Rob Clamp | April Moon | The Just Numbers

. . .

Thursday, 16th May 2024

The Ferret | Preston

Doors 7PM

FREE ENTRY!

. . .

ROB CLAMP:

Singer, acoustic guitarist, stomp box and foot tambourine player.

‘It’s not often you come across a voice with such controlled power: even at the emotional heights and depths of the songs, Rob’s voice retains a purity and focus that is all too rare. Wherever his songwriting leads him, his voice adapts to the genre, from pop through folk and roots. A classic voice for classic music.’ Rob has been featured on BBC introducing, has won the highly regarded ‘Purbeck Rising 2022’ imprinting himself onto the UK folk scene, and won the ‘Sofia International Singer Songwriter Festival 2022’ in Bulgaria.

Heavily influenced by the likes of; Ben Howard, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Bruce Springsteen - Rob’s music is filled with real life experiences, performed in his own compelling storytelling style, with acoustic guitar accompanied by a variation of foot percussion. 2023 was eventful for Rob, selling out numerous shows in the South of England including; The Joiners Arms (Southampton) and The Railway Inn (Winchester), rounding off the year supporting the likes of; Frank Turner, James Walsh (Starsailor) and Sean McGowan. Rob has performed on nationally regarded stages already in 2024 at; The AMA UK Showcase in London and won the public vote on the Introducing stage at The UK West Coast Folk Festival in Blackpool. His debut album (Lost Soul) was released on March 1st  with his debut headline tour across the UK and Europe throughout the Spring of ‘24.

APRIL MOON:

An alt-country / Canadiana duo, who use intertwined guitars, big vocal harmonies and an old suitcase kick drum to create a big, full sound. 

Live videos on the April Moon YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhmASaLeG7TDlwQk2MQToIann-aM4hTPZ&si=cgGuFE05A0U3xTa4

THE JUST NUMBERS:

Rock & Blues Originals

https://soundcloud.com/thejustnumbers

https://www.facebook.com/thejustnumbers

Rob Clamp | April Moon | The Just Numbers

. . .

Thursday, 16th May 2024

The Ferret | Preston

Doors 7PM

FREE ENTRY!

All ages welcome. Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

The Ferret presents:

USA NAILS
+
MUMS
+
RUDE FILMS

Friday 17th May | Doors 7pm
The Ferret | Preston

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USA Nails:

“Since their 2014 debut, London quartet USA Nails have built up a reputation for a bracing and scorching style of post hardcore and noise rock.” - Under The Radar

Expect searing post punk soaked in distortion, anarchic instrumentation and wild-eyed vocal delivery.

Mums:

“In the mutable realm of alternative music, where vibrancy clashes with cacophony and melodies flirt with dissonance, bands like Mums, rooted in the gritty landscape of Northwest England, show that longevity isn’t just about persistence—it’s about evolution.” - Idioteq

With their sound pushing its own boundaries, Mums drive deeper into the realm of thick riffs and earworm vocal lines, while ensuring the feedback always threatens to shatter speakers.

Rude Films:

The four piece, hailing from Manchester via Lancashire mill town Chorley, draw upon a melancholic sound, which they dub as ‘a sonic reflection of their bleak surroundings’.

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The Ferret presents:
USA NAILS + MUMS + RUDE FILMS
Friday 17th May | Doors 7pm
The Ferret | Preston
Ages 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Tickets: skiddle.com/e/38071977

Preston Scratch Band

Saturday 18th MAY

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 12.30pm, session runs until 2.30pm

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Communal music-making! Bring an instrument or just bring yourself and we will all sing and play pop songs together using provided lyrics, melodies and chords.

No preparation is required but we will be having a go at Hi ho silver lining, Make me smile, Eternal flame, Son of a preacher man, Happy together, Sweet Caroline, I guess that’s why they call it the blues, Torn, Imagine, Run, Knockin’ on heaven’s door, Yellow.

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£5 per person, cash or card.

Drinks available from the bar.

The Ferret, 55 Fylde Road, PR1 2XQ.

Doors 12.30pm, session runs until 2.30pm.

Contact session leader Jon on JonAveyard1@gmail.com.

www.PrestonMusicWorkshops.com

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A new home for Preston Scratch Band

The communal music-making session known as Preston Scratch Band will soon be meeting in its new home at The Ferret. 

The group gathers on occasional Saturdays to sing and play pop songs using provided music books. Led from the keyboard by Jon Aveyard of Preston Music Workshops, participants borrow hand percussion or bring along their ukuleles, guitars, violins and whatever other instruments they would like to play. Some of the participants instead sing along and can make use of the wireless microphones if they want to make sure they are heard.

The group first met in the UCLan Media Factory but for the past two years had been gathering in The Larder. Now that The Larder has closed its doors for the final time, the group is moving to The Ferret following a successful one-off visit as part of last year’s Lancashire Encounter festival.

“We are grateful to The Larder for hosting us these past few years but now we’re looking forward to the next stage in the life of the Preston Scratch Band,” says Jon. “The Ferret is undoubtedly one of Preston’s most important music venues and it’s a privilege to meet there to play.”

Unlike most groups that perform at The Ferret, there is no expectation of being at a professional standard. “There’s no audience at a Preston Scratch Band session. Everyone who attends takes part in every song even if they’re just quietly singing along or shaking a tambourine. It’s a gathering of people willing to throw themselves into singing and playing and accepting whatever is brought to the session by the other participants.”

Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fmkVNPrwNcfor a short film by Chris Davis about the Preston Scratch Band.

Madhouse Promotions Presents:

Warlock AD

with special guests:

VLKA, Wailing Banshee & Vanitas

Saturday 18th May | 7pm

The Ferret | Preston

Warlock AD are returning to Preston bringing their Power Metal all the way from the mystical land of Stoke-On-Trent with influences such as Dio, Manowar, Rhapsody, and PowerWolf with the aim of telling epic tales of bizarre interdimensional proportions. 

VLKA - a 5 piece viking metal band from Manchester, England who began playing in 2019.

Wailing Banshee are a five piece classic metal band hailing from Manchester. They are the new generation of old school heavy metal with a mission to thrust their traditional influences back in to the modern scene. 

Vanitas are a progressive metal band formed in 2022 the five piece burst into the UK scene with technical riffs, big orchestral soundscapes and soaring vocals, with what they call 'cinematic djent'. 

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Saturday, 18th May 2024

The Ferret | Preston

Doors 7PM

TICKETS: skiddle.com/e/38090636

THE FERRET OPEN MIC - now on the first tuesday and third sunday of every month!

SUNDAY 19th May with host: Jamie Brewer

Every month on the FIRST TUESDAY and the THIRD SUNDAY we'll be opening up The Ferret stage for an Open Mic, and inviting local bands & musicians to showcase new material. The OPEN MICwill feature an exciting mix of new & experienced players, showing us what they've got!

We have plenty of Open Mic slots from 7pm. Arrive early to bag your spot!

Backline provided - drummers please bring breakables - please get in touch if you have specific requirements.

Slots are first-come first-served.

Free entry. It all kicks off at 7pm.

EVERY MONTH - on the FIRST TUESDAY and THIRD SUNDAY.

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SUNDAY 19th MAY: The Ferret Open Mic hosted by guest host Rachael Waring. Join us!

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🗓️SUNDAY 19th MAY - 7pm

📍The Ferret, Preston 

🔗theferret.live

FREE ENTRY

#openmic #theferret #livemusic #supportlivemusic

“Make The Ferret Mad Again” -  Stand Up Comedy in the Heart of Preston! 🤣🎤

Every third Tuesday of the month we bring you MTFMA, featuring a hand-picked line-up of hilarious comedians from all over the North West. Keep an eye out for your guest MC!

Expect everything plus the kitchen sink!

Lineup:

TBC!

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Introducing: “Make The Ferret Mad Again” - Stand Up Comedy in the Heart of Preston! 🤣🎤

A monthly comedy night for Preston, and we’ve got the privilege of hosting the laughs at our gaff.

Curated by Fil Milton and featuring guest hosts each month, Make The Ferret Mad Again will land at The Ferret every 3rd Tuesday of each month.

These hilarious nights are FREE ENTRY and the laughs will kick off from 7:30pm (doors at 7pm).

Come and enjoy some Ferret funnies, and Make The Ferret Mad Again! 🙌

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Tuesday 21st May 2024

Free entry

7pm Doors / 7:30pm Showtime

Every 3rd Tuesday of the month

Aziz Ibrahim

(The Stone Roses & more) - The String Theory Tour

Wednesday 29th May

The Ferret | Preston

Born from British/Pakistani routes, the eclectic fusion of cultures can be heard through the electric samples and felt through the live wall of worldly guitar sounds. 

Aziz Ibrahim's decorated career has seen him perform across Europe, (the first UK rock n roll artist to tour Libya & Syria) North/South American, India & Pakistan. Having replaced John Squire in seminal Manchester band 'The Stone Roses' Aziz has subsequently co-wrote & recorded on further classic records with Ian Brown including 'My Star', 'Corpses in Their Mouth', 'Golden gaze' & 'Solarized' which he incorporates with his unique and original style within his live set.

Aziz was asked by Mick Hucknell (Simply Red) to join the band in 1988 for their highly regarded 'End of the world tour' which he duly agreed to and subsequently fulfilled, performing on smash hits 'Holding back the years' & 'Monies too tight to mention'.

Collaborations with Paul Weller, Mani & Asia have cemented Aziz's status as one of the most sought after & uniquely talented underground musicians to be working within the industry.

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AZIZ WHO? Aziz Ibrahim Interview & Feature:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZJTKtX6rME

Aziz Ibrahim - Stay On The Middle Road Feat. Paul Weller:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4xmAIN_sgU

Ian Brown - My Star:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M019_bg4uWg

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Aziz Ibrahim (The Stone Roses & more) - The String Theory Tour

Wednesday 29th May

The Ferret | Preston

skiddle.com/e/38271806

Ages 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

The Empire Police

return to The Ferret in Preston for a hometown headline show!

The Empire Police - Noise from the heart of Lancashire.

The Empire Police are a four-piece musical powerhouse hailing from Preston.

Since forming in 2015, they have carved their mark within their local scene and beyond, with instantly captivating music and energetic live shows, earning them support slots with the likes of The Sherlocks, Blinders and RATS, and sold out headline shows across the north-west.

