He Who Dares Wins (Deluxe Boxset Edition)

Five CD set. Formed from the ashes of punk band The Pack, Theatre of Hate blazed their own trail through the post-punk netherworld of the early 1980s with a string of indie hits and an unparalleled reputation as a formidable live act. The band were fronted by blonde-quiffed singer/guitarist Kirk Brandon, joined by bassist Stan Stammers, guitarist Steve Guthrie, saxophonist John 'Boy' Lennard and drummer Luke Rendle. After several acclaimed 45s and a live album He Who Dares Wins, Theatre of Hate recorded their debut studio album with legendary Clash guitarist Mick Jones producing. The resulting LP, Westworld, was issued in February 1982 and reached #17 in the UK charts, promoted by a Top 40 single 'Do You Believe In The Westworld'. Theatre of Hate continued to enjoy success throughout 1982 with new guitarist Billy Duffy in tow, releasing a second live album (He Who Dares Wins: Live In Berlin) and more singles. But sessions for a second album, Aria Of The Devil, were eventually abandoned and the band broke up, Kirk eventually re-emerging in Spear Of Destiny. Unavailable for many years on CD, the two He Who Dares Wins albums from 1981 have now finally been treated to a deluxe edition. Alongside the original albums, which have been remastered, are the two reunion shows issued under the He Who Dares Wins banner and a bonus disc featuring a previously unissued live concert from the Westworld tour. Housed in a clamshell box, the package also boasts within the booklet a raft of illustrations and fresh sleeve-notes penned by Mojo's Pat Gilbert drawn from interviews with band members.