St. Jimi Sebastian Cricket Club from Stockholm is often compared to British bands such as The Jam, The Clash and Oasis, as well as to The National from the U.S. and Swedish act The Soundtrack of Our Lives. Their latest album, “Into Your Heartbeat,” has received excellent reviews from both the press and fans. The band continues to grow steadily and has long been praised in underground circles for their strong live performances, evidenced by sold-out shows in both Sweden and England. 2026 will see the band releasing new singles alongside live shows in the UK and Scandinavia. John Denton –   formerly from the Tik Tok sensations The Height, this talented singer/songwriter from Salford, has been making waves in the music scene with his heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies. Despite being only 15, John has been featured in NME, Far Out, BBC NW Tonight, Granada Reports, BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Manchester and XS Manchester.  His journey took a significant leap forward in 2023 when he won the prestigious Johnny Marr Award, earning the support and mentorship of Johnny Marr himself. Most recently, he was selected to play for ‘The Boss’ himself, Bruce Springsteen. As well as getting the seal of approval from The Boss, he also shared his music with The Edge from U2. The Cuza – Anthemic brit pop influenced indie rock, Embrace, Mansun etc with a touch of emo and punk-pop. good stuff.

Las Chanchas- Blends latin roots music with surf and psychedelic rock. Nuevo Cumbia- tasty- modern take on Cumbia and Latin flavoured funky riddims. Infectious. Little Rock  – big talent! A three piece who go back a way with The Dublin Castle and Bugbear Promotions- so it’s good to have them back playing a mix of slinky blues tinged originals and choice covers of classic tunes by the likes of The Stones, Hendrix, The Clash, The Doobie Bros…oh and Dylan…they do a bloody great Highway 61 Revisited!  Imaginary Dreamers- Dynamic mixture of quiet and loud sonic flavours, a unique marriage of dark and light tones…goes from epic, melancholia to loud and proud rock…’ they say..I say sort of proggy punkish metal with a bit of grunge -ok…Silversun Pickups, Dinosaur Jr, The Smashing Pumpkins, Hole, Cave In.

The Gutter Brothers emerged in the late 1980’s as a busking band based in London, regulars on the Covent Garden street scene. They released their first album ‘Isometric Boogie’ in 1988, and TV appearances followed on BBC’s Jukebox Jury, MTV Europe, Jools Holland’s Happening, and ITV’s Night Network and First Exposure. The band toured constantly in the UK, Europe and the US from 1989 to 1993, sharing stages with the likes of Dr Feelgood, Desmond Dekker, Albert Lee, Steve Harley, Debbie Harry and Jools Holland. In 1991 they composed and recorded the theme and incidental music for the Central TV comedy drama ‘Gone To The Dogs’ starring Jim Broadbent, Alison Steadman and Harry Enfield. Their second album ‘Gone To The Dogs’, consisting of songs written for and inspired by the TV show, was released around the same time the series aired. Later that same year they composed and recorded the soundtrack music to ‘Fools & Horses‘ Christmas special ‘Miami Twice’. Their ‘Failsafe’ EP was released featuring their cover of The Lovin’ Spoonful song ‘Summer In The City’ which had been used as the title song. In early 1993 a live album ‘Already Dead’ was released, and the band split later that year when lead singer Tony returned to live in his native New Orleans. The original line-up of Tony Green (vocals), Chris Cawte (guitar), Steve Turner (bass) and Jeff Walker (drums) has reunited for a handful of UK shows on a roughly annual basis since 2003 following the death of founding member Dennis Johnson (tea-chest bass and lyrics). In 2008 the band released ‘El Krusho’, an album dedicated to Dennis’ memory which featured new songs composed using remaining lyrics written by him. A new recording of previously unreleased songs,, ‘Mother Primeval’ followed in 2014. The Gutter Brothers, joined on stage by their longstanding friend and producer Jez Coad (formerly guitarist for The Surfing Brides and Jim Kerr of Simple Minds), return to celebrate almost 40 years of swampy rock ‘n’ roll history with a country style gumbo of great tunes, and a pinch of metal to taste. 

Deerbow – lively stuff from this young Lonfdon band that takes a thrashing punky anttir towards wall of sound indie rock anthemicism. Alexis Diaz – A blend of covers (Bill Withers done beautifully for example) and bluesy originals with keening lead guitar.

Dead the Will- Are a 4 piece indie/alt rock teenage band from Hertfordshire. They are Daisy (vocals, guitar), Charlie (lead guitar), Lenny (bass) and Harry (drums). Their influences range from Royal Blood to Radiohead, and they perform a range of original songs and covers across London and Herts . Vampire Slumber Party- Frantic, fast yet melodic pop punk, early Husker Du, or Leatherface. Decent tunes played with conviction or as they put it “pop-punk with fangs”  Cheap Street- Blend energetic guitar-driven indie rock with melodic hooks, drawing comparisons with bands such as The Kooks, The Vaccines, Two Door Cinema Club and The Wombats. They pride themselves on delivering an energetic, engaging live show. The Fazeleys- Jangly indie pop from Birmingham , early r.e.m via echo and the bunnymen and other early indie Wedding Present maybe, decent tunes played with conviction.

