What’s On

Faray the Great is a Zimbabwean Singer-Songwriter and Guitarist. His music is a fusion of African Rhythms with blues, rock, jazz and funk.

With his guitar and vocals he serenades his listeners and takes them on a journey of discovery, healing, transformation and excitement through sound. Strong African rhythm patterns blended together with western elements makes his sound unique and appealing to audiences of diverse cultures and nationalities with Faray’s guitar playing that sweeps away the human soul. His music addresses social themes, social justice, identity and love, resonating deeply across cultures with his highly energetic electric and acoustic live shows.

Born and raised in Gweru, Zimbabwe and having produced 3 studio albums he has toured Southern Africa extensively with His Band. He has perfomed at music festivals, corporate functions and public events and various charity concerts.

Faray the Great embarks on his Debut UK tour with his latest offering titled African proverbs.

THIS SHOW IS CANCELLED. Existing ticket holders will receive a refund.

Established in 2015, Mötley Crüde is Europe’s longest running Motley Crüe tribute band, and crowned winners of the world’s most authentic tribute to Mötley Crüe, as voted by the official Mötley Crüe global fanclub.
In 2023, the band became the first tribute act in history to sell out the iconic ‘Underworld’ venue in Camden, London, UK on presales alone, equalling that of the real Mötley Crüe who sold out the same venue just 6 months prior in a secret show under the name Dögs Öf War.

Lifelong Mötley Crüe fans, Mötley Crüde are unparalleled in their attention to detail when recreating what they believe to be the four most iconic and best loved Mötley Crüe eras (1983’s Shout At The Devil, 1985’s Theatre of Pain, 1987’s Girls, Girls Girls & 1989’s Dr. Feelgood) with costumes, instruments and performances replicated in minute detail, which are to date replicated by no other Mötley Crüe tribute.
2025 sees the band embark on a nationwide tour named ‘Decade of Decadence’ to celebrate their 10-year anniversary, with a full 2-hour show of the hits as well as fan favourite album tracks. So prepare to relive the Sunset Strip glory days as Mötley Crüde brings you a night of non-stop anthems, face-melting riffs, and enough anarchy to make even Nikki Sixx proud. Dust off your leather jackets, tease up your hair, and get ready to scream your lungs
out as Mötley Crüde takes you all the way to the top of the mountain … and then throws you off just for kicks.

One Dan, 88 Keys
An electrifying night of amusing piano pop-punk. If you like the energy of McFly, the wit of Bowling for Soup and the timeless influence of Elton John then newcomer, Dan Sutton will make the perfect Friday Night out for you.

Joining him is the incredibly talented solo artist Angelkidd known around East Anglia for his crazy energy, catchy tunes and brilliant set of original tracks.

TBC

Tonight is the official Cambridge launch of Dom Howard’s debut album, ‘All the Paths Join Up Here’, releasing March 28th on CD and digital. Dom is joined by an exciting band of London based musicians and will be selling the brand new CDs.

Dom Howard is a guitarist, composer and producer from Cambridge, living in East London. Dom’s journey originates early on, where he co-led award winning prog metal band and duo ‘Influx of Insanity’ for its duration in 2017 until 2021, headlining gigs at Cambridge Junction and The Apex, Bury St Edmunds. Dom parted from the duo to embark on his solo project which saw the release of his debut EP ‘Cascade’ in 2020, available to stream and buy on Bandcamp. Dom began studying Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music where he’s currently in his final year, and is a frequent collaborator with Immy Churchill, Ashkan Layegh, Anatole Muster, Kielan Sheard, Kasper Rietkerk, Ananda Brandão, amongst other artists. Dom leads his own groups and performs solo concerts in a variety of spaces, such as Fitzrovia Chapel in February 2024. Dom has performed across the UK, and in prestigious London venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, Pizza Express Soho and Vortex Jazz Club.

His discography can be found here

[caption id="attachment_84981" align="aligncenter" width="566"] The Karma Effect Band, signed to Earache Records photographed by Dean Chalkley[/caption]

Tickets released 20th Jan at 10am

Dirty vintage rock n roll; the bastard lovechild of Black Crowes vs Aerosmith with a step-sibling of Greta Van Fleet.

Formed during the Covid pandemic buy a bunch of long-time school hood friends and musical acquaintances, The Karma Effect, are a 21st Century take on a classic 70s rock, roll n soul sound; big on keys, guitar riffs and huge vocal melody, all combining into a grandiose sonic soundscape that draws upon the best of yesteryear. Their debut album epitomises this philosophy. It’s a no-nonsense throwback, encapsulating the energy of good time, arena, rock n roll, brought bang up to date.

