-promoted by Spaceland Productions, and featured Hook's remote DJ set alongside live performances. The series' name directly referenced Sandhu's 2014 single "Dance in a Panic," the opening track from his debut album The Man With No Shadow, which captured a frenetic blend of and electronic influences. The events adopted a monthly format centered on British-style rock and roll dance parties, combining live band sets from emerging LA acts with DJ performances that fused Manchester's Hacienda club legacy—characterized by baggy indie, rave, and post-punk elements—with the city's vibrant electronic and indie scenes. Held primarily at the Regent Theater but expanding to other LA venues, the nights emphasized immersive, themed experiences that encouraged dancing and community interaction, often spotlighting "legendary British musicians" alongside local talent. For instance, the debut lineup included Together PANGEA, Gateway Drugs, Magic Wands, and Drinking Flowers, setting a tone of high-energy, genre-blurring performances. Throughout the late 2010s, the series hosted multiple installments, with guest appearances from providing recurring draws, including his DJ sets that evoked New Order's club roots. Subsequent events featured acts like The Big Pink, The Bulls, and Dexy Valentine in July 2016, maintaining the momentum with a rotation of special guest DJs and live bands that highlighted cross-cultural musical ties. These gatherings solidified Sandhu's role as a bridge between indie heritage and LA's nightlife, attracting audiences eager for authentic revivals. The "Dance in a Panic" series significantly enhanced Sandhu's reputation as a promoter in , fostering a dedicated around shared influences from his background and solo work, while establishing a platform for British artists to connect with American fans. By programming diverse lineups that prioritized atmosphere over commercial hits, the events cultivated a niche following, contributing to Sandhu's broader integration into the local scene.

Blitz Vega Collaboration

Formation with Andy Rourke

Blitz Vega was formed in December 2016 as a collaborative project between Kav Sandhu, who handled guitar and vocals, and , the renowned bassist from , who contributed on bass. The duo's partnership drew from their shared roots in 's vibrant music scene, where Sandhu had earlier played guitar in and Rourke had risen to fame, fostering a longstanding friendship developed through shared music scene connections. Building on Sandhu's prior collaborations in the music scene, the pair began initial songwriting and recording sessions in LA studios, such as Big Bad Sound, where they experimented with a fusion of indie-rock foundations and electronic influences to create a danceable, energetic sound. These early efforts laid the groundwork for the band's dynamic style, blending Rourke's melodic bass lines with Sandhu's riff-driven guitar work and synthetic textures. As the project took shape, Rourke faced emerging health challenges, including a diagnosis in 2018 that would impact the band's trajectory thereafter, yet he remained committed to the creative process. The band expanded its lineup in the ensuing years, incorporating drummer Craig Eriksson, guitarist Greg Gent on additional guitar and backing vocals, keyboardist Asa Brown, and multi-instrumentalist Thom Arizmendi to round out the ensemble. The formation culminated in a public announcement in 2019, coinciding with the release of their debut single "Hey Christo" (followed by "Lost & Found" later that year) and the scheduling of their first U.S. shows, including performances at The Mercury Lounge in New York on June 10 and The Roxy in on June 12. This milestone marked Blitz Vega's emergence as a transatlantic outfit, poised to bridge their heritage with the LA indie landscape.

Album Release and Ongoing Legacy

Blitz Vega's debut album, Northern Gentleman, was released on September 27, 2024, serving as a poignant posthumous tribute to co-founder . The ten-track record, which blends rock, electronic, and glam influences, features the lead single "Love City," issued in May 2024 to mark the first anniversary of Rourke's passing. Titled in honor of Rourke's roots, the album fulfills his explicit final wish for to complete and release the project, ensuring their collaborative vision reached audiences. Rourke, the longtime bassist of The Smiths, died on May 19, 2023, from pancreatic cancer at age 59, leaving the bulk of Northern Gentleman—largely written and recorded prior to his illness—unfinished. In the wake of this loss, Sandhu, who had formed Blitz Vega with Rourke in 2016, committed to finalizing the album as a means of honoring their seven-year partnership and Rourke's enduring musical legacy. Sandhu has described the process as emotionally driven, emphasizing in interviews his determination to preserve Rourke's bass lines and creative input without alteration, viewing the release as a "swan song" that captures their shared rock 'n' roll spirit. The album's production spanned from 2016 to 2023, evolving through sessions in and reflecting the duo's dynamic songwriting chemistry amid Rourke's health challenges. Critically, Northern Gentleman has been praised for its vitality and emotional depth, with reviewers highlighting tracks like "Love City" for their rhythmic intensity and glam-infused energy, positioning it as a fitting capstone to Rourke's career beyond . Sandhu has underscored the album's role in perpetuating Rourke's influence, noting in discussions how it bridges their roots with futuristic electronic elements. Following the album's launch, Blitz Vega's legacy continued to unfold with the release of the single "Superbrain" on August 20, 2025, a track exploring humanity's fraught relationship with technology through pulsating synths and driving bass. The band supported the album with live performances, including a show in Sandhu's native at The International on September 20, 2024, where they previewed the full record to enthusiastic crowds. In 2025, production began on a documentary chronicling the project's origins, Rourke's contributions, and its posthumous realization, with filming underway as of November 2025 and a potential release by year's end; Sandhu has indicated it will feature archival footage and insights into Rourke's Smiths-era reflections. These developments affirm Blitz Vega's ongoing impact, cementing its place as Rourke's final, collaborative testament.

