63 high

63 high

63 high is a Greek ska-punk group formed in Thessaloniki in 1997. The band begins with a punk and hardcore influence, then develops a sound that brings together ska, reggae and experimental elements. Its name comes from the ages of the original members, Christos 23, Sotiris 20 and Paris 20, plus “high”, which is an abbreviation of “high school”.

Career

The group performs widely in Greece in venues and informal spaces such as parks, squats, anti-racist festivals, skate and snowboard competitions, campings, houses, schools and universities. It also opens for a range of international punk and ska acts in Greece, including Sex Pistols, Ska-P, The Toasters, Oi Polloi, No Fun At All, Leftöver Crack, Los de Abajo, Jaya the Cat and The Aggrolites.

63 high issues two self-released albums and a split 7-inch EP with Bad Trip. In 2009 it releases its first official album, Think Before Unzippin’, a 24-track record made with Playfalse Records. The album is mastered by Eddy Schreyer, who has worked with Bad Religion, NOFX, Pennywise and The Offspring.

Live activity and lineup

In 2010 the band tours across Europe and appears on the main stage at Beautiful Days Festival in Devon, UK, an event organised by The Levellers. It also headlines shows in Amsterdam, Lille, Berlin, Prague, Beograd and at the Spice of Life in London. The group has also played repeatedly in Bulgaria.

The core lineup consists of Chris L on drums and vocals, Paris P on bass, Alex D on guitar and vocals, and Panos G on guitar. Former members include Sotiris on guitar and Panos P on guitar. Iason plays trombone and Takis plays trumpet.

Activity status

63 high remains active through 2011 and continues performing in Greece. The group is also working on a new album.