Catch a one of a kind tribute like no other - the music of legendary punk-rock icons Rage Against The Machine, reimagined in the most brilliantly chaotic way possible; fronted by a Nicolas Cage impersonator. This band delivers all the attitude, energy, and absurd fun you’d expect. Complete with movie-inspired props, costumes, and a wild stage presence!

Catch a one of a kind tribute like no other - the music of legendary punk-rock icons Rage Against The Machine, reimagined in the most brilliantly chaotic way possible; fronted by a Nicolas Cage impersonator. This band delivers all the attitude, energy, and absurd fun you’d expect. Complete with movie-inspired props, costumes, and a wild stage presence!

Pictish Trail, AKA Johnny Lynch, has just completed work on a brand-new album — LIFE SLIME — a sticky, shimmering swirl of sound and oooze (both metaphorical and literal). To celebrate, he returns to the stage in 2026 accompanied by his full live band. These shows bring the new songs to life in bold, expansive form — rhythmic, euphoric and immersive, balancing motorik pulse with warped pop melody and raw emotional release. Expect tenderness, weirdness, and a generous dollop of goo.

Based on the Isle of Eigg in the Scottish Hebrides, Pictish Trail is known for his wildly inventive electro-acoustic psych-pop. His 2022 album Island Family, his third for London’s Fire Records, drew acclaim from The Observer, The Times, Mojo, Uncut, Loud & Quiet, and BBC 6 Music. It was followed in autumn 2024 by Follow Footsteps — an EP of reworked Island Family tracks released via his own Lost Map Records, in conjunction with Fire. Recasting the euphoric-bucolic psychedelia of ‘Island Family’, ‘Melody Something’ and ‘Nuclear Sunflower Swamp’ through a softer filter — and complemented by a pair of incidental instrumentals — Lynch discovered delicately kaleidoscopic new resonance in the material.

Pictish Trail’s earlier albums Secret Soundz Vols. 1 & 2 (2008/2013) were gloriously eclectic slices of lo-fi folk-pop, later reissued on deluxe double-vinyl by Moshi Moshi in 2014. His third album Future Echoes (2016) received widespread acclaim and was shortlisted for the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY Award), winning the public vote, before being reissued by Fire in 2018. His fourth album, Thumb World, was released by Fire in 2020.

Pictish Trail has toured the world as both headliner and support for the likes of Belle & Sebastian, Pavement, Mogwai, Sea Power, and KT Tunstall. He’s performed at major festivals including Glastonbury (Park Stage), Field Day, Camp Bestival, Deer Shed, Celtic Connections, Blue Dot, the Edinburgh Fringe, and every single edition of Green Man Festival (22 and counting).

Outside his own music, Johnny is a key figure in the UK’s independent music scene. Through Lost Map Records, he has championed a diverse and idiosyncratic roster — helping to elevate artists such as Rozi Plain, Alabaster dePlume, Seamus Fogarty, Bas Jan, Callum Easter, and Free Love.

Dust off your boots and saddle up for Life’s a Rodeo, the ultimate country music experience right here in Guildford at Boileroom! Join us for a night of toe-tapping tunes, heartfelt ballads, and high-energy hits performed live by our country music band. So grab your friends, throw on your best cowboy hats and flannel, and join us for Life’s a Rodeo — where Guildford meets Nashville!

An evening with Dave Rowntree:

Dave Rowntree is the drummer of Blur and we welcome you to an evening spent with him and the stories of his time in Blur. In particular around the early years in which he took a camera with him and documented those travels. They have recently been released as a book and Dave wants to tell you all about it.

No One You Know: Dave Rowntree’s Early Blur Photos reveals the drummer’s view of the band’s formative years and rise through the lends of his Olympus OM-10, portraying the Britpop legends of Rowntree alongside Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon and Alex James in all of the “excitement of a young band in their infancy, becoming a global concern” – showing a candid portrait of them behind the scenes and in their down time.

Gwenno Saunders is a musician, producer, and songwriter with over 25 years of professional experience. She has released four solo albums, two EPs, and two albums as a member of indie-pop group The Pipettes. Her work has received widespread recognition, including winning the Welsh Music Prize in 2015 for her debut solo album Y Dydd Olaf, and a Mercury Music Prize shortlist in 2022 for her third album Tresor.

Alongside her recording career, Gwenno has composed original scores for theatre and film, including The Caucasian Chalk Circle for Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and a live score for Mark Jenkin’s film BAIT, performed at BFI Southbank in 2020. She is also a festival curator, working on CAM 15 + 18 and the Festival of Voice with Wales Millennium Centre.

Previously, Gwenno was a principal dancer in Lord of the Dance and a chorus dancer in Riverdance, touring extensively across Europe and the UK. She later joined The Pipettes, releasing the internationally successful album We Are The Pipettes and touring worldwide. Her solo releases on Heavenly Recordings span Welsh, Cornish, and English, including Le Kov (2018), Tresor (2022), and her fourth album Utopia (2025).

Inversion present their first headline gig with support from Ginkco, The Voltares, and Josie Taylor.

A tale of a female fan stalking her favorite singer, Johnny Rocket, of her favorite band, the outer space rockabilly Moonlandingz, the ERC needed someone to play the band, so they brought in Saul Adamczewski and Lias Saoudi of Fat White Family to help out. They recorded an EP to go along with the album and then, buoyed by the experience, everyone involved decided to take it one step further and make the Moonlandingz a real live band. The resulting album, Interplanetary Class Classics, was released in early 2017 on Chimera Music. They toured the U.K. and Europe, then released the This Cities Undone EP late in the year. Their last shows of 2017 were billed as possibly their last ever, as the bandmembers resolved to return to their regular gigs. Their record label wasn’t ready to say goodbye, however, and in early 2018 released a deluxe edition of Interplanetary Class Classics that came with a second disc of remixes, demos, and stray tracks.

In 2025, they have returned with a new album, No Rocket Required.

