Stonebrim- Hooky Mod pop with a probable nod to The Who, but also references brit psych, Small Faces, The Creation etc. White City Vultures– A London-centric 5-piece rock band delivering covers and original material. Dual-guitar attack from Chris and Annoh giving them the Vultures their characteristic “fat twin-guitar sound” with blistering solos and harmonies. Thumping out the rhythm are Gary on drums and Ade on bass. And leading the crowd at the front is the Vultures “take no prisoners no nonsense” front man – Steve Bird calling the shots.

Anthrax UK – Excited to have these stalwart activist punks back in the DC, the British Anthrax that is of course, not some hairy American blokes…fast and furious is about right, Crass meets GBH, a pretty dynamic punk rock place to be, with some moments of contemplation and a wee bit of musical stretching out amidst the onslaught, and a fair bit of infectious skanking. Frontman Gary and Grown Your Own Recs (co- run by Steph out of equally legendary pop punk riotgrrl inspirations Hagar The Womb) do great works as innovators and enablers and cultivators of the ongoing punk scene of the UK and beyond. Dogshite – Also fabulolous to have Dogshite back under our noses…influenced by yer Kleenex,  X-Ray Spex, the Slits and Crass and starring Guy Mcaffer (legendary London Techno Producer and ex-festi drop-out from dub-meets-crusty dance pioneers Back To the Planet), and Chris Liberator (notorious Acid Techno DJ also of Anarcho-punk agitators Hagar The Womb, Cold War, and other bands including never-quite-made-it indie types We Are Going To Eat You) decided to start a band that hailed back to real punk ideals and attitude circa 77-84, and whammo, they succeeded with bells on, with superb frontwoman Carmel (aka Tiddles) plus Sam DFL on bass (Automata, The Skuzzies, Headjam, NukeOnRoute and AOS3) . An excellent array of feisty pop punk songs that could all be classic 45s from back in the as they say day. Papal Plot – nouveau punk… I guess they’re young as they’re using Instagram as their promo portal haha, so let’s dig the new breed and support them…spirited and witty like all good punk used to be, a bit of an Eddie Argos (Art Brut) like feel to the lead vocal, gritty and groggy early Buzzcocks cum Swell Maps feel to the beefy, boisterous tunes. Ace. Emily Flea – known of late for her weekly live streams, Ms Flea once performed in the, yes, Fleas, and had a stint in the very marvellous Anarchistwood but has long since ploughed her own furrow of DIY Agitpunk, keeping the faith with community based causes and anarcho ideals. Arrive nice and early to ensure catching this force of nature’s set.

The Dekkertones – Playing authentic ska, although a lickle more emphasis on yer  rudeboy reggae really- skinhead reggae, boss reggae, whatever you prefer! Male singer, female singer, juxtaposing beautifully, full brass front line and a nicely skanking rocksteady vibe. ‘Sweet Soul Music’….’Hurts So Good’…’Everything I Own’ etc. Got the look. Do it super sweetly, nuff vibes… Jack The Lad –  playing classic Punk,Ska and Oi from the past-covering Sparrer, Blitz, Ruts, Specials to name just a few – for your total satisfaction and indulgence.

Blue Orchids, as a post punk psychedelic adjunct to Fall -world are well established in the music enthusiast’s consciousness, and yes, Martin Bramah was a founding father of The Fall, and as expressed recently might have reasonable grounds to even call himself  The Fall, well, why not…but then he’s not daft. Perhaps people could do with reconnecting with Martin’s  oeuvre a little more deeply than obsessing over the ex Fall schtick, specially what with the recent albums being a succession of magik pop psych masterpieces choc stock (oh yes) with fabulous gems full of rich, resonant sounds and stinging, esoteric lyrics. 2018’s “Righteous Harmony Fist” was a total triumph, one of them stick to the turntable type records you used to know and love in the seventies and eighties.  2019’s ‘The Magical Record Of Blue Orchids’ psych and garage covers record was another gem. And the accompanying live shows were remarkable. A definite air of the ‘wow man we’re not worthy’ was rife amidst the awestruck punters in the Dublin Castle three years ago as they shook the embers of harmonic feedback off their clothing and made off into the night. That was a superb Blue Orchids show. Well at long last here’s your chance to enjoy the Blue Orchids experience again… Buy the records, attend the gigs, appreciate the illusive magic of  Blue Orchids. A very special group. Oldfield Youth Club – Formed in Autumn 2018 OYC is made up of 3/4 of critically acclaimed 1980’s pop group The Last Party (2 Peel Sessions & Melody Maker Single of the Week with their debut single ‘Mr Hurst’). Featuring Simon Rivers (Bitter Springs)… Argonaut – girls and boys combine to channel post punk grit and tood, fronted by Abby Werth, Argonaut play it gnarly and noisy, but also pop friendly and melodic at times, elements of Velvets, Fall, Throwing Muses…

