Surf-punk types Wavves have been dealt a blow after it was revealed that singer Nathan Williams has broken his wrist.
Erupting out of San Diego, Wavves blend frenetic punk rock with beserk surf-pop flourishes. The band stormed the blogosphere with a series of free downloads, before ‘Wavves’ was released last year.
Snapped up by cult independent label Fat Possum Wavves began working on their second album. Combining a love of full on noise with a cheeky sense of humour singles such as ‘California Goths’ gained the band a cult following.
Second album ‘Wavvves’ – note the extra ‘v’ – was released earlier this year to huge acclaim. The band then packed up their bags for a rare European visit, including a set at Spanish music festival Benicassim.
However the trip was to end in disaster. Nathan Williams had a now infamous onstage meltdown at Benicassim, after inhaling a cocktail of drugs and alcohol. Strumming listlessly he insulted the crowd and was bottled off stage by irate fans.
Later admitting he had an alcohol problem, the singer cancelled all remaining European dates as well as a host of appearances in his native United States.
Williams may have been expecting sympathy, but he most certainly did not receive it from fellow psych-punks Black Lips. In an interview the band’s Jared Swilley insisted that “it wasn’t so much of a breakdown as it was him being a baby. And that’s why I don’t like him.”
“I’ve heard stories from others that he’s like a real dick. And just like a baby, thought he was really cool. But then when it came down to it, when the pressure came on he just couldn’t take the heat. Some people can’t do this.”
Now it seems that Wavves have encountered more problems after Nathan Williams broke his wrist. The singer was skateboarding when he fell off, injuring himself in the process. However the show must go on, and Nathan Williams has vowed to continue with his touring schedule.
Wavves are planning to play New York’s Bowery Ballroom on July 15th, before heading out on the festival circuit.