Greedy Soul bring their uplifting and impassioned indie wall of sound back to the Dublin Castle with a handpicked selection of excellent Camden and Islington based supports, hand picked by them that is… a proper, proper local party is assured, where all comers are welcome. Oh yes, you will definitely have a ball whether from Archway or Athens, Somerset Town or Santander. DJ Fuzz keeps the party going til 2am.

Who doesn’t love The Clash? Who doesn’t love The Stranglers? London’s Burning coz it’s Burning Up Time!  Fanning the righteous flames of arguably the two biggest players of the punk into post punk field…a whole night of Clash and Stranglers classics played brilliantly by the good people that bring you Woking Calling and Punky Reggae Party. Expect the uber bangers of The Meninblack, alongside the mega hits of The Last Gang In Town…and of course a large smattering of more off piste groovers by both bands to keep you on yer toes. Superb entertainment, needless to say. And done fantastically well, as you’d expect. Grab a Clash City Rokit To The Moon… DJ Tony Bugbear gives u We Got Killers til 2am…we keep the Skanky Punky Party going at 11pm, but are liable to shoot off in other delectable dancefloor directions too, whether Overpowered By Funk or Waltzin in Black…

BRIARS are an alternative folk act that sound like nobody else in the Irish scene. Their sound ranges from fragile subtlety to raucous energy, visiting every stop along the way, always underlined with a signature twist. Childhood friends Mick Grace & Paul O’Shea grew up together in South Kilkenny, playing in different bands together all over the world. Having started work on their own songs, the first lineup of BRIARS made its’ live debut in 2023 in iconic folk venue, Coughlans (Cork City). Word would spread quickly about the band’s energetic 6/7-piece live show and original, authentic sound, combining traditional influences with more contemporary approaches and textures. Over the next two years, the band would regularly release music, receiving coverage from the likes of RTE Entertainment, Hot Press, Analogue Trash, The Irish Post and more, as well as regular radio play on national Irish and UK radio (RTE Radio 1, RTE 2FM, BBC Radio and more). High profile festival slots at the likes of Electric Picnic, Galway Folk Fest, When Next We Meet, Guinness Cork Jazz Fest cemented the band as a ‘must see’ live act, sharing bills with the likes of the Scratch, The Wran, Leevy, Billow Wood and more. Support comes from Caiman – Fiery five piece alt-rock outfit from Manchester, dynamic tunes played with passion and verve. Mokat – Girls and Boys playing indie classics (Blur included!) and originals.    

Ayal – London-based pop band influenced by soul and country music. Their sound combines emotional storytelling, strong melodies, and live performance energy. We focus on catchy hooks, honest lyrics, and a performance style that connects directly with audiences. Bloody Bollocks – and now for something completely different, but still right up our Strasse. Spiritual brothers to The Kunts perhaps, expect an incisive set of Satirical, Comical punk rock, as evinced by their rather wonderful album on Bandcamp, Now That’s What I Call Bollocks. Superb. Bells of the Beach – young Cambridge based band stepping out.  Shoegaze, folk and grunge combined in a groovy wholesome whole. Their first London gig so be gentle with them.

Dissolved Girl – Soaring pop noir with deep undercurrents and compelling washes of tremulous sound carrying superfine vocal stylings Dissolved Girl is a four piece band from London, fused by a love of 90s trip hop, alt rock, complex soundscapes and melodic hooks. Their debut album has been meticulously crafted over the past four years, produced by Dani Castelar (x 2 No. 1 albums with Paulo Nutini) and mastered by Matt Colton (Arctic Monkeys, Michael Kiwanuka, Royal Blood). Great music with a powerful and emotive vocal performance. Escapist – post punk psychedelic duo sounding very groovy indeed atop their drum machine. With enigmatic covers and interesting original this is an escape route you should really get on. Lorenza Wildcard – rocking out  fine style with some indie/Britrock belters in her armoury, Ms Wildcard and her kick ass band are sure to get this show underway with panache.

radarbase “Two Brits knocking dance anthems together” Turn Up the Volume Leg Puppy 10 Celebrating Ten years years of being Leg Puppy! Expect the unpredictable. punkDISCO South East Londons answer to the streets with added riot girl dance anthems Cabin Madrid A husband-and-wife electronic duo who create “evocative synth-pop tunes” in a garden cabin, marrying chuggy beats with pulse-driven sounds. They are based in London but may have links to Madrid.

The Decatonics are a long established 8 piece female fronted ska band from Dorset comprising two singers, an energetic back line and a powerful horn section. Ska, Trojan, Rocksteady, 2Tone, Soul, Reggae & Bluebeat all channelled brilliantly to ensure a high energy party atmosphere. These good people were absolutely stunning last time round in the Dublin, and unsurprisingly are always in demand for bigger arenas such as Skamouth, Somerstock, and Teddy Rocks.  The Decatonics would constitute an amazing party worth the entrance fee alone, but tonight you also get to enjoy reggae and post punk pop supremos AKA The Syndicate. Definitely in need of an early arrival tonight people…especially if The Specials and The Selecter were your skanking bag back in the day, as those giants definitely inform these chaps and chapesses’ lovely dubby doings. Tony Bugbear gives you We Got Killers, niceing up the dancefloor from 11pm to 2am, playing ska, reggae, soul, disco, rave, indie, punk and rock and roll.