Silent Egg- Saskia Rothstein-Longaretti is playing it cool on socials right now, but if you know the secret of The Silent Egg…then you know…an art pop omelette or garage tinged punk soufflee? Un oeuf is an oeuf. Eggstatic. Oscar Mic– Former Shuffle frontman Seamus gets on something of a  minimal but mahoosively funky hiphop tip. Nagging experimentally birthed riddims with vocalese part croon part rap atop, all supercool and slinky. For fans of Digital Undergroud, De La Soul and Missy Elliot to name but three. Tizane – 1980s pop dynamics and crafted uber pop with original, techy soundscapes. Vocally a little like Delores Cranberry, as if produced by meets Godley and Creme. Rather sophisticated ya see, could please fans of Kate Bush or Eurythmics. Her new album ‘Cherry’ has had across the board killer reviews.

Irish singer-songwriter Rory & The Island has just released his brand new single ‘Miss This’ – writes The Journal Of Music… ‘Miss This’ explores the basic little joys we all miss during this crazy situation, and has become a firm favourite during Rory & The Island’s successful weekly Facebook Live broadcasts which have built up something of a cult following with an average of 30,000 weekly views over the past year. Rory & The Island has had 12 Top 20 iTunes singles in Ireland in the past decade. His most recent single ‘When The Lights Go Down (Valhalla)’ reached Number 1 in early November 2020 and raised a few eyebrows when it kept Miley Cyrus, Lizzo and Dermot Kennedy off the top spot for the weekend. The single also climbed to Number 8 in the UK iTunes Songwriters chart. Rory’s journey began as lead singer of indie-rock band The Revs, who alongside being hotly tipped by the likes of U2, found themselves topping the Irish charts with two top 5 albums and a string of successful tours that made waves throughout Ireland, Europe and even reached Australia with a top 30 single – as well as beating Damien Rice, Relish and Six to take both the Meteor IRMA award and the Hot Press Award for Best Newcomer. After the bands split in 2007, Rory moved to a remote island in the Canaries where he opened a live music venue ‘The Island Bar’. It was there the Donegal songwriter performed weekly residency shows building up a following of people from all over the world that would travel to the island to come and see him perform. It was also here that Rory & The Island was born – with Rory Gallagher beginning his solo project under the name to avoid any confusion with the Ballyshannon/Cork Blues Legend. Two albums later, Rory & The Island independently earned himself 8 top 30s, 2 top 10s and a Number 1 single in the Irish Charts alongside performing all over the UK and Ireland supporting the likes of Ocean Colour Scene, Feeder and Alabama 3. 2019 saw Rory leave the island, return back to Ireland and extensively tour, filling out rooms around the UK and Ireland with his London show at The Dublin Castle selling out within 48 hours of going on sale. ‘Miss This’ the brand new single from Rory & The Island is out now across all digital platforms.

