Georgia & The Vintage Youth-Female jazz singer in the vein of Amy Winehouse and Ella Fitzgerald, with 9 piece band, excellent voice lots of radio play… not just jazz though,  dips a toe in ska (like Amy) and the great Neville Staple features on latest tune. Oli Ng- Stirring, catchy, blue collar rock. Springsteen etc, via Americana of a rock persuasion, Ryan Adams et al. Righteous. The Unfunkables – Featuring some rich readings of choice soul classics (a rip roaring reading of Tell Mama for example). Grab em and dance.

  Wartoad-Superb psychedelic/punk band. Band  includes members of Norah Jones’ band, as well as Elle King’s band. The band’s current single, “Move It” is an inventive and dynamic re-working of the seminal early brit Rock ‘n roll Cliff Richard  hit. Digital Criminals have composed a compellingly canorous coalescence of post-hardcore, punk and electro here that manages to remain remarkably energising all the way through. Its hypnotically heartfelt singing mixed with its mesmerizingly innovative music makes for a magnificently vivifying listen” – Pure M Magazine Last Known State – stonking alt rawk with a bluesy pop appeal and elements of RHCP, Zep and Sabs..

The Filthy Tongues-Dirty post punk and grinding poetic folk rock what with fiddles and tings..a Scottish band who have been around since the ’80s  featuring ex members of Goodbye Mr Makenzie, you’d compare this to Nick Cave on first listen but actually has far more in common with Crime And The City Solution and The Triffids. Great stuff, Scots accent intact as tales of woe and wonder are woven. Nice. God is in the TV said about the album “These songs wrap themselves around you like a warm blanket and effortlessly soothe your soul.” Seil Lien-“You could argue that she is one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets… It’s down and dirty swamp rock that’s a little bit Bad Seeds, a little bit White Stripes, and should be on a David Lynch movie soundtrack” (Scots Whay Hae!) “Sublime debut” (Planet Rock) Jakobi– Gritty post-pink informed indie rock, sounds a bit like The Gun Club in places and there’s some interesting dissonant guitar sounds, compelling stuff and pretty unique, fine work Stage Door Guy- Agit pop/prop punkishly hewn indie rock with politico anti establishment lyrics…see also Thee Faction though this takes more cues from Billy Bragg than The Redskins, with a possible nod to the grittier end of indie rock a-la early Artic Monkeys. We Got Killers -Caledonian Disco– A Scottish flavour tonight in the DJ sectio from 11pm til 2am for sure in celebration of our fabulous live bill. Plenty of classic Scots sounds for dancing yer tits off too, and a smattering of Yanks and English and all the rest too. Kilts permitted. Probably.

The Deltas –  Excellent Rockabilly band formed way back in them there rockabilly rebel days of 1980 , famed for their wild stage show , once featuring Polecat and Morrissey mainman Boz Boorer in their ranks, come on down for Stevie Bongo , Captain Pat Marvel  and Little John kicking up a proper rocknroll storm, definitely party time.  .  Steve Hooker Stripped Down Stompin Band – superb blend of Bo Diddley, Feelgoods grind and Pirates twang with elements of surf and blues.

Pianist Mike Garson was David Bowie’s most frequent musician, on record and onstage throughout Bowie’s life. They played over a thousand shows together between 1972 and 2004, and Garson is featured on over 20 of Bowie’s albums. Bowie’s Piano Man is the first-ever biography of Mike Garson, written by Clifford Slapper, a fellow pianist who also played for Bowie, working closely with him on his last-ever television appearance. The book explores the special relationship between Garson and Bowie, beginning with the extraordinary story of how Garson went overnight from playing in tiny jazz clubs to touring the world on arena rock tours with Bowie after one short phone call and audition. Clifford Slapper’s excellent book, first published in 2015, has now been revised and extended, taking in the shockwaves we all felt when Bowie suddenly died in January 2016. Author Julie Hamill (15 Minutes With You, Frank) and Dublin Castle DJ and programmer Tony Gleed will interview Clifford who will also be poised at the piano to give us wonderful musical illustrations to accompany the exploration of the text. Plus Bowie thru Garson related DJ sets topping and tailing the event.    

