MERC X GIBSON feat. KID KAPICHI
MERC X GIBSON: Capsule Collection
Introducing the Merc X Gibson Collaboration capsule range, available exclusively from the Gibson Garage London at 61-62 Eastcastle Street, W1W 8NQ, and www.gibson.com from the 24th of February 2025.
Merc is excited to have collaborated with Gibson Guitars and is proud to present a limited-edition capsule collection that embodies the essence and celebrates the rich heritage of both brands. Five limited-edition pieces make up the Merc X Gibson capsule collection: the ‘Legend’ Harrington Jacket, the ‘Luthier’ Polo Shirt, the ‘Bridge’ Hooded Sweatshirt, the ‘Riff’ T-shirt, and the ‘Tone’ T-shirt. The range has been meticulously designed to seamlessly blend the aesthetics of both brands while appealing to modern sensibilities, creating pieces that resonate with both style enthusiasts and guitar lovers alike.
It's not just clothing, it's a statement that pays homage to the powerful connection between music and style.
It was a no-brainer to ask rising punk band Kid Kapichi to showcase the new range. Known for their electrifying mix of punk, rock, and alternative, they’ve taken the UK by storm with their latest album and were a natural fit to embody 2025’s punk rock lifestyle and showcase the capsule collection.
Speaking on the collab, team Kid Kapichi said, “Merc have always made fantastic high-quality clothing, Gibson have always made insanely high-quality instruments. So, it’s a match made in heaven.”
KID KAPICHI: Interview
Kid Kapichi are a 4 piece “beat punk” band from Hastings in Sussex who have been on a steady climb of success since forming in 2013.
Consisting of Jack Wilson (vocals/guitar), Ben Beetham (vocals/Guitar), Eddie Lewis (Bass) and George Macdonald (drums) Kid Kapichi have gone from “messing around making noise in a school classroom at lunch” to supporting Nothing But Thieves and Liam Gallagher, recording with Suggs or bringing the “noise” to the Reading and Leeds festivals.
Kid Kapichi’s powerful guitar driven musical style matched with observational lyrics about current social and political themes is as refreshing as it is exciting. Coupling this with a relentless recording and touring schedule has seen them become a shining light in the British “punk” scene. Three albums already in the bag they show no sign of slowing down.
Merc was delighted to have a catch up with frontman Jack prior to the band playing an intimate gig to launch the Merc X Gibson capsule collection at the Gibson Garage London later in the month.
Trust us, The Kids are alright!
Kid Kapichi, superb name for a band by the way - it’s a name you won’t forget, where did it come from?
It was a happy accident. Well happy or unhappy depending on if you like it. It stems back from a vocal loop when we recorded our first EPs. Which sounded like it was saying Kid Kapichi and it stuck. I wish it was more interesting. Soz.
How did you guys all get together?
A mixture of school friends and parties in our youth. It always felt natural.
When did you realise you had something as a band?
I think we’ve always felt like we had something as a group of people. On stage we just click and always have. But it wasn’t until 2019 that I think the music started to really catch up with the power and energy of the live show.
Describe your sound?
I always feel it’s the job of the listener to decide how we sound to them personally.
Who are your major influences?
We all have very different taste and influences. But we’ve always been heavily political and as the lyricist I think that stems from punk bands of the 70/80s. The Clash have always been my biggest influence, but I don’t necessarily think we sound like them.
You’re very proud of your roots in Hastings, East Sussex, did coming from there shape the “punk” ethos of the band?
Yeah absolutely. We owe it all to Hastings. I guess if punk is an ethos, then Hastings definitely subscribes to that way of thinking and living.
Your lyrics often reflect a political view on social commentary, does the whole band see the world in a similar way or can the song writing lead to a conflict of ideas?
No, luckily, we all feel exactly the same. I think that’s what’s helped us stay together for so long. Musical differences there may be, but political and social ideas have always aligned.
You worked with Madness legend Suggs on “Zombie Nation”, where did that link up come from?
We had written Zombie Nation and our label asked us if there was anyone we’d like to work with. We said ‘Suggs’ for exactly that song and he ended up loving it. So, we have Dante our A&R don to thank for that one.
You’ve a growing reputation as a must-see live band, does the power and energy you have on stage reflect your love of being up on stage?
Of course. For me every part of being in a band is second to the live show. We are a live band and always have been. We want it to be polished but feel like it’s on the edge of falling apart. It’s a fine line and one that can go either way and I think that’s what people enjoy.
From festivals to supporting Liam Gallagher or Nothing But Thieves, do you have a personal favourite show you’ve played, and why?
There have been so many. It’d be hard to say. First time we played Paris with FCATR was a special one. First time we play the USA with nothing but thieves also the same. RAH with Liam Gallagher was pretty special. And Edinburgh castle with Madness. But I also think nothing can beat your first Glastonbury.
What’s on the dressing room playlist pre gig?
It varies. Usually, the streets feature heavily. But we’ll put on some AC/DC right before we go on stage to get the blood pumping.
We’ve had 3 albums from you with the last one (There goes the neighbourhood) being released last year, is there any new songs on the horizon?
Of course. The Kapichi train rolls.
You’ve recently teamed up with Merc for their collaboration with Gibson Guitars, what’s your impression of Merc’s style, and role within British Subculture?
I grew up obsessed with Quadrophenia, so I always knew about merc. Always loved the 60s inspired mod and skinhead culture. The bringing together of different cultures and music and the clothing that came with it.
Merc have always authentically stood by that, so it’s a pleasure to work with them.
You are playing an intimate show for us at London’s Gibson guitar lounge on February 24th, will you approach a show like this any different to for example when you play the Reading & Leeds festivals?
We treat every show the same. It’s been a while since we’ve done such an intimate show, but it usually only causes us to give it more.
What’s does the future have in store for Kid Kapichi?
New music. New sound. Big changes. But we adjust and move forward and come back stronger than ever.
Quick fire fives
5 favourite albums
Wish you were here - Pink Floyd, Romance - Fontaines DC, London calling - The Clash, Bad nerves - Bad Nerves, Songs for the deaf - QOTSA
5 favourite films
The shining, Nightmare before xmas, The Departed, Goodfellas, Django unchained
5 favourite items of clothing
Tassel loafers, Burberry scarf, Crombie, Dickies, White socks
5 favourite things to do straight after a gig
Not allowed to say, Not allowed to say, Not allowed to say, Have a shower, Not allowed to say
Words by Richie Kyle
Pictures by Robin Clewley