The Molotovs/Garage Flower – Lending Room, Leeds – 7th January 2026 

The Molotovs/Garage Flower – Lending Room, Leeds – 7th January 2026 

What happens when you take two teenage siblings from the heart of London town with a rock n’ roll dream and something to say, force feed them a diet of Sex Pistols sneer, The Jam’s sharp suss and a heady dose of The Libertines? The Molotovs are what happens. Singer/guitarist Mathew and bassist Issey are just 17 and 19, respectively and have been making a name for themselves the past 2 years, gigging hard. 

With more than 500 shows under their belts, The Molotovs have put in the hard work, and it seems to be paying off. Following support slots with The Sex Pistols and Blondie, a slew of high-energy anthemic singles that nod to the glory days of ‘77 and a debut album due at the end of the month, their time is now….right now. 

First up tonight, though, are local lads Garage Flower, who have the task of warming up the growing crowd. Presumably named after The Stone Roses album of the same name, the four-piece band deliver a high-energy set of guitar-driven, garage rock. Don’t let the baggy jeans, the floppy fringes and their youthful looks deceive you, these boys are no shoegazing indie pretenders.  

With gravelly lead vocals, effect-ridden guitars and a tight rhythm section that gives a funky feel, Garage Flower have more in common sound-wise with the likes of Senseless Things and Mega City 4 than their Manchester heroes. The angst and rawness of ‘Jammy and’ Garage Flower’ also remind me of Aussie rockers The Vines, so they have that grungy, guitar rock thing going on, which is always a good thing.  

With a high-energy, animated set and plenty of crowd interaction from the singer, these hometown boys are worth checking out. Always make it in time for the support band. 

It’s sold out tonight at this, the second date of a UK tour promoting the yet-to-be-released debut album ‘Wasted On Youth’, and The Molotovs are firing on all cylinders from the moment they hit the stage. Singer Mathew spits, snarls and bashes his Rickenbacker like the bastard offspring of Rotten and Weller. Stage left, his sister Issey is a fervent ball of energy as she pulls off moves most couldn’t match, let alone whilst playing an instrument. Behind them, their latest drummer is a blur of flailing arms and urgent beats. 

With a fistful of songs some will know and a set of largely unfamiliar material, the band must rely on raw energy and their ability to entertain to win over a notoriously hard-to-please Leeds crowd, and they pull it off with ease. Opener ‘Urbia’ and the following ‘Newsflash’ are unfamiliar, yet sound mighty. The killer boy/girl “woah-woah’s” add a touch of class to the latter. Bowie’s ‘Suffragette City is up next, it sounds great, but they don’t really need it, their own material stands up. 

‘Johnny Don’t Be Scared’ and ‘More More More’ are modern, mod-tinged anthems that carry some clout and staying power. ‘Rhythm Of Yourself’ was one of the best tunes of last year, it pogos on a bouncy bass line and a very catchy chorus, it was bound to be a live highlight. Of the unfamiliar songs, ‘Wasting My Time’ is gloriously post-punk and ‘No Time To Talk’ sounds like early Manics, which is no bad thing. 

Chat is kept minimal, although we do get the odd quip from a seemingly nonchalant singer who does try to get a reaction from the crowd. Maybe tonight’s demographic was a bit higher than the band are used to, and while the audience may have lacked some energy, the band certainly didn’t. 

Between Mat’s raw, acerbic delivery, Issey’s relentless energy and the drummer’s Keith Moon-esque power, the trio deliver a faultless set of a seasoned touring band. After an incendiary hour set, they wrap things up with a two-song encore, including new single ‘Get A Life’, which was probably my highlight of the night. 

What a way to start off the gigging this year. For me, the Molotovs are the real deal and the full package. They look good, they sound great and are an exciting and entertaining live band. It’s hard to believe they are not even in their 20s yet.  

‘Wasted On Youth’ is a highly anticipated debut album, and I believe you will not get the chance to see them in small venues like this for much longer. The Molotovs are the sound of youth and the world is theirs for the taking. This is just the beginning. 

