ROCKERS ‘WORLD WITHOUT SUNDAYS’ GIVE RANKIN/BASS SONG EXTREME MAKE-OVER FOR DOCUMENTARY FEATURE RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA — TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2004 — Los Angeles-based quartet World Without Sundays has breathed new life into the most derided song in the entire cannon of Rankin/Bass animation: “Where There’s a Whip, There’s a Way.” Sung by an army of bellowing Orcs in the 1980 adaptation of The Return of the King, the tune has since achieved cult-status among Ringer enthusiasts as a guilty pleasure. The producers of RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS asked World Without Sundays to update “Where There’s a Whip” with their signature electro-rock sound, and the band soon emerged from the studio with a stunning, dramatic version that is part Radiohead, part Prodigy, and more genuine protest song than ever before.
RINGERS features a bevy of performers reworking songs from the classic cartoon adaptations of Tolkien from the 70’s and 80’s — including Australian singer Greta Gertler performing an extraordinary version of “Leave Tomorrow Till It Comes” (also from ROTK); and indie-rock mainstay Arlo updating the classic ballad of The Hobbit, “The Greatest Adventure.” Director/producer/writer Carlene Cordova believes these songs have a unique place in the hearts of Ringers everywhere: “Looking back over the past 50 years of this fan phenomenon, our film has so much music and great songs, as does The Lord of the Rings itself. We felt nostalgic for these Rankin/Bass songs, knowing they deserved to be heard again with a fresh ear. I know the fans will be thrilled and surprised at what our musicians have created.”
The moving and addictive sounds of World Without Sundays has no doubt beaten the odds through lasting friendships, bi-coastal moves and chance meetings with each member of this unique band. Shoxwaken Hincks (singer/co-songwriter/guitarist) and Guy Harrington (songwriter/bassist) met up with Adam Hurlbut (drummer) in Boston and decided to move to Los Angeles where they met the remaining addition to their band, Grecco Buratto (guitarist). Their style has been heavily influenced by such acts as Queen, Tom Waits and David Bowie; bringing a dynamic mix of rock, experimental sounds, and blues to their sold-out shows. Online music outlet IMPACT Press raves: “WWS build their songs into furious crescendos with front man Shoxwaken Hincks’ powerful vocals.”
World Without Sundays played a soaring, hellfire set during TheOneRing.net’s Oscar bash “The Return of the One Party” in February 2004, where they were joined onstage by Lord of the Rings stars Dominic Monaghan (Merry Brandybuck) and Billy Boyd (Pippin Took). Upcoming performance dates for the band include Seacliff Beach, CA, and the world-famous ROXY on the Sunset Strip. Their newest release is eponymously titled and distributed through the band’s official website located here.
RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS features a dynamic rock-drivenscore with many recording artists who were influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien. Many have come forward to provide a new spin on nostalgic favorites from previous “Rings” adaptations.
About the documentary:
Very funny yet often moving, RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS shows the hidden power behind Tolkien’s books — and how after 50 years a single literary work continues to spark the minds and hearts of millions, across cultures and across time. Ringers explores the real foundations of Middle-earth; a community of true fans who share a common bond. Moving beyond “cult classic” and over several different generations, the film unearths academics, musicians, authors, filmmakers, and a plethora of pop junkies — the people gathered under the banner of ‘Ringer.’
RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS spent 16 months shooting on three continents. Produced in association with the popular Tolkien fan-site TheOneRing.net, Ringers stands as the most comprehensive film document of the ongoing fandom of “The Lord of the Rings.”
Current “Ringers” Interviewees include:
Actor – Sir Ian McKellen, Actor – Dominic Monaghan, Actor – Andy Serkis, Actor – Sala Baker, Author/Filmmaker – Clive Barker, Writer/Director/Producer – Cameron Crowe, Actor – David Carradine, Author – Terry Pratchett, Author – Peter S. Beagle, Author – Terry Brooks, Musician – Lemmy Kilmister, Musician – Geddy Lee, Tolkien Scholar – Dr. Jane Chance, Chairperson of the Tolkien Society – Christine Crawshaw, Author – Colin Duriez, Filmmaker/Critic – Chris Gore, Writer/Publisher – Forrest J. Ackerman, Actor – Bill Mumy, Author/Broadcaster – Brian Sibley, Illustrator/Author – Colleen Doran, Illustrator/Author – Jill Thompson, Great-Grandson – Royd Tolkien, and hundreds of Tolkien fans!
