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.

Talk House –  Snappy indie pop from Japan with lOtis of great hooks and some nice vocal interplay.  Talk House started in 2021 with the release of the single “Groove.” Influenced by UK sounds, they pursue an unconventional style, mixing lyrics in English and Japanese and ranging from heavy sounds to pure pop and danceable sounds. On January 2, 2025, they made our UK live debut at The Dublin Castle in London, and liked it so much they’re back Tonite!! Malatone – influenced by Deftones and Paramour, we up the heaviosoty stakes either this cracking, kickass Merseyside band. Big riffs, rolled to perfection.  Snowdeer – Female fronted Indie/ dream-pop band based in Cambridge. Blissful tunes recalling Cranes and Mazzy Star nice…My Life As A Moth –  My Life As A Moth invites listeners into a realm where surreal storytelling meets soaring sonic landscapes — a place where even the smallest, strangest encounters can spark entire universes. Beginning with the spellbinding single ‘Time Thief,’ her upcoming album Starlet — co-produced with Keir Adamson and Ellie Mason (Voka Gentle) and recorded in the mystical intimacy of a garden shed at Keir’s studio — stands as her most experimental work to date.

Jonny Couch – from The Choke, breath stopping punky indie rockers of yore, Power pop, indie, psych and punk, even a little synth pop- all in the mix for singing drummer JC. Melodic and memorable tunes with plenty of sass and across the board appeal.  Jonny Couch , for it is he, is now NYC-based, and this is Jonny’s full band album launch party/London release show. Cool. “Where The Sidewalk Ends” is that new album. Out July 2026. Veronica Bianqui – As her Bandcamp page (a groovy place to hang out) says Veronica B reckons herself to be ‘a reformed bad girl with heavy riffs’. Like early B-52s meets Bikini Kill. And a little out thereness too. Three Birds Whisper  – French stoner rock/grunge band. Pretty meaty too, Nirvana resonate, plus some grounding in the psychedelic blues of early Hendrix and the monolithic riff pls of classic Black Sabbath.

Singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer KING ZEPHA fronts an all-star band, performing original music influenced by ska, rocksteady, dub, jazz, soul and global rhythms. From huge festivals, such as Glastonbury and Boomtown Fair, to intimate grassroots venues, the band have captivated audiences with their honkin’ horns, thumpin’ double bass and stunning 3-part vocal harmonies. “Outstanding” (Craig Charles, BBC 6 Music) “Seriously funky” (James Morrison, BBC Radio 2) The Bad Cadillacs  – playing a Saturday night friendly cornucopia of punk, new wave, ska and indie corkers, these boys may be gas guzzlers but they’re a stylish way to arrive for a great night out. Hans Deville – and ensure you arrive promptly at 7.30 for this great night out coz you’re in for a massive treat to open proceedings. Some time King Prawn guitarist and songwriter Devil Hands, one full moon nacht, took a backwards glance in the mirror and envisioned himself as a Spaghetti Western, punk noir demon, replete with a chorus of twang and mystical moods. Mmmmm marvellous. DJ Fuzz– til 2. Which is of course, always likewise, marvellous.

Ultimate Madnezz – over one hundred minutes of prime nutty monster sound business from the bestest Madness tribute on the block. Expect a Nutty Train to circumnavigate the pub as this brilliant band bang out the big killer tunes of yer actual Madness in their actual ancestral seat, the actual Dublin Castle, actually… Our House. The House Of Fun.  Join us. Low Lite – with some classic Britrock nuances (The Who, Small Faces, The Kinks) this is forward thinking, emotionally intelligent and crafted indie rock from former Adrenaline Animals man Alex Combe and his ace new band. We Got Killers is your Saturday night DJ happening after the band til 2am…Tony Bugbear spins 2-tone, ska, reggae and punk before flying off into all manner of disco exotica and indie bangers.