Mercy Dogs – fetching a barrel of life saving groovy bluesy rock thru the snow and ice to the quality music deprived punter. They may or may not lick your face. Uranian Stone  – Moldovan-born, London-based artist blending psychedelic R&B with Middle Eastern grooves. Self-recorded and produced, his music combines modern psychedelia with eastern shepherd’s doinas, creating a vibrant mix of melancholy and rêverie that invites listeners on a transcendent sonic journey. Oraco – ‘classic rock and eighties pop’ all done with passion and joie de vivre. DJ Sue spins top choons til 2.

Tapehouse -these guys dole out jazz chords, funky work outs, cinematic expressions and experimental post punk art pop style songs tinged with soul and reggae. Soaring vocals and syncopated grooves.  Slip Digby – Bugbear/Dublin Castle regulars in the twenty teenies, and back in black,  playing zippy, blues infused Grunge rock with soulful vocals on a rockin’ Fu Manchu like stoner tip and great to have them back. Psycho Jenny -wonderful women fronted grunge/alternative band from north Kent whose songs can range from dreamy shoegaze to a more heavier rock vibe, and certainly have some really interesting material. DJ Fuzz til 2am

Attila the Stockbroker – Matinee Show 1.30pm Attila’s band, Barnstormer 1649, is a random-seeming assembly of punk bass, neo-prog guitar and Cromwellian military drum, topped with a succession of fiddle, mandola, tenor and alto recorders, Krummhorn (crumhorn), rauschpfeife and sausage bassoon (rackett). It creates an evocative soundscape against which to set a rigorously researched lyrical rip through the 1649 English Civil War chaos and, particularly, the oft-overlooked failure of the English Commonwealth’ (Early Music magazine/website Continuo Connect.) Newtown Neurotics – need no introduction. Kick Out Reform with the clarion call of these eighties agit punkers, still sounding vital and ferocious 4 decades on. Evening Show ticketed separately HERE https://wegottickets.com/f/27722Modem + Zhaji + Volterra – Modem are a promising new act… keys, plaintive guitars, whispering vocals, the odd wash of synth colour and samples (dialogue) – somewhere between Sea Power and China Crisis maybe. Zhaji – fresh happening group of 18 year olds. Indie rock with frantic, impressive vocals and ringing lead guitar. “We are a high-energy live act and are very keen to get on stage.” So he it boys! Go!! Volterra – alternative-rock / cinematic indie duo based between Hawaiʻi and Italy, whose debut album came out this Summer. The music blends melodic alternative rock, chamber pop and atmospheric elements, with environmental and social themes inspired by Solarpunk! Groovy.

STAYAWHILE – Crunching pop metal with endearingly cute n kooky mockernee vocals which are psychedelically auto tuned to fuck! Great technique! Has a charm all its very own. Space Octopus Cartel – unabashedly Prog in their delivery, what with bonkers time signature changes, folky pastoral bits giving way to power chordy metallic bits and plenty of sky scraping synth action. Think Cardiacs meets Gentle Giant. 

EMOM – Electronic musicians welcome!  To pre-book your open mic slot  laurie@laurieblack.co.uk.  Or simply arrive at 6:30pm with minimal set up.  All sets 10-20 mins.  The only rule is no acoustic guitars unless they’re generating soundscapes or electronic music in-keeping with these nights. Hosted by electronic music enthusiast, synthstar and “lovechild of Victoria Wood and Gary Numan” Laurie Black.  She’s toured around the world with her synth-history show Deadly Synths, and toured solo original music sets with Adam Ant and Professor Elemental.  Her 2026 album Noisebleed was recorded at the renowned Townshend Studio with an arsenal of out-of-this-world vintage synths. Curated headline slot TBA, part of ‘Bad Luck Synth Club’ each month!  First Wednesday of the month at the legendary Dublin Castle.

The Marra are a five-piece rock band from Derry, Ireland, crafting sharp, melodic songs that channel the grit, spirit, and ambition of working-class life. Blending the swagger of ’90s Brit-pop, Strokes-inspired indie, and the timeless influence of The Beatles, they have forged a sound that feels both familiar and unmistakably their own. Drawing from their experiences growing up in Ireland, the band create anthems of hope, yearning, and resilience, pairing infectious melodies with an honest, heartfelt energy.

Oasas – Oasis tribute innit… The Look? Tick. The Swagger? Tick. The er Gear? Er tick. And of course the SONGS tick tick tick. Oh and they make a point of saying add to that checklist the NOISE and the CONFUSION. Should be a fun night then! Electric Zoo – Electric Zoo is a dynamic power quartet combining elements from Psychedelia, Hard Rock, Funk, Blues and Jazz, and armed with a warm, live and retro sound.  DJ Fuzz for the late nite buzz.

Abbey Moon – shimmering guitars and plaintive crooning on some impressively melodic and progressive slow burning material,  juxtaposed with explosive, upbeat indie pop numbers. Superb stuff. Slow Life – sweetly psychedelic scally pop with some fabulous jaunty tunes that have ear worm potential aplenty. Could be a Blur for these times. Brill. The Black Roses – great guitars and rambuncious tunes kick down the doors and slap you round the face. Elements of The Verve and The Strokes and the desert twang of the Allah Las. Excellent. Three fantastic bands from the hood- not to be missed.

