ATTICA RAGE have announced the departure of bassist Colin Wilson. He is due to become a father for the first time in August and, after much thought and consideration, has taken the decision to leave the band in order to devote time to his wife and family at home.
“It’s a hard, sad decision to make but a necessary one” comments Colin. “I’d like to thank every single one of the fans for their total support over the last 2 years and that’s what makes this decision so difficult. I wish the new guy all the very best, he’s a total pro and deserves the same support you all gave me, I have no doubts yer gonna love him. To ma bro’s Richie, Bell and Jonny, thanks for the good times, I wish you all the very best. Massive thanks to Terri, Fleur, MJ and brother JD. Let the good times roll. It’s not goodbye forever. Just goodbye for now.”
Colin joined the band in January 2012, following the departure of original member and bassist Big C in late 2011. Over the last two and half years, Colin contributed to the writing and recording of the band’s latest album 88MPH and has been out on the road with the band for two UK headline tours as well as several festival appearances in UK, Belgium and Ibiza. A highlight during this period was Attica Rage performing at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards pre-show boat party on the Thames River in London.
Front-man Jonny Parr adds, “We totally understand and support his decision – there was never any doubt that his wife, family and new baby should take priority. We wish them all the best and we’re still mates so we’ll be keeping in touch”
With a busy schedule of festivals, touring and song writing ahead of them, Attica Rage are pleased to announce Matthew Ward from East Kilbride, Lanarkshire as the band’s new bass guitarist. Previously with Glasgow-based band Komatoze, he joins the long-term Attica Rage line-up of Coatbridge guitarist Stevie Bell and Ayrshire brothers and founding members, drummer Richie Rage and singer/guitarist Jonny Parr. Matthew will make his live debut with the band at the Out of the Ashes 2014 festival on Sunday 13 July in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
(photo: Duncan F Hamilton – G Morgen Enterprises)
With three critically-acclaimed albums under their belt and having supported and shared festival bills with the likes of Judas Priest, Slash (ex-Guns n Roses), Black Label Society, Down, Anthrax and Saxon amongst many others, Attica Rage are gaining a large following in the UK and Europe for their hard rock and metal sounds. Signed to Off Yer Rocka Recordings, the band are currently putting together a live album planned for release in late summer and have also started writing new material for their next studio album. The band are due to appear at the Out of the Ashes 2014 festival in July (raising funds for Headbangers Balls / Teenage Cancer Trust) as well as the Northwich Music Festival in August, with other summer dates being confirmed, before heading out on the road for a full UK & European headline tour in September and October. Tickets are on sale for all shows and more information can be found on the official website www.atticarage.com.
“We hope our fans will welcome Matthew with open arms and loud cheers this summer”, comments Richie. “With the forthcoming live album celebrating the last couple of years and a brand new album in the works with Matthew now on board, it’s the start of another new exciting chapter…..bring it on!! In Rage We Trust!”
Attica Rage also release a new double-track single ‘LONG RIDE HOME’ from 88MPH via Off Yer Rocka on Monday 8th July 2013, available to download from iTunes and all major music stores. The second track is a previously-unreleased live version of ‘ROAD DOG FOREVER’ and a live video will accompany the release. A promotional video from album producer roddymacaudio, showing the studio recording of ‘Long Ride Home’, will also be posted online. Both videos will be available to watch on YouTube. 
Attica Rage Blog 