An unsigned teenage punk rock band from Rotherham has landed a surprise spot on the UK leg of a major international tour.

The Kostanzas, a five-piece outfit known for their high energy sets, will be supporting American rap rockers the Fun Lovin’ Criminals on five tour dates this September.

The unexpected opportunity comes just 18 months after the band formed in the dinner queue at Oakwood High School in Rotherham.

The teens were approached by Fun Lovin’ Criminals drummer and producer, Frank Benbini, after being impressed when he saw them perform a headline gig at Sidney and Matilda in Sheffield last summer.

“They’re cool. I love seeing the youth getting into rock’n’roll and learning their craft,” said Benbini, who has followed the band’s progress ever since.

FLC’s support for young talent doesn’t end there. Bass player Macy Beddows, a graphic design student at Rotherham College, was commissioned to design the artwork for their new album ‘A Matter of Time’, their first full-length record in 15 years.

Seventeen-year-old Macy said: “It’s going to be fantastic. I’ve basically l grown up hearing Fun Lovin’ Criminals’ music so to be asked to support them is unreal.”

The New York band, best known for their hit ‘Scooby Snacks’, is currently touring across 19 countries. The Kostanzas will join the Criminals at Nottingham Rescue Rooms, Leeds Warehouse, Liverpool District, Manchester Gorilla, and Birmingham O2 Institute.

Ahead of the tour, The Kostanzas will be performing a free pre-tour warm-up gig at The Cutler’s Arms on Westgate on Saturday 9th August from 7pm.