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TICKETS: www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Preston/The-Ferret/The-Empire-Police-at-The-Ferret/38193801/

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Friday 31st May 2024

The Ferret | Preston

7PM

TICKETS: www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Preston/The-Ferret/The-Empire-Police-at-The-Ferret/38193801/

Presented by The Ferret in association with Preston Jazz & Improvisation Festival

NU JAZZ (NYC)

Wednesday, 5th June 2024

The Ferret | Preston

Featuring members of Deli Girls, Ex-Wiish, Murderpact, The Beak Trio and more, NYC’s most transgressive and mysterious supergroup, Nu Jazz, synthesizes a decade plus of six unique, yet naturally interconnected musical journeys. Some members have spent years in New York City’s experimental electronic scene, while others have dedicated the bulk of their musical lives pursuing what we call “Jazz”. Despite disparate influences, all are bound by a profound appreciation for musical frontiers that have yet to be explored, creating that which defies the limitations of genre.

Their debut record “Vol. I” combines the sound of NYC electronic hardcore, unrestrained improvisation, and sample based modular synthesis techniques influenced by featured collaborator and keyboardist Jason Lindner of Bowie’s “Blackstar Orchestra”.

The six members have previously operated in genres of synth punk, breakcore, art-pop and thrash metal, resulting in a distinct and raw sound. Vast electronic soundscapes, extraterrestrial vocal textures and open improvisation submerged in raw punk swagger sets Nu Jazz apart from the rest.

Psychedelic, dizzying and cathartic.

Dan Orlowski @shitney_queers [Deli Girls] on vocals 

Kevin Eichenberger @two_enchanted_hammers [The Beak Trio/CGI Jesus] on bass

John Bemis @murderpact [Murderpact] on drums

Ben Shirken @beshkenxo [Beshken/Ex Wiish] on electronics

Ryan Easter @mrryaneaster [Wrens/The Trap Music Orchestra] on trumpet

Jason Lindner [Blackstar Orchestra] on keys

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NU JAZZ (NYC)

Wednesday, 5th June 2024

The Ferret | Preston 

skiddle.com/e/39027070

Presented by The Ferret in association with Preston Jazz & Improvisation Festival

Oddisee & DJ Unown

Thursday, 6th June 2024

The Ferret | Preston

Tickets: skiddle.com/e/38217237

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Oddisee (Washington DC, USA)

Born Amir Elkhalifa in Washington D.C. to a Sudanese father and African American mother, and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Oddisee bore witness to stark inequity early in life and became as political as the city he was raised in. 

Elkhalifa tackles the human condition with unwavering conviction and candor, merging elements of jazz, funk, and go-go into his hip-hop rooted production. Instead of pursuing record deals and executives, Elkhalifa has taken the less-traveled path. Streamlining elements of the industry early on, from single-handedly recording, producing, and mixing his music to steering his marketing strategy and tour runs. 

A string of contemporary releases—Rock Creek Park (2011), The Beauty in All (2013), The Good Fight (2015), Alwasta (2016), and The Iceberg (2017)—headlining performances and tours with his 5-piece band, Good Compny, and streams in the hundred-millions have propelled him to international recognition and acclaim.

Long celebrated as a deep-thinking emcee that delivers a masterclass in lyricism over his own production often influenced with the Go-Go music of his DMV roots, Oddisee explores human ambition, posing the question: “how far are you willing to go, and why?” on his 2023 return full length album „To What End“.

 Oddisee’s work has been celebrated by NPR, TIME Magazine, Rolling Stone, New York Times, Washington Post, Complex, Hypebeast, KCRW, and many, many more across the globe. 

Pitchfork deemed 2017’s trenchant The Iceberg “a focused beam oflive-band and hip-hop soul that rattles loudly in our present political moment,” while Stereogum described 2020’s Odd Cure as “gorgeous” and with NPR booking Oddisee for TWO Tiny Desk performances.

Youtube:

NPR Tiny Desk Concert

https://youtu.be/88_jAJ-MduU?si=QpsP-pmV_4lk9dAH

Own Appeal

https://youtu.be/E2Snh2NZHhk?si=OaJYOgRDr_MRdfGa

Like Really (A COLORS SHOW)

https://youtu.be/IzjuReog3Yo?si=HUf_vkwEkn8jo83P

You Grew Up:

https://youtu.be/eD_QnHxM1_A?si=iCnKpKKjqxFwPztk

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Thursday, 6th June 2024

The Ferret | Preston

Tickets: skiddle.com/e/38217237

From jazz’n’roll at their very beginning to the genuinely unique powerhouse of psychedelic and cinematic grooves that makes the meticulous & prolific band we know today…

Presented by The Ferret in association with Preston Jazz & Improvisation Festival

The Benoit Martiny band

The Benoit Martiny Band or BMB are a Jazz-Rock Band formed in summer 2004 somewhere in between a garage in Rameldange (Luxembourg) and the streets of Rotterdam (Holland) where the band members met during their Jazz studies.

The group consists of Benoit Martiny (Luxembourg) on drums, Sandor Kem (Hungary) on Bass, Jasper van Damme (The Netherlands) and Joao Driessen (NL) on Saxophones, and Frank Jonas (NL) on guitar.

The music they play is composed by Martiny and is inspired by Rock, Free Jazz, and Psychedelia, taking inspiration from artists such as Led Zep, Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix & Miles Davis.

