Entertainment

Fun Lovin' Criminals' first Huey-free spree reaches Belfast

Fun Lovin' Criminals circa 2023
Fun Lovin' Criminals circa 2023
By David Roy

FUN Lovin' Criminals play The Limelight in Belfast tonight on their first international tour following the departure of founder and frontman Huey Morgan.

Brian 'Fast' Leiser, also a founding member of the New York City-bred band whose breakthrough came in the mid-1990s with their Reservoir Dogs samples-packed hit, Scooby Snacks, has taken over on lead vocals in the wake of Huey's departure last year.

Fast also plays keys, bass, harmonica and trumpet during the live shows, where he's joined by Frank Benbini on drums and new guitarist Naim Cortazzi, formerly of the Madchester pioneers Happy Mondays.

“There was only really one person who could perform these songs after Huey decided to quit," says Fast.

"That’s me. They are songs that I wrote and songs I love to perform.

“Huey wouldn’t play much of our back catalogue live, and we spent almost 10 years playing the same set to our fans.

“We got bored and some fans got bored too. It was one of the reasons cracks began to appear in our relationship. Huey decided to leave to pursue his radio career and we wish him the best of luck with that. 

“But Frank and I want to continue playing to our fans and we are going to play songs that haven’t been played live for 20 years - as well as our fan favourites.”

Founded in 1993, Fun Lovin’ Criminals' 1996 debut album Come Find Yourself was certified Platinum in the UK and Gold in the Netherlands. In July this year, the British Phonographic Society certified Scooby Snacks Silver in recognition of more than 200,000 streams and sales. 

To date, the band have released six studio albums, a three CD live album, and seven compilation albums. Fast and Frank are working on a new album due for release in 2023, which will follow their recently released EP, The Capistrano Sessions.

Tickets available via ticketmaster.ie.