Irish singer-songwriter Rory & The Island has just released his brand new single ‘Miss This’ – writes The Journal Of Music… ‘Miss This’ explores the basic little joys we all miss during this crazy situation, and has become a firm favourite during Rory & The Island’s successful weekly Facebook Live broadcasts which have built up something of a cult following with an average of 30,000 weekly views over the past year. Rory & The Island has had 12 Top 20 iTunes singles in Ireland in the past decade. His most recent single ‘When The Lights Go Down (Valhalla)’ reached Number 1 in early November 2020 and raised a few eyebrows when it kept Miley Cyrus, Lizzo and Dermot Kennedy off the top spot for the weekend. The single also climbed to Number 8 in the UK iTunes Songwriters chart. Rory’s journey began as lead singer of indie-rock band The Revs, who alongside being hotly tipped by the likes of U2, found themselves topping the Irish charts with two top 5 albums and a string of successful tours that made waves throughout Ireland, Europe and even reached Australia with a top 30 single – as well as beating Damien Rice, Relish and Six to take both the Meteor IRMA award and the Hot Press Award for Best Newcomer. After the bands split in 2007, Rory moved to a remote island in the Canaries where he opened a live music venue ‘The Island Bar’. It was there the Donegal songwriter performed weekly residency shows building up a following of people from all over the world that would travel to the island to come and see him perform. It was also here that Rory & The Island was born – with Rory Gallagher beginning his solo project under the name to avoid any confusion with the Ballyshannon/Cork Blues Legend. Two albums later, Rory & The Island independently earned himself 8 top 30s, 2 top 10s and a Number 1 single in the Irish Charts alongside performing all over the UK and Ireland supporting the likes of Ocean Colour Scene, Feeder and Alabama 3. 2019 saw Rory leave the island, return back to Ireland and extensively tour, filling out rooms around the UK and Ireland with his London show at The Dublin Castle selling out within 48 hours of going on sale. ‘Miss This’ the brand new single from Rory & The Island is out now across all digital platforms.

Social Disinfectants – On the last day of restrictions (hopefully) Bugbear presents the first public performance by this new blues/rock supergroup featuring Matt Backer (ABC, Julian Lennon), Dzal Martin (Terry Reid, Equals), Vince Lewis (Ezy Rider Band), Steve Salvari (Central Line, Chaka Khan) and Dave Stark (Trembling Wilburys). These guys will certainly have the chops to soothe your lockdown battered brow with the righteous joy of Yer Blues. Susan Black- sometimes known for her tribute to Edith Piaf, always known for great vocal talent, the divine Ms. Black makes for a wonderful support this evening, so arrive nice and early to catch her set. N.B EARLY START/FINISH Doors 5.30pm

Gary Clail Soundsystem –  The Brizzle roofer turned magical, mercurial MC cum radical and righteous sound system manipulator is back and then some…his latest album ‘Violence’ is the ‘End Of The Century Party’ for 2021, an absolute cracker of a record and a return to form right up there with his best On U Sound material. With fellow Bristolian legend brass and woodwind man Tony Wrafter (Tricky, Glaxo Babies, Maximum Joy etc) as his musical right hand man there’s a deep resonance at play with this fabulous new material, still hot on social comment but head warpingly good to dance to too. Gary will be MCing, live mixing, DJing and collaborating with other artists tonight and ongoing monthly in the DC as part of his ongoing residency, rudely interupted by Covid 19 in Spring 2020. Laurie Wright And The Lockdown – Keeping it West, Gloucester Town’s secret weapons, the fiery fizz of Laurie Wright’s songcraft and acidic pop delivery augmented brilliantly by crack band The Lockdown, all fab players, and a dedicated harmonica blaster in the mix too. A fantastic blend of edgy indie and roots staples from folk and rhythm n blues traditions, this band have mass appeal. The Pink Diamond Revue– Psychedelic, conceptually driven, sampledelic instrumentally inclined electro rock, with great fat slabs of rock intensity amidst buried voices and samples, something of Revolting Cocks , Spiritualized and Spacemen 3 too. Trans Am fans will enjoy too, fab.  Black Rooster – Righteously rancid punk rock fronted by Lucille and played by all with scintillating fury and attitude. Proper punk rock with raw rifferama full of attack, attack and more attack.

Last Of The Misfit Heroes– punk, grunge, metal and hardcore coalesce into a stonking hard rock experience full of strident and memorable songs. Ambulance Head – psychedelia and grunge blended with a Doorsy desertscape vibe and some chunking chugging power chords embellishing some great songcraft too. Spooky Seeds like keys and deep and dirty lead licks straight outta Crazy Horse. Great stuff.