The British Invasion – ‘Coals to Newcastle’ redoubled as this excellent American band brings the ‘60s Brit sound back to the UK in 2026… And where better? A proper pub with a proper pub ambience, the Dublin Castle has a kick ass PA, real dancefloor and an unlimited amount of undefinable sass factor – as comedian Phil Jupitus once put it when performing there, “This room is full of mojo”. Whether you put it down to the history or natural pheromones, it’s the number one venue in Camden Town. The Dublin Castle played an integral part in the early careers of acts such as Muse, The Libertines, Coldplay, Arctic Monkeys and The Killers. The appreciation of that aforementioned mojo has resulted in established acts from Blur to Lloyd Cole selecting it as their must play place for an intimate fan club oriented show, and Camden heroine and sorely missed occasional Dublin Castle barmaid, Amy Winehouse, infamously performed one of her most revered shows here. For drinking, dancing, or wigging out to the best live acts, it’s a must visit location in London. Please join us, The British Invasion, when we perform our inaugural gig at this legendary venue!! Performance Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Local London Time- Special Guest support TBA.  

The New Routine – London indie 4 piece just starting out playing some possibly Radiohead inspired progressive pop and grittier, leaner stuff too. Promising! Shelters – Nifty young 3 piece from Prague with a highly credible Cast/The LA’s kind of sound. Do it really well. Great tunes. Great attitude. Sam George – Breathy vocals and nice wobbly lead guitar with some deft backing from this up and coming singer/songwriter from Newcastle.

BULLITZ 23 (ex Ex Cathedra) – let’s allow London Celtic Punks to take this – “Andi from long lamented Scots band Ex-Cathedra on vocals. Imagine SLF, Skids, Cock Sparrer, Sham with Celtic folk edges, and Ska-infused hooks . ’77 style melodic Punk Rock tunes bringing music to your ears, fire to your heart and rebellion to your soul.” Ace. Cat Fight – “Anarcho and Riot Grrrl’s cute baby sister”- now that’s gotta be a really good thing right? Well it’s not just a neat turn of phrase coz these gals went down a storm at the recent Rebellion Festival. They rock hard. Great name too. Just be prepared to circumnavigate a few pussycat videos when looking em up!!

Twisted Onion and Bugbear give you alterno dance legends Sunscreem. Over a 35 year career, Sunscreem have had 12 UK chart hits including Love U More, Perfect Motion and Broken English. The band have also had chart success in America including several number ones on the US Dance Chart. The band formed in Essex in the late 1980s and quickly gained a reputation on the rave circuit as an essential live act performing a perfect blend of pop and dance. Sunscreem’s return to the live scene this year has seen them perform sell out shows in Chelmsford and Nottingham. Support comes from Nottingham’s rave legend Filter Sequence and Walsall’s trance wizard Steve Hardaker. Grab those tickets NOW as this one is going to be massive! DJ Fuzz keeps the party pumping from 11pm.

The Landline – these guys are Dublin Castle stalwarts! indie/Nineties/alternopop/ baggy/Britpop covers delivered in a pant swingingly groovy manner…Fat Boy Slim, Oasis, Mock Turtles, Blur, Charlatans, Stone Roses etc…but it all blends into one beautiful party time pop megamashup. Diveboy- Rolling Stone previously wrote about the band’s “glowing indie rock number that shows hints of influences such as The Killers”, and that ‘big indie rock sound’ still rings true of their music – while the trio also take inspiration from Manchester icons like The Smiths and Oasis. Scouts- are a post-punk four-piece from South East London, blending noisy, atmospheric textures with the raw intensity of punk. Drawing from influences that range from post-punk to trip hop and shoegaze, their sound is restless and evolving, driven by experimentation and high-energy live performances. Known for their immersive, chaotic yet intimate performances across London.

Monday night at the Dublin Castle isn’t just another open mic; it’s a righteous rite of passage in the heart of Camden and a chance to play on the legendary stage that has hosted Madness, Coldplay, Blur, Amy Winehouse and Arctic Monkeys to name but a few. Running every Monday from 7:00 PM until 11:00 PM, we host a smorgasbord of talent, from finger in the ear folk to ferocious thrash-metal and everything in between. While we’re primarily a music haunt for singer-songwriters and full bands, all performers are welcome to have a go. Sign-up is strictly on the night—no advance bookings, just turn up and get in the queue. The sheet opens at 7:00 PM sharp, and many people get here quite a bit earlier to secure their place for an absolute blinder of a night. Each act gets a maximum of 10 minutes, which includes your setup, tuning, and chat. So you need to be ready to go the moment your name is called to make the most of your time in the spotlight. For those who arrive late, we keep a reserve list in case of drop-outs, though a spot isn’t guaranteed. We provide a professional-grade experience with a full backline, including DI boxes, guitar and bass amps, a full drum kit, and a top-tier PA system and desk mixed by a pro sound engineer. Just remember to bring your own cables, instruments, and any backing tracks (original work only—no karaoke tracks, please!). We even have a stand if you’re bringing your own keyboard. The vibe here is all about community. We encourage a ‘stay and support’ culture—cheer on the other acts, grab a pint at the bar, and keep the chatter to the front room while artists are performing. Entry is completely free, but we are a strictly 18+ venue.

