Formed in 1980 by Kirk Brandon, after a handful of singles, Theatre Of Hate took the unusual step of making their debut full-length, He Who Dares Wins, a live album, recorded at Leeds Warehouse in January '81. Released on their own Burning Rome label, it quickly rose to the top of the Indie Chart.
A second volume, recorded live in Berlin, was released the following year.
Alongside the two original albums, the new 5-CD box set includes two further volumes, recorded at reunion shows at Manchester Academy in 2007 and Bristol Fleece in 2012. A fifth disc adds a previously unreleased show from Brussels Anciennes Belgique in May 1982.
The set is completed with a fully illustrated booklet, with new sleevenotes by Pat Gilbert, featuring interviews with band members.
He Who Dares Wins: Deluxe Edition is set for release through Cherry Red on 26 July. It's available to pre-order here.
Theatre Of Hate released Kinshi, their first new album in 34 years, last autumn. They play the Westworld Weekend at the Box, Crewe on 11-12 May 2018.
Theatre Of Hate on Facebook