No Rocket Required delivers brassy squawks, motorik convulsions and sinister soothing vocals from a righteous line-up of guest singers and ranters: Nadine Shah, Iggy Pop, Jessica Winter and Trainspotting actor Ewen Bremner. Plus, of course, there’s The Moonlandingz’ own front man, Johnny Rocket aka Lias Saoudi, who has the wobbly-horny voice of R Whites’ secret lemonade drinker on new single “Give Me More” and then becomes basically Kris Kristofferson of the Pennines in the middle of epic “Krack Drought Suite”, imparting gnomic sawdust saloon wisdom from a barstool in Huddersfield. Mostly though he’s the man we know from Fat White Family, with gravelly crooning (to especially great effect in “Roustabout”, his duet with Nadine Shah) and camp working men’s club singer. Is that him, too, right at the end of the album, with a shonky German accent and vocodered to delirium over some thumping fizzing Scooterish techno? I do hope so.

On utterly lovely and gently jazzy single “It’s Where I’m From”, Iggy Pop offers a tender solidarity to us all, an appeal for softness – ‘won’t someone put their arms around me, I cannot take the pain of those who’ve gone / I’d like to put your world behind me, but everywhere I look is where I’m from’ – with that guileless grandiose vulnerability that sits alongside latter-day Johnny Cash and Scott Walker.

So much is packed in to No Rocket Required, by Adrian Flanagan and Dean Honer and all their musical and beautiful collaborators, and somehow it is cosmic on a human scale, Carl Sagan admiring the hectic carpets in a vommy town-centre disco.

Vince Freeman’s story is one of grit, heart, and hope. Rising from humble beginnings, he built a career through relentless live shows and powerful songwriting. Just as success arrived, a serious spinal injury halted everything, followed years later by heart failure that nearly ended his life. Yet each time, Vince fought back. His music, raw and emotional, reflects resilience, second chances, and a refusal to give up. The Unluckiest Man Alive captures this journey perfectly—not as a story of misfortune, but of survival, strength, and making every moment count. Vince doesn’t just endure life’s challenges; he transforms them into something meaningful and inspiring.

Freedom to Think, Freedom to Shop: What ADHD and Digital Rights Reveal About Us.

Explore how brand‑level bans shape our digital autonomy, and how ADHD traits like hyperfocus and creativity can become real strengths. These talks challenge assumptions about control, identity, and empowerment in modern life.
Plus, enjoy a fun quiz with prizes!

The Strange Logic of our Universe

Discover how quantum ideas help explain our so‑called “irrational” behaviour, revealing hidden patterns in how we think. Then explore particle accelerators—not dramatic atom smashers, but powerful tools used to analyse microchips, track pollution, and study priceless art. Two talks showing how surprising science shapes our world. Plus a quiz and prizes!

Emerging from South London via Speedy Wunderground and now releasing through Fat Possum, Honeyglaze return with their second album Real Deal – a bold, cathartic step forward. Written in the aftermath of touring and personal upheaval, the record captures the tension between inner chaos and outward calm, transforming white-knuckle anxiety into something powerful and confrontational.

Recorded live with Grammy-nominated producer Claudius Mittendorfer, Real Deal channels the band’s explosive stage presence: dynamic shifts, serrated guitars, thunderous drums and moments of stark vulnerability. Lyrically sharper and more self-aware, these songs lean into character and storytelling while holding a mirror to loneliness, rage and acceptance.

Intense, honest and unafraid to unravel, Honeyglaze reintroduce themselves with a record that feels raw, immediate and thrillingly alive..

London four-piece The Skints have risen from the underground punk and ska scene to become a unique force on the global reggae stage. Formed in 2007 in North East London, they built their reputation the hard way through relentless DIY touring and electrifying live shows. Their self-styled “tropical punk” blends reggae, dub, soul, grime and pop with hard-hitting lyricism and sun-soaked grooves. Multiple acclaimed albums, including FM and Swimming Lessons, have seen them chart internationally and tour across the USA, Europe and Japan. Known for their energy, musical versatility and fiercely independent spirit, The Skints remain one of the UK’s most respected and hardest working live bands.

Welcoming back to The Boileroom our favourites, The Blockheads

Formed in London in 1977 to promote Ian Dury’s album New Boots and Panties!!, The Blockheads quickly became icons of the UK new wave scene, fusing punk, funk, disco and wordplay with hits like “What a Waste”, “Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick” and “Reasons to Be Cheerful, Part 3”.
Despite Dury’s death in 2000, the band have carried on—touring, releasing new material and keeping that sharp, witty spirit alive with successive line-ups. In 2026, they celebrate their 50th anniversary—a golden milestone marking half a century of boundary-pushing music, unforgettable lyrics, and a legacy that still resonates.

Son of Dave is a Bluesman. Not traditional, but has begun a new tradition perhaps. Playing harmonica, layering up beatbox grooves, stomping and playing percussion, then writing passionate growling infectious songs overtop, he defies category. A truly maverick Bluesman.

He comes originally from Winnipeg Canada (born Benjamin Darvill). He’s been based out of London U.K. for over twenty years. He’s toured all over Europe and North America as well as more off centre countries such as Uganda, South Africa, Lebanon, Russia and more. His one-man show is fun and unforgettable.
Many have come to find Son of Dave tunes through programs like Breaking Bad, Preacher, Bloodline and others where his unique songs have featured.

As a young harmonica player he worked in the Blues and biker bars of Manitoba. Being nurtured in the tradition of Midwest Blues and Canadian folk music, he joined Crash Test Dummies at it’s beginnings and rode that wave for four albums and ten years until returning to his more humble, rhythmic desires and the tunes he’d been working on through those dizzying years. The music business almost crumbled with the switch to digital, but Son found a path through the old fashioned way, playing clubs and building an audience from scratch. He’s recordings found their way to millions of fans without the backing of a big label or hit machine.

Embarking on a year of singles, EPs and an inevitable 9th album, at 52 years of age, there is no sign of slowing down. Well, the knees an back aren’t what they used to be…

Smif-N-Wessun are a Brooklyn hip-hop duo consisting of Tek and Steele who emerged in the mid-1990s as key members of Boot Camp Clik. Their 1995 debut album Dah Shinin' became an underground classic, known for gritty beats and streetwise lyricism. Early singles like “Bucktown” with Black Moon helped define the rugged East Coast sound of the era. Over time they collaborated with artists including Sean Price, Talib Kweli, and Pete Rock. Despite a late-1990s legal dispute over their name, the duo remained influential and continued releasing albums and touring worldwide.