Border Live Agency is proud to present the debut tour of Britpop band Park Drive. Founded in Wickford, Essex, Park Drive is taking its mission on the road for the first time. Formed in response to the decline of pure, iconic British guitar music, Park Drive exists to bring real, honest songs back to the people. Fusing the influence of the UK’s greatest bands – Oasis, The Stone Roses, Arctic Monkeys, Blur, Sex Pistols and more – their sound is unapologetically British, loud and built to make you feel alive. Expect soaring hooks, snarling guitars, and the raw energy of a band with something to say and the confidence to say it loud. The Britpop revival is here, and Park Drive is taking charge of it.

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.

Code Red – hard rock/classic rock/grunge kinda sounding band outta Oz.  Have recently presented the title track for a Hollywood movie Omins 2 (The Siege Of Metzburg) Featuring huge songs, delivered with lots of energy, this band will really kick your ass live! Daniel Connell – An incredibly talented fella who fronts several bands , including acclaimed Australian rock band Amberdown, and also has a thriving solo career. Skull Puppets – Including ex members of The Trailer Trash Orchestra, The Sindys and The Young Trash Lovers, Skull Puppets are a garage band, that much is indisputable. They get together in a garage down the garden, hidden amidst the satellite shires, to make a cathartic noise and kick at the blues. Performing songs of darkness, fuzzy noise and voodoo charm, they put the world to rights, thud, howl, clang and…breathe.

Dylan Gers – Soaring, occasionally epic, prog tinged rock from a high end musicianship quotient as you’d imagine from the pedigree. Pink Floyd and Yes spring to mind but also something of the more progressive end of Thin Lizzy. Following in the footsteps of his guitar legend father Janick Gers (Iron Maiden), Teeside-born musician Gers is a master of the six-string. Emerging independently in April 2022, Dylan has spent the past four years developing a sound rooted in the influence of Led Zeppelin, Nick Drake, The Doors and Black Sabbath – with the spirit and presence of Jim Morrison informing both his lyrical perspective and artistic identity. Electric Face – Welcome to The Private World of Neon Tubes (the title of their debut EP, natch), a world run to perfection by this rather sophisticated punk rock three piece. A great kooky vibe and some splendid riffage. dEXTER – Paul Dexter’s kicking Basildon based band, once known as The Collective in another iteration, an institution on their manor, and always a reliable night out for some incisive indie rock, ranging from celebratory rockers to intricate Neo ballads. TC Tenet – these guys  are playing a well appointed classic rock come QOTSA style alt grunge via Black Keys rootsy grooves, which is luverly on the ears.

Unknown Pleasures- These guys and their primal, punky, poised and perky take on the incredible Joy Division canon have been doing the rounds as long as Buggerbear…we’re a match made in heaven, haha.  Always an ace night out…yes ‘Ian Curtis’ has adapted the trademark moves a tad since he ahem died and maybe slightly more padded than you recall, and Peter Hook seems to have transmogrified into a goff Yul Bryner etc etc but don’t watch that….a brilliant and lovestruck tribute to adore. The Nevers- Formed in April 2024 by the unholy trinity of Joe Cusack (Lead Vocals), Stanley Nunes (Drums), and Lucas Brasenell (Lead Guitar), these guys locked themselves away, sacrificing sleep for sound. The result? A perfectly honed sonic weapon. The final, glorious piece of this rock and roll puzzle clicked into place in June 2024 with the arrival of George Rowe (Bass), proving that sometimes, the best things come to those who wait. “Turn it up, listen with us,” they command. And the collective response from their rapidly expanding legion of devotees? “How could we possibly not?!” The Nevers aren’t just gaining momentum; they’re a runaway train with a killer soundtrack. Mark our words: this isn’t just a band to watch; it’s a band you’ll be bragging about discovering before they inevitably take over the world. You’ve been warned! Last of the Misfit Heroes – punky alt grunge power trio…a powerful sound that has reverberations of Nirvana, Deftones, QOTSA. This will be their last ever show so best come on down and give em a good send off!

