Having toured extensively with Frank Turner, Greenwich’s Skinny Lister have been steadily building a loyal global fanbase with their raucous blend of punk and folk. Speaking with Zak Thomas, they discuss the perils of crowd-surfing with a double bass, the impact of Brexit on touring musicians, and one particularly infamous night in Hamburg.
Hamburg Drunk: A Night to Remember (or Not)
It all started with a few sips from a mysterious medicine bottle, before lead singer Dan Heptinstall found himself tripping over a homeless man and getting punched by a prostitute—the kind of chaotic night out that inspired Hamburg Drunk, the eighth track from their third album, The Devil, The Heart & The Fight.
When I later email Heptinstall to clarify what was in the bottle, he replies: “It tasted like strong gin, I think. My memory of that evening is a little vague.” Despite the hazy details, the eventful night in Germany’s second-largest city provided the perfect material for a song—just one of many personal stories woven throughout the band’s new album.
A New Sound, A Bold Step Forward
The Devil, The Heart & The Fight is arguably Skinny Lister’s strongest album yet—retaining their signature folk-punk grit while embracing a more polished, stadium-ready sound. Known for their raw, unfiltered recordings—where what you heard live was exactly what you got on the album—the decision to introduce a more refined production style was a bold one, but it pays off spectacularly.
While their earlier albums leaned into influences like The Pogues and The Men They Couldn’t Hang, their latest work draws comparisons to Arcade Fire, particularly on tracks like Injuries, which echoes the cyclical guitars and marching beats of Funeral. Meanwhile, Geordie Lad, a tribute to former bassist Dan Gray, emerges as an impeccably produced anthem, complete with a killer riff and soaring chorus.
Personal Stories, Universal Themes
Despite the expanded sonic scope, The Devil, The Heart & The Fight remains deeply personal, offering insight into the band’s highs and lows. Recorded in just five weeks with producer Tristan Ivemy (Frank Turner, The Holloways), the album captures the complex psyche of Heptinstall and his bandmates.
When we meet, Heptinstall is joined by siblings Max and Lorna Thomas. The six-piece may have formed in London, but rising living costs prompted them to scatter across the UK—Heptinstall and Lorna in Hastings, Max in Bristol—yet their bond remains tight, like characters from an Enid Blyton adventure novel.
“It’s easier and more honest to write songs that are close to you,” says Heptinstall. “We try to keep them universal, but most of the songs on this album are pretty personal.”
Few tracks are as personal as Tragedy in A Minor, which recounts how their drummer was dumped by his fiancée just two months before their wedding. Thankfully, the band assures me he has since found love again.
The Brexit Blues: What It Means for Touring Bands
When the conversation turns to Brexit—still fresh in the mind when we speak in August—the band is candid about their disappointment.
“Our hearts were low—we were sad when we first went back to Europe after the referendum,” says Max Thomas. His sister agrees, describing the atmosphere as “weird”, though the band never encountered hostility.
Still, they worry about the practical implications of Brexit, particularly touring logistics. Unlike major acts with dedicated tour managers handling paperwork, Skinny Lister’s DIY approach means they may soon have to navigate multiple visas and taxation rules across five or more countries on a single tour.
“In Switzerland, we already have to make separate arrangements to pay tax on our merchandise sales,” explains Heptinstall. “That might be what happens in other European countries post-Brexit. And if we have to apply for a visa every time we tour Europe, it’s going to be a nightmare.”
Though familiar with the US visa system—having toured there extensively—they worry about the added red tape for smaller UK bands post-Brexit.
The Perils of Crowd-Surfing with a Double Bass
Despite the challenges, Skinny Lister remains as adventurous as ever, particularly their double bassist Michael Camino, who has a habit of crowd-surfing with his instrument. This unique stunt has inspired fans in Atlanta to form the Michael Camino Lift Team, a group dedicated to ensuring he makes it safely across the audience.
However, not all crowds are equally prepared. At a London gig supporting Gogol Bordello at Koko, Camino was unexpectedly dropped mid-surf.
“People didn’t know what to expect,” says Lorna Thomas, laughing. “Michael got dropped. Where were you, Michael Camino Lift Team? You were missing!”
The band jokes about printing Michael Camino Lift Team T-shirts, though Heptinstall quips that the original Atlanta fans will probably demand royalties.
Genuine Passion, Genuine Gratitude
What stands out most during our meeting is the band’s warmth and sincerity. Some musicians exude forced politeness, but with Skinny Lister, it feels genuine.
They don’t shut themselves off in their Mercedes Sprinter after gigs—they head out and explore. They appreciate every new city, every fan, and every opportunity that comes their way. And in uncertain times, that humility and passion will undoubtedly serve them well.
As for Heptinstall, he might just want to steer clear of mystery medicine bottles.
Skinny Lister’s third album, ‘The Devil, The Heart & The Fight,’ is out September 30. Their UK tour kicks off in October, with dates in Manchester, Glasgow, and London.