Author: Ben Hughes

Ultrabomb reach for the ‘Artificial Stars’

Ultrabomb reach for the ‘Artificial Stars’
Punk Rock Power Trio ULTRABOMB Release New Single “Artificial Stars”Out January 2, 2026 — First Single from Upcoming AlbumThe Bridges That We Burn — Out April 3, 2026

Band Consists of Greg Norton (Hüsker Dü), Derek O’Brien (Social Distortion, Agent Orange, Adolescents) and Ryan Smith (Soul Asylum)

“After a pair of LPs over the past four years, Utrabomb is back with “Artificial Stars,” a swift blow to the sternum that harnesses both the speedy energy of Norton’s early Minneapolis days and the ragged hard-rock sensibility of Twin Tone-era Soul Asylum.” – Magnet

Stream “Artificial Stars”– Here

Minneapolis, MN — Punk rock power trio Ultrabomb have released their new single “Artificial Stars.” The track marks the first release from their forthcoming full-length album The Bridges That We Burn, arriving April 3, 2026 via DC-Jam Records/Virgin Music Group.

“Artificial Stars” delivers Ultrabomb’s signature blend of urgency, melody, and grit — drawing on decades of lived punk experience while confronting themes of isolation, endurance, and the drive to keep reaching forward even in uncertain times.

Greg Norton explains: “Sitting in our bunkers, we only have artificial stars to look at. We are all scarred, but we keep reaching for those stars.”

Release Dates • The Bridges That We Burn (album): April 3, 2026

Label – DC-Jam Records – Here

Follow Ultrabomb – Here

The Wonder Stuff / Vent 414 – Shepherds Bush Empire, London. 19.12.25

The Wonder Stuff / Vent 414 – Shepherds Bush Empire, London. 19.12.25

What a fantastic end to another fantastic year of music for RPM Online, and I can’t think of a better place to be to send off the year than in a packed Empire watching the return of Vent 414and The Wonderstuff celebrating doing this malarky for 39 years!

With Milo and Peter putting in a double shift tonight, it seemed only fair that we make the effort to be in the venue early for this, and after making the 400-mile round trip, we wanted to get our money’s worth and boy did we achieve that. Vent 414 made an admission earlier this year that they were indeed in rehearsals and recording a follow-up album to their debut a mere 29 years ago, so it was a delight when Morgan, Milo and Pete wandered onto the stage and then proceeded to fill every conceivable space in the venue with their huge wall of noise beginning with ‘Laying Down With’. The band cranked out the tunes with a couple of brand new ones they’ve been recording, and Milo did inform us that the album was coming in 2026 and possibly more shows.

The first new song was built around a mega groove baby (aren’t they all) before ‘Fixer’ touched on familiar ground. By the time we locked into the volume control, it was Milo offering up the final song of the seven-song set, another new song entitled ‘Lucinda Comes In Many Colours’, I’m excited to hear the new album and what can only be described as something of a creative purple patch for the man from the midlands and this sounds bang on the money.

After warming his voice up with Vent 414, Milo marched on to the Stage, beaming from ear to ear and proceeded to kick the shit out of the finest tunes the Wonder Stuff has to offer in a manner that defies the years because not only did the band sound leaner and meaner they were on fire, and Milo’s vocals were absolutely outstanding. Little time for chit chat other than to introduce a few tunes and announce this was being recorded for a live album in 2026, it was ‘Red Berry Joy Town’ to kick off, and for the next 90 minutes plus, this ‘Eight-Legged’ heavy set list was nothing short of stunning. Malc and Mark weaved the riffs, and the rhythm was maybe tighter than ever, whilst Erica and Milo let proceedings with nicely timed riffs and licks.

The classics came thick and fast from ‘On The Ropes’ and ‘Cartoon Boyfriend’ to ‘Piece Of Sky’ and an epic ‘Mission Drive’. The Wonder Stuff 2025 were absolutely killing it and bringing the curtain down on one hell of a year for shows. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the revisiting of albums over the past few years and the set lists have been pretty awesome, but for some reason, this one seemed extra special, not because it was being recorded for a live album but the energy from the stage was infectious, and to see post-covid era Milo smiling all the time is as infectious as a dose of flu. So much so that there were cheers for the couple of tracks of the last studio album ‘Don’t Anyone Dare Give A Damn’ and ‘The Guy With The Gift’.