POPKIDS

Big Disney Ball

What to expect...

We are proud to bring the Popkids Experience to your town! After 4 years of throwing the best parties on the South Coast, we thought it was time to hit the road bringing you a full 2-hour event filled to the maximum of fun energetic entertainment. With over 150 events under our belt including showcasing and headlining Family areas at festivals such as  Download, Victorious and Teddy Rocks. We can’t wait for you to see what we do! 

Each event includes a fully hosted 90-minute show with our resident Popkids Party Host who will take you through the event including meeting our special guest, teaching party dances and playing fun games that the whole family can enjoy. Prizes will be awarded during the games so make sure that you give maximum effort! 

We also love bringing along special guests and live performers to every event with us. You will not only get to see them perform live but get up close and personal with them at the meet and greet photo wall to take some photos that will last a lifetime. Previous Special guests include Pikachu, Stitch, Buzz Lightyear, Bluey, Rapunzel, Elsa, Ariel, Moana and many more. For more information of who is at this event please drop us an email on the contact form below. 

Our Resident Popkids DJS playing a range of the biggest Chart, Disney classics, Throwback Hits and Party dances to get all the family involved. We even give him his own 20 minute take over during the show where things tend to get a bit crazy! 

We also bring the Highest Level Festival Production at the show which may include Confetti, Foam, Lasers, CO2 Jets, Balloons plus much more to help get the party started. 

Are there any extra costs whilst inside the event?

 Amazing Face painter & Glitter Tattoo Artist - perfect for children or adults to add that extra sparkle to their look for a small cost. Subject to Availability.

Tuck Shop - Why not check out our tuck shop at events which will be selling a range of freshly made Popcorn & Candy Floss, Along with Sweet Bags, Light Up Foam Sticks.

Popkids Merchandise – Subject to availability, Merchandise will now be sold at all Popkids Shows. Why not remember your time with us by purchasing Limited Edition T-Shirts, Beanies, Baby Grows, Wristbands plus more. By purchasing Merchandise, you are helping to support our ever-growing Children’s Entertainment Brand. Pre-Orders can be purchased using the following link (www.popkids.uk) and collected at your specified Event.

 Now for some boring but important bits -

 We understand that some children have sensitive ears, to help make sure all guests are happy we will always monitor the music level to keep it at a safe Volume of under 80DB, We would always recommend if you are unsure to bring ear defenders to make sure you have the best experience.

Popkids are proud to use venues with enhanced club/live lighting systems and lasers, normally this will be used with a haze machine in a darkened environment to help make the best possible experience and atmosphere. Please note we DO NOT USE STROBE LIGHTING at any of our events.

 The bar will be open during the event selling a range of children’s drinks/Juice along with a selection of drinks for adults. Prices will dependant on the venue. No U18’s will no be allowed to purchase drinks from the venues and will need to be accompanied by an adult.

 All Popkids events at any venue we are performing at is assumed as standing events. Some venues may provide seating however this is first come, first serve and cannot be reserved under any circumstance by members of the team. Most venues are all ground level however in some situation there in may be stairs involved to gain access to the venue. If you are unsure if this affects yourself, please contact us today for more information regarding accessibility.

Buggy’s and prams are permitted inside the venues, however we do also offer a buggy park where you can safely collapse and leave your buggy during the event. You can access this should you need to at any time during the show. We cannot be held liable for any loss of damage to your possession’s whist in the venue.

You must be responsible for your own children whist in the venue, and they must always remain under your supervision. Any Children left unattended will not be able to stay in the venue once reunited with adults and there will be no refunds if you are asked to leave due to safety.

By attending our Popkids event, you agree for any photos or videos taken during the event to be used by Popkids for promotional purpose, including use on social media. If you do not wish for your photo or your children’s photo to be taken, then please contact one of the staff on the day so that they can inform the resident Photographer.

Headwreck headline the Boileroom as a warm up for their set at Download Festival. 

Marquee Square Heroes are a passionate celebration of the early years of Marillion — a celebration of the emotion, storytelling, and musical power that defined a generation.

Featuring veteran neo-prog musicians, including contemporaries from Marillion’s Marquee days, the band deliver an authentic two-and-a-half-hour journey through Fish’s era, capturing the drama and nostalgia of those halcyon days.

Praised by PROG Magazine and loved by original fans, Marquee Square Heroes offer more than tribute — they rekindle the magic of a time when music truly meant everything.

Sleep Token is a British genre-blending collective led by the masked vocalist “Vessel.” Mixing alternative metal, ambient pop, and R&B influences, the group builds emotional, cinematic soundscapes around themes of devotion, vulnerability, and mythology. Their anonymity emphasizes mood and storytelling, inviting listeners into an immersive, ritual-like musical experience.

Grey FLX is the project of Logan Powles, a Swansea-born musician/producer now based in Bristol, emerging from the UK grassroots circuit since 2020. His 2020 EP The Emotions of The Twang marked the start of a sound that has since evolved into something sharper and more abrasive, while rooted in indie sensibilities. Following a run of singles, BBC radio support, and extensive UK shows - alongside artists like Maruja, Pigsx7, Divorce and Fat Dog - Grey FLX has built a distinct, hard-to-define identity. Blending beauty with brutality, their intense, tightly wound live show has earned praise from Headfirst, BBC Radio 1 and CLASH.

Lake Malice is Alice Guala and Blake Cornwall, from Brighton U.K. Influenced by Japanese Anime in style, writing about past trauma and real-life experiences; the band is a fast-growing force in the alternative scene. The band’s splicing of hyperpop and metal has earned them two nominations at the Heavy Music Awards in the ‘Best UK Breakthrough Artist’ and ‘Best Breakthrough Live Artist’ categories.

Support for Lake Malice includes BBC Radio 1 and Kerrang! Radio, as well as receiving attention from the likes of Kerrang!, Metal Hammer and Rock Sound to name but a few to date.

Lake Malice hit the ground touring in 2023, appearing as special guests for Enter Shikari, Skindred, Bloodywood, Vukovi, As Everything Unfolds and Vended across the U.K and Europe, as well as playing The Great Escape, 2000 Trees and Download Festival.

The band ended the year with their debut headline shows in the UK and Germany, with The Black Heart in London selling out quickly and the band subsequently adding a full UK headline tour in March 2024.