Over the years BMB has released 6 albums and 2 DVDs. The band was nominated for the Dutch Jazz Competition in 2005 and won the Amersfoort Jazz Talent Award in 2008. Apart from touring all over Europe the band has also played concerts and festivals in Japan and Venezuela.

- - -

Benoit Martiny Band 

Friday, 7th June 2024

The Ferret | Preston 

skiddle.com/e/38300492

Madhouse Promotions Presents:

Crypta: Shades Of Sorrow Summer Tour

The Ferret | Preston

Tuesday, 11th June 2024 | Doors 7pm

Crypta is a Brazilian death metal band, founded in 2019, by Luana Dametto and Fernanda Lira, and officially announced in May 2020. On guitars, Tainá Bergamaschi and Jéssica di Falchi complete the current line-up.

The four-piece is signed to Austrian label Napalm Records, through which their debut album “Echoes of the Soul” was released, in June 2021.

The album was recorded in Brazil at Family Mob studio, engineered by Otávio Rissato, produced by Thiago Vakka, mixed by Arthur Rizk and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studio. The cover art was painted by Wes Benscoter.

The full-length was also licensed and released on the same date in Brazil and Argentina by Dynamo Records, in Russia by Soyuz Music, in Japan by Ward Records and later in Mexico by Concreto Recs.

The 3 main singles off it were “From the Ashes”, “Starvation” and “Dark Night of the Soul”, which videos can be found on their label's official YouTube channel.

The promotional tour of their first album went through Latin America and Europe, featuring some important dates alongside some of the biggest names in metal and the participation in some of the main festivals around the world, such as Wacken Open Air, Rock in Rio, Primavera Sounds and Rock al Parque. In addition to that, the band is already planning to announce in the coming months the continuation of the tour in territories not yet visited by them!

Crypta just released their second album called “Shades of Sorrow”, and are currently promoting it around the world, and on the 11th of June, they’ll be visiting us here at #TheFerret on our legendary stage!

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Tuesday, 11th June 2024

The Ferret | Preston

skiddle.com/e/38224257

The Ferret presents:

Bonnacons Of Doom

+ Human Hand

+ Thraa

Thursday 13th June 2024

The Ferret | Preston

Traversing the everyday in 2023, the need for catharsis only grows stronger. Enter Bonnacons Of Doom, progenitors of Trans Pennine hypnotic music.

This mirror masked collective, amassed from across the North of England, have stepped up their mission accordingly on ‘Signs’ – their second album for Rocket Recordings.

Signs takes the band’s engagement with tradition and ritual on a new trajectory, tracking forward into our digital lives and exploring how our actions are shaped by the post-human environment. New rituals and behavioural patterning evolve in response to the dominance of digital flows and interactions. The desire to reconnect to the ancient and the mystic grows stronger as our daily lives become ever more enmeshed within waves of information and disinformation.

The accelerated course into the post-digital begs pause for thought on this new realm’s impact on human and ecological development. Building on the intimidating intensity of Bonnacons Of Doom’s self-titled 2018 debut, ‘Signs’ offers a sonic response to the tension between the urge to pursue continuity with our past and to adapt to our changing present. Hypnotic grooves and the monomaniacal intensity of the riff are fractured by digital interplay, electronics and the incantatory vocals of ceremonial leader Kate Smith, coalescing into a metaphysical force which stands defiant of easy categorisation.

“The past five years has really accelerated a sense of confusion” states the band’s Rob Strachan. “I think we’re in a period of post-digital decay and in a sense the album is naturally a response to that. I think everyone feels out of control and we’re all trying to make sense of a period where it feels like everything is falling apart. So I think culturally and politically there’s a tendency to look for emergent signs to explain things that are essentially chaotic. Pattern recognition is a key part of being a human so we all look for signs even if their interpretations are misaligned or totally out there”

“There was definitely a conscious decision to address the real world more explicitly on this record. It’s much more lyric based than the first album but still trying to channel something otherworldly or spiritual” reflects Kate.

“The idea of signs works as a multiple metaphor across the album” she adds. “Signs related to differing aspects of being human” The title track ‘Signs’ itself - which shoots the band’s elemental forces through a fragmented electronic prism to liberation and transcendence anew - “...is about looking for signs from the universe and wanting to feel connected to a greater whole”. ‘Facing’, meanwhile, the album’s opener - volleying forth with a riff-driven aural assault as graceful as it is steadfast - “...is about having to fight for everything.

Standing when there are multiple obstacles in the way” ‘Signs’ marks both a portent of things to come, and a roadmap of the psychic pathways to survival. Within these otherworldly manifestations lurks solace in a place where the transcendent powers of heavy amplification, sonic explorations and forces darker and more unknowable can coalesce to cathartic and redeeming effect.

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“Beckoning the aliens to beam down and join us.” The Quietus

“A hard band to beat.” Clash

“Unearthly vibrations and unholy revelations.” Louder Than War

“Imagine Master Musicians of Bukkake playing a house party on The Wicker Man island.” Echoes and Dust

“An Earth-rattling howl into the desert.” Concrete Islands

“Massed mantras and immersive psychic wailings.” Mojo

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Support from:

HUMAN HAND:

Noise from Lancashire, UK. Joe Hollick (Wolf People), Karl Eden (tRANSELEMENt), Jonathan Dickin (Mums/Honeyspider).

