Fat Dog are an English band, consisting of Joe Love, Chris Hughes, Morgan Wallace, Jacqui Wheeler and Johnny ‘Doghead’ Hutch. The band formed in 2020 in South East London.[1]
Music career
Fat Dog was formed during the COVID-19 lockdowns.[2][3] Prior to releasing any singles,[4][5] the band became known for their boisterous live performances,[6][7] with Gary Ryan of NME describing them as "2023's wildest live band".[8] In 2023, they signed to Domino Recording Company.[9] They opened for bands such as Viagra Boys and Yard Act,[10][11] and sold out Scala on their debut headline tour.[12] They were named part of DIY Magazine's "Class of 2024" and performed at its launch show that year.[13]
The band's first single, "King of the Slugs", was released in August 2023.[14] The song, a seven minute long track combining punk and techno music,[15] was co-produced by Love and James Ford,[8] and was accompanied by a music video directed by Dylan Coates.[16] The song was named at number 33 on NME's list of the best 50 songs of 2023. A follow-up single, "All The Same", was released in January 2024, accompanied by a music video featuring Neil Bell.[17] A remixed version of All The Same by Mandy, Indiana was released the following month.[18]
Drummer Johnny Hutch got the nickname of ‘Doghead’ from drumming in every gig with a latex dog mask on his head. He has stated that being on the autistic spectrum, it has helped him overcome anxieties while playing to an audience.[19]
The band made their US debut by playing South by Southwest in 2024.[20] They played at End of the Road Festival in 2023[21] and the Borderline Festival in Dublin in February 2024.[6] The tour with English band Sports Team in late 2022 was the first tour featuring the current line up.
Their debut album, WOOF., was released on September 6, 2024.[22]
Musical influences
Fat Dog's music has been described as containing elements of dance, punk and klezmer;[23] frontman Joe Love has cited the music from Serious Sam as having influenced the band's sound.[2]
Members
Current members
Joe Love – vocals and guitar (2020–present)
Johnny 'Doghead' Hutch - drums and percussion (2020–present)
Chris Hughes – keyboards and synths (2022–present)
Morgan Wallace – saxophone and keyboard (2022–present)
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