The List

The Water Rats

Legendary London music venue, now under new ownership, which has a prestigious history including Bob Dylan's first UK gig in 1962, The Pogues first gig in 1982 and Oasis' first London gig in 1994. Located in the centre of Kings Cross, the venue still provides top quality music as well as a wide selection of drinks and food.

What's On @ The Water Rats

Seattle Thrift Store

Seattle Thrift Store

23 May 2026 - 5 Dec 2026

Seattle Thrift Store bring the MTV Unplugged Show, with an Unplugged 1st half conjuring up the atmosphere of the legendary MTV Unplugged series by Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and others. Expect candles, flowers, a fully faithful recreation of an MTV Unplugged show with a full band. The 2nd half brings the Full Live Experience! Over an hour of anthemic Grunge hits from all your fave bands of the era; Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains as well as, Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters as well as female fronted bands like Hole and L7! Come as you are - SEATTLE THRIFT STORE are guaranteed to get you up and singing along like it's 1991!
Kirsten Adamson

Kirsten Adamson

9 Sept 2026 - 10 Sept 2026

Singer/songwriter Kirsten Adamson summons the same heart-stopping purity as Sandy Denny, by way of Emmylou Harris and Kate Bush. Transcendence runs in the family. Her father was Stuart Adamson (Skids, Big Country) and her mother Alexandra, a champion Highland dancer. With summers spent soaking up the atmosphere in Nashville with her dad and a string of leading roles in musical theatre back in the UK, the teenage Adamson’s course was set. She sang backing vocals on Big Country’s last album Driving to Damascus at age 13. By 2010, she was forging her own career as a vocalist and keyboard player for indie-folkers Aberfeldy. She fronted country rockers The Gillyflowers and more recently shone as half of alt-country duo The Marriage, and then on a self-titled solo debut. The austere beauty of her voice has been a constant motif.
14th London Bowie Event

14th London Bowie Event

27 Jun 2026 - 27 Jun 2026

We welcome you to the 14th Annual London Bowie Frestival. A not for profit event raising money for The Terrence Higgins Trust. Acts confirmed so far are: MONICA FRANK https://www.monicafrankmusic.com/ with some great collaborations/special guests. WALKER HORNUNG & 'The Brotherhood Of The Grape' & special guests, including Richard Strange (Doctors of Madness) & Lilybud. http://www.brotherhoodofthegrape.com/ flying in from New York for this event. PAUL HENDERSON of 'Aladinsane' Event compered by NICHOLAS PEGG Live auction of rare and collectible Bowie memorabilia plus raffle.
Cian Downing

Cian Downing

28 May 2026 - 19 Jun 2026

With a sound that is at once nostalgic and modern, and stagecraft honed in the pubs of London town, Cian Downing, is emerging onto the British indie scene with his infectious energy and refreshing melodic songwriting in the style of Billy Bragg, Paul Weller and The Specials. Hailing from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, Cian has toured the country over the past 12 months alongside his superb four-piece backing band. Cians unique blend of mod, indie and ska music is best exemplified by his debut album The Grassroots to the Sky, released on Cians own label Loft End Records, to much fanfare from his devoted fanbase. Cians previous live and festival credits include Isle of Wight Festival 2023, Brighton Mod Weekender 2024, Londons 100 Club, Blam Blam Fever Weekender in North Yorkshire, and many more! In 2026, Cian will be heading out on his first headline, self-promoted UK tour alongside his band, as he bypasses the music industry establishment and spreads the word himself. No label, no management, no booking agent - just an independent artist with determination to succeed in music. Cian will be playing shows in York, Manchester, Newcastle, London and many more in 2026, as he prepares for the release of his second album.
Miranda Sykes & Jim Causley

Miranda Sykes & Jim Causley

20 May 2026 - 20 May 2026

Two of the UK’s most iconic voices have finally combined as a duo and will be touring a new album in 2025 and beyond Miranda Sykes and Jim Causley have known each other for nearly 20 years and in 2024 they united with John Palmer to create and tour a show celebrating the centenary of the death of the song collector and author Sabine Baring - Gould. They enjoyed working together so much and audience feedback was so positive that they made plans to record and tour an album together. “The Last Of The Singers” is a collection of traditional, self penned and contemporary songs bringing their magical voices together. More than simply a folk-singer, multi award winning singer-songwriter, musician and proud Devonian Jim Causley is an all-round entertainer and during the past decade Causley has been nominated no less than six times for a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award. Jim Causley “The Finest Singer of his generation” MOJO MAGAZINE Miranda Sykes has been a mainstay on the British folk scene for two decades, after a few years of musical promiscuity playing with Firebrand, Little Johnny England, Robb Johnson, Bill Jones, Steafan Hannigan, Reg Meuross, Kirsty McGee, The Phil Beer Band, Martyn Joseph and The Scoville Units; Miranda depped for Pete Zorn in the 2004 Show Of Hands festival band line up. She worked with them for the next 20 years. “Miranda Sykes has spent so much time working with Show Of Hands its easy to forget what a good solo performer she is...gorgeous and very compelling stuff” ROCK N REEL
Band of Holy Joy

