1997
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Jan 7.97‘Killed It With My Bare Hands’ is The Hitchers fifth single and their first for Murgatroid.
Mar 97 Debut L.P. ‘It’s All Fun & Games ‘Til Someone Loses An Eye’ is released in Ireland. The Hitchers perform on Kenny Live.
April 97
The Hitchers First U.K. dates coincide with the
release of ‘Killed It…’ in
Britain. Positive reviews –notably in Kerrang! Video shown on MTVs Alternative
Nation and on No Disco.
June 97 support The Divine Comedy in Belfast’s Mandela Hall. The Hitchers set later broadcast by BBC on Steve Lamacq show. Double A-side single ‘You Can Only Love Someone’/’Strachan’ released in Ireland & U.K. –Fantastic reviews in N.M.E./Melody Maker. Single of the fortnight in Hot Press.
The Hitchers June 1997 L-R Hoss Carnage, Niall
Quinn, Andy Gallagher, Eric Fitzgerald (Photo Unknown)
July 97 Coventry City F.C. manager Gordon Strachan phones to wish the lads well on first major U.K. tour as ‘It’s All Fun & Games…’ is released in the U.K. The Hitchers kick off their tour with an appearance at the Phoenix Festival and while in London record prestigious ‘Peel Session’ at BBC Maida Vale.
Oct 97 ‘Big Mug’ is final single lifted from ‘…Fun & Games…’. Video shown on No Disco