Ditch The Demon – mature groovy feckers playing snappy pop rock with an old school rawk touch but rather commercial and light on its feet too care of a boombastic 4 to the floor beat at times and a rallying, rousing female vocal. Grace Solero – picture PJ Harvey getting on some classic rock rocknroll fury and add some major grunge lunging of a Sound Garden hue and some post Hole righteous raucous rocking out. Some expansive musicianship embracing Zep and The Who too, and the brilliant ululating pipes of Grace her good self.

Post-Punk Club & Club Transmission present Micko & The Mellotronics + full support live. The Mellotronics have been picking up rave reviews for their debut LP ‘1/2 dove – 1/2 pigeon’ since it’s release in November 2020. This will be the bands first post lockdown show. ”Classy, intelligent art-school guitar band fronted by thespian aesthete release near-perfect debut. Leeds-born London-based Micko (actor in Velvet Goldmine) and Jon Klein (Specimen & Banshees guitarist) are the Devoto/McGeoch, Gilbert & George or Alan Bennett/Mick Ronson of the band: birds of a feather.” Ged Babey – Louder Than War https://www.facebook.com/MickoMellotronic/ http://landlinerecords.com/?fbclid=IwAR0sOPwMEeiuT2Tg-T5UO1gWV6OcDyB8782VOH_4j8kyGEpZ74g2qE04sSM Cowboy Flying Saucer are a London based electro/experimental pop band featuring the acerbic Bobby BK13; think LCD Sounsystem fronted by Mark E. Smith. Their recent 7” single ‘Mascara’ sold out within 50 minutes of release (download still available from Misophonia Records) and the new album ‘IsoMusik’ (out now on TQN-aut) has had plenty of press & radio support (Radio 6, Resonance, Phoenix FM etc.) ”a blistering mix, equally as peculiar and definite as anything you’d expect to come from Cowboy Flying Saucer.” Highwire Magazine https://www.facebook.com/cowboyflyingsaucer/ https://cowboyflyingsaucer.bandcamp.com/ SPeW are a four piece outfit hailing from East London. Whilst the band have gleaned comparisons to NYC ‘no wave’ groups such as Bush Tetras and ESG, the self styled purveyors of ‘wonk-funk’ plough their own furrow. Their track ‘High Frequency Word’ is featured on an upcoming compilation LP from the Brixton Windmill. https://www.facebook.com/GardylooSPeWmusic https://spewniverse.bandcamp.com/ Jiz are an electro/experimental duo formed by Isabelle Saphiron and John Gosling (Psychic TV, Zos Kia, Mekon and Agent Provocateur). ”Through whatever medium comes in hand they try to seduce the mundane and reconstruct it into something fascinating.” Their recent single ‘Back at Ten (FC Dub)’ is available now on digital download. https://jizofficial.bandcamp.com/music Advance tickets £8 – https://www.wegottickets.com/event/514538 £10 on the door.

Greedy Soul – Aspirational high emotion indie with reference points to all the big hitters of the last 25 – 30  years (Oasis, The Verve, The La’s etc) but with an attitude and style all their own. Excellent band. Very pleased to invite these guys back to rock The Dublin Castle. Oliver Shaw Experience- the excellent songwriter Ollie Shaw takes Radiohead like progressive pop moves and meshes them with garage rock elements care of his excellent band, producing some righteous nuggets of raw sound that are indeed wonderfully crafted songs. After two great albums under the wing of producer Paul Tipler, Ollie is already creating his third. His 2021 Dublin Castle residency begins tonight.

An Audience With Charlie Harper will be exactly that, the legend from the UK Subs answering your questions, singing your favourite Subs songs and generally being genial and righteous. A proper punk rock event for a Sunday afternoon with The Vibrators and Rock N Roll Rescue icon Knox on board to nice you up with an Urban Dogs set too, AND The Ukulele Subs– the premier uke based Subs tribute act, and veterans of  bands like Blyth Power, The Apostles, Faction and The Piranha Brothers.  So a nice post Sunday Lunch punk rock treat for anyone who digs The Subs. No earplugs required! DOORS 2.30PM, all done and dusted by 6.30, when a DJ will take over should you nbe in the mood for more…

SENEX IV– Vintage bohemian pop from Ex Long Bone Trio with a little less punkabilly and a bit slinkier and torch song friendly feel that nudges on the gothic. Good songs is the key, really good songs. The band’s debut album called ‘Dolls House’ appeared just before the pandemic hit so they must be chomping at the bit to rock your asses off tonight. Man Shaped Wolf – Chilli Peppers meets Zep and a shed load of ace attitude, plus some moments of impressive sensitivity dint of some sophisticated songcraft.