Band of Holy Joy

17 Jul 2026 - 17 Jul 2026

BAND OF HOLY JOY Band Of Holy Joy go right back to their electro soundscape origins to reinterpret More Favourite Fairytales, their first ever cassette release, which was issued by the Pleasantly Surprised label in 1984. That cassette and others from that time were released as a box set by the Vinyl on Demand label and the band are playing this set of songs at the VOD festival. The Water Rats will be the first time to hear these songs for many years. Special Guests - Glaxo Babies In the annals of Bristol music history Glaxo Babies could have a book and a zone of greatness all of their own. Singles and EP's such as Christine Keeler and This Is Your Life, along with the seminal Avon Calling compilation John Peel recorded session version of It's Irrational, stormed the zeitgeist of late 70's, early 80's UK post punk. Four decades on, in 2025, another great leap forward brought the story to a stunning new destination with the vinyl and digital release on Bristol Archive Records in conjunction with their own imprint Liberated Sound Development of Men of Stone, the band's first new album in some forty years. It's a major chapter telling of reinvention, restructuring and in no way taking stock. For this missive the Glaxo's use not one, but two new vocalists adding their own voice to a collection of songs mainly written by long-time Glaxonian and original guitarist, Dan Catsis. Dan was also a massive part of nationally recognised Bristol luminaries, The Pop Group and Maximum Joy. Other Bristol notables come into the new material's mix with Steve Bush, main-man of former NME faves Essential Bop, contributing lyrics to the darkness descends vibe ofsecond side opener I Dont Want to be Loved, while Massive Attack producer and collaborator Neil Davidge adds a sonic sound-bed sheen to the track. Two of the new band members have an important Bristol back story. Bassist Steve Street was a centre-piece of studio recording at his SAM set-up in the city, and drummer Jamie Hill played with early Nellee Hooper/later Roni Size drummer linked percussion powerhouse outfit Mouth and later with ex Pop Group/Cortinas/Clash driven Virgin 80's act Head. POOR PERFORMER Bitter Springs and OYC frontman Simon Rivers's crooning alter ego, with songs from his 16 track second album for Tiny Global, "Awash with the Poor Performer"
The Anna Howie Band live at The Water Rats with Special Guest Bella Collins
Anna worked as a session singer and backing vocalist for 25 years during which time she gigged across Europe and did live Radio 2 sessions with Brian May. Annas first solo EP An Idiots Guide to Love recorded in 2019 in Nashville and produced by Grammy Award Winner Bob Britt went straight to Number 5 in the UK country charts. In March 2022 Anna released her debut album The Friday Night Club named after a facebook live stream she started from her front room during lockdown which went on to have 2 million views. The album produced by Lukas Drinkwater at Polyphonic studios is made up of 11 self -penned songs telling tales of lockdown loneliness and human triumph described as Americana with a very British twist The Friday Night Club was released across all platforms on the 25th March on the Absolute Label ( Sony/Universal ) Angels Among Us was the first single released from the album it became song of the week across BBC the South with The Friday Night Club itself becoming one of Maverick Magazines Top Picks In 2023 Anna released 2 singles - How to Stop Crying and Searching for Christmas Anna was one of Black Deer Festivals Emerging Artists for 2023 and in 2024 went through to the finals to play the Pilton Stage at Glastonbury. Good for Roses, Annas second album was recorded with her band at Real World Studios, the home of Peter Gabriel. produced by Kris Wilkinson Hughes it was released in April 2025 on the Absolute Label ( Sony/Universal). It is a collection of songs about searching for the beauty in the everyday, the light in the dark, the roses in the dirt and it solidifies Annas status as one of the UKs most exciting independent artists. Following the release of Good For Roses in April 25 Anna and her band completed their first headline tour of the Uk playing over 25 dates across the country Annas live performances are known for their warmth, humour, and emotional depth, she is joined by her long time musical friends Andy Evans on Guitar, Roger Nunn on drums and John Brooker on bass. One of the Fastest rising stars on the scene Maverick Magazine The Brightest Jewel in Americanas star - studded crown The Midlands Rocks Sassy..endearing puts you in mind of the wonderful Dolly Parton Music Republic Magazine Great songs and a fantastic band Michael Eavis Infectious, quirky, soulful, Anna will make you laugh, cry and everything else Rocking Magpie Delightfully Moving Fatea Magazine Terrific .. seek her out at the earliest opportunity Red Guitar Music Classy.. beautifully done folking.com Good for Roses fractures light in every direction like a laser cut diamond The Midland Rocks True storytelling, every track is like picking up a new book Wall of Sound Anna has the simple ability to connect with the listener The Beat Magazine Once you have seen Anna live you will want to see her again and again Building our own Nashville BELLA COLLINS Bella Collins Bella Collins is a singer, guitarist, songwriter from Cardiff. Bellas music is firmly rooted in the blues, but she has also absorbed and been influenced by jazz, soul and old style RnB, and her unique vocal style and self penned songs reflect aspects of those genres. She has performed across Europe and in the US as a solo artist, in bands and as part of two duos. Notable performances for Bella include Cambridge Folk Festival, The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival and a performance at the Bitter End, New York. Solo album, Late and Blue was released in 2016 and got airplay on national radio, BBC Radio 2. Her jazz EP, Golden Days with duo partner & multi instrumentalist Gareth Evans, has also received high praise & shes featured as a vocalist on Gareths albums, released on Nextgen record label in 2019 and 2022. In 2018 Bella joined with the Pembrokeshire based singer/songwriter Jodie Marie, to form the duo Sister Bodhi, and they released the EP Live at Carmel in 2019, featuring Andy Fairweather Low and Dewi Watkins. Bella is currently recording her first new music since 2016 and is thoroughly looking forward to getting on the road with a new band line up a set of newly penned material
Kris Dane

