Doomed Confessionary: Andrew, Sam, Bear & Dan (1968)
1968 is a stoner metal band from Cheshire, UK. Formed in 2013 by guitarist Sam Orr and vocalist Jimi Coppack, 1968 released their debut EP in 2015 on Black Bow Records. In 2017, the band released the »Fortuna Havana« EP, which was well-received by the stoner rock community. Following a lineup change, Dan Amati joined in 2017 and the band, together with bassist Bear, began touring the UK.
»Ballads Of The Godless« was self-released in early 2018 after a lengthy dispute with a soured record deal. Following its release, the band embarked on European and American tours up to 2020, including a live show at the Whisky A Go-Go in Hollywood. This performance was released as a live recording in 2019, titled »For Promotional Use Only«.
During the global pandemic in 2020, the band recorded their second album, »Salvation, If You Need…«, released on No Profit Recordings. In 2023, the band parted ways with Jimi Coppack, who was succeeded by Andrew Valiant (formerly of Oak). The first album with the new lineup, »Royal Bastards«, just dropped on June 19th, 2025 via No Profit Recordings. The album was recorded by long-time collaborator Simon Jones of The Verve, with mixing and mastering by Chris Fielding. The new record follows the same ethos that 1968 has always stuck to: play loud as fuck.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We formed in 2013 and have managed to make a year last over a decade.
We also enjoy playing as loudly as we can.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
We have had many challenges in our time, replacing a singer wasn’t an easy one. Balancing everyone else’s lives on a regular basis. Ensuring that we give 100% with everything we’ve ever done.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Mainly being able to say that we played at the Whisky A Go Go and Ballads Of The Godless.
What was your biggest regret?
In general, the biggest regret is not staying in the states long enough to play with Brant Bjork in the desert, we were asked, but couldn’t do it due to commitments back home, that didn’t actually last anyway.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Probably Spain and Portugal back in 2018, we had a fine time playing in numerous cities, eating great food and generally living the dream. Everyone was very accommodating and we all just loved it.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
How little everyone seemingly gets paid.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
We’re all fairly varied in our tastes, however the last Monsternaut record is class, we are also fans of Elder, Elephant Tree and so many other bands.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Keep playing.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Gwen Stefani, Coldplay, Nickelback.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Cheshire?
We never really had much to do with our respective scenes with this genre but we always found cities like London, Scotland and Manchester more enjoyable as there seemed to be more of an effort made to make a good night or festival when it came to live shows.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We have a few limited shows to announce soon but we will be appearing at Cosmic Vibration Festival in Sheffield this August.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Keep rollin’ keep playing and keep burning.
How can people best support your band?
Start listening and keep listening. Costs very little.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you for all of the times you’ve put us on, we really appreciate it.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well