by Touch and Go

Touch and Go Records has announced the 25th and final band for their recently announced 25th Anniversary Block Party to be held at the Hideout in Chicago, IL.

The slot had been the source of rampant speculation, and T&G had this to say:

Ok, it's time to clear the air. We never meant for it to come to this. It started innocently enough: rolling out parts of the line up, dropping a surprise here, announcing a band reunion there. "25 bands will play," we said, yet we only listed 24. "We'll let you know soon," we said, but no word came. Cue the rumor mill: Slint, Rapeman, Necros, Mekons, et al. If we had a nickel for every person who was absolutely sure #25 was The Jesus Lizard, Touch and Go would now be located on a private island in the South Pacific. We wanted to stop the gossip, but it seems this "internet" thing is world wide (and apparently isn't lauded for fact-checking). So we just sat back and watched it happen. "Let the kids talk," we said. "We'll announce #25 when we're ready."

Well, we're ready, and we're proud as hell to introduce the final addition to the Touch and Go 25th Anniversary Block Party: legendary D.C. punks The Monorchid. If you were lucky enough to catch them during their brief lifespan (1996-1998), you're probably still reeling from the impact. If this is your first time, you might want to strap on a helmet. And maybe some shoulder pads.

Recent additions include Arcwelder, The Ex, !!!, Pegboy, Man… or Astroman?, Killdozer, Three Mile Pilot and many more. The bands join the previously announced roster which includes legendary hardcore act Negative Approach, Ted Leo + the Pharmacists, Didjits, Shellac, Pinback, The Black Heart Procession and many more.

The party will take place on September 8, 9 and 10. All of the profits from the ticket sales will be donated to three Chicago organizations: Tuesday's Child, Literacy Works, and the Thomas Drummond Elementary School.

Founded in 1981 in Lansing, Michigan and Maumee, Ohio, Touch and Go soon found itself at the center of the Detroit punk scene of the early 80s. Early records by classic punk bands Negative Approach, The Meatmen, and the Necros quickly put Touch and Go and the growing Detroit hardcore scene into the national spotlight.