The Dirty Youth

The Dirty Youth are a rock band from the United Kingdom, formed in 2007 and active since then. They are based in South Wales and are associated with alternative rock, hard rock and rock. The line-up includes Danni Monroe on vocals, Matt Bond on guitar and keyboards, Luke Padfield on guitar, Leon Watkins on bass and Jacob Moseley on drums.

Early releases and line-up changes

The band forms in August 2007 around Matt Bond and Danni Monroe, then adds drummer Tom Hall and bassist Leon Watkins before releasing a self-titled six-track EP later that year. The group records at Nott-in-Pill Studios in Newport, Wales. Their early activity includes a self-made music video and mini-documentary that appears on ITV's Unsigned and is later shown by Scuzz, which helps broaden their audience. They also mount a self-booked 33-date UK tour, play the Scuzz Stage at Bloodstock Open Air Festival, and headline a sold-out show at The Water Rats in London.

During 2009 they tour further, support Skindred at Cardiff University, and add guitarist Luke Padfield. Tom Hall later leaves the band, Phil Edwards joins on drums, and Freddie Green is subsequently announced as drummer.

Red Light Fix

The Dirty Youth begin work on their debut album, Red Light Fix, in 2010 and release it in 2011 through RMR Records. Their first single from the album is "Fight", which also appears with a performance video and becomes a viral release on YouTube. The album reaches number 25 in the HMV online download charts. A live session for BBC Radio Wales follows, and the band continues to build its profile through touring and festival appearances.

Matt Bond also contributes piano parts to Bullet for My Valentine for a B-side from Fever and performs with them on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge with Zane Lowe.

Touring and festival appearances

The band tours with Reckless Love in the UK, plays Getaway Rock Festival in Sweden alongside Slash and Motörhead, and appears at Download Festival more than once, including on the Jägermeister stage and later on the Red Bull tent. They are invited to tour Europe with Korn after the band hears their cover of "Narcissistic Cannibal" online. Their single "Rise Up" features guest appearances from Michael Paget of Bullet For My Valentine and Benji Webbe of Skindred. They later support The Rasmus on a long European tour, release the tour DVD 28 Gigs Later, and report strong sales for Red Light Fix during that run. They also support Chevelle at the O2 Academy Islington, play Rockfest in the Czech Republic, and perform at Hard Rock Calling Festival, Merthyr Rocks, Takedown Festival and Camden Rocks Festival.

Gold Dust and later activity

After touring Red Light Fix, the band writes its second album, Gold Dust, at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth. The album is funded through Kickstarter and follows the release of the single "Alive", which is supported by performance video and chart appearances on Scuzz and Kerrang! The band also releases "Just Move On" and a cover of Blondie's "Atomic" as a double A-side single. In 2016 they sign to Uprawr/Notting Hill Publishing and begin demoing a third album.

Collaborations and supporting slots

The Dirty Youth tour with Skindred, The Rasmus, Korn, Alien Ant Farm, InMe and Fozzy, and support Heaven's Basement and Glamour of the Kill on a European run. Their release and touring history is closely tied to UK rock radio, music television and festival circuits, with repeated appearances at Download Festival being a notable part of their career.