"heavy psych alchemy" - The Sleeping Shaman

THRAA:

Working without the constrictions of a traditionally structured song, this duo improvise around meditative drones, combining Sunn 0))) influenced guitars with soaring vocals. Making single take recordings, they capture an organic sense of sound that has cavernous textures with minimalism at heart.

- - -

The Ferret presents:

Bonnacons Of Doom
+ Human Hand
+ Thraa

Thursday 13th June 2024

The Ferret | Preston

Tickets: https://skiddle.com/e/37258511

“Make The Ferret Mad Again” -  Stand Up Comedy in the Heart of Preston! 🤣🎤

Every third Tuesday of the month we bring you MTFMA, featuring a hand-picked line-up of hilarious comedians from all over the North West. Keep an eye out for your guest MC!

Expect everything plus the kitchen sink!

Lineup:

TBC!

---

Introducing: “Make The Ferret Mad Again” - Stand Up Comedy in the Heart of Preston! 🤣🎤

A monthly comedy night for Preston, and we’ve got the privilege of hosting the laughs at our gaff.

Curated by Fil Milton and featuring guest hosts each month, Make The Ferret Mad Again will land at The Ferret every 3rd Tuesday of each month.

These hilarious nights are FREE ENTRY and the laughs will kick off from 7:30pm (doors at 7pm).

Come and enjoy some Ferret funnies, and Make The Ferret Mad Again! 🙌

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Tuesday 18th June 2024

Free entry

7pm Doors / 7:30pm Showtime

Every 3rd Tuesday of the month

The Ferret presents:

WOLFGANG FLUR

(ex-Kraftwerk) / Musik Soldat

with special guest Peter Duggal

Wolfgang Flür, robot member of the seminal electronic group Kraftwerk from 1973 to 1987, invented and played much of the group's electric percussion used throughout the 1970s.

A member of Kraftwerk during the group's golden era, he was there from their international breakthrough with the album Autobahn (1974) and remained as they experimented with proto-techno on albums such as Trans-Europe Express (1977) and Computer World (1981).

Musik Soldat ('music soldier') sees this true pioneer performing music from his present projects, including new album MAGAZINE 1, and Kraftwerk past... all with a strong anti-war message.

Don't miss this unique show.

The Ferret presents:

WOLFGANG FLÜR - Musik Soldat
(ex-Kraftwerk)

with special guest Peter Duggal

The Ferret, Preston

Friday 21st June 2024

Doors 7PM

Tickets: https://skiddle.com/e/38188398

EPIC RAP BATTLES OF HISTORY

Epic Rap Battles of History (from Los Angeles, USA) is a comedy rap series created by Nice Peter and EpicLLOYD which pits notable historical and pop culture figures against one another in a rap battle format.

The series has amassed over 4 billion views on YouTube and has featured appearances from huge stars including the likes of Weird Al Yankovic, Snoop Dogg, T-Pain, Key & Peele, Lilly Singh, Rhett and Link.

They have performed live on stages across the USA and Europe and now bring their high energy show back to the UK!

www.erbofhistory.com

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Epic Rap Battles of History

Friday 28th June

Doors: 7PM

All ages. Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Advance Ticket Price: £25 | On Door Ticket Price: £30

TICKETS HERE: https://skiddle.com/e/38060026

The Ferret presents:

hippie death cult

Wednesday 3rd July | Doors 7pm
The Ferret | Preston

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Hippie Death Cult's journey through shameless and triumphant artistic expression has led them to become a vibrant force in the realms of psychedelia and riff-heavy rock n' roll. This journey has not been without its challenges, but the band has always managed to emerge stronger and more determined than ever. Throughout their formative years, the band underwent what proved to be a very significant evolution, transitioning from a 4-piece to a more cohesive and harmonious power trio. This lineup currently consists of guitarist and founder Eddie Brnabic, vocalist and bassist Laura Phillips, and drummer Harry Silvers.

In 2019, Hippie Death Cult caught the attention of Cursed Tongue Records, who signed them for the release of their highly anticipated album "111." The record was met with widespread acclaim, solidifying their place in the heavy music scene. Building on this success, the band made another significant move in 2021 by signing with Heavy Psych Sounds Records. This partnership resulted in the release of their album "Circle of Days" and a split release titled "Doom Sessions Vol.5" with label mates High Reeper. Both full-length albums soared to the very top of the Doom Charts as well as many “Album Of The Year” lists, further cementing their status as a rising force in the genre.

Beyond their studio work, Hippie Death Cult is renowned for their electrifying and passionate stage performances. Their captivating stage presence have taken them on tours across the United States, Canada, and Europe, where they have garnered a dedicated and growing fanbase.

Now, as they prepare to unleash their new album "Helichrysum" on October 20th, Hippie Death Cult is ready to take their music to even greater heights. This album marks a significant milestone as it features Laura Phillips on vocals for the first time, adding a new dimension and sense of originality to their sound. "Helichrysum" promises to be an unapologetically deep, heavy and groovy album that showcases the band's artistic growth and musical prowess.

To support the release of "Helichrysum," Hippie Death Cult has planned full-blown North American and European tours. Fans can expect an immersive and powerful live experience as the band brings their high-energy performances to stages across the globe. With their unwavering dedication to their craft and their ability to push boundaries, Hippie Death Cult is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music scene for years to come.