Get ready for an unforgettable night with Amy’s Winehouse Band. Experience an incredible performance with a full Seven Piece band including a brass section. A tribute to the legendary Amy Winehouse, an icon of the 21st century with her unique look and incredible vocals. Back to black, Rehab, Tears dry on their own, Valerie and many more. A full setlist of her own material and covers she performed. Amy’s Winehouse Band is formed from a group of top-class musicians who have played in lots of successful bands and have vast experience in the live music scene. With Louise steering the ship, you are bound to have a fantastic night due to her stunning vocals alone. The TR5s – a marvellous mixture of skiffle tinged rock roll, power pop, new wave, garage punk and beat music, fronted beautifully by singer Rusty.

The Falsedots – these boys unleash their new album and this is it’s christening partay- and we all love a party as established by Roger Tichbourne and co on their last fab long player. This sees the punky ska, London Town inclined observational wits pondering issues such as Americanization of the UK, bully boy drug dealers and how it’s only certain species of corvids who avoid the slavery of everyday life- and all done with a smile, a lilt and a sizzling skank. And most likely a few Guinnesses or a herbal infusion or two. Lovely chaps. It’s nice to be nice, so long as you also nice up the dance. Job done. Top drawer entertainment. That new album is called We Don’t Live In America, out in Independence Day, 4th July… Little Rock – a band that go back to before when Bugbear first orchestrated the musical comings and goings in the Dublin Castle so whilst we know they ain’t gonna be tender teens we can rest assured they will rock the house with their party blend, and Bigly says Donald, not Littly at all. Niall Logue – not to be confused with the Irish footballer, this young poet and singer songwriter has a Neo shugaze psychedelic shimmer to his song craft that’s very inviting. EVENING SHOW TICKETED SEPARATELY HERE – Gleison Tulio + Garcia – https://wegottickets.com/f/25603 Gleison Tulio is an immensely talented one man band out of Brazil…think Hendrix via Richie Havens…doing crazy psychedelic looping stuff. Here tonight augmented by ace drummer Mariana Santos, who you may recognise as Fab Femme’s very own Ringo. Garcia – old school groovin’, riffin’ rock à la Free or early Cream with some lovely looseness allowed in now and then amidst the tight playing. Highly enjoyable stuff.

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.

The Velvet Thunders – these guys have perfected a party playlist set full of absolute banging dance tunes. From crunching, commercial hard rock classics, to indie bangers, funk and soul staples, big hip hop numbers and punk and new wave corkers. It’s all there to enjoy, with fiery lead guitar, righteous riffola, floor quaking bass and big ass drums. And a superb frontman who really knows how to conduct a party. A superb night out assured! Those Naughty Lumps – talking of superb frontmen- albeit from a wholly different pop universe! First World War historian Peter Lump is joined upfront by cricketing legend Bobby Lump to sing punk pop and eccentric rock songs about the indelicacies of getting old and still being a Sex God. It’s not all ‘Iggy Pop’s Jacket’ ya know! (Although they do still perform that Zoo Recs new wave classic) Underland – Anthemic melodies, heartfelt lyrics and feel-good vibes from a dynamic and high-energy UK band. Underland’s debut single ‘No One Ever Told Me’ was selected for the BBC Radio Wales Welsh A-List the week of its release in January 2025. DJ Fuzz – the man, the myth, the legend. A bloody good night out.

Unorfadox – taking a little bit of everything from all eras of kick ass, thinking man’s rock music…”Energy of the Sex Pistols mixed with the Force of the Foo Fighters crossed with the Melodical interweavings of Hawkwind!”..a bit of Thin Lizzy and early Iron Maiden too, but all with contemporary clout! Electric Cake Salad – Riff driven Electro rock with a nod to Hawkwind and clearly influenced by the likes of Pendulum and the Prodigy, with experimental post punk touches amid the space psych tendencies. Neovenator – with an excellent bunch of records midwifed by the esteemed Flicknife Recs, these boys have added an actual youth on keys and are really taking their figurative pterodactyl to the sonic skies. Great clanging art rock and roll.

