The Stopouts

The Stopouts

The Stopouts are a Liverpool-based ska punk group from the 2000s. They form in 2006 after Al and Dejan see The Toasters perform in Liverpool, and they begin the project as a response to the local scene, first playing ska covers before moving into original songs.

Formation and line-up

The early line-up includes Rob on drums, with Tom joining on vocals and Anna on saxophone. The band begins gigging in February 2006, with Dejan and Tom playing acoustic sets in Hannah's bar before full band appearances at Stamps, the Drezla Lounge and the Zanzibar establish them on the Liverpool ska scene. In late 2006, Andrew joins on bass after original bassist Al relocates to Helsinki, and another Tom joins on tenor saxophone. The group is then a six-piece.

Recordings and activity

The Stopouts record a self-titled EP in August 2006. It contains six tracks. They play around 30 gigs in a year, mainly in Liverpool, Manchester, St Helens and Birmingham.

Style and influences

The band’s sound is described as ska punk with 2-tone, punk, dub and related influences. Their stated influences include The Clash, The Specials, Toots and the Maytals, Gogol Bordello, Dead Kennedys, Chris Murray, Operation Ivy and King Tubby. They also draw on roots music and emphasise dancing, sincerity, honesty, intelligence and togetherness in their songs and lyrics.