The Californians are bringing the doom to London this coming Wednesday – they’re hoping to attract eight-year-old kids to the show. Come inside for all the details…

BAND: Saint Vitus

WHERE: Islington O2 Academy, London

WHEN: Wednesday, February 3

After an absence of two decades, the Los Angeles doom masters make a welcome return to London. Guitarist Dave Chandler says the band intend to make the gig something special.

“We’ll be playing for about 80 minutes, and will include some songs we’ve never done in Europe before. This is gonna be a lot if fun.”

Saint Vitus split up in 1996, after 17 years together, returning at the end of 2008 with a line-up of Chandler, vocalist Scott ‘Wino’ Weinrich, bassist Mark Adams and drummer Henry Vasquez. The reaction to their comeback has taken the guitarist by surprise.

“Not only are we attracting a lot of the old fans, but they’re bringing along their children, who’ve grown up listening to our music. I’ve seen eight year olds at our gigs, throwing the devil’s horns. It’s just great!”

The set for this European tour has been carefully chosen.

“There are certain songs, like Born Too Late, which we have to do. But we also wanted to put in some special moments, tracks were haven’t done for years. It’s certainly a very diverse set.”

Right now, the band are not playing any new material. But that could change in the Summer.

“People keep asking about a new record. But nothing’s certain on that front. However, we do plan to come back in a few months’ time and do some festivals. And then we might put in a new song or two, to gauge reaction.”

The support acts in London are Orange Goblin and Centurions Ghost. The former are old friends with the Saint Vitus crew.

“We love Orange Goblin, and wanted them to do the whole European run with us. But they’ve all got jobs and can’t get that time off. Still, at least they’re doing this show. It just adds to the event.”

For further info, go to www.myspace.com/stvitus