| Epiphone proudly presents a unique collaboration spotlighting one of the many dynamic artists who represent Epiphone instruments in real-world, high-energy musical environments. Epiphone Presents: Spiritual Cramp “Live at Ally Pally,” captures one of punk’s most compelling modern bands, live inside the historic Palace Suite of Alexandra Palace in London. Shot by Nick Suchak mid-stride during the group’s late 2025 tour with The Hives, Epiphone Presents: Spiritual Cramps “Live at Ally Pally” distills the band’s explosive, sweat-soaked stage energy into a tight, intimate performance that previews the firepower fans can expect when their Alternative Press–backed Rudest Band in the World Tour hits cities nationwide this month. Watch/share the full Epiphone Presents: Spiritual Cramp “Live at Ally Pally” HERE. “Automatic” |
| Since their 2017 debut 7-inch EP, Spiritual Cramp has carved out a reputation for shows that feel equal parts party and performance art—unpredictable, cathartic, and community‑driven. With their new album Rude, the band channels that chaos into their most focused and deliberate record yet. Frontman and songwriter Michael Bingham says the goal wasn’t reinvention, but refinement. “We wanted to expand without changing too much. When I get into a band, all I want is more of it—but better. I just wanted to make a Spiritual Cramp album that was the best version it could be. Not the version I felt like that day.” That intentionality reflects Bingham’s own evolution. Earlier releases leaned into classic Bay Area punk volatility—loud, defiant, and confrontational. While Rude documents a shift in mindset. “I don’t think I’m as aggressive as I used to be. I’m still pissed off, but I learned how to cope with the things that piss me off. I realized I don’t have to punch everything in the face. I wake up early now, exercise, meditate, and try to think, ‘How can I be the best person I’m able to be?’ And I think it reflects in the songwriting.” The band’s songwriting process has grown alongside that perspective. “Songwriting is paramount. You can have all the aesthetics you want, but it’s the songs that connect with people. I used to blast them out and record them. Now I sit with ideas, get feedback, workshop them, and write tons before choosing what makes the cut.” Their time on tour with The Hives—one of their earliest inspirations—underscored that growth and lit a new fire, both personally and musically. “Never in a million years did we think we’d be going on tour with them. It’s very surreal. We want to be respectful but also show that we’re ready to be the next big band.” Spiritual Cramps’ sound is anchored in simplicity, punch, and clarity—a perfect fit for the Epiphone ethos. When asked about The Hives’ Vigilante Carlstroem touring with a vintage 1959 Epiphone Coronet, Bingham responded: “I love that guitar. One pickup, two knobs—that’s all you need. Plug in and rip. The idea behind a simple guitar is something that resonates with us. Make it simple and sound good.” The band’s Epiphone‑forward tones in the session mirror their approach to Rude: “Our sound is supposed to be small, but polished and crispy. We gravitate toward older, smaller amps and classic guitars. We play Les Pauls™ and SGs™. We want that old, blown-out rock ’n’ roll tone mixed to sound like a gigantic pop record.” |
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| Above: Still photo from Epiphone Presents: Spiritual Cramp “Live at Ally Pally” with guitarist Orville Neeley and his Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1963 Les Paul SG Custom w/Maestro™ Vibrola™. |