Ditch The Demon – seasoned countercultural folk/prog with a snappy pop rock feel plus an old school rawk touch,  but light on its feet too care of a kick ass 4 to the floor beat and some assured soloing. Bands like this are rare as hen’s dentists these days, so jump on yer Custom 750 with yer lady / gentleman on the back and groove off to the Dublin Castle for some Bank Holiday freak out power. Viewed Upon Death – powerful deep and darkly deviant alt rock with a hint of Neo psych and shoe gaze but a hell of a lot of  noize rock intensity. The Hush Tones – Scally Pop and indie rock with a bit of a jangle and a lot of post Stone Roses swagger. Beautifully crafted songs that also occasionally explode with punky abandon.

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.

Ghosts of Seattle ‘The UK’s Leading 90’s Grunge Tribute’ – are coming back to The Dublin …  Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, and more. Every song is a banger – no filler, no fluff, just 2 hours of the grunge anthems you know and love. Big hitters and the occasional deep cut or two for the true fans. Expect Energy. Nostalgia. Pure Grunge Vibes.

DRL and Bugbear give you … The Indie Showcase All Dayer! What a line up! 

What better way to spend a late Summer afternoon than getting down the garage and tinkering with some fabulous vintage motors… The Fallen Leaves, they always go like a dream, featuring Rob from the original Subway Sect on expansively minimal rock and bastard roll guitar, and the other Rob, the perfect effete but acerbic frontman, extolling punk rock for gentlemen virtues to a (cup of) tea. Add the bounciest, beefiest rhythm section in all of so called trash punk and you have a Sunday drive of Hotrod intensity that also makes you grin ear to ear. Excellent fun. Joined by the not quite so vintage but also very well tuned Len Price 3, a band bashing out quintessential garage bangers like it’s their raisin d’etre – which it is. Tuneful with it, and rocking hard and fast from side to side as they zip us past Sunday tedium down the autobahn of ace face rock and roll. What a lovely day out. First band The Hornets 2pm so don’t be late. You really don’t wanna miss these chaps…a youthful frontline with some serious senior drums skills at the back, it’s RnB, Beat Music and ‘60s guitar based rock all the way. Briochouce of covers (Kinks, Beatles etc) and some outstanding originals too. Twangsome, toothsome, terrific.

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.

Oliver Shaw Experience – North London’s most prolific songwriter and recording artiste and his superb band, back in the DC after what has been faaaaaaaar too long!! With his baroque pop, garage rock sensibilities and progressive, Neo psychedelic musical twists and turns, this talented chap’s oeuvre will please fans of The Beatles, The Strokes, Radiohead, Love and more! Always a groovy nite out with Ollie. And he’s curated the night to ensure you have three great support acts lined up for your pleasure… Our opening acoustic solo act is This Gift (Experimental poet songwriter)…also Spargo Sons (Indie alternative rock) Plus our main support will be Mona Et Toi, an ace artist Ollie supported acoustically recently. French experimental electro rock. Artsy and cool as la glace!

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.

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. 

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.

The Too Bad Jims – Nominated for 2025 UK Blues Award for ‘Best Emerging Blues Act’ Nominated for ‘Band of the Year’ by Blues Lounge Radio… The Too Bad Jims got their name from the seminal Fat Possum album “Too Bad Jim” by the hugely influential blues musician RL Burnside. Their unique and unusual combination of dual rough and ready vocals, bare-bones electric guitars, slashing bottleneck, and a heavily rhythm-oriented groove, delivers a hypnotic, raw, and earthy sound typical of a North Mississippi juke joint. Their debut album is titled “Over The Hill – A Tribute To RL Burnside” has received widespread airplay and critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic.  “A remarkable three-piece … they represent the real essence of blues music, unfiltered and immediate” Blues Matters Magazine “I felt like I was transported to a Mississippi Hill Country porch with R.L. Burnside back in the day with your new release”, True Grit Radio Network

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.

The Widows – Post Punk meets Garage punk with abrasive guitars, prowling bass and an unhinged psych gothic vocal, and there’s a Fall inspired Rockabilly vibe at times but also recalls Dead Kennedys, The Gun Club, Sisters of Mercy and Fat White Family. Boss band. 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.

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.

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 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.

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).

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”…

(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.  

“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.

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.

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 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!

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.