Support from Mallavora! 

Eat Static, formed in 1989 by former Ozric Tentacles members Merv Pepler and Joie Hinton, are pioneers of the UK’s underground electronic scene. Known for fusing trance, techno, and psychedelic influences, the duo carved out a niche with their science fiction-inspired aesthetic and experimental live shows. Eschewing guitars for sequencers and samplers, they embraced early rave culture while retaining a progressive rock sensibility. Their debut Abduction (1993) cemented their reputation, and subsequent releases pushed boundaries with genre-blurring soundscapes. Even after Hinton’s departure in 2008, Pepler has kept Eat Static alive, touring and releasing forward-looking, extraterrestrial-inspired electronic music.

The March Violets are an English post-punk/gothic rock band formed in Leeds in 1981, known for their echo-drenched guitars, drum machine rhythms and dual male-female vocals that echo the early Leeds scene alongside their friends in The Sisters of Mercy who also released their music at the time.

They scored seven UK Indie Chart hits in the 1980s, including Snake Dance and Walk Into the Sun, and their single Turn to the Sky was featured in the film Some Kind of Wonderful before their 1987 split. Founding guitarist Tom Ashton later played live with Sisters of Mercy and toured with Clan of Xymox, linking them directly to the broader goth/post-punk network. Reuniting in 2010, they’ve released new albums, toured widely and remain influential in goth circles including most recently shows with The Mission.

Rising from the Isle of Wight, Coach Party are one of the UK's most exciting indie rock bands. Formed in 2019, they quickly gained attention with sharp guitars, punchy rhythms, and bold lyricism. Their 2023 debut album "Killjoy" cemented their reputation, earning critical praise and BBC Radio 1 support. They've toured with acts like Wet Leg and performed at major festivals including Reading & Leeds. Known for high-energy live shows, Coach Party deliver unforgettable performances that continue to win fans worldwide. Don't miss them live this season as they announce their latest headline show and new music era ahead.

FFO Yard Act, Shame, Carter USM

'Genuine contenders' Thats what Kerrang had to say about Aerial Salad's last album ROI 

Now, they're back with the Sequel ROI le herb'e  (King of the grass) 

They're often touted as one of the UKs most exciting live bands, generating utter chaos wherever they go. 

The Genre-blending, heavy hitting mould breakers are back out on tour across the UK and Mainland Europe this summer, before hitting the likes of Boomtown and Ynot festival later in festival season. 

Aerial salad are simply not a band to be missed. It's felt like they're on the edge of something special for a while, and they're looking to take us into their next era with a fast-paced, all killer EP to tie us over until their album is ready. 

They'll be excited to see you, get excited to see them x 

Frozemode is a London-based alternative rap trio who pride themselves on their hard-hitting bars, playful and inventive melodies and musical versatility. Down to earth and as raw as possible, writing about their personal experiences and struggles, with each track putting everything on the table and laying it bare. Made up of I.V.GATLIN, Lisong and Cho-Hollo, the trio naturally bring a different look, personality and sound to the table.

Legends of the UK live scene, there’s not many festivals or indeed towns that these boys haven’t played in the 34 years they’ve been together. In that time, they have released five albums, sold over 2 million records, been streamed over 50 million times worldwide, and 12 Top 40 singles, including the massive hit 'Good Enough' - officially one of the most played tracks on British radio in the last 30 years.

The recent Anniversary Tours of Dodgy’s classic albums, Free Peace Sweet - a fan favourite and deemed a classic album of the era, spawning hits such as ‘In A Room’, ‘If You’re Thinking Of Me’, ‘Found You’ and of course, ‘Good Enough’, and the hugely successful shows for Homegrown - 'Staying Out For The Summer', ‘So Let Me Go Far’, ‘Melodies Haunt You’ and the modern classic, ‘Grassman’- that culminated in unforgettable nights at Shepherds Bush Empire and The Forum, have seen the busiest years for the band since the crazy days of the mid 90’s.

Dodgy are a rare entity nowadays as the band still boast the original line up of Nigel Clark, Mathew Priest and Andy Miller, which is a miracle considering the scrapes and conditions they have been in over their career but they are better and more energized than ever, which is partly down to some clever signings over the years to add depth and beauty to their squad, with Stu Thoy on bass and multi-instrumentalist, Graham Mann. And it’s this line up that is currently in the studio in Wales working on the highly anticipated follow up to the critically acclaimed album What Are We Fighting For, that will be released at the start of 2026. Dodgy actually released their Ian Broudie produced debut album in 1993 before the whole Britpop phenomenon kicked off but by having a broader appeal and being blessed with being nimble and possessing great balance, the boys managed to surf that wave with alarming aplomb. Since then they have toured and played with everyone from The Who, Oasis, Blur and even The Jacksons. Dodgy’s legacy as one of the standout British bands of the 1990s remains intact and have become a cherished part of British musical history.

Bill Ryder-Jones is a quietly magnetic figure in British music—a composer of fragile beauty and emotional candour. Emerging from The Coral, he traded jangling indie for introspective solo work steeped in orchestration and melancholy. His songs feel like whispered confessions, blending classical flourishes with lo-fi intimacy. Albums such as “West Kirby County Primary” and “Yawn” reveal a man unafraid to explore vulnerability, grief, and humour in equal measure. Rooted in Merseyside, his music carries a coastal wistfulness—at once nostalgic and searching, like tides that never quite settle.

Bruce Springsteen, often dubbed "The Boss," is a legendary American rock musician renowned for his powerful voice, emotive songwriting, and electrifying live performances. His music, often reflecting blue-collar struggles and the American spirit, blends rock, folk, and soul influences. Springsteen's poignant lyrics and relatable storytelling resonate deeply with fans, capturing the essence of hope and hardship. With a career spanning over five decades, he has earned numerous accolades, including 20 Grammy Awards and an Academy Award. His work not only entertains but also engages with social issues, cementing his status as a cultural and musical icon. His music will be performed ny nationally renowned band Bruce Juice.

