Spawned in the era of warehouse raves The Sabres of Paradise, along with the likes of the Chemical Brothers and Underworld were lauded as the true pioneers of a new wave of dance / electronica taking over the clubs and eventually the airwaves.
Formed in 1992 The Sabres of Paradise, originally a studio partnership of Andrew Weatherall, Jagz Kooner and Gary Burns, were prolific working with and remixing the artists of the day including Bjork, Leftfield and New Order before signing to the iconic Warp Records to concentrate on their own sound.
A year later they released their debut LP ‘Sabersonic’ with NME including it within their top albums of 1993. The album featured ‘Smokebelch I’, a timeless piece of blissful Balearic joy that would go on to be acknowledged as one of the group’s most celebrated tracks with the ethereal ‘Smokebelch II – Beatless Mix’ being featured on countless mid 90’s ‘Chill Out’ compilations.
The Sabres’ ‘Haunted Dancefloor’ album followed in 1994 with the NME again listing it in their top albums of the year whilst The Guardian included it in their ‘1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die’. The album featured a collaboration with then new comers Portishead while other tracks were remixed by the band contemporaries, Depth Charge, LFO, Nightmares On Wax and The Chemicals Brothers.
Not content to remain solely a studio project The Sabres set to work putting a band together with Richard Thair (Red Snapper), Phil Mossman (LCD Soundsystem) and Nick Abnett (The Aloof) joining Kooner and Burns on stage while Weatherall continued to support from the wings as the Tour DJ.
Andrew Weatherall’s untimely passing in 2020 brought renewed attention to his musical legacy and significant influence as a producer, subsequently The Sabres of Paradise once again found themselves in the spotlight.
Now, 30’ish years on from the band’s seminal LP releases and the original Sabres’ touring band are back on the road helping to cement Andrew’s legacy and bring the Sabres’ sound to new audiences and old fans alike.
Tickets also available from:
Visit Belfast | 028 90 246 609
9 Donegall Square North
- Open 7 days a Week
