Gig review: BROKEN WITT REBELS – Water Rats, London, 2 April 2016

Another new venue to me, although it has been hosting gigs since the early 1960′s, albeit then under another name, The Pindar of Wakefield. Bob Dylan, the Pogues and, err, Katy Perry have graced the stage here. A front bar/dining area leads through to the dance floor/stage area which was packed ahead of the gig.

Tonight was a band showcase and I was here to see the Broken Witt Rebels play a gig to promote their upcoming and rather good EP, ‘Georgia Pine’. The band hail from Birmingham and the line-up consists of vocalist Danny Core, guitarist James Tranter, drummer James Dudley and Luke Davis on bass.

BROKEN WITT REBELS - Water Rats, London, 2 April 2016

Photo by Eric Duvet

Kicking off their set with the awesome song ‘Low’ (the stand out song for me on the new EP) showed a real statement of intent from the band. They tore into it as though their depended on it and in particular vocalist Danny Core, who was so into the music it looked as though he was in the midst of some religious enlightenment.

For a relative new band they play an extremely tight set and can connect with their audience, something many bands starting out lack or try to hard at. For the Broken Witt Rebels it comes naturally and they have the songs to back up their musical prowess like ‘Shake Me Down’  and another blues based foot stomper ‘Burn Bright Like A Cigarette’. The title track of the new EP was another set highlight and the band showed a stage craft way ahead of where they are in their formative career.

BROKEN WITT REBELS - Water Rats, London, 2 April 2016

Broken Witt Rebels maintain a humility on stage thanking their audience and meaning it, yet have enough talent, songs and self-belief to push them onto bigger stages and success.

Many bands have the tag ‘next big thing’ or ‘the saviours of rock ‘n’ roll’ tagged onto them by over enthusiastic reviewers, yet disappear without a trace. I will say Broken Witt Rebels have the work ethic and drive to become a bigger name, plus they will give you a damn fine rock ‘n’ roll show and you’ll leave their gigs wondering when you can next see them again.

BROKEN WITT REBELS - Water Rats, London, 2 April 2016

Review by Jason Ritchie
Photos by John Bull, except where stated

Remaining tour dates:

Birmingham Sunflower Lounge Friday 15 April

Tickets: £4 advance / Venue Info: 0121 6326756
Book Online: www.seetickets.com/event/this-feeling-birmingham/the-sunflower-lounge/950836

76 Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham, B5 4EG http://thesunflowerlounge.com/

Sheffield Rocking Chair Saturday 16 April

Tickets: £4 advance / Venue Info: 0114 241 2345
Book Online: www.seetickets.com/event/this-feeling-sheffield/the-rocking-chair/953457

23 Furnival Gate, Sheffield, S1 4QR http://rockingchairbar.co.uk/

Bedford Esquires Saturday 30th April 2016

Tickets: £4 advance / Venue Info: 01234 340 120
Book Online: www.seetickets.com/tour/this-feeling-bedford/

60-a Bromham Road, Bedford, MK40 2QG www.bedfordesquires.co.uk

Main support on BRANTLEY GILBERT’S May UK tour:

Glasgow Oran Mor Thursday 5 May

Tickets: £16 advance / Box Office: 0844 844 0444
Book Online: www.ticketmaster.co.uk/brantley-gilbert-glasgow-05-05-2016/event/36004F0E9C151850?artistid=1077425&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=2

Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8QX http://oran-mor.co.uk/

Manchester Academy 2 Friday 6 May

Tickets: £16 advance / Box Office: 0161 832 1111
Book Online: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/brantley-gilbert-manchester-06-05-2016/event/1F004F0EA36A278F?artistid=1077425&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=2

Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PR www.manchesteracademy.net

Birmingham O2 Institute Saturday 7 May

Tickets: £16 advance / Box Office: 0844 844 0444
Book Online: www.ticketmaster.co.uk/brantley-gilbert-birmingham-07-05-2016/event/1F004F0EAB722DB5?artistid=1077425&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=2

78 Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DY http://o2institutebirmingham.co.uk/

London Shepherds Bush Empire Sunday 8 May

Tickets: £18.50 advance / Box Office: 0844 477 2000
Book Online: www.ticketmaster.co.uk/brantley-gilbert-london-08-05-2016/event/1F004F0EA067264C?artistid=1077425&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=2

Shepherd’s Bush Green, London, W12 8TT www.academymusicgroup.com/o2shepherdsbushempire/


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Josh Taerk Sunday Sessions 2024

Latest session: Sunday 14 April

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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 7 April 2024.


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Power Plays w/c 15 April 2024

ENMY The Ledge (FiXT)
KAROBELA Get Hard (indie)
KATH & THE KICKS Neptune (indie)
THE BEE TELLERS River Poem (Black Sand Records)
LAUREN FREEBIRD Like A Bomb (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 15 April 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 KATARINA PEJAK – Pearls On A String (Ruf Records)


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