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The Ferret Presents: Hippie Death Cult

The Ferret | Preston

Doors 7PM

Tickets: https://skiddle.com/e/38196408

Paddy Green’s 50th ft Neon Love + Zvilnik + Masters of the Scene

It's a musical jubilee with fifty years of history as we celebrate Paddy's (Zvilnik) continuing hellslide ride to the grave (aka birthday) with a trio of acts to nourish rapidly wrinklifying face-flesh.

ALSO THERE WILL PROBABLY BE CAKE!

Sounds coming from:

NEON LOVE: Welcome to the party, Neon Love are a local Mancunian band living their 80s fantasy!

Giving you an energetic live set you won’t forget. Everything from the Human League to Dolly Parton, dance your way into the new year, 1980s style.

ZVILNIK: The Birthday Boy’s big bad band. Sci-fi-surf-cabaret-rock. Superconductors of eccentricity. Expect weird science, unnecessary surgery, robots, dinosaurs, and more!

MASTERS OF THE SCENE: A NSFW acoustic comedy duo. Mixing country, folk, pop and rock genres with Noel Coward-esque wordplay to create hilarious cautionary tales, this eclectic pair are bringing sexy back to the acoustic guitar!

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Paddy Green’s 50th ft Neon Love + Zvilnik + Masters of the Scene

Saturday, 6th July 2024

The Ferret | Preston

8PM til late

TICKETS: skiddle.com/e/38218261

Enjoy The Show Presents

John Hegley - An American in Luton

The tall and unannounced Maine man appears in a seemingly ordinary 1960's English living room. He is the high chaperone and bringer of a grandmother who has not seen her stamp-collecting son for decades; her grandchildren, never.

His reuniting job done, this curious visitor hands the children each a ten-dollar bill says his goodbyes and is gone - off up the suburban street, into the evening  and perhaps a hotel in the town centre on his horse. (A hobby horse, in fact, given him by one of the children)

Festival and radio regular John Hegley returns with a story of family, fantasy, love, loss - and the long unseen son's stamp album. A Caravaggio and a wry dry stone-waller are also thrown into the mixture. The show contains a good deal of yet-to-be-published material alongside some back catalogue favourites.

Devised for adults but not unsuitable for the odd nine-year-old. Drawings will be provided. But not biscuits.

TICKETS: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Preston/The-Ferret/John-Hegley-An-American-in-Luton/38077888/

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John Hegley was born in Newington Green, Islington, North London. and now lives in the neighbouring borough of Hackney. He led two John Peel sessions with his band The Popticians on Radio1 in 1983/4, hosted the Border TV poetry series, Word of Mouth in 1989 and was a Perrier Comedy Award nominee in the same year.

There have been three series of Hearing with Hegley on BBC Radio 4 - 1996-2000 and Hegley was the BBC Online poet in residence 1999. In 2010 – he worked with Company Paradiso in Warning, May Contain Nuts alongside BBC Radios Sussex and Berkshire, challenging stigmas around mental illness.

Hegley was Keats House poet in residence in 2012, and in 2019, Arts Council England funded his touring collaborative project Putting You in the Picture; working with fellow poets to take children to art galleries to delve into, and respond to art works with drawing, writing and cut-out paper characters.

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★★★★ - ‘a lovely show of stories, music, poetry and silliness’ - British Theatre Guide on John’s previous show Biscuit of Destiny

'Just because he is one of the funniest men alive, do not underestimate his dedicated gentleness' - Adrian Mitchell, The New Statesman

About John and his work:

‘Awesomely mundane’
The Independent

‘Scandalously talented’
Sunday Times

‘Bleeding marvellous’
NME

Agreeable whimsy, distinctive comic perspective and ear-catching poems and songs’
Chortle

‘His words are dry and whimsical and quite often make little sense’
Luton News

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Wednesday, 10th July, 2024

Doors 7PM, show starts at 8PM

The Ferret | Preston

Madhouse Promotions present:

cassidy paris

Saturday 20th July 2024

The Ferret | Preston

Cassidy Paris = the next generation of ROCK!

Australian rocker Cassidy Paris has a very bright future ahead of her. Raised on classic hard rock and inspired by female rockers such as Lzzy Hale, Joan Jett, Pink, Pat Benatar & Avril Lavigne, the fiercely determined young woman is on a mission to inspire a new generation of younger fans to not only listen to Rock 'n' Roll, but pick up a guitar instead of a phone.

At just 21 years old, Cassidy has released two sold out eps - "Broken Hearted" & "Flirt", and her first full length solo record "New Sensation" via Frontiers Music Srl.

Cassidy has built up a strong connection with her growing worldwide fanbase that has already seen her perform in America, U.K. and Japan.

Her talents have not gone unnoticed by one of the major guitar giants Fender, lending their support by joining forces with Cassidy to bring her on as an endorsee of Fender Squier Guitars. Cassidy has also recently secured an endorsement with Wornstar Clothing.

Cassidy has started 2024 with a bang, with an upcoming hometown album launch, an appearance at Glam Fest Australia and more UK & Europe dates to be announced shortly.

Cassidy Paris = the next generation of ROCK!

