About Rollerskate Skinny
Rollerskate Skinny was an alternative rock band formed in 1992, originally consisting of Ken Griffin (vocals/guitar), Ger Griffin (guitar), and Stephen Murray (bass), with Jimmy Shields (brother of Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine) joining later. They initially came from the band The Hippyshakes and later Shake before adopting the name Rollerskate Skinny, inspired by a line from The Catcher in the Rye.
The band relocated to London and gained early recognition with their debut EP Novice in 1992, followed by their critically acclaimed debut album Shoulder Voices in 1993. They were lauded by the NME and appeared on John Peel’s radio show. Their second album, Horsedrawn Wishes (1996), was released after a brief period of success, including tours with major acts like Mercury Rev and Pavement, and an invitation to Lollapalooza. However, after internal tensions and the departure of Jimi Shields, the band disbanded before they could release more material.
Following the breakup, the members pursued various musical projects: Ken Griffin formed Kid Silver and later Favourite Sons and August Wells; Ger Griffin worked under Super Electric and later recorded a posthumous Rollerskate Skinny album, Throwing Stars, which was released in 2019. Other members, including Shields, formed bands like Lotus Crown and Wounded Knees.
Rollerskate Skinny remains an influential band in Irish music, with their albums Shoulder Voices and Horsedrawn Wishes frequently cited among the greatest Irish albums. The band's legacy continues to be celebrated, despite their relatively brief career.
Video
Rollerskate Skinny - Speed To My Side
Comments
gerry molyneaux wrote on 2012-09-25 00:00:00:why were they seen as a cult band,and why so popular abroad????
1 wrote on 2008-01-09 00:00:00:
Farming
Nina wrote on 2007-08-30 00:00:00:
What happened to Ger?
cesar wrote on 2006-11-23 00:00:00:
simon
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