The Charity Case – formed from the ashes of the The Sting-Rays with the addition of vocalist She Rocola who, according to the Melody Maker in 1988, was the “heart wrenching combination of a singer that sounds like Deborah Harry while looking like Juliette Greco”. So… this is Joe Whitney and She Rocola’s first band back together 30 years later! Post punky post psychobilly/garage with ace awkward squad indie edges. Trash Wax Records has reissued their “How To Fall” LP. Come and enjoy it tonite. City of Smugglers-Dynamic and damn hooky alt-rock, like a hard edged and grittier Arctic Monkeys via Royal Blood,  Fab. The Reverse- Melancholic yet uplifting indie pop, there’s a thread of wistful psychedelia, via post punk which recalls The Soft Boys, also Pavement, quite quirky in places but also compelling, holds the attention, decent tunes. The Imaginary Hat- A fab and frothy blend of 1920’s Jazz, punk and grunge, works a treat, great brass section and playful tunes played at a fair old clip, when their punking things up and something more akin to Swordfishbones Tom Waits when they slow things down. Great

Punk’s Payday Karaoke–  Payday Punk Rock And New Wave Karaoke is our monthly fourth Friday of the month regular Dublin Castle sing and be Damned happening. Featuring our bespoke punk and indie covers crack team The DPRK– AKA Democratic Punk Rock Karaoke– and their mahoosive book of fabulous songs that you can perform live on stage in London’s most iconic venue.  And It’s Now Free Entry All Night Long!!  Featuring special guest turns and DJ Fuzz at the musical controls to keep the party going til the wee wee hours, this will be your monthly must attend event in Camden Town and certainly the only one where you can unleash your inner Johnny, Debbie, Joey or Joe.   Those songs- Beastie Boys – Fight for your right Billy Idol – White Wedding/Blink 182 – All the small things/Blondie – Hanging on the Telephone /Blondie – One way or another/Blur – Song 2 /The Buzzcocks – Every Fallen in Love?/The Clash – I Fought the Law /The Clash – London Calling /The Clash – White Riot/The Damned – New Rose /Dead Kennedys – Holiday in Cambodia/Elastica – Connection/Electric Six – Gay Bar /The Fall – Totally Wired/Green Day – American Idiot /The Hives – Hate to say I told you so/Hole – Celebrity Skin /Iggy Pop – I wanna be your dog/Joan Jett – I Love Rock n Roll/Joy Division – Transmission/Kings of Leon – Molly’s Chambers/Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit/Ramones – Blitzkrieg Bop/Ramones – Wanna be Sedated /Rancid – Ruby Soho /The Ruts – Babylon’s Burning /Sex Pistols – Anarchy in the U.K. /Sex Pistols – God Save the Queen /Sex Pistols – Pretty Vacant /Stone Roses – I wanna be adored/Talking Heads – Once in a lifetime/Talking Heads – Psycho Killer /UK Subs – CID /The Undertones – Teenage Kicks The Vapors – Turning Japanese/Weezer – Hash Pipe. 

Rock And Roll Rescue and The Dublin Castle’s Hallowe’en Party…

Lunatics Lost-Fronted by Welsh vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Iain Richards with Joanna Khoo on bass/vocals and Mono on drums. With influences from grunge, stoner rock, new wave and punk, the band blend big riffs with melodic hooks giving a powerful platform for lyrics full of bite and edge with clear reference to the social commentary of The Clash and the Manics . “Lunatics Lost reinvents and renews your faith in rock in a way that satisfies all the promise of post – punk to a level other bands can only aspire to. Full of edgy, exciting riffs that will leave you in awe of a band that is set to blow your mind in 2018”  – Pure music live Quiet Choir- Dreampop meets the textural nuances of Broadcast or Young Marble Giants, that kind of plaintive female vocal, though the chiming but buried guitar is more early MBV or even proto goth in nature. Interesting stuff. Bouquet of Dead Crows- Hooky, female fronted alt-rock/emo, , nicely melodic but with an undertow of heaviosity, bit like The Distillers, neat.