Have I said already how incredible Milo sounded? The guy is singing better than ever, belting out the songs with passion and conviction, and as we headed to ‘Give, Give, Give Me More, More, More’, the clock was ticking, and the end wasn’t far off, even if I didn’t want this to end quite yet, bloody curfews.

The encore was a triple header of ‘Can’t Shape Up’ followed by the finest rendition of ‘Poison’ before a brilliant ‘Ten Trenches Deep’ brought the curtain down on a magnificent night of music that defied the years and absolutely nailed my belief that The Wonder Stuff on form like this are an unstoppable force and are getting better and never going through the motions not for a second. Can we do this again next year for the 40th Birthday, please? Simply stunning! Oh, and if you’re taking requests, chuck ‘Good Night Though’ back into the set, it would have capped off my night perfectly.

Next year marks 40 fucking years of The Wonder Stuff, and that in itself sounds ridiculous, but on this evidence, it would be insane to stop now. This band are on fire, and I say let the music flow and keep on flowing

Author: Dom Daley

4FT FINGERS RETURN WITH ‘BETTER DAYS’

4FT FINGERS RETURN WITH ‘BETTER DAYS’

FIRST NEW SINGLE SINCE 2008 DUE FOR RELEASE DECEMBER 12TH VIA DISCONNECT DISCONNECT RECORDS

PRE-SAVE THE SINGLE HERE

Hailing from Cheltenham, UK, 4ft Fingers is a powerhouse punk rock band that has been making waves in the music scene since their formation in the late 90s. Their signature sound is a blend of fast, melodic, and catchy punk rock, drawing inspiration from iconic bands like The Clash, The Damned, Snuff NOFX among others.

Throughout their career, 4ft Fingers has been known for their relentless work ethic and dedication to their craft. They embarked on extensive tours in the 2000s, solidifying their reputation as “the hardest working punk rock band” as hailed by esteemed publications such as Kerrang! magazine, Big Cheese magazine, and numerous DIY punk fanzines.

In 2025, 4ft Fingers continues to thrive, captivating audiences with their explosive live performances. Currently, they are working on their highly anticipated new album, which will mark their first full-length release since 2008, and are set to end the year on a high with a brand-new single called ‘Better Days’, due for release on December 12th via Disconnect Disconnect Records. Crashing in at just over three minutes, ‘Better Days’ instantly shows that the band’s talent for crafting high-energy melodically charged punk rock hasn’t dissipated one bit in their time away from the studio.

“The single is fuelled with all of the angst and emergency that 4ft Fingers are known for with the speed and melody of their punk rock ‘n roll with soul roots”, states guitarist Tom Saunders. “The song comes from a mature and experienced version of themselves and tackles the highs and lows of life.”

The stage is set for an exhilarating 2026 as 4ft Fingers promises to deliver a blistering and unforgettable punk rock experience. Fans of 4ft Fingers can expect an electrifying fusion of punk rock energy, memorable melodies, and a nod to their influences, creating an unforgettable experience that is both nostalgic and fresh. Stay tuned for their upcoming album and prepare for a blistering ride with 4ft Fingers at the forefront of the punk rock scene.

Find 4ft Fingers online HERE

My Ruin – ‘Declaration of Resistance’ (Magick Room Recordings)

My Ruin – ‘Declaration of Resistance’ (Magick Room Recordings)

My Ruin are back, and they are not fucking around… After a decade-long break, their latest release, ‘Declaration of Resistance’ is a damning statement on the right-wing agenda that’s engulfing US politics (the UK is not far behind!). The album is ferocious and grabs you by the bollocks from the start. Opening track (and first single) Compromised pins you to the floor. Mick Murphy’s monstrous riff, combined with Tairrie B’s spitting vocals, set up the rest of the album perfectly. Declaration of Resistance is more than just an album, it’s an assault on fascism, hate, religious radicalism and the complicity of the Western world in genocide. It’s brutally honest, as heavy as fuck, and quite possibly the most important album of 2026…and it’s still 2025.

