Gene Plans Live Album And Webcast Of L.A. Show

LONDON-- Gene, the U.K. band most likely to be compared to the Smiths, is to record a live album and webcast during a June 2 gig at Los Angeles' Troubadour club. The show will be the last of three sold-out dates at the venue, and will mark the first time in three years that the band has played in the U.S.

Lead singer Martin Rossiter told SoundSpike, "I'm looking forward to playing in Los Angeles, as I'll be able to do something about my tan. And I'm looking into silicone thigh implants .... We haven't played in the U.S. for three years, and L.A. has been remarkably kind to us. I like America as a whole, due to the music-buying public's lack of cynicism."

Rossiter said that the band will press around 40,000 copies of the new live album, "Rising for Sunset." The album is tentatively scheduled for release in the U.K. on June 26 via the band's label Sub Rosa--a name likely to change, as it has apparently been taken already. "If you can think of any others for our label," quipped Rossiter, "please send them our way."

Gene, which was formed in 1993 by guitarist Steve Mason and drummer Matt James, is not a very Net-savvy unit. Rossiter said that this will be the group's first live webcast, which is to be broadcast live on LiveConcerts.com at 9 p.m. PST on June 2. An archived version of the webcast will also be available later in June, followed eventually by a video and DVD of the gig.

The concert will also be an opportunity for the band to try out new material from its fourth album which is currently in the works, although Rossiter could not confirm a release date or title for it.

"I have no clue when it's coming out," he said. "I would hope this year, but my head says early next year."

The band is not likely to play any U.K. festival dates this summer, as it will be spending most of its time in the studio. Its only scheduled U.K. appearance is a benefit for a Down's Syndrome charity at the London Scala on Saturday, May 27.

Gene's second album, "Drawn to the Deep End," scored a Top-10 success on the U.K. charts in 1997.