ATTILA THE STOCKBROKER & BARNSTORMER Preceded by a set of poetry from Attila and special delights… Listen to some music at https://soundcloud.com/barnstormer1649 Attila the Stockbroker brings his new ‘1649’ Barnstormer to London for the first time, finally fulfilling a lifelong ambition.   It’s unique. A description not used lightly: they literally don’t sound like anyone else. Barnstormer aim to do with early music & punk what the Pogues did with Irish music & punk. Attila describes their sound as ‘Roundhead Renaissancecore and Baroque ‘n’ Roll’. Attila has always loved early music and plays a lot of the instruments – crumhorn, cornemuse, shawm, bombarde and five different recorders as well as violin, viola , mandola and mandocello. A lifelong socialist and activist, he has always been fascinated by  the radical movements which exploded at the end of the English Civil War and the execution of Charles 1 – radicals who can be described as the first English socialists. And his songs are inspired both musically and lyrically by the events of that tumultuous time. So instruments and ideas fit together: they are from the same period. The songs are mostly based around the time at the end of the war, after the King was executed and, in the words of a ballad of the time, the world turned upside down. Previously marginal ideas of social justice and equality spread across the land.  Barnstormer’s songs are about the Diggers, the Levellers, the Ranters and their leader Abiezer Coppe, the radical factions of the New Model Army and their confrontation with Cromwell’s grandees. There is an epic piece about the narrow escape of Charles 11 after the Battle of Worcester in 1651 in a coal boat which sailed from  the spot where Attila has fished all his life  in Shoreham Port, 400 yards from his front door.  (If Charles had been caught, we’d probably be spending more money on the NHS now instead of the Royal Family!) There are some earlier references to Wat Tyler and the Peasants’ Revolt as well. And all with an eye on what‘s happening now, which is essential. Attila has written a couple of very modern early music songs too. One’s about a visionary with a beard and the initials JC! History is mainly presented as the story of kings, queens and nobles but real history is about us and our battles for justice. As our country becomes more and more divided along class and generational lines, and the extremes of wealth and poverty become even more sharply defined, we can learn a lot from the events of the past. Although their politics are similar, there’s one very important difference between Barnstormer and the Roundheads though. Some Roundheads, apparently, thought drinking beer, dancing and having fun was evil. Attila and Barnstormer think it should be obligatory. Show the Bullingden bastards the way to go… and you can get the new Barnstormer album here www.attilathestockbroker.com/merch.php…‘Restoration Tragedy’ is out now and on sale on vinyl and CD at the gig too.

In Memory Of Poly Styrene. Day 1. In Aid Of ROCK AND ROLL RESCUE. With- Dr And The Medics / Fuzzbox  / The Lurkers / Toto Coelo / Modern Romance / Ed Blaney  (The Fall) / Knox (The Vibrators) / Neville & Christine Staple (The Specials, Fun Boy Three) / Harry Kakouli (Squeeze, The Only Ones) / Tony Wrafter (Maximum Joy, Glaxo Babies) / The Shakespearos  / Risa Duff  / Dave Barbarossa (Adam and the Ants, Bow Wow Wow) Drum Off  / Moskito Kiss / JC Carroll (The Members)  / She Robot  / Flesh Tetris / Julie E Gordon (Happy Mondays) /The Gersoons / The Featherz  /John Rossall (The Glitterband) / Anita Harris / Dave Courtney /David Van Day (Dollar) and Sue Moorish / Jay Stapley (Roger Waters)  / David Sinclair  / The Homosexuals  / Off Topic  DJs Ian Donaldson (Bronski Beat) Other Special Guest DJs TBA Tony and Jim Bugbear , Julie Hamill  Comperes John Robb, Asher Gould   In Memory Of Poly Styrene. To purchase 2 day earlybird ticket go here- http://www.bugbearbookings.com/bugbear-elsewhere/

In Memory Of Poly Styrene. 2 Day Event. In Aid Of ROCK AND ROLL RESCUE. With- The Rubettes / John Otway / Melanie Williams /Angie Brown / Suzanna Dee /Modern Romance / The Leyton Buzzards / Lisa Von H / Brunk  / Spizzology / John Perry (The Only Ones) / The Priscillas / Off Topic / Henge / Viv Goldman / Trip Blizzard / The Vapors / Tara Rez  / The Gonads (Gary Bushell) / Anita Chellamah / The Crack  / Bella Barton / Cherrie And Peesh/ Polly Pikpocketz/ DJs Ian Donaldson (Bronski Beat) , Bugbear DJs. Comperes,  CliveJackson, Asher Gould In Memory Of Poly Styrene. Two Day Ticket available here- http://www.bugbearbookings.com/bugbear-elsewhere/

