Just over a month into the new year and The Untouchables are already buzzing with activity to kick off 2022.
The word legend is used too often in 2022, but every once in a while, the title fits. Referred to as the UT’s, the Los Angeles-based band is credited with being the first ska band in America. Since their inception in the early ‘80s, they have given us many amazing songs: “The General,” “What’s Gone Wrong,” “Wild Child,” “I Spy (For the F.B.I.),” “Free Yourself,” “Agent Double O Soul,” “Whiplash,” and “Mandingo.”
With a cult-like following that was developed over four decades, legends is a title that has been very well earned by The Untouchables.
With the help of an evolving Two-Tone scene worldwide, and local radio station KROQ- FM playing “Free Yourself,” every hour on the hour, the UT’s became larger-than-life in the underground club scene from coast-to-coast and around the world.
With Jerry Miller’s and Chuck Askerneese vocals, Miller brings the swagger to the stage and Askerneese displays his high-stepping toaster on-stage persona. It is the energy they bring that is the origin as to why they are so beloved by fans worldwide.
Circling back to the present and to close out 2021, the UT’s gave all their fans a holiday gift that keeps on giving. The band released a cover of the 1968 B.J. Thomas pop hit, “Hooked on a Feeling.” As you can imagine, they did it with a UT sonic thread that has hit all the right chords.
The single debuted terrestrially in North America exclusively through Laguna Beach-based alternative music program TNN RADIO (104.7 KX FM). This time around, “Hooked On A Feeling” features a more laid-back Two-Tone vibe that’s nearly impossible to resist skanking along to.
THE UNTOUCHABLES
Hooked On A Feeling | Now Available
The Specialized Project
TO PICK UP THE NEW MUSIC
THE SPECIALIZED PROJECT WEBSITE
Founding member and vocalist, Jerry Miller, was recently on TNN Radio on KX FM to discuss upcoming gigs with Jimmy Alvarez. Along with some local gigs, the UT’s will be part of this year’s Lost At Sea ’80s Beach Party in Catalina.
The event will feature a host of the who’s-who of the ’80s new wave era. Some of the bands scheduled to appear include The English Beat, A Flock of Seagulls, Missing Persons, Burning Sensations, and Oingo Boingo Former Members.
In June, the UT’s will co-headline the three-day Mods Mayhem Festival in Los Angeles. Tickets for that show are on sale now.
MODS MAYHEM
Los Angeles, California
June 3rd-5th, 2022
Orange County will get a treat when the band plays Dino’s Sports Bar & Grill in Huntington Beach on Saturday, February 12th. To round out a great night of music, opening for the UT’s will be Tastee Nugz and Big Hippy Party.
THE UNTOUCHABLES
Dino’s Bar & Grill | Huntington Beach
February 12, 2022
You can also catch them March 4th at the Venice West. So free yourself from the mainstream and check out living history.
The UT’s today are unbelievably good. With Miller and Askerneese behind the mics, the band rounds out with Dave Cassell (guitar), Bubba Sanchez (keys), Mark Landon Sims (bass), Jack Sneddon (trombone), Nick Ramos (Trumpet), Will Overholtzer (sax), and Doug Sanborn (drums). With a sonic vision that created their signature sound, the Untouchables in 2022 remain at the top of the U.S. ska totem poll. They are definitely a must see in 2022.
They say that happiness is life in the key of ska. With that in mind, make time to see this legendary band and bring your dancing shoes.