Leah Marlene – Pop/country siren with big songs and equally expansive arrangements/production. She is Canadian but lives in Nashville and grew up in America living and breathing Country vibes.  She came close to winning American Idol recently. She is the daughter of Honeymoon Suite guitarist Derry Grehan (who is an absolute legend in Canada!) Chris Erasmus – Solo guitar picking county artist with a deep dark voice à la the guy from The Handsome Family and Johnny Cash. He’s just come back from a trip to Nashville where he recorded his new album with Grammy winner Scott Jacoby (Coldplay, John Legend – another touchstone).  Rudi Lloyd-Benson is originally from the smallest city in the U.K, St Davids, Pembrokeshire. recently relocated to Cardiff. His drifty guitar work a reflection of surroundings of the coast and his soft rhythmic voice, hypnotic and calming to the ear ‘Intricate chord shapes partnered with vocal simplicity, reminiscent of Josh Rouse, Peter Doherty and Jamie T’ Ababcb Magazine

Nerorgasmo – excellent Italian hardcore band from Torino formed by Luca “Abort” and Simone (ex Blue Vomit!) originally active between 1984 and 1987. In 1993 Nerorgasmo played a reunion show and have revisited their momentous music often enough to never fade away from the hearts of minds of their Italian fans, but this is the first time they’ve played on British soil. This, their first ever London performance is set fair to be a legendary event in the alt/punk/thrash annals. Especially as they’ll be joined on this bill by equally legendary London thrash monsters Dread Messiah, a band that play with such joyfully confrontational intensity they captivate any audience any time. Not to be missed then.

Ocean Cover Scene –is a tribute band made up of five skilled musicians who bring the music of Ocean Colour Scene to life with authentic energy and passion. Their performances capture the essence of iconic tracks like “The Day We Caught the Train” and “The Riverboat Song,” offering audiences an immersive experience that feels like the original band. Flaming Pie – as part of a special “Beatles in London” weekend, following the footsteps of the Fab Four around the capital, eager fans will be travelling with this red hot Swiss Beatles tribute band, Flaming Pie – a passionate and authentic three-piece act that captures the spirit and energy of the Beatles’ live years. The band has already performed at iconic venues such as The Indra Club + The Kaiserkeller in Hamburg, as well as at the International Beatleweek in Liverpool. Julia Baird, John Lennon’s half-sister, praised the band after one of their shows, saying: “John would have absolutely loved this band”…

‘Never Mind The Beaulocks Here’s The Vacant Pistols’ – what a perfect pairing of punk rock roustabout rogues. Punk and New Wave covers troute supreme yer Beaulocks and Welsh Sex Pistols tippertop tribute The Vacant Pistols sharing a Dublin Castle bill to celebrate chaos, fun and anarchy via three chords and the truth. Dust off yer bum flaps. An unmissable punk party. DJ Tony Bugbear is Neat Neat Neat with We Got Killers til 2am.

(Matinee show doors 1.30 pm)  Absolute Amy- Rising Jazz artist, Holly Cosgrove, has created the UK’s newest and most authentic Amy Winehouse Tribute Show. Absolute Amy will take you on a remarkable journey through Amy’s influences, including her greatest works and her later covers, spanning Soul, HipHop, Jazz and Ska, with a spine-tingling likeness that keeps Amy’s incredible music alive. Featuring guitarist Robin Banerjee who played electric and acoustic guitar on Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black tours during 2006 and 2007 notably performing at Glastonbury’s Pyramid and World stages in 2007. As well as recording the Live in London DVD and touring as a duo with Amy around the uk for radio and tv promo for Back To Black. This is the duo’s third Dublin Castle show. The previous two (both sold out) were incredibly emotional and electrifying experiences, so please snap up those tickets! NB EVENING SHOW TICKETED SEPARATELY HERE – https://wegottickets.com/f/23509  James Sebastian – Groove, glitter and guitar riffs as James Sebastian rocks London… Featuring special guests KOTIK and Kudre

Alice In Chains UK – absolutely nailing their tribute to grunge legends Alice In Chains, last time around AICIK played the DC it was a road block, and we expect this special Halloween party to be likewise a crazy party so get them tickets now! Clone Temple Pilots – why have one amazeballs grunge tribute at your hallowed Halloween party when you can have two? We Got Killers – DJ Tony Bugbear spins the platters that splatter in an All Hallows Eve stylee.

EMOM – Electronic musicians welcome!  To pre-book your open mic slot  laurie@laurieblack.co.uk.  Or simply arrive at 6:30pm with minimal set up.  All sets 10-20 mins.  The only rule is no acoustic guitars unless they’re generating soundscapes or electronic music in-keeping with these nights. Hosted by electronic music enthusiast, synthstar and “lovechild of Victoria Wood and Gary Numan” Laurie Black.  She’s toured around the world with her synth-history show Deadly Synths, and toured solo original music sets with Adam Ant and Professor Elemental.  Her 2026 album Noisebleed was recorded at the renowned Townshend Studio with an arsenal of out-of-this-world vintage synths. Curated headline slot TBA, part of ‘Bad Luck Synth Club’ each month!  First Wednesday of the month at the legendary Dublin Castle.

