The Papashangos

HE PAPASHANGOS are a self-proclaimed #punkrockmayhem band from Greater Manchester.

The band originally formed in the late 90s, when cousins Will and Dessie Shango decided to merge the harsh garage rock of The Hives with the kitschy groove of The Cramps. Will took up the drums, Dessie the guitar and lead vocals and they called themselves The Papa Shangos, after the famous American wrestler.

They played a number of gigs as a duo, mainly around Bolton, Greater Manchester, before splitting at the millenium when Dessie decided to go travelling.

In the mid-2000s the two got back together and played with a succession of bassists and lead guitarists, mainly gigging around the North West of England.

During this time they split and reformed several times, often taking breaks of a couple of years.

In 2013, they had a period of sustained activity, gigging and even recording a few demos with a variety of local musicians. Unfortunately, most of these recordings are now lost.

In 2015, Will recruited Mickey Smokefinger and Lolly M. as lead guitarist and lead vocalist, respectively. The band developed a harder punk sound and its signature chaotic stage act.

In 2016 the band changed its name to THE PAPASHANGOS, to avoid being confused with Papa Shango, a similarly named 'circus rock' band from the south.

Reviews

'Nothing like bad musicians playing out of tune guitars they have to stare at the whole time to make you want to kill someone.'
Kevin Richards
RPM Vocal Studio