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Madhouse Promotions Present: CASSIDY PARIS 

Saturday, 20th July 2024

The Ferret, Preston

Tickets: https://skiddle.com/e/38188862

The Total Stone Roses

The UK’s BEST Stone Roses Tribute return to the stage to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the eponymous Stone Roses Debut Album! 

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!

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The Total Stone Roses

Friday 16th August, 2024

The Ferret | Preston

Tickets: skiddle.com/e/38091080

Madhouse Promotions Presents:

Project Renegade with ChemiQueen + Second Cities

Madhouse Promotions bring a trio of alternative sounds to The Ferret!

Project Renegade is a modern metal band from Athens, Greece, founded by Marianna (vocals) and Ody (drums) and joined after by Philipp (guitar) and Jay (bass). 

Project Renegade's sound derives from an alternative, modern, heavy and groovy background blended with electronic and ambient elements. 

With 2 releases under its belt (EP "Cerebra"- 2017 & LP "Order of the Minus"- 2019), the band signed with the American label Pavement Entertainment and released its second LP “Ultra Terra” (2023) to high international acclaim. 

Project Renegade are performing live in Greece and all around Europe, having shared the stage with bands like Slipknot, Evanescence, Within Temptation, Sepultura, Manowar, Bullet For My Valentine, Jinjer, Hammerfall, Soulfly, Sonata Arctica, Harakiri for the Sky, Mayan and Beyond the Black among others.

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ChemiQueen - A forbidden experiment which has gotten out of control. Working in absolute secrecy, a Curious Chemist was using dark alchemical arts in order to create the most addictive substance in existence. Overcome with pride, she consumed the test sample but she was deceived and her soul was corrupted.

Using her knowledge and arcane skills, she crafted four likeminded assistants who would use their musical knowledge to hypnotise others to follow the whim of the ChemiQueen. If you’re reading this, it’s already too late.

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Second Cities - When Emo and Metal collide you find the most cathartic experience for anger and sadness.  are precisely that blend of sadness and anger finding the melody buried in aggression. Tackling difficult situations such as Grief, Betrayal, Depression, Anxiety, Pain and Jealousy to find solace with their fans, Second Cities build a community of misfits and outcasts who need a place to feel comfortable and appreciated. A Band for the abandoned, music for the outcasts.

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Madhouse Promotions present: Project Renegade with ChemiQueen + Second Cities

29th August, 2024

The Ferret | Preston

Doors 7PM

Tickets: skiddle.com/e/38065724

Crosstown Concerts Presents:

Goldie Lookin' Chain

The 420 Tour

With support from CHROMA

SOLD OUT!

GLC celebrates the 20th anniversary of their debut album 'Greatest Hits'.

20 years, 20 shows, 20 songs, 20 quid.

+ Special Guests

Saturday 7th September 2024

Preston | The Ferret

Ticket: £20 | Doors 7PM

Ages 14+ (Under 18's must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18+)

GLC celebrates the 20th anniversary of their debut album 'Greatest Hits'. 20 years, 20 shows, 20 songs, 20 quid.

Guns don't kill people, rappers do. Ask any politician and they'll tell you it's true.

Safe. Stick on your leisurewear and get out of your Gaffney. The original nutters GLC hit Preston for their 20th anniversary. With heavy street accents and loads of slang-slinging, comedy rappers Goldie Lookin Chain are proud to be lazy sods from Newport, Wales.

CHROMA -

Influenced by the likes of Yeah Yeah Yeah’s and The Gossip, CHROMA have already received a groundswell of early radio support from BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, Kerrang! Radio,  Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru and ongoing support from BBC Introducing.
 

Tracks on their formidable debut variously reflect on the band’s collective experience growing up in the South Wales Valleys, and explore the myriad lived experiences of young women. Exploring infighting within the feminist movement, the oppression of trans right in the UK, violence against women, and other weighty topics, they ultimately invite the listener to a place of safety and empowerment. 

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Crosstown Concerts Presents:

Goldie Lookin' Chain - The 420 Tour

+ Special Guests

Saturday 7th September 2024

Preston | The Ferret

Ticket: £20 | Doors 7PM

Ages 14+ (Under 18's must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18+)

Tickets: skiddle.com/e/36532910

The Ferret presents:

SCALER

(FKA SCALPING)

+

PVA

Friday 20.09.24 (new date)

The Ferret, Preston

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SCALER

Formerly known as Scalping, Bristol's Scaler have quickly become known for blistering live performances and astute production, formed through a love of their hometown’s visionary off-the-wall dance music as well as full throttle noise and punk. Each show incorporates dark, hypnotic projected visuals, and bridges the gap between live guitar music and live electronic music. 

Armed with a battery of squelching synths, animalistic rhythms and gritty, piercing guitars, the band have gained a reputation for their frenzied closing slots at festivals, delivering the most visceral audio-visual experience. 

“LOAM”, the band’s collaboration with Daniel Avery sees the band lean further into their club and dance-based influences, combining adrenaline fuelled rhythms with euphoric synths that ebb and flow around their heavier sensibilities.

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PVA

South London band PVA’s stunning debut BLUSH consolidates the beating pulse of electronic music with the raw energy of a life-affirming gig and reveals more about the trio than they’ve ever shared before.

The 11 blistering tracks from the group, Ella Harris and Josh Baxter (who share vocals as well as handling synths, guitars & production) alongside drummer Louis Satchell, are made from a formula of acid, disco, synths, the release of the dancefloor & queer-coded post-punk.