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| Above: Spiritual Cramp guitarist Nate Punty performs with his Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1957 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue. Performing in the Palace Suite at Alexandra Palace gave the band a chance to explore those tones in a new light—stripped back, clear, and intentional. “We spend so much time going crazy when we play live that slowing down and focusing on our playing felt great. These songs are pop songs—they translate really well. Honestly, I enjoyed the hell out of it.” With Rude out everywhere now and the “Rudest Band in the World Tour” approaching, Spiritual Cramp is stepping into their next chapter with excitement and curiosity. “It’s the unknown. What could happen tomorrow? Good or bad, I want to find out.” Fans can expect the band’s signature high-energy spectacle on tour. “Our shows are buzzing with people ready to dance. Come and let your freak flag fly.” To explore the full interview with Spiritual Cramp—including deeper reflections on Rude, the band’s growth, their gear choices, and the making of Epiphone Presents: Spiritual Cramp “Live at Ally Pally”—read the complete conversation now on the Gibson Gazette. |
 Above: Spiritual Cramp (L-R): Nate Punty (Guitar), Mike Bingham (Vocals), Mike F. (Bass), José Luna (Keys/Percussion), Julian Smith (Drums), and Orville Neeley (Guitar). Credit: Sarah Davis. Fans across the country will have plenty of chances to experience the chaos first-hand with the band’s headlining Rudest Band in the World Tour, sponsored by Alternative Press, kicking off on February 17 in San Diego, CA. The coast-to-coast run features support from Bass Drum of Death, Mizery, Guv, and more. Catch Spiritual Cramp live—and see their Epiphone guitars in full swing—for tickets, go to https://spiritualcramp.com/pages/tour-dates. Catch Spiritual Cramp on the Rudest Band in the World Tour: DATE CITY VENUETue Feb. 17 San Diego, CA CasbahWed Feb. 18 Phoenix, AZ The Rebel LoungeFri Feb. 20 Dallas, TX Club DadaSat Feb. 21 Austin, TX 29th Street BallroomSun Feb. 22 Houston, TX White Oak Music HallTue Feb. 24 Atlanta, GA The EARLWed Feb. 25 Nashville, TN The Blue RoomFri Feb. 27 Washington, DC The AtlantisSat Feb. 28 Brooklyn, NY Music Hall of WilliamsburgSun Mar. 1 Philadelphia, PA PhilaMOCATue Mar. 3 Boston, MA Sinclair Lori HThu Mar. 5 Montréal, QC Foufounes électriquesFri Mar. 6 Toronto, ON Lee’s PalaceSat Mar. 7 Cleveland, OH Grog ShopSun Mar. 8 Chicago, IL Lincoln HallTue Mar. 10 Minneapolis, MN Turf ClubWed Mar. 11 Kansas City, MO Record BarFri Mar. 13 Denver, CO Marquis TheaterSat Mar. 14 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby CourtMon Mar. 16 Portland, OR Polaris HallTue Mar. 17 Vancouver, BC The WiseWed Mar. 18 Seattle, WA NeumosFri Mar. 20 San Francisco, CA Great American Music HallSat Mar. 21 Los Angeles, CA Teragram BallroomThu Jun. 11 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival 2026 |
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| **** Spiritual Cramp: SPIRITUALCRAMP.COM | IG | X | FB Epiphone: EPIPHONE.COM | X | IG | FB | YT Gibson: GIBSON.COM | X | IG | FB | TT | GIBSON APP | GIBSON GARAGE NASHVILLE | GIBSON GARAGE LONDON | GIBSON CERTIFIED VINTAGE | GIBSON RECORDS | GIBSON GIVES | GIBSON TV EN ESPANOL | GIBSON TVKramer: KRAMERGUITARS.COM | X | IG | FB | YT MESA/Boogie: MESABOOGIE.COM | X | IG | FB KRK: KRKMUSIC.COM | X | IG | FB | YT Maestro: MAESTROELECTRONICS.COM | IG About Epiphone:Epiphone: For Every Player, For Every Stage. Founded in 1873, Epiphone has spent more than 150 years shaping the sound of modern music. From its Ottoman Empire origins crafting lutes and fiddles to defining the Jazz Age in America with celebrated archtops and making 1960s London swing, the Epiphone legacy is built on craftsmanship, innovation, and creativity. Its instruments have powered the music of The Beatles, Les Paul, John Lee Hooker, Alex Lifeson, Oasis, Nancy Wilson, Gary Clark Jr., Jared James Nichols, Emily Wolfe, Yungblud, and many more. Today, the brand is the trusted choice for both emerging players and touring artists alike, offering reliable, stage-ready instruments backed by Gibson quality standards and a lifetime guarantee. Whether you’re playing for fun at home or rocking out under bright lights in front of thousands of fans, Epiphone is for every player, at every stage of their journey. For more information, visit Epiphone.com and follow Epiphone on X, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. |
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