This show is Standing
Doors open at 7:30pm
Last entry at 9:30pm
Curfew at 11pm

Keeping up traditions of years gone by The Ouse Valley Singles Club return to the Portland Arms Cambridge on Friday 18th April.

If you are not familiar with The Ouse Valley Singles Club or have yet to catch their live show then you are in for a treat. They are one of, if not the, most original outfits currently playing the live circuit.

Fully self-promoted with the aid of their online videos and huge social media presence, the Ouse Valley Singles Club are one of the hardest working bands around, having gigged almost every weekend over the last 10 years honing their craft and building a massive following of loyal Fans as they go.

Influenced by the long forgotten sounds & traditions of 1950’s Skiffle (Google it) they combine this sound with the energy of Punk and the swing of Rock and Roll, whilst occasionally dropping some Reggae flavour into the mix. Then layering this with hilarious Folk-like story-telling, often crossing the parameters of what is deemed to be politically correct but keeping it very tongue in cheek. In doing this, they have created a truly original & highly entertaining sound that has been dubbed “New Wave Skiffle” and they have been described as ‘George Formby meets The Clash’ where Vaudeville music Hall meets Working Men’s club.

The scourge of the Metropolitan Liberal Elite’ The OVSC put on a show that gives a hysterical observational account of everyday tales of woe with a razor-sharp observational narrative whilst rocking the crowds with their infectious ear-worms.

Having packed out the main arena’s to capacity, they have headlined Peterborough Beer Festival and opened to several thousand revellers on the main stage at Bedford’s River Festival (second largest free festival in the UK) as well as being a regular feature at events such as Cambridge’s Strawberry Fair, The OVSC are no strangers to the Festival Circuit. Festivals they have performed at are; Boomtown, Bestival, Rhythmtree, Nozstock, Mosley Folk and Lunar Festival, Truckfest, Rhythms of The World festival, Lodestar, Henry’s Little Big Gig, Harlequin Festival, Maui Waui, Green Meadows and Glastonbudget among many others.

Highlights of their musical journey came when they supported luminaries Chas and Dave on their 2014 tour, warmed up for Sir Bob Geldolf and The Boomtown Rats in the main arena at the Great British Alternative Music Weekender at Butlin’s Skegness as well as providing warm up for the likes of Pete Docherty, The Wonderstuff and the poetical musical comedy genius KATG. Clearly illustrating their flexibility and appeal to audiences of all ages and musical backgrounds going down a storm and building their following at every gig they play.

The UK’s BEST Stone Roses Tribute return to the stage to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the eponymous Stone Roses gig at SPIKE ISLAND! If you love I Am The Resurrection, Made Of Stone, Fools Gold, Waterfall, She Bangs The Drums and many more then do not miss this exclusive opportunity to hear your favourite Stone Roses anthems performed live by the UK’s finest tribute!

Spring 2025 sees the UK’s Amplifier release their 8th studio album GARGANTUAN and a return to playing live shows following a hiatus since 2019. This tour – Amplifier’s first ever as a two-piece – proves that their passion for the core activity of making music is clearly undiminished.

“Our main value is just do what you love for the love of it. If you do that, then anything that comes along with it is just a bonus.”
You can expect to climb aboard the good spaceship Amplifier and ride the titanic waves and grooves of triumph.

https://youtu.be/NOc7j5-7sSo?si=GUzIVIIz6O0TtoOR

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1lCspmd05bYpPS814xw5nl?si=7qe3M8abSE-AK-MtR5LT8Q

The Deadlians – The Deadlians are a Dublin based band with a cult following
playing folk songs, punk rock, psychedelic segues. With thumping drums, a
humming synth, evocative guitars and inventive vocal ornamentation, The
Deadlians come together in catchy arrangements. They are looking to create their
own identity in the alternative folk music scene. Their music is phenomenal. With
melodic and rhythmic tunes, their sound evokes a faintly darker edge to a new
generation of Irish alternative trad/folk groups performing today. Dublin man Sean
Fitzgerald, singer, balladeer, songwriter, poet, storyteller and musician fronts The
Deadlians started in 2017 as a four piece are now an Irish trad rock five-piece. One
of Ireland’s best kept secrets.

https://youtu.be/vbXAZ6t0oG0?feature=shared

Bandcamp – https://thedeadlians.bandcamp.com/album/rid-the-land-ofgreedy-
toads

Wigan band, the Stanleys arrive at The Portland Arms, fresh from supporting Richard Ashcroft, Cast and Shed Seven across the UK – and their recent headline show at the 950 capacity Manchester Academy 2, which sold out in minutes!