Bim Skala Bim formed in Boston, MA as a Ska Rock band that was influenced by the bands in England’s 2Tone movement, as well as the Clash, UB40 and Bob Marley. Bim’s infectious Boston Blue Beat sound led them to be one of the premier bands kick-starting the Third Wave of Ska in the 1980s. More bands quickly followed their example resulting in a lively scene in Boston and much of the United States. Over the years the band has incorporated secret-agent themes and versioned songs by classic rock acts like Cream, Pink Floyd and Neil Young into their repertoire.  And were as likely to dabble in calypso or New Orleans music as ska and reggae! Excellent to welcome these daddies of American Ska to The Dublin Castle tonight. A fab party assured! Rebelation – Rebelation, are an internationally renowned reggae ska band, receiving regular airplay across all continents. Fronted by both male and female vocalists, their sound is steeped in the rich influences of 1960s Jamaican Ska, Rocksteady, and 1970s Roots, with elements of Soul and Gospel woven throughout, tackling social and political themes while promoting a message of positivity, inclusivity and hope.  Having established a reputation as an explosive live act, they have consistently toured throughout the UK and Europe. They’ve graced the stages of renowned clubs and festivals, headlining events such as the London International Ska Festival, Cambridge’s Strawberry Fair, and  Kippertronix Festival in Wales. They make up a double header to die for here tonight in the DC, the ancestral seat of London Ska.  

Woking Calling play the Songs of The Clash and the Jam – The Jam and the Clash! Made up musicians who’ve played for the UK Subs, Chords UK, Vodka Tourists, Chelsea, and Bruce Foxtons Solo band, and having seen both bands live many times, WC play with a passion and care, that we hope you’ll appreciate. Not a tribute to either, but most definitely a lover of both, playing a song from each band in a chronological order, with the classics held back to the end. This allows WC to play some of the favourite album tracks, alongside the singles. Think Mr Clean and Safe European Home, then Little Boy Soldiers and Career Opportunities, leaving the hits to the end of the 2nd set. We hope to see you at this amazing venue, always a great fit! From the fabulous folk who give us Punky Reggae Party and Clash N Sleazy. DJ Tony Bugbear – We Got Killers is your designated dancefloor frenzy from 11pm til 2am.

“Liverpool2London” Vernons Future – Vernons Future have history back to indie’s golden age in 1980’s Liverpool, and they bring indie guitar pop of the old school – a mix of classic guitar jangle, with hints of 60s psychedelia. Acclaimed debut album ‘Smithdown Road’ (Melody Maker said it was “a fine debut in love with pop at its most unassuming and most charming”) came out on legendary Liverpool label Probe Plus in 1990, then The Vernons (as they were then known) promptly split before resurfacing in 2015 in Oxford/London as Vernons Future, releasing sophomore album ‘Aquaplaning’ and further standalone singles. St Vitus Dance St Vitus Dance are an acclaimed Belfast-formed post-punk/indie-pop band (est. 1981) known for their 60s-influenced sound, witty lyrics about Belfast life, and the 1987 album ‘Love Me, Love My Dogma’. Fronted by vocalist Noel Burke — who later joined Echo & The Bunnymen as singer-songwriter — the band moved to Liverpool, split in 1988, and reformed in 2005. In 2025, the band toured with Noel Burke to perform the 1990 Echo & The Bunnymen album Reverberation in full, with plans for new, original St Vitus Dance material in 2026, to follow on from the Probe Plus 2008 Glypotheque and 2012 Bystanders albums. The Room Liverpool post-punk pioneers, and former John Peel favourites, The Room, returned in 2023. Original members Clive Thomas, Dave Jackson and Becky Stringer are joined by new bloods, Ethan Kyme and Darren Brown. They have since released two albums, ‘Restless Fate’ (2023) and ‘The Telling’ (2024), toured the UK with Red Guitars, played gigs with The Nightingales and Trupa Trupa, and will release their third album, ‘Doom Pop!’, in September 2026. They also have shared DNA with indie legends Benny Profane, with Dave and Becky both having been members.

Step into the vibrant world of Doreen Doreen, where every performance is a kaleidoscope of glitter, glamour, and unbridled entertainment. Born in the heart of Bristol’s eclectic music scene, Doreen Doreen emerged in 1982 as a dynamic force of creativity and flair. Forget everything you know about typical 10-piece cover bands; Doreen Doreen is a breed apart. Our lineup boasts some of Bristol’s finest musical talent, delivering a red-hot backline that sets the stage on fire. Upfront, a cacophony of voices—ranging from angelic to rock god—takes you on a wild ride of harmonies that teeter on the edge of chaos, but always land squarely on fabulous. But it’s not just about the music—it’s the unexpected twists and turns that define a Doreen Doreen performance. We’re the masters of incongruity, seamlessly blending Abba with Queen, Eurythmics with Erasure, and even Adele with The Beatles. It’s a musical journey you won’t find anywhere else.  Desperately Seeking Suki– emale fronted melodic indie pop and bold art-pop with a fizzing synth energy — think Wolf Alice meets Yeah Yeah Yeahs — connecting with fans of Self Esteem, Ladyhawke and Dry Cleaning.

The Deviators – Motown/ Northern Soul/ funk & disco/ party band. Expect some real big hitting classic tunes delivered either perfect chops and fabulous, belting vocals from front woman Tina. An excellent night out assured. Especially with support from ace punky ska and reggae merchants Redeployed, who will definitely get the party kickstarted brilliantly. After 11 it’s We Got Killers with Saturday night resident DJ Tony Bugbear ensuring 3 hours of packed dancefloor delirium. The Best Saturday Nite in Camden Town!!

14 Carat Grapefruit. You can rest assured tonight’s charity fundraiser party will indeed be a gem, and not a little fruity. All care of… “Britain’s Premier Smut Rock Band!”  

