It’s our pleasure to introduce you to GYPSY’S KISS.
Gypsy’s Kiss were formed in the East End of London in early 1974 by Iron Maiden founder and bassist, Steve Harris and David Smith who lived close to each other and went to the same school. Therefore, the band sit proudly at the ‘top of the Iron Maiden Family Tree’.
They were determined to be a hard-rocking band and quickly made a significant impact on the growing East London music scene, playing at The Cart & Horses, Bridgehouse and other well-known local venues.
After nearly two years, Gypsy’s Kiss came to its natural end in the second half of 1975. Steve then famously formed Iron Maiden in December 1975. The band still remain good friends to this day.
David has been asked to reform GK many times over the years so Maiden fans could finally hear their original songs they last played live in 1974 and thus finally agreed to play Burrfest in London in March 2018 (with another original member, Bob Verschoyle) to capacity crowd as a one-off. It was so well received that they played two more gigs in 2018 (with the current lineup). Overwhelmed by support from the Maiden Fan Community, they decided to do it all over again and have since gigged extensively in both the UK and Europe and have, to date, released two singles and two critically well received albums.
Although GK remain loyal to their Maiden heritage, they continue to bring their classic rock sound to a wider audience beyond their Iron Maiden roots. 2024 will mark 50 years since their formation in 1974.
Band Members:
The current line-up is David Smith (Vocals and Guitars), Jonathan Morley (Guitars and BVs), Fraser Marr (Guitars), Ross Hunter (Keys and BVs), Robin Gatcum (Bass) and Stuart Emms (Drums).
Where are you from? / Where are you based now?:
David was born and brought up in Leyton in East London and now lives in Chessington, Surrey.
Jonathan was born and brought up in Glasgow and now lives in Hinchley Wood, Surrey.
Fraser was born and brought up in Yorkshire and now lives in Hastings, East Sussex.
Stuart was born and brought up in Sunderland and now lives in Kingston, Surrey.
Ross lives in Claygate, Surrey.
Robin lives in Swanage in Dorset.
Musical Influences:
Band Influences – Beatles, Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, AC/DC and, of course, Iron Maiden.
What inspired the latest release?:
“THE SONG DESCRIBES THE RETURN OF A LEGACY BAND WHO BURNED OUT AND SPLIT UP AFTER THEIR FIRST RUN BUT HAVE NOW RETURNED NOT FOR VANITY, EGO OR MONEY BUT FOR THE LOVE OF THE MUSIC, A CHANCE TO PLAY LIVE AGAIN AND TO ENTERTAIN AN AUDIENCE.”
“WE ARE THRILLED WITH THE NEW SINGLE (RECORDED IN DECEMBER 2023), WHICH IS SEMI-AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL. IT HAS REALLY GONE DOWN WELL WITH OUR LIVE AUDIENCES, AND WE REALLY LOOK FORWARD TO PERFORMING IT ON OUR 50th ANNIVERSARY TOUR!”
Quickfire Questions
If you’re on the road…
The absolute essential item for us on tour is…
- CLEAN UNDERWEAR – ESPECIALLY FOR THE DRUMMER
Our most challenging journey for the least payoff led us to…
- CORNWALL.
Keeping fit on the road requires…
- ALCOHOL MANAGEMENT AND GOLF
The coolest pit stop worldwide is…
- NEW YORK
A must-have in our tour survival kit is…
- MEMORY AND MEDICATION
The weirdest gig we’ve ever played happened at…
- BRIGHTON PIER (OUTSIDE)
The place with the best bathroom graffiti is…
- FIGHTING COCKS IN KINGSTON, SURREY
The best part of performing live is the feeling of…
- LOVE WITH THE AUDIENCE
The silliest thing ever said onstage was…
- I CAN’T REMEMBER THE NEXT SONG!
How we prepare for a show….
- REHEARSAL AND TRYING TO REMEMBER WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
Tell us about an independent eatery in your hometown you love.
- RED ROSE INDIAN RESTAURANT IN CHESSINGTON
Shout out to a local business in your hometown, and why.
- THE CAVERN IN RAYNES PARK – THEY SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC AND KEEP IT ALIVE
What’s the best attraction/place to visit/hang out in your hometown?
- ANYWHERE ON THE RIVER THAMES