What does it sound like, I hear you ask… Think of Rage Against the Machine at their most powerful, add in some Biohazard, throw in some Public Enemy, and sprinkle on riffs that Tony Iommi would be proud of, and then you’re somewhere near the pummelling assault of My Ruin in 2025. Seriously, tracks like The Audacity burst out of the speakers with urgency. The production is perfect, every note and lyric snaps at your heels like a rabid dog. Murphy is one of those supremely talented individuals who can play any instrument. He plays guitar, bass and drums on the album. The drum sound is a breath of fresh air. The drums sound like drums, none of that processed, sampled bullshit. Call to the Void’s Jack Osborne duets with Tairrie B on the crushing True Allies. ‘Contempt’ bumps along with a Kyuss vibe, with lyrics focusing on the vile disregard for anything tasteful by the current US President.

‘Infinite Connection’ has a doomy and dreamy atmosphere; this sounds so good in my headphones. More superb guitar work from Murphy here. ‘Fragile Like A Bomb’ blends hip hop and metal effortlessly. There is so much going on that you need a few listens to really appreciate the effort that has gone into the making of this record. ‘HHRL’ is my favourite song on the album, a down-tuned belter of a riff with more thought-provoking lyrics from Tairrie B. HHRL stands for Hitler Hated Red Lipstick – “but I fucking love it!” she screams.

‘Dark Eyes of London’ is another full-on riff-driven track, there really isn’t a weak song on the album. It’s just banger after banger. Lady Liberty is told from the perspective of Lady Liberty herself. Tairrie B mostly speaks the lyrics until she changes tack to screaming “WHY?” Why indeed…. Lady Liberty rots away as Sacred Reich said back in 1990… nothing much has changed. Muzzle Velocity is an epic track; Murphy plays a blinder here. More chugging riffs and powerhouse drumming…excellent stuff. Truth or Consequences ends the album in style with another powerhouse riff and some fantastic tribal drumming. We also get treated to a fantastic cover of L7’s ‘Shitlist’, which totally fits the vibe of the album.

To summarise, ‘Declaration of Resistance’ does exactly what it says on the tin. Extremely powerful music backed up with the most honest and relevant lyrical content. Some bands say they are not political and that it would alienate their fan base if they wore their politics on their sleeve. I say EVERYTHING is political and we should all be shouting from the rooftops as our humanity is being eroded before our eyes. My Ruin are not scared to show their colours. They speak the truth.

Buy Here

Author: Kenny Kendrick

Ravagers – Set To Hit Europe in 2026

Ravagers – Set To Hit Europe in 2026

TURNT UP IN EUROPE 2026- Here we go! Another European excursion.

Ravagers are looking forward to playing Sweden and Norway for the first time, along with all the usual spots in Germany, Belgium, France, and Spain. Sorry UK. They still haven’t gotten any offers to play over there, but who knows?.. to be continued!

Talk to Billig People if you want Ravagers in your town

TOURDATES so far…

21/05/2026 SWE-Sundbyberg, Encore, Sundbyberg

22/05/2026 NO-Oslo, Last Train, Oslo

24/05/2026 D-Bremen, Lila Eule

25/05/2026 D-Hamburg, Hafenklang

27/05/2026 D-Münster, Heile Welt

28/05/2026 D-Hannover, LUX – Concerts

29/05/2026 D-Essen, Don’t Panic Essen

30/05/2026 D-Alsdorf, Pit Rock Open Air 2026

31/05/2026 D-Kassel, Goldgrube Kassel

01/06/2026 D-Bamberg, Live-Club, Bamberg

03/06/2026 A-St Pölten, Seedose

04/06/2026 D-Dresden, Chemiefabrik Dresden (Chemo)

05/06/2026 D-Berlin, Wild At Heart

06/06/2026 D-München, Bürgerhaus Glockenbachwerkstatt

08/06/2026 D-Saarbrücken, Tante Anna

09/06/2026 D-Köln, Sonic Ballroom

10/06/2026 B-Brussels, Brasserie de la Mule

11/06/2026 B-Arlon, L’Entrepôt À Arlon

13/06/2026 F-Nantes, Cold Crash

14/06/2026 F-Périgueux, Le Moulin du Rousseau

Buy Ravagers Here USA / Europe Here

Celebrity Telethon – Exclusive new single ‘Undercover’