Roving Crows- are an Irish Folk Rock band who deliver the goods with unbounded amounts of riotous energy and banter.The Crows started their journey when a guitarist from Kildare and a fiddle player from Cheltenham, via Donegal, met at a festival in 2007. The music flowed and they’ve not stopped since, with 5 albums under their belt and several national and international awards, this, now 4 piece, are an awe-inspiring force on stage – unstoppable and passionate. This Irish group seamlessly marry humour, provocative lyrics , traditional Irish tunes and rock to entertain and bring the listener on a ride that they won’t want to get off! They make a hell of a noise for 4 people!The band, now based in Herefordshire & Worcestershire, have wowed crowds at festivals and venues across the UK, Australia, France and the Netherlands! They are a MUST SEE live act; a mix of fiery fiddle playing and conscious lyrics alongside driving drums and punching bass lines.

The Last Dj –  Nick Hayes, aka The Last DJ, discovered techno on the road as a travelling salesman and has since gone become an internet sensation with techno bangers performed on his wheelie bins in his back garden. Holy Braille A darkwave electronic duo from Sunderland. Known for their harshwave and computer-punk aesthetic, they create abrasive synth textures and sharp rhythms. One of the best live outfits around. Leg Puppy 2.0 “George Orwells house band” Just released their 13th studio album ‘First World Problems’ Lauri Black A London-based award-winning synth artist and classically trained pianist known for electro-punk music and satirical lyrics. Described as a “Laurie Black lovechild of Victoria Wood and Gary Numan,” she has toured with Adam Ant and released the album Noisebleed in 2026

Matinee show doors 1.30pm £10 on door or £8 adv from wegottickets.com/f/23848 Resigned- What the pixies might have sounded like if they came from the east end and sang about their locale rather than monkeys going to heaven. Well that’s the 1st track , then they start sounding like The Clash via the Jam, kinda King Blues.., which is probably more what they’re about. Great stuff. Popscene Ace Blur tribute, capturing the energy and the sound of Blur live so authentically that you might think you’re watching the real thing.

EMOM – Electronic musicians welcome!  To pre-book your open mic slot  laurie@laurieblack.co.uk.  Or simply arrive at 6:30pm with minimal set up.  All sets 10-20 mins.  The only rule is no acoustic guitars unless they’re generating soundscapes or electronic music in-keeping with these nights. Hosted by electronic music enthusiast, synthstar and “lovechild of Victoria Wood and Gary Numan” Laurie Black.  She’s toured around the world with her synth-history show Deadly Synths, and toured solo original music sets with Adam Ant and Professor Elemental.  Her 2026 album Noisebleed was recorded at the renowned Townshend Studio with an arsenal of out-of-this-world vintage synths. Curated headline slot TBA, part of ‘Bad Luck Synth Club’ each month!  First Wednesday of the month at the legendary Dublin Castle.

The Jones – ‘Camden-born rock ’n’ roll band’ who used to tread our boards quite possibly as far back as the last century! Great band they were/are too…fab to have them back. As we said in 2010 “Catchy garage pop punk with a nod to early Hamburg era Beatles via The Libertines, darn good stuff” Looking forward to seeing them again. And so should you! Sub Couple – on a rather different but equally entertaining and enjoyable tip, these chaps play experimental but dance centred left field post punk/psych rock which grooves like a mother. So much so infamous Trump bating U.S rapper Common has been known to jump up on our Dublin Castle stage and spit goodness to their righteous rumble. Right on. Slender Pins– so this bill truly is an early Xmas pressie of immense dimensions. Is it a bike? Is it a blow up doll?! No- it’s the wonderful Slender Pins. The cyclical riffs and punk funk sensibilities cry ‘post punk’ (Gang of Four, The Fall, Bogshed) but the pop heft of the tunes is something else, plus a frontman who is adamant he’s not called Burt puts in a proper, PROPER swiftly up there. Great, cutting vocals too. Ace. Not unlike the mighty Cud too. What more do you want for £8?! Well, these… The Vivettes – a highly original spin on garage rock tropes with a hint of ‘60s girl group panache and YeYe Girls charm and sophistication. Another great band so rock up before 8…andget in the door and make your dough worth more. DJ Fuzz is on hand to be the legendary DJ he certainly very much is til 2am. Oh yes.

STRAIGHTEN OUT are the premier Stranglers tribute band out there…if you were lucky enough to be in the audience last time around in The Dublin Castle you’ll know what a superb experience this is. More than a mere tribute, this is two hours of the most sincere and assured expression of The Meninblack’s best works as you could possibly hope for. With an extensive set-list that spans two solid hours, Straighten Out re-create the ‘early years’ sound of The Stranglers, complete with a keyboard rig that is the same model as the original used by Mr. Greenfield himself in the 1970’s…! The growling bass sound and the quirky guitar riffs are all there to be heard as is the dual vocal ‘attack’ from the two frontmen a la Burnel-Cornwellas they rip through all the classics: ‘Peaches’, ‘Hanging Around’, ‘No More Heroes’, ‘5 Minutes’, ‘The Raven’, ‘Walk On By’, ‘Straighten Out’, ‘Down In The Sewer’ and more!  This remarkable band cover virtually the whole of the first three Stranglers’ classic albums and delve beyond into some of their ‘80s twisted pop gems too. Straighten Out – live and unleashed – will take you on a nostalgia trip that transports you back to those raw, powerful, exhilarating times, when The Stranglers emerged through the quagmire of mediocrity and showed the punks how it was done.  We Got Killers Get A Grip on the dancefloor once the band have had their wicked way with you. Non Stop Party.  Curfew 2am.