Their early gigs established PVA as key players in South London’s fervent indie scene alongside Squid, black midi & Black Country, New Road. Leading to slots at SXSW, Pitchfork Festival & Green Man plus tours with Shame, Dry Cleaning & Goat Girl. Even in their earliest iterations their existence beyond the confines of a traditional band set-up were clear. It wasn’t unusual to be able to catch them twice in one night, at Brixton's Windmill and again in the early hours DJing at Deptford’s Bunker.

They released debut single ‘Divine Intervention’ through Speedy Wunderground in 2019 with debut EP ‘Toner’ a year later via Ninja Tune. The EP featured a remix of ‘Talks’ by Mura Masa that picked up a GRAMMY nomination.

On their debut album PVA carry that same energy from the live circuit, while also building out a holistic world full of texture and heart. BLUSH is rich with industrial beats that pack a heavyweight punch, jagged punk spirit and moments of hushed contemplation from Harris’ poetic lyrics.

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The Ferret presents:

SCALER (fka Scalping)
+
PVA

Friday 20.09.24 (new date - please note this is a rescheduled event, all tickets for the original date remain valid)

The Ferret, Preston

Doors 7pm

Ages 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Madhouse Promotions Presents:

praying mantis

with support TBA!

The Ferret | Preston

12th October 2024 | Doors 7pm

Praying Mantis were formed in London, England, in 1973 by brothers Chris and Tino Troy. The music scene of the late 70's was widely regarded as stagnant in the wake of a dying punk scene so it became time for a new breed of British bands to emerge and establish themselves with their own creative style of music. Through Neal Kay, DJ at THE BANDWAGON, North London's premier hard rock disco, a new movement was being formed and today this story has become folk law to Hard Rock fans all over the world. Due to Neal's much appreciated support, Mantis were given a platform to air their music, which featured classics 'Captured City' and 'Lovers to the Grave'.

Along with fellow London bands Iron Maiden, Angel Witch and Samson, Praying Mantis quickly established themselves and rapidly received the attention of the music press of the time. Along with a number of similar bands across the UK this entire movement was labelled by `Sounds` as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

In 2013, vocalist John Cuijpers and drummer Hans in 't Zandt joined the band replacing Mike Freeland and Gary Mackenzie. The Dutch duo has vast experience in their fields having toured with the likes of Toto, Jeff Scott Soto, Mad Max, Sinner and Vengeance. This has added a new and exciting dimension to the band's music and live performances.

To hear and see the band now, fans will experience both the spirit and energy of 1980 together with a technical style that really compliments today’s standards.

With their latest critically acclaimed album 'GRAVITY' released via Frontier Records in May 2018, Praying Mantis continue to tour with their current band members Chris Troy, Tino Troy, Andy Burgess, John 'Jaycee' Cuijpers and Hans in 't Zandt. The band are now producing music which is some of the best in their 46-year history!

Madhouse Promotions Presents: Praying Mantis with support TBA!

The Ferret | Preston

12th October 2024 | Doors 7pm

Tickets: skiddle.com/e/38140598

The Ferret presents - In association with Whispering Pines Collective:

Dirty LAces

Thursday, 17th November 2024

The Ferret | preston

Dirty Laces are a 4-piece alternative rock / post-punk group from Manchester, UK, comprised of Charlie Jordan (Vocals), Thomas Edwards (Bass, Synthesisers), Luke Dec (Guitar), and Luke O’Reilly (Drums, Percussion).

Dirty Laces over their career have played countless sold out shows in their hometown at prestigious venues including Gorilla, Salford Lads Club and Deaf Institute. Leading to their billing at major festivals around the UK making the lineup for Kendal Calling, Sound City, Wheels and Fins, Hardwick Festival and more. 

With this traction behind them the band have been invited to open up for some legends of the music industry such as Inspiral Carpets and Pete Doherty and have had their single ‘You’ remixed by Loz Colbert (Ride, Charlatans).

Their music has not fallen on deaf ears, they have been championed by 6 Musics Chris Hawkins finding themselves played on national airwaves frequently alongside local stations such as XS Manchester whom they played live on air for in the past.

Sonically the band take inspiration wide and far from iconic predecessors like Pink Floyd, Joy Division and Queens of the Stone Age. Their debut album 'Blink For Nothing' offers a wild, unapologetic ride through ethereal atmospheres whilst maintaining the bands raw authenticity.

With the release of their eagerly awaited debut album, 'Blink For Nothing.' Independently crafted over six years that hit the airwaves on November 24th, 2023 the band have blossomed into maturity only looking forwards.

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The Ferret presents:

Dirty Laces

Thursday, 7th November 2024

Doors 7pm

Ages 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Tickets: skiddle.com/e/38252212

Madhouse Promotions Presents:

The Chris Slade Timeline

After the end of the AC/DC Rock Or Bust Tour in 2016, former AC/DC drummer CHRIS SLADE began touring the World with his own band THE CHRIS SLADE TIMELINE!

The high energy Chris Slade Timeline Band wasted no time in coming back with a vengeance, this time taking with them the Rock or Bust drum kit…

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Friday, 29th November 2024

The Ferret | Preston

Doors 7PM

Tickets: https://skiddle.com/e/38072325