Celebrity Telethon – Exclusive new single ‘Undercover’

Listen to ‘Undercover’ Here

Celebrity Telethon shares the third and final single ahead of their upcoming self-titled record! ‘Undercover’ springs from the murky waters of protopunk (New York Dolls, Velvet Underground, and Flamin’ Groovies all come to mind) with a distinctly DIY home-recorded patina. Roughly hewn overdriven guitars, dungeon-like reverb and crackling vocals offset the song’s pop sensibilities in a manner not unlike Wreckless Eric’s homespun production style. Come to think of it, the tune’s marriage of pub rockin’ R&B (the riff calls to mind James Brown’s “I Got You”) and the chiming freakbeat jangle of the Kinks would have been right at home on Stiff Records’ early roster. However, according to The Gizmos’ Eddie Flowers in his liner notes, “This ain’t no retro fashion show.” 

“Undercover” arrives on the heels of two prior singles, Rock ‘N’ Roll Matinee and Skin Flicks, which both appeared with accompanying music videos co-directed by the band and Mark Habegger. The noir-tinged single art was designed by the EMMY-winning animator Dan Riba, well known for his directorial work on Batman: The Animated Series, Freakazoid!, and Justice League. 

The full Celebrity Telethon album is available for preorder now and will be released digitally and on vinyl December 31st. The tracklist runs the gamut from sleazy punk, garage-inflected roots rock, and even moments of no-wave chaos. Jo Dog Almeida from The Dogs D’Amour makes a slide guitar appearance on the Jacobites-indebted “Latkes & Brisket” while Mike Wilcox (veteran guitarist who’s collaborated with Dave Vanian and Sylvain Sylvain, among others) guests on multiple tracks. 

The band is celebrating with two release shows, in Hollywood and their native Portland, OR. The Los Angeles show is a New Year’s Eve bash at The Roxy with soul legend Swamp Dogg, Tom Kenny & The Hi Seas (yes, THAT Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob), and DJ Lance Rock (of Yo Gabba Gabba fame). On January 10th, the Portland release show at The Six Below Midnight will feature recently reformed ‘90s garage rockers The Statics, Suprr Powrr (featuring Seattle underground hero Rob Vasquez), and danceable art punks Dirt Twins. 

Pre-Order New Album Here

Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify

PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT – 50 YEARS IN MUSIC

PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT – 50 YEARS IN MUSIC

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN MUSIC WITH A CAREER-SPANNING RETROSPECTIVE SET

MANCHESTER ACADEMY, 4TH JUNE 2026

+     VERY SPECIAL GUESTS BUZZCOCKS

Next summer, Peter Hook & The Light will celebrate 50 years of music with a special set at Manchester Academy, spanning his work with Joy Division, New Order, Monaco and more.

On the 4th June 1976, Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto brought The Sex Pistols to Manchester for the first time for a night at the Lesser Free Trade Hall. The show attracted a modest crowd, with around 40 people in attendance, but amongst them were a disproportionate number of future legends of the Manchester scene. Future members of The Smiths and The Fall, Factory Records’ Tony Wilson, punk poet John Cooper Clarke, genius producer Martin Hannett and somewhere amongst that crowd was a young Peter Hook, with his friend & soon-to-be Joy Division bandmate Bernard Sumner.

Energised by the punk performance, Hook set out to buy a bass guitar the very next day. He went on to play in some of the most influential and iconic bands in British music history, pioneering post-punk with Joy Division before moving into more synth-driven soundscapes with New Order. Now, five decades on, Hook is set to celebrate the anniversary of that pivotal night with a special show in the city that shaped him. 

On 4th June 2026, 50 years to the day since The Sex Pistols changed the Manchester music scene forever, Peter Hook & The Light are set to perform a retrospective set spanning his lengthy career at the Academy. Playing choice picks from his time in Warsaw, Joy Division, New Order, Revenge, Monaco, and Freebass, it’s a night not to be missed by fans of Hook and his wide-spanning, widely-influential projects. “On the evening of the 4th June 1976 my life changed forever,” shares Hooky, “I hope on the evening of 4th June 2026 yours will too.” 