The Bloodtub Orchestra were formed when London Dirthole, Headbutt, sometime Test Department and Project Dark behemoth  Ashley Davies got some of his regular Dirthole colleagues,  inc. Debbie Smith once of Echobelly and Curve (and curently a Ye Nun ) together with one time Furniture and Transglobal Underground man Tim Whelan to pursue a mutual fever for all things Victorian and Edwardian, British and Music Hall. So we’re talking Harry Lauder, Marie Lloyd et al- only channeled thru a Fall-ish 2 drum kits rancid Glitterbeat and dusted off with some wonderfully warped electronica touches amidst the bass driven retro bonhomie. As they say ‘A discombobulation and disintegration of music hall, parlour music and related Victorian and Edwardian filth and obscurity. Performed by a fine upstanding rabble’…such were the lyrical in-sensitivities of the day, the Bloodtub canon really speaks to this evening’s  overarching exploration of politics in music, and the role of music in socio-political cultural phenomena. As Tim says ‘If you analyse Music Hall from any modern perspective it was (often) as racist and imperialist as you could get ..’- so Bloodtub’s wonderfully entertaining reading of the genre is a fascinating and paradoxical climax to this evening’s event. Reflections On The Power And Politics Of Music (Panel and Q and A)- This evening’s panel based discussion centres around two books- one,  former Adam and the Ants and Bow Wow Wow drummer Dave Barbarossa‘s wonderful exploration of working class youth and the lure of rock and roll, his novel ‘Mud Sharks‘. A very fine book that addresses lots of the big issues on the table today, especially racism. And secondly Mr B’s colleague currently in former Fine Young Cannibal Roland Gift‘s excellent band Dave Randall (architect of early success in of  Faithless and recent collaborator with Sinead O’Connor and many more) and his incredibly intelligent and illuminating exploration of politics and music ‘Sound System; The Political Power Of Music’ Chaired by Dublin Castle Rock and Roll Book Club regulars Hamill and Gleed with a suitably agitpop soundtrack supplied for your entertainment before and between the performances and discussion, and to herald Bloodtub to the stage at 10pm. Arrive early for spoken word and musical performances by both literary Daves… Dave Randall will speak on music & politics, from Beethoven to Beyoncé, Dave Barbarossa on his redemptive journey to stardom. Books will available to purchase on the night, signed by the authors.

Ben McKelvey-pleasingly raw toned indie pop with a bright Wedding Present meets something like The Rifles up for it energy and positivity, great stuff.

OneLouderFest Day 1… Also featuring Dramalove, Naataakana, The High Rip and one more tba… Eleven of the very best guitar based attitude atuned bands in London and the South East performing All Day And All Night for you for pennies…. As Derek Smalls might say, We’re very lucky to have these visionaries,  two distinct types of visionaries, it’s like fire and ice, basically. Bugbear’s role is to be somewhere in the middle of that, kind of like lukewarm water………We’ve Got Guitars, Yeah!

One Louder Fest- It’s Nigel Tufnell’s second big night out…Eleven more of the very best bands in London and the South East performing All Day And All Night for you for pennies…. Catch em while ya can ‘Dozens of bands spontaneously combust each year. It’s just not really widely reported’ As long as there’s, you know, sex and drugs, we can do without the rock and roll…… also featuring Neverlanded, Nadia Sheikh, Slave Superior, Lilac Underworld… Weekend Ticket See all 22 bands for £10

Small Victories: The True Story of Faith No More – ‘When I first heard about this Faith No More biography, I didn’t know what to think. But I have to give credit where it is due, it’s a quality piece. The man has done his research and it shows. It provided me with more than a few revelations … and I’m in the band.’—Bill Gould, Faith No More  This is the definitive biography of one of the most intriguing bands of the late twentieth century. Written with the participation of the group’s key members, it tells how such a heterogeneous group formed, flourished, and fractured, and how Faith No More helped redefine rock, metal and alternative music. The book chronicles the creative and personal tensions that defined and fueled the band, forensically examines the band’s beginnings in San Francisco’s post-punk wasteland, and charts the factors behind the group’s ascent to MTV-era stardom. Small Victories strips away the mythology and misinformation behind their misanthropic masterpiece Angel Dust, explores the rationale behind the frequent hiring and firing of band members, and traces the unraveling of the band in the mid-1990s. It also examines the band’s breakup and hiatus, explores their unwelcome legacy as nu-metal godfathers, and gives a behind-the-scenes view of their rebirth. Based on meticulous research and hundreds of interviews with current and former band members and other key figures, Small Victories combines a fan’s passion with a reporter’s perspicacity. ‘A fabulously detailed dissection of the life and times of one of rock’s most idiosyncratic, fractious, and gleefully perverse collectives.’—Planet Rock ‘Impeccably researched and detailed … Essential.’—Classic Rock ‘A fascinating insight into one of the greatest bands ever to capture—and perhaps fracture—the public imagination.’—Record Collector ‘A solid, well-researched, and affectionate portrait’—Irish Times ‘Adrian Harte’s extraordinarily dense biography presents a strong case for the band’s depth and multifacetedness.’—The Wire Adrian Harte is an experienced journalist and communications professional who works as a media intelligence manager for UEFA, the European football governing body. Since 2009 he has run newfaithnomore.com, through which he has become known and trusted by the band, its management, and its fans. He lives in Aubonne, Switzerland. FAITH NO MAN – Faith No Man” is a tribute to ALL eras of Faith No More.  The band has captured every aspect of Faith No More’s live performances. The gut wrenching screams and schizophrenic body slams of Patton. The thunderous drums and insane grooves of Bordin & Gould. The Silky smooth keys from Roddy, layered with the meaty crunch of Big Jim/Jon Hudson’s guitars. They are all in Faith No Man’s live shows, which have established them as The Ultimate FNM Tribute, earning them recognition from members of Faith No More. The band deliver a visual and musical experience that will leave anyone watching them knowing that it’s as close to Faith No More as it can be..Enjoy!

