Royal Blood set to grace Columbus stage

Alexis Hill
Wed, 23 Jul 2014 17:44:50 +0000
Campus, ben thatcher, Columbus, concert, england, mike kerr, promowest live, royal blood, the basement, uk

Mike Kerr (left) and Ben Thatcher of UK-based rock duo Royal Blood are set to perform at The Basement July 25.
Credit: Courtesy of Royal Blood

Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher might fall under the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, but the rock duo’s name, Royal Blood, is inspired by another country’s sovereignty.

“It’s a bit of a long story, really,” Thatcher said.

“Mike (Kerr) was traveling in Eastern Asia, and he got to stay with this royal family out there, and he got really friendly with the princess,” Thatcher said. “Mike came back from traveling, and I picked him up from the airport, and he was like, ‘I thought of a really good name for the band.’”

Although they are no longer mingling with nobility, lots of exciting things are happening for the up-and-coming U.K. import.

For one, the rock duo, consisting of vocalist Kerr and drummer Thatcher, is slated to drop its debut, self-titled album Aug. 25.

Additionally, Royal Blood is playing gigs throughout the states and Europe, including sold-out shows in Paris and Reading and Leeds, England, as well as a spot at Lollapalooza in Chicago in August.

First, though, the duo is set to play Friday at The Basement, marking its first show in Columbus.

Thatcher said that the setlist will be a surprise — both to the audience and Kerr and himself.

“I don’t know what songs we’re going to be playing, you never know,” Thatcher said.

Even though their song selection will be unexpected, he said one thing fans can expect is a loud, fun performance.

Thatcher said Royal Blood is inspired by everything him and Kerr listen to, including various rock bands and Jack White.

“We also like a lot of pop music and lots of jazz,” Thatcher said.

Thatcher and Kerr first met as teenagers. They didn’t form Royal Blood, though, until 2012.

Marissa Luther, marketing director for PromoWest Productions Columbus, said she and PromoWest are looking forward to Royal Blood coming through The Basement.

“They have gotten some great press, so we are excited to host them,” Luther said.

Worn Flint is set to open for Royal Blood. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 the day of the show. Doors open at 7 p.m. The Basement is located at 391 Neil Ave.