The Bracknall- Long awaited London appearance by the soulful rocknroll combo  who specialize in skuzzed up bluesey indie rock, with reverberations of The Libertines, King Blues and trace elements of Jamie T.

Punky Reggae Party wereb supposed to be kicking off a residency with us the very evening lockdown#1 kicked in, so to say this show has been eagerly anticipated is a bit of an understatement! PRP cover early Clash, Damned, Stranglers, SLF, The Ruts (Leigh from Ruts DC is eve in the band!) etc… along with the Reggae orientated songs those amazing bands wrote or covered themselves. Tonight in the perfect surroundings of the ever wonderful Dublin Castle… The Subsetters – ‘the originators of Skindie!’ Yes, another kind of punky reggae party, indie rock tinged skankers and uptown top rankers, nicely nicely.  Two long sets by both bands tonight, so please get in for 8pm sharp.

Fu Fighters – This is indeed a call…the premier Foo Fighters tribute band hit Camden Town, which you might think is The Long Road To Ruin hoho but no in Times Like These these Stacked Actors are Making A Fire that will no doubt be The Best Of You… Copperhead Jax – classic rock covers act taking in Thin Lizzy, Hendrix, Cream, Small Faces and Led Zep and more….brilliant. The Front Rank – Some veterans from Her Majesties Armed Forces got together when they were still serving squaddies and traded their weapons for guitars to produce a blend of classic rocknroll and Britpop, a thoroughly British take on all things loud and melodic taking in Oasis, The Who, The Kinks and the Pistols. An excellent opening barrage.

The Kubricks- Played many a Dublin Castle Bugbear happening over the years and it’s fantastic to welcome them back as part of their extensive Autumn 2021 UK tour.  Formed in London, The Kubricks are a seven-piece band who mix ska, reggae, and infectious melodic pop.  After surfacing in 2013 with their debut EP, “Wasters & Wannabes”, The Kubricks soon became one of the must-see ska bands of this generation. Tracks from their debut release were supported by Huey Morgan on BBC Radio 2, and Tom Robinson (BBC Introducing – 6Music), and The Specials’ bassist, Horace Panter championed the band, claiming “I can hear Madness, The Ruts, Squeeze and The Clash in there…” The timing was perfect, and coincided with a new interest in ska music, as many of UK’s festivals began dedicating entire stages to the genre. Riding on the back of this wave, the band soon found themselves supporting legends such as UB40, Bad Manners and The Toasters. The Kubricks have honed their commanding live set, headlining their own shows and playing festivals across the country. After a highly acclaimed debut album and further well regarded releases The Kubricks are back to shake us out of our lockdown blues. They have played to tens of thousands over the years with appearances at Boomtown Fair, Bearded Theory’s Spring Gathering, Wickerman (Scotland), Godiva, Dance Ska La (France), Brownstock, and The London International Ska Festival, amongst many others.

Laurie Wright & The Lockdown – Gloucester Town’s secret weapons, the fiery fizz of Laurie Wright’s songcraft and acidic pop delivery augmented brilliantly by crack band The Lockdown, all fab players, and a dedicated harmonica blaster in the mix too. A fantastic blend of edgy indie and roots staples from folk and rhythm n blues traditions, this band have mass appeal. For fans of Dylan, The La’s, Tom Petty, The Stones…  Sun Pinned Leaves – Already 3 albums in (and counting no doubt) Christopher Brown and Neil Faulkner are veterans of an always healthy Kent and Sussex music scene, which is probably how they mange to hone such musically sophisticated material imbued with a beach bum’s sense of relaxed adventure. They also pull off the very clever trick of being incredibly eclectic (a drum and bass riddim here, an Ian Dury like refrain there, a Britpop motif hither, a heart wrenching ballad thither) whilst not really sounding like anyone else. Brilliant pop music basically, belying their other  (also ace) punk rock activities (Nuffin to see here).