Diaphragm Failure– free form post punking psuchedelicists jamming up a lysergic blend of Pil, Hawkwind and The Stooges. A lottta fun! The Navettes-Spangly synth pop from Manchester a nice crisp production with intricatley melodic tunes, plenty in the way of hooks,live energy and dynamism. San Raquel- Deftly and dynamically executed Funk rock, strong tunes too there’s a whiff of Red Hot Chilli Peppers but with a discernable brit twist.  Howlin May Queen play blues rock psych doings with Hendrix type guitar throttlings and a kool keening vocal. The sound of stimulation and distressed leather. Rocking. 

Punk For Mental Health All Dayer- with a fine collection of punk rock stars old and new plus poets, artists, well natured mayhem. And all monies raised going to MIND in Camden.

MODRAPHENIA are a band formed by real Mods of a certain age, each of whom has a genuine passion for performing many of the Mod anthems from yesteryear up to and including the revival period of the early 80’s. Songs by The Small Faces, The Four Tops, The Who, The Kinks, The Beatles, Paul Weller and other Motown classics are brilliantly reproduced with a vibrant dynamic passion. The band is formed of musicians who could never quite let the excitement of the Mod scene go. This shows through when you hear them play the music that shaped the Mod lifestyle. Mod is an attitude and a way of life that defies time. Hearing music played like this will fill you with joy, make you sing along, dance and hopefully forget about life for a while. MODRAPHENIA are the real deal and they look forward to seeing you at a gig very soon. Believe all the hype ‘cos it’s true, they ARE brilliant…and a special treat tonite with two sets, the second of which is Modraphenia covering Who’s Best– all their Ooo numbers squeezed into one sensational slab. Except no Substitute…but theirs! Bugbear think they actually do it better than the more recent versions of yer actual Townsend/Daltrey experience, no offence! Excellent fun. The Collective AKA – Making a fab nite just that bit fabber- is that a word?!- The Collective A.K.A open tonite. Magnificent mod/2 Tone covers act- so you get Specials, Jam, Madness, The Beat, Clash– and some of the Sixties fine fare, all done with musical chops to die for and a whole lotta soulful attention to detail. Top Ranking, No Full Stop!   They’ll be comparing notes ahead of tonite’s show will these two behemoths of proper live entertainment so you’ll get no repeats, pure unadulterated mod and rude boy joy from top to tail, enjoy. 

Sulo Karlsson, once of Scandy rockers supreme Diamond Dogs and also known for rocking The Crunch with Micky Geggus of Cockney Rejects, Dave Treganna (Sham 69, Lords Of The New Church) and Terry Chimes (The Clash, Black Sabbath) and has of late been working with younger Reject bruv Jeff Turner on the presciently named East End of London social comment and jaunty pop vehicle The New Deal...solo Sulo wise we’re in beautifully honed bohemian country folk territory….Sulo’s Brilliant Outsiders is a heart rending country rock album featuring big hitting duets (Paul Young, Clare Teal, Maria McKee, Janis Ian, Terry Reid and more..) whilst the accompanying ‘Night Shift’ set features Sulo in solo mode, bare nerves revealed, dark corners lit up. A rare chance to catch this Swedish polymath of song tonight in intimate settings with impressive pals…such as.. Paul Young– possessor of fine set of pipes whether looking for somewhere to put his hat or ruling Live Aid in the 1980s , or indeed making an effortless round of toast in the 1970s… of late Paul has been belting it out beatifically with Los Pacaminos, a Tex Mex masterclass in having a brilliant nite out. No stetsons and Tequila tonight but Paul has been confirmed as Sulo’s special guest this evening. Excellent. With more to be announced soon…

