Osaka Japan’s legendary all female pop punk band Shonen Knife’s bassist Ritsuko has announced her maternity leave from the band this week. Shonen Knife will be doing a US tour in June w/ CJ Ramone in the midwest and East Coast and original member Atsuko (who is also the younger sister of lead vocalist/guitarist Naoko) will be reuniting with the band for these US dates.
Below are statements from the band and Ritsuko.
A message from Shonen Knife:
There is some exciting news in the world of Shonen Knife, this month our bassist Ritsuko will be going on maternity leave. Mother and baby are in good health. We are praying for her safe delivery and quick return to the band.
For Shonen Knife’s US Tour 2015 in June w/ CJ Ramone, original member Atsuko will be joining the band as bassist for the shows. It will be a unique opportunity for US fans to see Atsuko performing on bass for the first time in nearly a decade in the US.
Also, for the upcoming show on May 31st at Fandango, Osaka and our annual 712 DAY PARTY tour in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, our friend NARU will play the bass.
Thank you very much for your support and encouragement.
A message from Ritsuko:
I have a baby on the way!!!
Am I following similar “got pregnant stories” frequently made public recently in the gossip columns? No!! Mine is the real happy love story!!
I am very happy now, even though I will miss the upcoming North American tour. I am grateful to Atsuko-san for rejoining Shonen Knife in the upcoming tour.
Also, I know that Naru-san is the most charming and talented bassist who will take my part from now on. I am very happy to recall that I have been given a part in the activities of Shonen Knife together with the charming members and staff of Shonen Knife. I do hope I will have a chance someday to return to the stage and perform in front of the enthusiastic Shonen Knife fans.
I will remain unchanged as one of the most dedicated fans of Shonen Knife.
Thank you.
Ritsuko
SHONEN KNIFE / CJ RAMONE US TOUR 2015 6/3 Buffalo, NY – Waiting Room (SK Only) 6/4 Cleveland, OH – The Happy Dog (SK Only) 6/5 Sandusky, OH – Collosalcon14, Kalahari Resort (SK Only) 6/6 Columbus OH – Ace of Cups 6/7 Chicago IL – Bottom Lounge 6/9 Milwaukee, WI – Cactus Club 6/10 St Paul MN – Amsterdam Bar and Grill 6/11 Lincoln NE – Vega 6/13 Nashville, TN – Mercury Lounge 6/14 Atlanta GA – HELL at The Masquerade 6/16 Chapel Hill, NC – Local 506 6/17 Louisville, KY – The New Vintage 6/18 Cincinnati, OH – The Woodward Theater 6/19 Baltimore MD – The Metro Gallery 6/20 LongBranch, NJ – Brighton Bar 6/21 Philadelphia, PA – Black Box in Underground Arts 6/22 NY, NY – Le Poisson Rouge 6/23 Hamden CT – The Space Ballroom 6/24 Cambridge, MA – Middle East Downstairs |