The Heavy North – THE HEAVY NORTH RETURN WITH BLISTERING NEW SINGLE ‘HEAVY’ Liverpool blues rock band The Heavy North have announced their return with brand new single ‘Heavy‘. The new single marks the first release from the Merseyside outfit since the 2024 live album ‘Fire In The Furnace‘ (#2 Official UK Jazz & Blues Album Chart) and is the first glimpse of new music since the band’s 2023 sophomore album ‘Delta Shakedown‘ (#10 Official UK Independent Album Chart). Formed in late 2018, The Heavy North released their critically-acclaimed debut studio album ‘Electric Soul Machine‘ in 2022 and in recent years the band have caught the attention of BBC Radio 2, 6 Music, Radio X, BBC Introducing, Classic Rock Magazine and Tim’s Twitter Listening Party.  Whilst the band have continued to perform live across the UK during the last 12 months, including headline shows at iconic venues such as London’s 100 Club and Liverpool’s Cavern Club, The Heavy North have kept their fans and followers eagerly awaiting any new releases. The band have also adjusted to line up changes over the past 18 months – most notably the introduction of bass player George Favager, and the absence of keyboard player Ste Penn who stepped back from the band in late 2024 but does feature on the new track. ‘Heavy’ was recorded at 3rd Planet Recording Studio in Granada, Spain in Spring 2025 at the home of the band’s guitarist and producer Jose Ibanez, and features backing vocalists and long-term collaborators Molly Fryo and Rosalie Galvin. For those familiar with The Heavy North’s distinct blend of rock, blues and soul, ‘Heavy’ draws on the band’s trademark recipe of pounding drums, duelling guitars and fuzzed-up keys.

The Dekkertones – Playing authentic ska and rudeboy reggae. Male singer and female singer juxtaposed beautifully to present the material at its very best. And they are indeed one of the best out there , with a full brass front line and a nicely skanking rocksteady vibe. Ace choice of material it is too. ‘Taking you on a journey with an electrifying 8 piece band. The DekkerTones bring the best of every era straight to your soul. From the raw energy of the first-wave Jamaican rhythms to the iconic two-tone beats of Britain. THIS IS SKA!’

AKA The Syndicate – this superb band will certainly please fans of The Specials and The Selecter, and have a real depth and breadth to their music, operating as it does in that sweet spot between reggae and new wave as exemplified by The Ruts and The Clash. And needless to say a guaranteed workout for your dancing feet is assured. Natural Right – The Beat and Bob Marley resonate here, and the poppy, melodic end of 2 -Tone too, with a lilting, vibey sound that is enchanting, and of course gets ya moving.  And don’t forget it’s Fuzzmas- the festive party continues til 2am under the expert attentions of DJ Fuzz.

The Paul Weller Experience – from The Jam to The Style Council through to his remarkable so career, there’s no doubting the immense impact Paul Weller has had, and tellingly, continues to have, on the UK music scene and beyond across the world. The Modfather he is indeed, channeling Pete Townsend windmill guitar attacks and sharp suits in the venomous punk years, beatnik sophistication and social consciousness in the eighties and swinging from elder statesmen soulful rocker to experimental musical adventurer in more recent times. This Dublin crew channel the ever changing moods of Weller brilliantly, with a long, hit after hit based set spanning almost 50 years of incredible songwriting. We are delighted to announce our very special guests for the evening will be the fantastic Proper. Formed in London in March 2015, Proper set out with a clear mission: to craft timeless 3-minute songs steeped in the spirit of the mid-’60s and late-’70s . Their sound is sharp, punchy, and proudly analogue: think jangling guitars, driving rhythms, and choruses built to last. Proper made their live debut at the legendary 100 Club.Not to be missed!

Los Fastidios–  LOS FASTIDIOS are a legendary streetska/punk band from Verona, Italy, on the road and wowing crowds since 1991. Perfect Dublin Castle fare needless to say! And yes, they rammed us out and out on an incredible matinee into early evening show with us last year, and we’re very pleased to welcome them back for more early doors Sunday skanking fun this year.  They have been touring the world since 1991, with Enrico, the original lead singer, now joined by Elisa Dixan‘s sweet voice and cool vibes since 2018, which has given the band a sassy new lease of life. Lots of energy, great tunes, proper entertainment! Rookie Numbers – another joyous young ska band, from luverly Leeds. This 7 piece has knocked em dead at Skabour, and at Madness’ last House Of Fun. They call it Ska -Rave and really does have a gurn friendly element alongside the skankability… so get on one matey and wine up ya hip skiddlee dip while you’re at it.

A Fourth Dimension Records weekender celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mark Perry’s punk/post punk institution Alternative TV. So, ATV sets both nights, plus performances by Edward Kaspel,, Splintered, Kleistwahr, Sion Orgon and The Fields of Hay. Diverse, disorientating, deviant and delicious.

To celebrate a significant birthday for the fabulous Funk Cutter, force of nature with anarchistwood and legend of Punkvert culture, an afternoon into night time party curated by Dr Cutter in person, featuring a myriad of ace talent including The Blunders, P.I.G., Rites of Hadda and an early doors appearance by anarchistwood demself, presided over by compere Gladys Ova.