As they return with their first album in eight years, ‘The Phoenix’, and after several years of uncertainty, Pennsylvania’s CKY are firmly rising from the ashes with intent. ‘The Phoenix’ sees a reinvigorated trio focused as it weaves through ballsy metal, alt-rock and post-grunge with purpose.
Having visited the UK for a headline tour just weeks ago, Chad I Ginsburg (vocals/guitar), Jess Margera (drums) and Matt Deis (bassist) will be heading out for the Vans Warped Tour this weekend. Having first appeared on the travelling punk rock circus 18 years ago, CKY have toured with a whole host of names who have gone on to big things since 1999.
Before they hit the road and head to the first date in Seattle, we asked Jess Margera to pick out his Warped Tour anthems.
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Deftones – Diamond Eyes
The first Warped Tour I ever went to I saw Deftones play for the first time, and I have been a fan ever since. We got to tour with them shortly afterwards and it was amazing.
Weezer – Holiday
We did Warped 2000 and I got to see Weezer. They were on fire big time. Great band. The ‘Blue Album’ is my favourite.
Gwar – Schools Out
I can’t wait to tour with Gwar again this year. Here is them covering Alice Cooper. What could be better?
Misfits – Halloween
The Misfits played Warped the following year after we got kicked off. I was bummed to have missed them but we got to play with them the next year at Hellfest. Their show is the stuff of legends.
Bad Religion – Infected
Bad Religion played Warped with us. I watched their set pretty much every day. A legendary band for sure.
ASG – Avalanche
ASG are super good friends of ours from North Carolina. Their last album ‘Blood Drive’ is excellent. They did Warped 2004.
Valient Thorr – Heatseeker
I am really looking forward to seeing these guys every day this summer. An amazing band from Richmond that we have known for ages. So much energy at their gigs.
Circa Survive – Schema
They’re a very talented band from Doylestown, PA; not far from our neck of the woods. We were lucky enough to catch them recording their new album at Studio 4, while we were mixing ‘The Phoenix’.
The Line – System Deceptive
We did Warped 99 and 2000 with these guys, along with them being our label mates on Volcom. Great band, great guys. A lot of fun to tour with.
Eminem – Ass Like That
We did 1999 Warped Tour with him and it was a very interesting thing to watch since nobody at that time knew what to make of him. This is certainly no longer the case.
‘The Phoenix’ by CKY is out now on Long Branch / SPV.