Back in February of last year, just before everything went tits up, we had one of the finest ska and rudeboy reggae nights imaginable when Bugbear get on board with not only Ball Of Fire but also Coast To Coast ….And we’re very pleased to say we’re doing it again…Starring The Estimators and their joyful and peerless brand of brass imbued authentic ska and rudeboy reggae and ably supported by The Bighead, North Hants purveyors of prime pop reggae. And between the bands and right til the end of the night in the wee wee hours it’s fabulous to welcome DJ Cello on the decks playing reggae, ska, latin and soul. Unmissable.

Growing up listening to The Jam has lead Ben McKelvey to also be influenced by the likes of Bruce Springsteen , Noel Gallagher’ s High Flying Birds , Johnny Cash and Frank Turner . This collection of legendary inspirations is evident in his music, as Ben’s rich melodies and musical storytelling will easily find it’s home with any fan of more contemporary artists like George Ezra , Vance Joy or Mumford & Sons . Produced by Jake Robbins ( Natives ), Ben McKelvey ’s energetic ‘ Wild Child ’ is an uplifting fast-paced album about freedom, believing in your dreams and ultimately regret. The lyrical content starts out as being about the teenage dreams of aspiring musicians, but right at the end, it is tinged with a sense of sadness as regret comes creeping up; thinking about a life that could have been. Driving drums, swooping guitar solos and hypnotic bass lines all work together in perfect harmony as Ben ’s vocal delivery effortlessly portrays his storytelling talent.

Pat Fish– Former Jazz Butcher frontman and Sumosonic sorceror, Glass Records and Creation recording artiste Pat Fish is back in the swim of things and hits the Dublin Castle for some Southern Mark Smithery… and not a little Scandal In Bohemia will ensue no doubt. Get on board, you don’t wanna be caught waiting for the love bus innit though. Micko And The Mellotronics – Veering between bleepy found sound electronica, jaunty post punk and psychedelic eccentric pop, the career of Micko Westmoreland has been fascinating. Now hooked up with full band including former late era Banshees guitarist John Klein, Micko takes to the stage perhaps at his most rocknroll oriented yet.   You may remember Micko from his role in Ewan McGregor glam schlock flick ‘Velvet Goldmine’ too, and for his musical endeavours with soooo many of the great and good including Terry Edwards, Neil Innes, The Blockheads, Kevin Eldon, Horace Panter from The Specials, The Stranglers, Les Rhythmes Digitales and celebrated artist Harry Pye…who said polymath? Mulitimath perhaps…

The Satellites- Unabashed big bollocked Punk-Rock band from Acton, West London. Formed in 1977 on October 4th, twenty years to the day that the Russians launched Sputnik, the first man-made satellite. Ya see?! Singer Derek Gibbs took on an early mantle of punk rock fame as the model on the front of the infamous 1977 ‘New Wave’ compilation album…every young punker had one, and admired Del’s beer flobbing antics before they ever heard his sonorous singing. They supported Gary Numan’s Tubeway Army on their first ever gig in that sainted year of ’77, and have played with all the great and the good of punk in the ensuing years….proper punk… and tonite they play with… DamageUK – Brian Damage outta Nuffin‘s new band, bringing his cousin Paul Flynn from those top geezers on bass, plus Reg Charles on drums. So think post Nuffin, post punk, think 1979 and the riffing has slowed down and it’s gotten a tad more dare I say new wave- like the difference between early Lurkers and the stuff they did later- or any of them bands come to mention it. Songs echo Clash circa London Calling, plus some nice Joy Division-ish guitar figures…dynamic stuff. The Assassination Bureau– frantic wanton punk rock and sensational spaghetti western vibes from this boy/girl/boy 3 piece- give it plenty too, some nice whammy bar twang and a keen eye on melodic content too. Isla Dogs – Bass Guitar and Vocals, Dave D. Void – Guitar and Vocals, Will D. Beest – Drums Audio assassination. Hits to order. Executed in 3 minutes or less…