Having also been on the road with the likes of The Libertines, The Lathums, The Sherlocks, Jamie Webster, The View and Inspiral Carpets, it’s only a matter of time before the Stanleys are as well-known across the UK, as they are across Manchester and the North-West.

“Well thought out musicianship” and “well on the way to making
something special” – BBC Radio Manchester

Support comes from two bands destined for a big future, Afterdrive and The Portland.

Afterdrive
In just a short time, Ipswich band, Afterdrive have already become admired for their perfect blend of pop and indie music and receive regular airplay on prestigious national platforms like BBC Radio 1 and Radio X.

The Portland
The Portland are definitely one to keep an eye on. With influences as diverse at The Pixies and Bill Callahan, The Portland are going places.

Rock night

Hard to believe we know but it is true, Kirk Brandon has now been leading SPEAR OF DESTINY for over 40 years.

SPEAR OF DESTINY were formed in 1983 after the demise of Kirk Brandon’s post punk iconic rockers THEATRE OF HATE. (Brandon had also, before TOH, been the main man in every punk rockers favourite band of that era, The Pack)

The current line up of Spear is the longest serving to date and features Adrian Portas (New Model Army / Sex Gang Children), Craig Adams (Sisters of Mercy / The Cult / The Mission) and Phil Martini (Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind )on drums. During 2019 the line up was boasted by Saxophonist Clive Osborne. Long time Brandon collaborator Steve Allen-Jones completes the band line up on keyboards..

Post Pandemic has seen SOD play some fabulous club shows and festivals including sell out shows at the iconic 100 Club in London, Manchester Ritz and Glasgow Oran Mor. SOD’s performances at Sign of the Times, Rebellion and Kubix festivals have heralded fantastic reviews “Festival Stealing Dream set” wrote The Northern Echo.

Late 2024 will see Spear take to the road with long term friend Richard Jobson who will fronting a revitalised line up of the much loved Post Punk Heroes THE SKIDS. This amazing line will be playing close to 30 shows across the UK in November and December 2024, NOT to be missed.

For SPEAR OF DESTINY 2025 will be the year of ‘Janus”. Janus The Recordings are the choicest cuts from the band’s two biggest selling albums, Outland & The Price You Pay. 24 tracks re-recorded and re-imagined, beautifully packaged and presented on Double Vinyl, Extended Double CD and Download. Janus The Tour will pull a set list from these fantatsic new recordings.

The BBC’s Jeremy Vine says, “@kirkbrandon is one of our greatest musical geniuses”

John Robb’s Louder Than War “Spear of Destiny are criminally underrated and are one of Britain’s best, Boys Own, punch the air, grandiose Rock’nRoll bands.”

Mojo wrote: “Kirk Brandon is on of the UK’s best kept secrets”.

On SOD’s previous studio album ‘31’(Thirty-One).
BBC Radio’s Jools Holland: “possibly [Spear of Destiny’s] best album in 20 years”

Louder Than War: “9/10 Brandon puts his all into every song with epic bombast, coming across as a tragic rock n roll anti-hero. He is the Wagner of rock n roll. And the haircut’s still pretty cool”

Aberdeen Voice: “Forty years together makes for flawless musicianship, a unique sound, and some remarkable riffs and harmonies”

“His music is simple but joyous, and totally infectious” – Songlines Magazine
“His songs are moving to hear and a spectacle to watch” – Evening Standard

Gasper Nali is a not-so-traditional babatoni player from the small town of Nkhata Bay on the shores of Lake Malawi. The babatoni is an African one-string home-made 3-metre long bass guitar, and with a stick and an empty beer bottle, together with a cow skin kick drum and catchy melodies, he creates the most amazing and danceable original Afro Beats possible!

Gasper’s unique style of Kwela music has received an extraordinary amount of online attention after a video of him playing by the lake shore went viral with over 20 million views. He has been featured by CNN and in the documentary “Deep Roots Malawi”, jammed with Joss Stone, appeared on Wired for Sound – Malawi, remixed by Aroop Roy for Sol Power Sounds and been played by Iggy Pop on BBC 6! His debut album, “Abale Ndikuwuzeni”, roughly translates to ‘People, I want to tell you’. It is a fitting title as Gasper’s songs, all sung in the Malawi national language of Chichewa, talk about life and strife in the country, often including social issues such as the rich and the poor, child marriages etc.