Big Truck is the sound of Laurie Vincent stepping into a different light. Known for the raw intensity of SOFT PLAY, here he trades abrasion for atmosphere - crafting songs that move between indie-pop melody, cinematic sweep, and offbeat charm. Formed alongside longtime friend Sam Coppins and a tight-knit group of players (Asa Thallon & Justin Myles), the band feels both instinctive and expansive. Their music blends jangled hooks reminiscent of The Cure and The Smiths with richer, widescreen textures, all anchored by lyrics that are candid, wry, and deeply human - balancing life’s small joys with its inevitable lows. Big Truck’s debut album is immediate and unpolished in the best way. It’s an album about acceptance of mistakes, of contradictions, of the messy middle ground, and the quiet confidence that comes with it.

John Otway remains one of Britain’s most enduring cult figures—an eccentric singer-songwriter whose career has thrived on near-misses and unwavering devotion. Bursting onto the scene in the late 1970s with the chaotic charm of his hit “Really Free,” he built a reputation not through chart dominance but through sheer persistence and theatrical unpredictability. Otway’s performances feel part comedy, part confession, delivered with a disarming sincerity that keeps audiences fiercely loyal. His self-proclaimed status as “rock and roll’s greatest failure” only strengthened his legend, turning setbacks into mythology. Decades on, he stands as a testament to resilience, originality, and unapologetic enthusiasm.

Buzzcocks remain one of the most influential and enduring bands to emerge from the UK punk explosion. Formed in Manchester in 1976, the band helped shape independent music with their self released Spiral Scratch EP and a run of timeless singles including Ever Fallen in Love, Promises and Harmony in My Head. Known for blending punk energy with sharp melodies and thoughtful lyrics, Buzzcocks continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike. Fronted by founding member Steve Diggle, their electrifying live shows prove the band are as vital as ever, delivering classic songs and new material with the same passion and attitude that defined their legacy.

Utah Saints have been making music, DJ’ing and playing gigs around the globe since the birth of House Music. The world renowned duo have released 9 Top 40 UK hits, 4 of which hit the Top 10, and sold over 2 million records worldwide (equivalent to 800m+ streams).Precariously walking the tightrope between genres and also between the underground and mainstream, Utah Saints roots are firmly in electronic dance music.  Having met in a club in Leeds at the beginning of the rave movement in the UK, they’ve subsequently established themselves as pioneers of sampling in dance music. Alongside this success, they set up and promoted award winning and legendary club nights The Gallery and Sugar Beat Club in Leeds with residencies also in Edinburgh and London. They have recorded and presented shows for BBC Radio 1, Kiss and Ministry of Sound. Utah Saints are still very much at the top of their game, DJ’ing regularly each month as well as curating festival stages such as Beatherder – putting on an eclectic range of artists and DJ’s. They have played alongside diverse artists from DJ Zinc to Justice, Zane Lowe to A-Trak, Friendly Fires to Boys Noize and U2 to Public Enemy. They have DJ’d and played at over 3000 events from underground clubs to festival mainstages, including supporting U2 on the Zooropa stadium tour. Their collaborations have been as eclectic as the music they create.  From sampling to the production and writing of tracks with artists including Michael Stipe from REM, Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, Edwin Starr, Chuck D (Public Enemy), Terrorvision, Arthur Baker, Annabella Lwin (Bow Wow Wow), Drumsound and Bassline Smith to name a few.

Dub Pistols are a British genre-blending collective known for fusing dub, ska, hip-hop, and electronic energy into explosive live shows and festival anthems. Formed in the mid-1990s, the band earned acclaim for their brass-driven grooves, collaborative spirit, and socially conscious swagger. At the center is founder Barry Ashworth, whose long DJ career shaped the group’s musical DNA. Ashworth’s sets, celebrated for eclecticism and party-starting flair, helped him build a reputation as a tireless ambassador of rave culture. His DJ roots continue to inform Dub Pistols’ evolving sound, keeping the project vibrant, adventurous, and relentlessly crowd-focused around the world today still.

Transatlantic indie duo Prima Queen - Louise Macphail and Kristin McFadden - craft emotive, melody-driven songs rooted in friendship, storytelling, and empowerment. Their debut album The Prize blends shimmering pop sensibilities with heartfelt lyricism, drawing comparisons to artists like Haim and Jenny Lewis.

Built on their close creative connection, their music captures both vulnerability and strength, shaped by the energy of their live shows. New single ‘Ugly’ explores the aftermath of an imbalanced relationship, balancing honesty with rich, expressive sound.

With a growing reputation for compelling performances, Prima Queen continue to carve out a distinct and resonant voice.

Danny and the Champions of the World deliver a heart-lifting blend of Americana, soul, and roots rock, led by the charismatic Danny George Wilson. Renowned for their electrifying live shows, they’ve built a devoted following through relentless touring and joyous, communal performances. Their breakthrough album Stay True won Album of the Year at the UK Americana Music Association Awards, cementing their reputation as one of the UK’s finest roots acts. Expect soaring melodies, rich brass, and an unforgettable, feel-good atmosphere that turns every show into a celebration.

Placebo reshaped alternative rock by pairing androgynous aesthetics with raw, confessional songwriting. Their music gave voice to outsiders, exploring identity, sexuality, addiction, and alienation with unflinching honesty. Songs like “Nancy Boy” and “Running Up That Hill” blended glam, punk, and electronic textures, influencing a generation of artists and fans. Frontman Brian Molko’s distinctive voice and lyrical vulnerability fostered deep emotional connections, particularly among marginalized listeners. Across decades, Placebo’s sound evolved yet remained intimate, proving that dark, personal narratives can resonate universally and endure within popular culture while continuing to inspire authenticity and compassion in contemporary music communities worldwide today everywhere.

Crystal Tides are an electrifying indie rock band from the coastal city of Portsmouth, United Kingdom. Formed in the vibrant music scene of this historic naval town, the band has quickly captivated audiences with their catchy melodies, lively performances, and heartfelt lyrics. With multiple sold-out shows and successful UK tours under their belt, Crystal Tides have established themselves as one of the most exciting rising forces in the UK indie landscape.

Following the success of their 2024 EP The Middle, Crystal Tides now step into a defining new chapter with the release of their long-awaited debut album Toothpaste, and their biggest headline tour to date in 2026. The band sold out Portsmouth Guildhall in just six days and are set to take Toothpaste to fans across the UK with a high-energy, emotionally charged live show.

