Kill Your Idols was formed by singer Andy West and guitarist Gary Bennett on Long Island, NY in late 1995. They both and grew up listening to punk ,on the fringes the New York City hardcore punk scene. KYI's debut Twelve Inch EP (now available on CD) on local label None Of The Above Records was a local success and started the band touring around the country. Soon after the band signed to Blackout! and released This Is Just The Beginning in late 1998.
Since the release of This Is Just The Beginning EP, Kill Your Idols have exhaustively toured ,the world, road, building a loyal following among punks and hardcore kids. Their tours with H20, Indecision, Kid Dynamite, Ensign, The Casualties and others, (as well as a stack of incredibly glowing reviews) have made the band true kingpins of east coast punk.
The most recent Blackout! album, No Gimmicks Needed is seventeen hardcore punk anthems. From fast, powerful songs like the opening track, "Right Now" to the more melodic "Autumn," KYI keep true to their fast and furious old-school hardcore while injecting dynamic punk melodies. No Gimmicks Needed was recorded at Creep Studio and features a guest vocal appearance by Al (the Pist) and lyrics written for the band by Paul Bearer (Sheer Terror.)
When asked to comment on the album title, Andy responds: "There are always people out just to exploit what is popular. I have long since left behind the days of trying to figure out who is sincere and who is just trendyS I would refuse to play or record a song if I really didn't feel it."
