D4 going out happy

Vocalist-guitarist Jimmy Christmas says the group has had a great time together. Picture / Geoff Dale

They gave us the joys of sake bombs and proved that rock'n'roll is still best served in leather - and sometimes women's clothing.

But Auckland rock'n'roll band the D4 are splitting up. They play their final gig on June 9 at the Kings Arms .

"There's absolutely no ill-feeling," said vocalist and guitarist Jimmy Christmas. "We all love each other. The band is as good as it's ever been so we figured it was the best time to take a break and do other things, rather than run the risk of tainting it."

After eight years, two albums and several tours, they didn't feel the excitement was there for a third album, he said.

But Christmas and bandmates Dion Palmer, Beaver Pooley and Vaughn Williams are looking forward to exploring other musical avenues. What those are we will have to "wait and see".

The D4's debut album, 6Twenty, released here on Flying Nun in 2001 sold 6000 copies in New Zealand and 100,000 worldwide. Their second album, Out of My Head, recorded in London in 2004 and released as the garage-rock phenomenon was waning, sold a few more here. The band also dented their prospects in the US when they severed ties with their American label, Hollywood Records.

"The relationship broke down following the record. It didn't work out for either party and we both became dissatisfied."

Christmas wouldn't comment on whether the album had reached their expectations, but did say they had made the album they wanted to make. He did not rule out the band working together in the future.

"It's something we look back on with extreme pride and satisfaction. Everyone's excited. I think it's going to be quite liberating."

* Tickets for the D4's final gig go on sale on Monday from the Kings Arms and Real Groovy.