The Moon Invaders were formed in early 2001 in Belgium by vocalist Matthew Hardison and drummer Nicolas Leonard. Over the years, the band has had several band member changes, but the Moon Invaders of today is comprised of nine members: vocalists Matthew Hardison & Thomas Hardison, tenor saxophonist David Loos, trombonist Manghi Murinni, trumpeter Rolf Langsjoen, keyboardist Sergio Raimundo, guitarist Michael Bridoux, bassist Arnaud Pemmers, and drummer Nicolas Leonard.
They recorded in several studios and put out their first EP “First Wave” in 2002. After many enthusiastic reactions and constant touring the Moon Invaders planned their first longplayer. The self-titled studio album has been produced in Brussels by the well-known Victor Rice and Grover Records released this astonishing debut in 2004. “Breakin’ Free” the second release on Grover Records followed in 2005: again supported by Vic Rice, but this time mixed in the basement of the well-known Jammyland record shop in NYC.
Since the release of their first album, the Moon Invaders have toured all over Europe through Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovenia, France and Luxembourg; and became the one of the best ska acts of the Belgian scene. In May 2007, the moon invaders had the privilege to back the legendary Mr. Rocksteady Alton Ellis for a special show in Brussels.
For their third album "Moovin’ & Groovin’", the band has had the pleasure of collaborating with Slacker’s frontman Vic Ruggiero who produced and mixed this exciting brand new record. To promote this new album, the band toured intensively in Europe with "the voice of The Skatalites" Doreen Shaffer. After a sold out gig at AB Club in Brussels in october 2008, The Moon Invaders have the privilege to be asked to play as support act for Madness at Forest National (Brussels) the 15th of december 2008.
In 2009 The Moon Invaders recorded the new solo album of Doreen Shaffer "Groovin' with The Moon Invaders" and have been seen in Europe with Jamaïcan artists like Rico
Rodriguez
and Pat Kelly.
End 2009 the band played two sold out gigs at AB Club in Brussels (the 4th and 5th of december 2009) and early 2010 The Moon Invaders toured back with Doreen Shaffer.
In may 2010 the band is back in Brussels at Ancienne Belgique for the release of their live album recorded a few months before at the same place.
In june 2010 they started their first tour in the United States/Canada (14 dates together with The Caroloregians for the release of a split album on US Jump Up Records label). They performed gigs in New York, Washington, Boston, Philadelphia, Long Branch, Toronto, Cincinnati,...
Their new album "The Fine Line" is out now!