The Last Internationale- was formed on the streets of NYC by singer Delila Paz and guitarist Edgey. The band’s debut album We Will Reign, produced by Brendan O’Brien, was released in 2014 on Epic Records. The band immediately hit the road andbegan building a steadily growing fanbase worldwide.TLI has toured with acts such as Robert Plant, Neil Young, The Who, Kings of Leon, Slash, Scott Weiland, Weezer, One R epublic, Tom Morello, Lenny Kravitz, Incubus, Royal Blood, and many more. They also played the festivalcircuits in Europe, North America, and South America as well as appearing  on T.V  shows like David Letterman.In 2015, TLI released a live cover of Mahalia Jackson’s “I’m Gonna Live the Life I Sing About in My Song” on Tom Morello’s (Rage Against The Machine) record label, Firebrand Records. The song immediately went to #1 on the iTunes blues charts in the UK. The Last Internationale recently finished writing and recording their anticipated second album, titled “Soul on Fire”. On this record the band and evolves the musical style and rebellious poetry that has come to characterize and set them apart from contemporary rock bands. Although TLI has forged a sound that is their own and modern, their music and anti–establishment attitude are more in the tradition of Patti Smith and Gil Scott Heron than anything you hear on the radio today. The new album is scheduled for release in early 2018. The Many Few- Kitchen sink lo fi indie pop with female/male harmonies and vocal sharings over some Smiths meets McCarthy c86 type backing. Some interesting twists and turns. a bit of The Monochrome Set, something of Yeah Yeah No and stuff like that. Fab. ‘The Many Few are armchair surrealisms, bizarre and wonderful journeys that touch on the absurdities and question marks of small town life, from which you never quite return’ Desert Clouds- moody portentous stuff- I’d call it prog stoner but the vocal comes in more psych/alt. It’s a powerful concoction anyway with some good Joy Division ike guitar lines and plenty of Sabbath crumch. Melodic and commercial sounding too. Blissed-Explosive Brit rock with plenty of balls outta Manchester- Pistols like Panzer Division guitars meets a bit of indie scally as you’d probably expect.

Couples-Hooky indie pop the inventiveness of Mystery Jets, with the indie pop nouse of Artic Monkeys, also reminds of  the more interesting end of late 80’s indie Cud for example, great stuff The Trusted-are a young 4 piece band originally from Leigh On Sea in Essex. Coming together with a host of influences ranging fromU2, The Clash,  Catfish and The Bottlemen, to The Strokes, Elvis Costello and Muse  they quickly discovered a shared passion for crafting intelligent, rocking indie tunes evolving into a fierce but melodic indie rock beast with a reputation for high-energy live shows. Methods– Wolverhampton/Manchester based five piece dealing dark electro indie, hook-laden anthemic tunes with. shades of Joy Division, Depeche Mode, Primal Scream and  Editors. Heart Sauce- Dreamy prog pop, or as they say “vague-pop” in the same ballpark as Tame Impala, wistfully psychedelic, compelling stuff, holds the attention.    

The Blue Orchids  Still making startling music, Martin Bramah and his current Orchids return to the Dublin Castle with their spectral Northern English Doors post punk psych throb. As a certain Paul Morley said “They rave but they are not mad.”. A wonderful outfit with their own unique take on post punk psychedelics, original Fall guitarist and songwriter Martin formed the band with organ whizz Una Baines after Fall-ing out in 1979. Una left the group early doors but Martin has continued to make startling new music over the years, hence we’re pleased to announce this show supports new album ‘ ‘Righteous Harmony Fist’, suitably acclaimed as ace by Louder Than War and others… Bramah has added new drummer Howard Jones (Last Harbour/Calvin Party) alongside John Paul Moran (The Monochrome Set/Rapid Pig) on keyboards and Vince Hunt (A Witness/Inca Babies) on bass. Martin’s guitar work is a joy to absorb, slicing thru yer nervous sytem in a manner somewhat akin to Tom Verlaine meets Robbie Krieger, but all Martin Bramah. 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. Expect the kind of esoteric joy you’d imagine from someone who’s roll call includes gay porn soundtrack work for his film director brother Wash Westmoreland and his own Landline Records output of Cabaret Voltaire meets Squarepusher cut and paste goodies.  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 Courtsey Group– with a lineage of Fall cum Nightingales awkward squad skued pop brilliance going back to the 1990s and not a little John Peel Show action, these West Midlands twisted rock specialists have recently been finding new fans in lofty places..The Guardian for one…no wonder, their current material is fabulously Beefheartian avant punk with a uniquely Courtesy Group feel. Bring on The New Beef. of Arrowe Hill – very pleased to annonce o.A.E are opening this fabulous show. The Cat in the Hat Adam Easterbrook has led many versions of this wonderful kitchen psych scally hauntolgical happening, always supported by John Peel in the early days, but the current lineup with riddim section Ian O ‘ Sullivan and Jason Hobart has their lofi but luminescent sound thoroughly nailed. Their new Ouija Board release ‘Domestic Espionage” could well be the best yet. An enigmatic amalgam of boho melodics, rascalish social comments, found sounds and field recordings, with ace tunes that come and go so fast you’re left quite giddy. Excellent.