Hook will be joined by very special guests Buzzcocks, who were instrumental in putting the Sex Pistols on all those years ago. Since that night, the Buzzcocks have carved out their own place in British music history with hits like “Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)”, “What Do I Get?’ and “Harmony In My Head”, winning audiences over with their catchy punk songwriting and lovesick lyrics. Next June, they support Hook and celebrate their own 50-year anniversary in the process. 

Pre-sale tickets for the show go on sale on Wednesday 3rd December here, while general on-sale kicks off on Friday 5th December. Tickets will be available here.

Live Dates

4th June, 2026 – Manchester Academy (with Buzzcocks) 

Tickets available here. 

For more information:

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WOLFSBANE – ‘All Or Nothing’

WOLFSBANE – ‘All Or Nothing’

FINAL 2026 HEADLINE SHOWS

Wolfsbane, performing with their legendary original lineup, are proud to unveil a brand new video ahead of their three final headline shows to close out 2025.

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‘Live Faster‘ is a totally new re-recording of their debut album ‘Live Fast, Die Fast’.  

To order Live Faster on CD and vinyl go Here

To stream Live Faster:Here

With a huge desire to do justice to the new version whilst respecting the old one, ‘Live Faster’ is splendidly IN YOUR FACE and everything the band had hoped it would be. “We are so pleased with the way it has turned out.” – Blaze

Wolfsbane dates in full 2025

December 5th – Sheffield – The Greystones

December 6th – Bradford – Nightrain

December 7th – Grimsby – Yardbirds

2026 

May 1st – Bonfest – Kirriermuir Scotland 

May 3rd – Roxoff Festival

May 29th – Call Of The Wild Festival 

Tickets for all the shows are available at https://www.wolfsbaneband.com/live/

Formed in Tamworth in 1984 after a couple of years with different drummers the line up of Blaze Bayley on vocals, Jase Edwards on guitar, Jeff Hateley on bass and Steve Danger on drums was established. This line up remains unchanged to this day. Gigging constantly anywhere that would have them Wolfsbane soon gained a reputation as one of the most incendiary live British Rock bands around, with an original sound fusing Hard Rock, Metal, Punk, Glam and Pop.

After receiving great reviews in Kerrang and Sounds magazines and support slots with King Diamond, Motorhead and Faith No More, Wolfsbane came to the attention of legendary record producer Rick Rubin, who signed them to his new Def American label. In 1989 their debut album ‘Live Fast Die Fast’ was released to rave reviews and included the (almost)hit single ‘I Like it Hot’. In 1990 Wolfsbane released the classic six track mini album All Hells Breaking Loose At Little Kathy Wilson’s Place. This was released to accompany a British and Irish tour supporting the mighty Iron Maiden! 91 saw the release of the ambitious and eclectic ‘Down Fall the Good Guys’ album, recorded at Abbey Road studios, produced by a young Brendon O’Brien and followed by the bands biggest and most successful British tour to date.

Wolfsbane toured across Europe, joining bands Motorhead, Anthrax and Public Enemy and Voivod in their tours, having excellent reactions and life changing escapades.

Wolfsbane then parted company with Def American and signed with the reactivated indie label Bronze Records. Their first release for Bronze was the raw raucous and legendary live album ‘Massive Noise Injection’, this was recorded on one sold out night at London’s Marquee club and captured Wolfsbane in all their unhinged glory and earned them a ten out of ten review in the NME!

Revitalised by the success of Massive Noise Injection, Wolfsbane recorded the eponymous stripped down, musically and lyrically hard hitting self titled album known as ‘The White Album’ but before it’s release Blaze Bayley left the band to replace Bruce Dickinson in Iron Maiden.

After a fourteen year hiatus, Wolfsbane reunited in 2007 at the Rock of Ages festival in Tamworth and then toured with the Wildhearts and Quireboys. In 2011 the reunion became permanent and Wolfsbane released their comeback album ‘Wolfsbane Save The World’ and this comeback was to last longer then the band had been together first time around.

This was followed by the ‘Rock’ ep and another live album ‘Wolfsbane Go Loco At The Asylum’ recorded in Birmingham.