Their rise has been amplified by significant support from BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, Radio X, and Virgin Radio UK, alongside playlist placements across Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon. Their tracks have also featured in hit TV shows including Waterloo Road, Made in Chelsea and This Morning, and they’ve appeared on BBC 5 Live, ITV News, and BBC South Today.

Crystal Tides’ growing presence in national radio continues to surge, with Alyx Holcombe (BBC Radio 1) praising the band saying "It's really giving alt-indie meets pop, this is Down". John Kennedy (Radio X) has also championed the band on his show, describing them as: "Putting on an incredible show and having best trousers in the business" as well as saying "It looks like 2026 is going to be their year putting Portsmouth on the rock map"

Keep your eyes on Crystal Tides - this is only the beginning.

From July to October 2026, When Rivers Meet return to the stage with the Rhythm Rust & Static Tour, following the release of their brand-new studio album Rhythm Rust & Static, out in spring 2026. Recorded with an intentionally stripped-back, analogue-inspired approach,

Rhythm Rust & Static captures the raw essence of When Rivers Meet, intimate, gritty, and emotionally charged. The tour reflects that same spirit: a smaller, more focused on-stage setup, delivering a huge, immersive sound that puts songwriting, feel, and connection at the heart of the show.

Audiences can expect to hear all ten tracks from the new album performed live, alongside a carefully chosen selection of favourites from the When Rivers Meet back catalogue. Across this 14-date UK tour, each night promises a powerful, close-quarters experience.

On stage, When Rivers Meet remain exactly what they have always been: Grace & Aaron Bond. They are joined by long-time collaborator James Fox, adding depth and texture through percussion, guitar, and backing vocals. With three musicians on stage, the sound is expansive and full-bodied.

Fresh from a run of remarkable chart success including a Top 10 Official UK Albums Chart entry with Aces Are High and a #4 Official UK Albums Chart with Addicted To You, alongside multiple Official UK #1 positions across genre and format charts, When Rivers Meet continue to prove that independence and ambition can go hand in hand.

The Felice Brothers unveil Valley of Abandoned Songs, a deeply personal, beautifully unvarnished collection drawn from lost demos and sessions for Undress (2019) and Asylum On The Hill (2023), recorded live in an 1870s church. The album walks a tightrope between wonder and impending doom, tracing misfits, drifters, and dreamers through themes of mortality, love, and faith. Rooted in Hudson Valley folk tradition yet fearless in scope, it captures the band’s raw intimacy, literary depth, and enduring search for meaning.

As a band, The Smiths need no introduction. Formed in 1982 and disbanded in 1987, all five of their studio albums reached the top five in the UK charts. They are widely lauded as one of the most influential bands of all time. 

To celebrate the publication of his memoir detailing these years, drummer Mike Joyce will be heading out this November for a series of special events, to share an open-hearted story of what it was like to play the drums in The Smiths. 

About the author Mike Joyce is an esteemed English drummer who has played with Sinead O’Connor, Public Image Ltd, Buzzcocks, Suede, Julian Cope, Pete Wylie and most recently has been occupying the drum seat with Peter Doherty, as well as being a member of The Smiths for the entire duration of the lifetime of the band. Mike also has a successful DJ career playing clubs worldwide. 

Tap into a rare groove as the UK dance scene pioneer and Notting Hill Carnival legend come to the venue this Christmas and plays tracks that shaped UK music. One of the most respected DJs in the world today, Jay is a hallowed name in the UK dance music scene. As the co-founder of dance music station KISS FM and the iconic Good Times sound system, and the driving force behind the rare groove scene of the 1990s, Jay’s four-decade career has seen him continuously pushing the boundaries of the UK’s club culture. 

After years of spinning the wheels of the Good Times Fun Bus at Notting Hill Carnival, his signature sounds are transported to the decks of the Royal Festival Hall for a legendary Good Times party. Spinning tunes that span multiple genres and cultures, with exciting new sounds alongside the iconic beats that made these artists legends, this electrifying event is a chance to see a lineup of UK musical icons on one stage, and promises serious Good Times all round.

The Boileroom presents a celebration of Nirvana: 35 Years of Never Mind, performed by Nirvanah. 

Seattle’s own Nirvana remains one of the most influential rock bands of the late 20th century, spearheading the grunge movement that redefined popular music. Fronted by Kurt Cobain, alongside Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl, the trio blended raw emotion with punk urgency and melodic hooks. Their 1991 album Nevermind catapulted them from underground heroes to global icons, fueled by the breakout single “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” The band’s meteoric rise and Cobain’s tragic death in 1994 cemented their legacy as cultural touchstones. In 2026, Nevermind will mark its 35th anniversary, a testament to its enduring power and generational impact.

“If you really want it you won’t need persuading,” sing The Jacques on ‘Nothing Amazing’, the laissez-faire but euphoric closer to the London via Bristol trio’s second album ‘Make Repetition’ – a fitting ode to “coming back stronger now, carrying on”. It’s a mantra they know all too well. For a band so young in their years, The Jacques have been through more than most: meeting their heroes, the death of a band mate and best friend, recovery from crippling addiction, a dream tour torpedoed, then returning with their strongest work to date. The story of The Jacques is one of resilience and togetherness.

Liverpool-based indie band The Sukis blend raw guitar energy with punchy, melodic hooks. Drawing influence from early 2000s indie and modern alternative, their sound captures youthful chaos, sharp lyricism, and high-energy live performance.

Glasgow-based alt-pop trio Pistol Daisys are an emotionally charged new force emerging from Scotland’s music scene. Fronted by Lorna Lynne alongside drummer and producer Lewis Kelly, the band blend gritty Glaswegian energy with shimmering synths, dancefloor grooves, and confessional storytelling.

Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is a lyrical powerhouse who transformed hip-hop with raw honesty and razor-sharp wordplay. Rising from Detroit’s struggles, he broke barriers with his alter ego Slim Shady, blending dark humor, emotional depth, and ferocious delivery. His storytelling dives into pain, triumph, and rebellion, making him both controversial and iconic. With hits like Lose Yourself and Stan, he became a global voice for resilience and authenticity. Eminem’s speed, precision, and unapologetic truth cement him as one of rap’s greatest innovators—an unstoppable force who turned personal battles into anthems that ignite millions worldwide.