Kris Dane

27 May 2026 - 27 May 2026

Kris Dane is a Belgian singer-songwriter with a rich tapestry of songs that have captivated and moved listeners for over two decades. There is a beautiful charm to how Kris approaches his music, and his new self-titled album is no exception. Recorded in the UK at Superfly Studios with Jamie Evans (producer/arranger/mixer) and Andy Banfield (engineer), Kris spent the early months of the year hidden away near Sherwood Forest, recording what would end up being a rebirth of an album. Dane is an artist of intent, a journeyman who has travelled the globe in search of that fundamental essence of life: Vibration. And he found it.
Human Punk Summer Knees Up

Human Punk Summer Knees Up

31 Jul 2026 - 31 Jul 2026

Human Punk proudly presents: The Human Punk Summer Knees Up Our first time at the historic THE WATER RATS. Just a stroll/ stagger from St Pancras/ Kings Cross Four stunning bands - one night UNRIVALLED - This band blew the roof off at our Christmas Knees Up at The 100 Club. Had to have them back on a bill soon! CONVICT CLASS - Aussie legends making their HUMAN PUNK debut. A rare chance to see this stunning band in LONDON. CRIMINAL DAMAGE - This band have been ON FIRE since their reunion. An unmissable band. ONE MORE BAND TO ANNOUNCE! BUT A GREAT ONE!
Dolium

