August 8, 2008 16:39

Ex-Oasis man launches new band

Zak Starkey make Pengu!ns a family affair

Former Oasis drummer Zak Starkey launched his new band Pengu!ns at an intimate gig for close friends - and invited NME.COM along to witness it.

The son of Ringo Starr, who is currently touring sticksman with The Who, has been writing songs with his girlfriend, Pengu!ns lead singer Sharna Liguz aka Sshh, and impressed the gathered crowd road testing a set of harmonica infused pop-rockers.

Much like Oasis, Pengu!ns is a family affair and Zak was joined on stage by his daughter Tatia, who also plays in London outfit Belakiss, on bass as well as the lead singer cum guitarist of The Black Dove Experiment Shane Dodger Devany on lead guitar.

Playing to a packed out Saint Moritz in central London on one of the hottest days of the year, the band’s debut show went sweatily but smoothly - apart from a few dud starts at the beginning of tracks which the band laughed off like pros.

The quartet even mixed up their own tracks, such as ’Jet Engines’ and ’Space Invader’, with some covers including ’Swamp Snake’ by Seventies rockers The Sensational Alex Harvey Band.

Speaking to NME.COM after the show Starkey said, “It was great. It was packed, great vibe, audience participation, alcoholism, paranoia, laughs, tears, bullshit, snot and bad jokes - and that was just the front row!!

“The first night of many more good times to come, here’s hoping. Pengu!ns is about having a good time, and that’s what we’re doing.”

There are no confirmed plans for any record releases as yet, but there are tracks up on Myspace.com/heypenguins.