For a decade and a half, Grace Petrie has been one of the UK’s most urgent and passionate songwriters. Coming of age amidst the coalition government, her politically charged folk music quickly gained national attention and propelled her to the main stages of folk festivals from Cambridge to Vancouver to the Blue Mountains of Australia. Characterised by razor-sharp lyricism and the unmistakeable passion of her stage presence, her live shows have become synonymous for fans with a unique atmosphere of hope and solidarity, with LGBTQ anthem Black Tie racking up 1.5 million streams and providing a soundtrack of expression for young queer folks all over the world.

 An irrepressible live performer, Grace has toured relentlessly to build loyal audiences in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, as well as providing tour support for Billy Bragg, Frank Turner and Emmy-winner Hannah Gadsby. She has appeared on ITVX, Channel 4, Sky Arts, BBC Radio 2’s Folk Show and been a regular guest on The Guilty Feminist podcast, and performed live BBC sessions for Tom Robinson (6music) and Jo Whiley (Radio 2). The release of 2024’s Build Something Better, produced by Frank Turner, topped the UK folk chart and cemented her place as one of Britain’s most respected independent artists. 

In 2026 she is exploring the stripped back nature of folk songwriting once again, performing a show of two halves that encompasses both an intimate solo set, and a career-retrospective full band performance featuring songs from across her sixteen-year catalogue.

Man/Woman/Chainsaw are a London-based six-piece emerging as one of the UK’s most exciting new art-punk bands. Formed by friends Billy Ward and Vera Leppänen at just 16, the group blend chaotic energy, sharp lyricism and ambitious songwriting into a distinctive, genre-bending sound. Now signed to Fiction Records, their recent singles “Only Girl” and “Adam & Steve” have received BBC 6 Music playlist support and widespread praise from outlets including The Guardian, NME and Stereogum. Known for their explosive live shows and theatrical arrangements, the band continue to build momentum ahead of their debut album, with a growing reputation as one of the most compelling new acts on the UK alternative scene.‍

James Lavelle, a visionary figure in the electronic music scene, epitomizes creativity and collaboration. As the founder of Mo' Wax Records, he shaped the landscape of trip-hop and experimental sound in the 90s, showcasing acts like DJ Shadow. Lavelle's brainchild project, UNKLE, became a sonic voyage, blending genres and talents, collaborating with icons such as Thom Yorke Josh Homme, Ian Brown and Richard Ashcroft. His ethos extends beyond music, encompassing art and fashion, evidenced by his involvement in projects like the Meltdown Festival. Lavelle's pioneering spirit continues to influence generations, leaving an indelible mark on the intersection of music and culture.

Duke Special, stage name of Belfast-born musician Peter Wilson, is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter known for theatrical piano pop blending cabaret, folk, and rock. Performing in bowler hats and waistcoats, he built a devoted following with emotionally rich storytelling and vintage flair. His breakthrough album Songs from the Deep Forest (2006) reached the UK Top 40 and earned nominations at the Meteor Music Awards. He later released I Never Thought This Day Would Come (2008) and collaborated with orchestras, theatre projects, and poets. Special has written stage works, including musical adaptations of Huckleberry Finn, and remains admired for live performances.

Born during the pandemic, The Karma Effect realise their full vision with their third album Cruel Intentions — a leaner, louder, and more ambitious statement of modern vintage rock ’n’ roll, FFO Aerosmith, The Black Crowes, and Bad Company. Led by vocalist Henry Gottelier, the refreshed line-up recorded the album in an intense month-long session at The Hive Rooms in July 2025. Blending swagger, dark passion, and tongue-in-cheek energy, the record explores themes of love, lust, and danger. Collaborative and full of personality, Cruel Intentions captures a band hitting their stride with confidence, grit, and a larger-than-life sound.

In 2026, China Crisis invite you to step into the next chapter of their story with their Warped 2026 tour, a journey through over four decades of innovative pop brilliance. Since their early 80’s breakthrough from Liverpool’s renown music scene, Gary Daly and Eddie Lundon have distinguished themselves with sound that is both instantly recognizable and constantly evolving.

Their sophisticated yet irresistibly catchy style of pop - blending everything from synths to soul and unexpected textures - produced beloved hits like “Wishful Thinking”, “African and White”, and “Arizona Sky” , and they continue to push forward now with fresh projects that highlight their adventurous songwriting and professional artistry. The band’s latest works, including their acclaimed Autumn in the Neighbourhood and China Greatness albums, prove their music shines brighter than ever, reaffirming their place as pioneers, innovators, and creators of timeless songs.

On stage, China Crisis remain true originals: blending classic songs, new work, and the humor and heart that make every performance unforgettable. The Warped 2026 tour is not just a celebration of their past—it’s a testament to a band still in full creative stride.

Republica is a British electronic rock band formed in London in the 1990s, fronted by charismatic vocalist Saffron. Blending techno, punk energy, and industrial beats, they became synonymous with the explosive sound of the era’s alternative club scene. Their breakout single “Ready to Go” delivered pounding rhythms and anthemic vocals, gaining international attention and heavy radio play. The group’s self-titled debut album captured a bold, futuristic attitude that still resonates today. As fans celebrate the 30th anniversary of Ready to Go, Republica’s influence on crossover electronic rock remains vibrant and unmistakably iconic. Their legacy continues to inspire new generations worldwide.

Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock band known for blending funk, punk, and alternative rock. Formed in Los Angeles, they gained worldwide fame with energetic performances and charismatic frontman Anthony Kiedis. Their 1991 album Blood Sugar Sex Magik marked a turning point, produced by Rick Rubin and featuring hits like "Under the Bridge" and "Give It Away." The record balanced raw funk grooves with introspective lyrics, establishing their mainstream success and enduring influence on modern rock music. Their chemistry and experimentation helped redefine the genre, inspiring countless artists and securing their legacy as innovators in contemporary music history.

Performed by Really Hot Chili Peppers! 

Blending roots, folk, soul, Americana, jazz, blues and pop, the record offers both sanctuary and encouragement. It features the powerful BBC Introducing supported singles already released: the anthemic ‘One Of Us’; the soul-soothing ‘Rainbow’; and the retro-infused, inspired pop of ‘Sober’, as championed by Cerys Matthews on BBC Radio 6 Music.