In 2022 the band released the second full studio album of their now cemented comeback, the acclaimed ‘Genius’ album which epitomises the bands carefree attitude showing they will enjoy every minute of playing music together, with an infectiousness that can inspire others to do the same.

In 2025 Wolfsbane release ‘Live Faster ‘ a totally new re-recording of their debut album. It is a reclamation of the first album as the band would have wanted it.

Wolfsbane, still the same line up, are currently touring and played with The Almighty in November 

Babyshambles/Trampolene – Tramshed, Cardiff 27.11.25

Babyshambles/Trampolene – Tramshed, Cardiff 27.11.25

It’s been a while since we crossed paths with Swansea’s finest, and with the band expanding to a four-piece with Another Thomas Brother joining the ranks, the sound is beefier, and Jack has the support to wander where the fuck he likes and throw shapes without the sound dropping to just Wayne and Mr Williams.

Wearing his obligatory higher league and local rivals top Jack throws his head back and absorbes the chants of “You Jack Bastard” offered up by tonights hosts whilst casual non partizan gig goers might be wondering what the actual fuck is going on ‘Gotta Do More Gotta Be More’ wafts over the PA as the band go for the jugular from the opening second and to be fair fo rthe next half an hour deliver a thunderous set and sound like their right up for it and in the mood to take no prisoners. Adidas trainers are thrown into the audience as Jack is prowling the stage like a man possessed ‘Sort Me Out’ he says, ‘You Do Nothing For Me’ also sounds fantastic. It’s time for a breather as the band catches their collective breath with the more relaxed ‘Thinking Again’, the pace is put in recovery and shows they have the tunes to kick things off and chill situations out if they so choose. Jack’s smile is infectious and wins over the Cardiff crowd, who are eating out of his hand, which seems like a great time to air a brand new song.

This is as good as I’ve seen the band in a while and totally on focus and in match form, it’s an all too brief set as after the excellent new track is aired a certain Peter Doherty positions himself on the barrier in the front of the audience for a romp through an epic ‘Uncle Brians Abertoir’ Doherty appearing in the front row of the audience to contribute his vocals perfectly then tosses the mic back to Jones to seamlessly carry on almost like it was rehearsed.

With just enough time to get a pit going for ‘Alcohol Kiss’, them boyos done good and the heat of the Tramshed is turned up considerably and with Mr Williams to bow out with a timely cartwheel, Trampolene are back, and they’ve brought the goods. I look forward to more shows and a new record. Let’s have it, you fellow Jack Bastards.

On stroll Babyshambles to the strains of The Simpsons and immediately get down to business with a rambunctious ‘Killamangiro’, and onward we stumbled and puffed our chests out for a ‘Down In Albion’ heavy set. It was the confident ‘Delivery’ up next before we skanked our way through ‘I Wish’, and it was three very different offerings from three very good albums to ease us back into the experience that is a Babyshambles performance.

The band sounded tight as two rizzlas as they eased from the ska to the Strummer indie and back again via some perfectly formed balladeering. To be fair, Pete was kept on a tight leash, and his wandering off in the intro was kept to a minimum, and his jokes were kept under his pork pie hat.

‘À rebours’ was eased into proceedings via a welcome intro of Love Will Tear Us Apart’ only to make way for the set’s highlight as we reached a beautiful moment on ‘Albion’ as a visibly shaking Mr Williams joined the band for a Welsh language version, which was quite moving, and what a wonderful lilt Mr Williams has.

Pat was never far from proceedings with his action picture being the backdrop for a lot of the set, and mentions along the way, there was even time for a brand new Babyshambles song titled, fuck knows I Didn’t Hear It. However, time was of the essence, and we were in danger of having the house lights turned on, so it was an encore but no encore time.

‘Dandy Hooligan’ was the warm-up before we got the school night boppers all jumping around to a punchy ‘Pipedown’ before the curtain was drawn, but not before a sweaty ‘Fuck Forever’ really did signal time to cut the PA. Hopefully, tonight was a reminder to everyone that the magic was still in the air and Doherty and co had left everything on the stage after delivering a thoroughly enjoyable set. Until next time, that was excellent. Now onto some new music, and we can all do this again next year. The Shambles are back in the game and leaner and right on focus.

Author: Dom Daley