Zatopeks

Zatopeks are a 5-piece punk rock band from the UK who formed in the spring of 2001. The band are influenced by punk rock bands like the Ramones and the Clash, 50’s and 60s bands like Buddy Holly, the Beach Boys and the Shangri-La’s, and folk music like Bob Dylan and Tom Waits.

Since they started, the Zatopeks have played shows all across Europe, including the UK, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland and Italy. Along the way they have played with such bands as the Groovie Ghoulies, Tuuli, the Spazzys, the Turbo AC’s, The Apers, Roger Miret and The Disasters, The Real McKenzies, the Backwood Creatures, the Sonic Dolls, the Peawees, and the Foamers.

The first Zatopeks release came out in 2003 on New York based label Whoa Oh Records. It was a split CD with four different bands from across Europe contributing four songs each. That release gave the band some good publicity, and they followed it up in 2004 with a split 7” with the 20belows from Denmark on Sebby’s label All-Nite Records. This is a limited edition 7” on white vinyl with artwork by Dutch graphic designer Stefan Tijs, who also runs Stardumb Records.

The band have also been featured on compilations released by Stardumb Records (NL), Punktastic Recordings (UK) and AMP Magazine (US). They are also being included on a compilation being organised by Interpunk for a release in 2005.

The first Zatopeks full-length album was released in March 2005 on Stardumb Records. It was recorded at Excess Studios in Rotterdam by Dennis Leidelmeyer, and mastered by V. Koremans of Dutch pop-punk band the Travoltas. It has been very well received, and was supported by a European tour in the summer of 2005.

2006 sees a Dutch tour in May, followed by a UK tour for the first time. There are also 2 7" releases planned on It's Alive Records (USA).