Lunatics Lost-Fronted by Welsh vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Iain Richards with Joanna Khoo on bass/vocals and Mono on drums. With influences from grunge, stoner rock, new wave and punk, the band blend big riffs with melodic hooks giving a powerful platform for lyrics full of bite and edge with clear reference to the social commentary of The Clash and the Manics . “Lunatics Lost reinvents and renews your faith in rock in a way that satisfies all the promise of post – punk to a level other bands can only aspire to. Full of edgy, exciting riffs that will leave you in awe of a band that is set to blow your mind in 2018”  – Pure music live Gon von Zola – Out-of-the-box rock musician Gon von Zola has recently hooked up with Sunrise Records. Formerly known as ‘The Budda Cakes’ Gon has performed at festivals such as Glastonbury and Secret Garden, as well as having his releases played on BBC 6 and Radio X.  Expect frantic uber pop with a lovely lilting skank and some adroit female BVs.. somewhere between a progressive approach to Lilly Allen‘s street pop and artnik outings like early Prefab Sprout and The Divine Comedy– wonderful work, great tunes, lotsa wit, love it. The Survival Code-Channelling the rock essence from Foo Fighters and Royal Blood via The Futureheads and mixing it together with their own unique sound, ‘Not Working’ is a no nonsense introductory single from an uncompromising rock duo. Piqued Jacks-Searing alt rock from Italy a dynamic and hook-laden blend of Biffy Clyro and Foo Fighters, recently seen supporting Interpol.

The Vibrators– From Pure Mania in 1977 onwards The Vibrators set out their stall as the accomplished but still utterly kick ass end of Romantic punk n roll, showing the upstarts how it’s done. Searing, scintillating speedin’ rock and roll that they pulse along at such a pace commanded brilliantly by long standing lynchpin Eddie at the drums, you can’t possibly relax yer having such a good time. They don’t ease off the gas for a second.  With The Members‘ Nigel Bennett on guitar and bass ace Pete chopping out the riddim. Hopefully original songsmith Knox will be popping by from RNR Rescue next door for a bit of Baby Baby action too… Steve Hooker Band– super charged dirty Essex Delta rocknroll trio, get a reet good and grinding riffology going and take it to the dancefloor with a sleazy Link Wray twang…damn good. Those Naughty Lumps – From the halcyon days of the Erics club Liverpool scene, and an original Zoo Recs band who once featured one Julian Cope on bass, yer Lumps are a gift to behold, reformed after all these years, and still packed with an unbridled joy care of their raunchy, slightly naughty,  old wave new wave punky pub pop. A punk Bonzos? Kinda. Fronted by a professional cricketer and a first world war historian, not your every day rocknroll band.

BUGBEAR AND BLACK DOG YULETIDE PUNK ALL DAYER Starring Menace, Hung Like Hanratty, Deviant Heart, A-Heads, Skurvi, Yur Mum, The Plague UK, The Phobics, The Glorias – kicking off at 3pm, Santa hoovers up some sulphate, downs his snakebite and merrily empties his studded leather sac all over The Dublin Castle to gift you the best punk rock present you could hope for: a selection f the very best bands doing the rounds today, topped off fittingly by the marvelous Menace, still kicking ass in their 40th year of fierce fury.    

The Skalectrics- Christmas Party Time well and truly gets swinging with The SKAlectrics- one of the best ska/2 tone covers acts on the circuit.  This 7 piece ska tour de force hail from from Banbury, Oxfordshire and cover all the top tunes from what was for them (and a lot of you regular Dublin Castle attendees) the best era of music , 1979 onwards, the 2-tone & ska years. Enjoy…this is the Ancestral Seat Of Madness after all…

Brain Ape‘s last tour date and DVD release in Camden!