References

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  4. https://www.songtradr.com/kav.sandhu
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  10. https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/10150321
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  14. https://www.thetimes.com/article/mondays-child-is-still-mad-for-it-xgfm02k3kfx
  15. https://postburnout.com/kav-sandhu-of-blitz-vega-talks-about-the-posthumous-tribute-to-his-friend-and-collaborator-andy-rourke-on-their-debut-album-northern-gentleman/
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  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/569266-Happy-Mondays-Playground-Superstar
  20. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/happy-mondays-playground-superstar/
  21. https://www.discogs.com/release/1009716-Happy-Mondays-Uncle-Dysfunktional
  22. https://www.discogs.com/artist/1168685-Kav
  23. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/happy-mondays-uncle-dysfunktional/
  24. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2007/jun/17/popandrock.features11
  25. https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/4635357.clubs-odd-couple-is-coming-to-dj-at-mayhem/
  26. https://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=60142
  27. https://open.spotify.com/artist/5TmT5vxtPjYr1FvkhzBudO
  28. https://music.apple.com/ca/album/blaggers-n-liars-2012-single/500697264
  29. https://music.apple.com/gb/album/the-mr-nice-feat-howard-marks-ep/396423612
  30. https://www.nme.com/news/music/various-artists-3728-1297396
  31. https://www.discogs.com/release/5265733-Kav-King-Of-The-World-The-Undefeated-Champion
  32. https://www.music-news.com/review/UK/8611/Single/KAV-King-Of-The-World-The-Undefeated-Champion
  33. https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/179118/9
  34. https://fault-magazine.com/2013/05/fault-favourites-kav-and-rico-the-zombie-release-new-single-dirty-rejects/
  35. https://open.spotify.com/album/2iVq6yJyNaGnnlExQaq5sP
  36. https://www.discogs.com/release/10839898-Kav-The-Man-With-No-Shadow
  37. https://www.gigslutz.co.uk/album-review-kav-man-shadow/
  38. https://www.gigslutz.co.uk/preview-kav-bonehead-to-join-forces-for-la-viper-room-show/
  39. https://rocksucker.co.uk/2012/02/interview-kav.html
  40. https://www.laweekly.com/peter-hook-is-djing-in-los-angeles-this-weekend-sort-of/
  41. https://fsr-events.com/team
  42. https://www.lyndsanity.com/music/blitz-vega-kav-sandhu-honoring-late-bandmate-andy-rourkes-final-wish/
  43. http://www.unclearmag.com/music-posts/2024/3/6/blitz-vega-interview
  44. https://northerntransmissions.com/a-heartfelt-conversation-with-kav-from-blitz-vega/
  45. https://www.musicinleicester.co.uk/index.php/gig-review-blitz-vega-at-the-international-friday-20-september-2024/
  46. https://www.clashmusic.com/features/constant-natural-expression-blitz-vega-and-the-legacy-of-andy-rourke/
  47. https://www.stereogum.com/2248097/andy-rourkes-band-blitz-vega-announces-debut-album-on-what-would-have-been-his-60th-birthday/news/
  48. https://www.8days.sg/hollywood-buzz/andy-rourke-drops-debut-single-new-band-blitz-vega-306621
  49. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/blitz-vega-mems-smiths-happy-mondays-announce-first-u-s-show/
  50. https://www.xsnoize.com/blitz-vega-shares-video-for-exhilarating-new-single-love-city/
  51. https://northernexposuremagazine.co.uk/blitz-vega-release-new-single-love-city-to-commemorate-1st-anniversary-of-andy-roukes-passing/
  52. https://apnews.com/article/smiths-andy-rourke-kav-sandhu-happy-mondays-blitz-vega-review-f374807da3a7ea24762e7374dd919049
  53. https://atthebarrier.com/2024/09/23/blitz-vega-northern-gentleman-album-review/
  54. https://www.newreleasesnow.com/album/blitz-vega-northern-gentleman-digital
  55. https://www.wastedattitude.com/blitz-vega-release-debut-album-northern-gentleman/
  56. https://sentinelcolorado.com/uncategorized/music-review-andy-rourkes-posthumous-album-blitz-vegas-northern-gentleman-is-a-soft-swan-song/
  57. https://spillmagazine.com/spill-new-music-kav-sandhu-and-the-late-andy-rourkes-band-share-the-new-blitz-vega-single-superbrain/
  58. https://www.instagram.com/blitzvega/reel/DQuQ9FIDyz4/
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