The album explores themes of self-expression, emotional resilience, mental wellness, and personal evolution, anchored by her distinctive, soothing yet powerful voice and a unique blend of heartfelt storytelling, uplifting melodies, and genre fluidity. ‘Identity’ is about being seen, being heard, and discovering the freedom that comes with fully inhabiting who you are. It is a soulful exploration of self-love: an invitation to celebrate and accept ourselves, and each other.

Lady Nade writes with honesty and vulnerability, balancing emotional depth with warmth, positivity and hope. While her songs are often uplifting and joyful, there is always authenticity at their core, rooted in lived experience and a belief in music as a powerful force for connection, compassion and healing. - Americana UK

Lady Nade will bring ‘Identity’ to life in a series of intimate live shows, accompanied by a six-piece band of some of the UK’s finest musicians. These performances are designed to be emotionally immersive, offering a space for connection, reflection, and shared experience.

After recently stepping out with his debut solo single “When You’re Young”, Dave McCabe is heading back on the road this November for a run of UK dates, joined once again by special guest, James Jay Lewis.

Best known as the voice and songwriter behind The Zutons, McCabe’s move into solo territory has already made a strong impression. “When You’re Young”  has been tremendously well received and already a firm live favourite. 

Earlier this year, McCabe and Lewis played a run of shows together that quickly gathered momentum, with packed rooms and a great response night after night. This new tour builds on that, taking them to more venues across the UK through November and into December.

McCabe’s set draws from material throughout his rich writing career, from Zutons classics, to songs he wrote for other artists and glimpses of his new music, the second of which will be released in advance of the tour. 

Jay Lewis is a perfect fit for the bill. A Liverpool-born multi-instrumentalist, he’s worked with Cast and The La's over the years, and has been steadily building his own solo following. With songs that carry a classic, melodic British song writing style, and his outstanding musicianship, the two team up together both on their own and each other’s music. 

The tour kicks off in Barnoldswick on November 5th and wraps up in Liverpool in mid-December, taking in stops in Birmingham, London, Glasgow and more along the way.

The Cureheads are a long-running band, formed in 1990, dedicated to recreating the look, sound, and atmosphere of The Cure's mid-to-late 1980s concerts, with members adopting stage names like Rabbit Schmidt (Robert Smith) and Simone Gulp (Simon Gallup). Originally called "Fat Bob & The Cureheads," they tour globally, covering The Cure's career-spanning hits while delivering an authentic goth/new wave concert experience, even releasing original music alongside their Cure performances. 

The UK's original Hip Hop Karaoke is a true London and national fixture and for the last decade DJs Rob Pursey, Jimmy Plates and host Bobby Champagne Jr. have helped thousands of people live out their rap fantasies!

With hundreds of songs to choose from, this is the public's chance to experience what it's like to feel real crowd energy as they take on the rhymes of their favourite rappers at a major festival. Whether it's old school gems from the '80s and '90s or the latest records from Drake, Nicki and Kendrick, Hip Hop Karaoke is the place to let go of all inhibitions and feel the exhilaration of smashing it live on stage!

Hip Hop Karaoke is a euphoric, addictive experience and definitely something to cross off the bucket-list.

Having started beatboxing at the age of 3, and writing a symphony for his school orchestra at the age of 9, the advent of Youtube saw Beardyman, aka Darren Foreman, become an internet phenomenon racking up over 50 million views on Socials.

Since then, the multi-vocalist has been headlining shows and playing festival stages and venues all over the world. Over the years he has collaborated with the likes of Groove Armada, Herbie Hancock, Tim Minchin, Peter Serafinowicz, Shaun Keavney, Daniel Sloss, Joe Rogan, Reggie Watts, Jack Black, 3x World DMC champion DJ JFB, Tom Scott, to name but a few.

 He penned the pivotal EDM track “Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat” in collaboration with Norman Cook and Calvin Harris, which reached No 1 in multiple countries, performed a leading spot at the BBC Proms, has repeatedly sold out the largest venues at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival year after year, scored the music for multiple high profile TV ad campaigns and TV shows, voiced lead characters in multiple cartoon TV series, has been a regular contributor to Radio 4’s Now Show, writing and performing satirical songs, and performed spots on multiple mainstream TV and Radio shows around the world and a TED talk about his journey creating the game-changing software solution he developed with some of the best programmers in the industry to do what he does, has inspired a generation of beatboxers and live loopers, acting as a judge in the prestigious worldwide SBX Grand Beatbox Battle.

 His immersive 360 degree audio-visual piece “We Wanna Be” can be viewed at the prestigious new ITEC space in immersive Soundscape spatial audio at London’s Science museum, and his new immersive, cinematic, concept album, Kings Without Kingdoms with Emmy Nominated Cellist and composer Rob Lewis is out now. 

Buena Vista Social Club rekindled global interest in traditional Cuban son, bolero, and danzón, transforming veteran musicians into international icons. The 1997 album Buena Vista Social Club and subsequent film introduced audiences to artists like Compay Segundo, Ibrahim Ferrer, and Omara Portuondo, preserving repertoire that might have been lost. Their warm, acoustic sound, intergenerational storytelling, and effortless virtuosity bridged cultures, inspiring revivals of roots music worldwide. They reshaped the world music market, proving authenticity could achieve mainstream success, while celebrating Cuban identity, history, and resilience through songs that feel timeless, intimate, and joyfully communal, and connecting generations across continents today.

FFO REM, WIlco, Pearl Jam

R.E.M. emerged from Athens, Georgia, sounding like a whispered secret that somehow filled stadiums. Led by Michael Stipe’s elliptical lyrics and earnest mumble, the band fused jangly guitars, folk melancholy, punk urgency, and intellectual curiosity. They wrote songs that felt private yet political, dreamy yet grounded, inviting listeners to search for meaning rather than handing it over. From college-radio obscurity to global influence, R.E.M. proved alternative music could be humane, literate, and hugely popular without losing its soul. Their legacy echoes in countless bands who learned that mystery, melody, and conviction could coexist—quiet rebellion disguised as pop brilliance forever. Join us as the band STIPE perform their songs as we celebrate one of the most important bands in the world