Dolium

16 May 2026 - 16 May 2026

UXB Music Promotion/Sounds Of The Suburbs Records present https://www.facebook.com/Sounds-of-the-Suburbs-record-store-1078521195544807/ https://www.facebook.com/share/17JYyvEgft/ Dolium known for their raw, lo-fi sound reminiscent of The Pixies and Death Rock, led by Rhys Bloodjoy (Reece Adamo). They gained attention from John Peel and recently celebrated their legacy with a 2024 4-CD box set, The Products Of Our Own Demands And Commands, which includes their remastered discography and the unreleased album Brother Transistor, marking 20 years of Sister 9 Recordings. https://www.facebook.com/share/1Betn9Kq2V/ Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/14LpT5WFjHUNGCvWytshSJ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dolium.musicigsh=YzJqZTBvbW4wd2Z3 LiVES exploded onto the British rock/punk scene in 2024 with their critically acclaimed debut album Let Them Eat Cake featuring the singles; Cancelled and Come Together #2 (co-written with multi-platinum, Brit Award winner James Morrison)and produced by the legendary John Cornfield (Muse, Oasis) The album has received rave reviews in all corners of the national and international press...even featuring in the national press; The Daily Mirror and The Daily Express (as well as Record Collector Magazine, Rough Trade and Louder Than War) The lead single 'Cancelled' has been played thousands of times on radio internationally (including BBC Introducing and BBC Sounds, Radio X and Amazing Radio) The album has already been streamed nearly 100,000 times on Spotify alone! Let Them Eat Cake is a fast, aggressive, socio-political slice of post punk rock, packed with razor-sharp riffs, pounding drums and bass with screaming histrionic vocals. Hailed and lauded by rave reviews throughout the UK national press and radio LiVES are the new band on everyone's ones to watch for 2025 . Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/track/0J9r7JK0vypet6aN6tazXI'si=2a14a23d73b2460b Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lives.music/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lives.official/ Youtube: https://youtu.be/_4I6sr8KiHM'si=UEn47GjI3gt03Qvs Mayzel who only formed in May 2025 are opening the night,boy what a treat you are in for,one of the best live bands we have seen on the London circuit! "Another world of notes and melodies". https://www.instagram.com/mayzel_noisesigsh=MWpxZ21tamNqZzltcQ== Doors 7:30 Bar until 1am Advance tickets £11 or £15 OTD, all major credit cards accepted.
The Jack Cades

The Jack Cades

5 Jun 2026 - 5 Jun 2026

UXB Music Promotion/Sounds Of The Suburbs Records present https://www.facebook.com/Sounds-of-the-Suburbs-record-store-1078521195544807/ https://www.facebook.com/share/18Fr1TpPJC/ The Jack Cades Founded by Mike & Elsa Whittaker, the band have been playing together since 2017. Hailing from Stratford-upon-Avon, the quartet so far released three studio albums on Dirty Water Records, Dangerhouse Skylab, Beluga Records + Bickerton Records. The band now have a brand new rhythm section and added keys player which give a whole new dimension to their sound. They have recorded a new album in august 2025 which will be coming out in Spring 2026. They will be playing most of this album on June 5th at the Water Rats, so come listen to these brand new songs and celebrate the new LP "Fade In" with the band. "Garage/Beat gems that mix clean 60's Garage and R'n'B influence with Surf and Stone Roses-esque Brit Pop." - Shindig Magazine. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/1C9onRDxXg/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thejackcadesigsh=MTJwY3c2MGJsMTA2Zg== YouTube https://youtu.be/XcvSgQCRLFI'si=taRnwXIr95r8eHOC Zack Keim WYEP's 2025 Pittsburgh Artist of the Year, Zack Keim, whose song Colors was recently featured by the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins, plays his first solo show at the Original Pittsburgh Winery, recorded live for a one-night-only album. After touring the U.S. and Europe, Keim brings his stripped down set home, performing songs from new album Battery Lane out now on Caamp's Super Sport Records. Venice Treacle Intense quirk resolving into bliss-out gorgeousness. Always groovy, it sounds so wrong yet so right. Think Captain Beefheart sings Bee Gees and youll still be miles off. The Rodians British trio, blending garage-rock with psych-rock, prog, funk and other styles, combining crunchy guitars and energetic rhythms with buoyant song hooks. Danger of Death Bio DOD are a witty Post punk/Art rock band from Brighton driven by distorted riffs, killer hooks and harmonies, a mash up of Gang of 4 and the B-52's. Social media You Tube: https://youtu.be/6C5UgMRSNXc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/venicetreacle/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venicetreacle/ Web Site: https://www.venicetreacle.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0JUEVV4teQhyyeUj8PJlv0'si=Vx3gYBASfO7aPbKXxO3Kg TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@venicetreacleis_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Doors 7:30 Bar until 1am Advance tickets £11 or £15 OTD, all major credit cards accepted.
The Loft at Club Precious

The Loft at Club Precious

1 Aug 2026 - 1 Aug 2026

Dont miss the only London headline show booked for 2026 by the Creation Records originals, who are touring again in 2026 to support a new album. Last year's comeback shows were sold out across the country and beyond, with a headline slot at the Paris Popfest among an array of notable performances. The Loft will be playing songs old and new in this one-off midsummer outing at the Water Rats for their pals at Club Precious, which has rapidly established a reputation for hot tickets on the London indie circuit. Special guests to be announced in due course. Save the date!
James Maddock