 Lord Numb- Iggy, Bowie,Bauhaus and Wire get given a hard rock guitar kicking tempered with some cutting electronica and rumblesome dubby drum and bass workouts. Rock And Roll is not only alive but thriving in the hands of discerning artists coz Numb is The Nuts. The Long Mynd-Alt-rock with undercurrents of Americana , also post-punk, recalls Teenage Fanclub and the more reflective moments of The Replacements. Rosen- ‘A five-piece cyberpunk band from London mixing rock, nu metal and hip-hop.’ young fellas playing crafted urban rap rock- like RATM but with a lot of the squally punk metal noise removed- still fairly intense tho and the singer/rapper dude has a way with it.‘High Tech Low Life’ is a great tune. DR.EGGS– Catchy and dynamic electro-pop withangular synths, driving bass, aggro guitar and complex rhythms all topped by infectious melodies, slick raps and highly personal lyrics.

The Skatuesques-The welcome return of all female Ska/Reggae crew from Dublin, got a really nice lightness of touch and real dynamism, bit like 2-Tone faves The  Bodysnatchers, do covers and originals all fabulously well, with their own unique twist. Allways brilliant live, do not miss.

The Pogue Traders – our favourite ‘tribute’ band (a term that doesn’t do the Official Pogues approved interpreters of all things Pogue Mahone any kind of justice) are back for their pretty much annual Dublin Castle Christmas hoolie…and tonite if you pull yer fingers out you can get in for a mere fiver with our early bird tickets…there’s only 50 so be quick to assure your place here at THE Christmas Party of the year for just the price of a pint of Guinness… The Pogue Traders will perform the wonderful, poetic, genius music of The Pogues in 2 50 minute sets from just after 9.00pm, there really isn’t a better night out… and to make the most of that festive fun you gotta be with us at 8pm for Follow The Crows – Not to be confused with the apocalyptic film…although this lot do portentously brilliant things to Irish and Scottish folk, bluegrass and cajun flavours with a great chunking rock sensibility care of the crack rhythm section. Influenced by The Pogues, The Bad Seeds, The Waterboys, Tom Waits, The Clancys, Velvet Underground, Dylan evidently a brilliant way to get tonight’s live music going. DJs We Got Killers will be giving you the Xmas party any discerning music fan would want to find crammed into their stocking, so keep necking them beers in a responsible manner til the wee wee hours.

Rubbish OasisTributeBand- Wryly named after them Gallagher boyos penchant for rubbishing other bands in interviews please dn’t be put off by this suitably sardonic humour… luckily these fellas ain’t rubbish at all…hence their the Fauxasis of choice with the official Oasis fanclub. You’ll be stunned by the proximity of their expression of the classics (and yes, they do all the classics) to the waxings you know and love….and they even leave a little room for a bit of individual expression, but it’s all cool…and to paraphrase Liam you should be arsed to come to this gig

Classic Punk’n’Roll party with Pop Punk legends BIG BOY TOMATO plus NUFFIN’, THE BAND OF THE UNDERHAND. Originally formed in the late ’80s, Big Boy Tomato picked up an ever-growing band of followers in UK and Europe through the early ’90s with their raucous, ramshackle live shows and catchy brand of pop punk. A couple of EPs and tracks on the iconic Snakebite City compilations were released, and in 1994 a full album was recorded, but sadly (and mysteriously) never actually released. Fortunately, in 2016 the band managed to regain the rights to the long lost album and make it available. And now they’re back on the live circuit once again … and just as much fun as ever! Talking of coming back from the mists of time.. NUFFIN’ was formed by five teenage school friends from Caterham during the first wave of British Punk Rock in 1976. When original drummer Roger Bullen left to join ‘EATER’ (and became ‘Dee Generate’), their 2nd guitarist switched to drums and the current 4-piece line-up was formed. NUFFIN’ turned up to play the legendary Roxy Club in London on 3rd August 1977, only to find a TV crew had taken over! Luckily, they were looking for undiscovered bands as a counterpoint to the hype of the time, and so NUFFIN’ got to feature in Janet Street-Porter’s LWT documentary: “1977 The Year of Punk”. Forty years on the original members of NUFFIN’ were reunited and their debut album of original ‘70s tracks – “CROWD CONTROL” – was was finally released in 2018 after 41 years! BAND OF THE UNDERHAND – Soulful rock n roll from the Old Kent Rd.