James Maddock

18 Jun 2026 - 18 Jun 2026

Experience the legendary James Maddock live! Fresh from a thrilling seven-week tour across Europe as the opening act for Counting Crows which earned glowing reviews, Maddock's dynamic performances have captivated audiences and cemented his reputation as a top-tier live artist. With a soulful voice, compelling storytelling, and a blend of folk, pop, and rock, the British-born, New York-based singer/songwriter continues to delight fans worldwide. Maddock has shared the stage with Bruce Springsteen - who counts himself among his many admirers - and has co-written songs with Mike Scott of the Waterboys and Gary Barlow amongst others, bringing his music to even wider audiences. James Maddock is set to return to the UK in June 2026 for a brief series of concerts, where he'll showcase tracks from his upcoming album, Forever June, alongside many beloved songs from his extensive career. Dont miss your chance to see James Maddock on stage - secure your tickets now!
Michael J Sheehy

Michael J Sheehy

7 Jun 2026 - 7 Jun 2026

"A quietly storming solo return...it's spookily brilliant." - 8/10 Uncut "A profound and touching response to these dark times... It's a record that might just be one of lockdown's most perfect creations: as intimate and stark a reflection of the period we're living in as Springsteen's Nebraska was of the early 80s." Classic Rock "Sheehy's first solo album in 10-plus years has paid off handsomely...the alluring intimacy of his plaintive deep vocals over minimalist instrumentation shines throughout." - Vive Le Rock "Distance may indeed bring beauty into perspective, but I highly recommend you get up and close and intimate with this." - Folk Radio UK "It carries both sureness and profundity, with an internal logic compelling the listener to remain and return, to reach ever-closer to the proffered mysteries at its heart." - Bucketful of Brains "We spend so much time and energy boggling at the obscurity in which great songwriters from previous eras had to go about their business, when there are artists right now in the same situation whose work we should be shouting about from the rooftops. Michael's one of those artists." - Pete Paphides By his own account, Michael J Sheehy has pissed away two or three careers. His first band Dream City Film Club were signed to Beggars Banquet towards the end of last century and despite early promise they crashed and burned after recording their second album. Sheehy then released three critically acclaimed solo albums with Beggars Banquet and toured Europe and the USA with the likes of Kristin Hersch, Tindersticks, Ed Harcourt and Bauhaus front man Peter Murphy. Despite a few bumps along the road, he has continued making music as a solo artist and as part of the rock band Miraculous Mule as well as one half of psychedelic electronic duo United Sounds of Joy. In 2020 he released his critically acclaimed solo album 'Distance Is The Soul of Beauty', his first in a decade. On June 7th he returns to the Water Rats for the first time in almost 25 years to launch his brand new album, 'Don't We Deserve Some Kind of Love' These songs are tenderly rendered reflections on addiction, recovery, loss, mercy and self-acceptance. He will be ably assisted by his band The Hired Mourners.
Green Note Presents... Hannah Scott

Green Note Presents... Hannah Scott

25 Jun 2026 - 25 Jun 2026

The best stories elicit profound personal reactions and in the 15 years she has been writing and performing, HANNAH SCOTT has become a consummate storyteller. Her music is shaped by human stories, with family, in all its chaos and glory, sitting at the heart of her work. Her lyrics are powerful and poignant, and her voice feels strangely familiar, though you cant quite put your finger on why. Her writing may be deeply personal but her music has a universal appeal that extends beyond the melodies you catch yourself humming days after listening to her songs. Career highlights include having her song No Gravity featured on the hit international TV series Grey's Anatomy, recording a live session on BBC Radio 2 with Dermot OLeary and opening for Madeleine Peyroux, performing to an audience of two thousand. She has also shared the stage with folk luminaries such as Seth Lakeman, Cara Dillon and Fairport Convention and has performed at festivals including Cambridge, Sidmouth and Manchester Folk. Equally at home in small venues, she thrives on the intimacy of performing in spaces where she can look audience members in the eye. She reduces women and children to tears - in a good way The Guardian and grown men. Tom Besford, English Folk Expo & Richard Haswell, Liverpool Philharmonic This is beautiful. Dermot OLeary, BBC Radio 2 Wonderful songwriting. Seth Lakeman She screams class but in the quietest way possible. Folking.com
Lights 20th Anniversary

Lights 20th Anniversary

29 May 2026 - 29 May 2026

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of our debut album with a special one-off gig, performing Lights live, plus additional tracks from across the years.
Voodoo Radio

Voodoo Radio

15 Aug 2026 - 15 Aug 2026

UXB Music Promotion/Sounds Of The Suburbs Records present https://www.facebook.com/profile.phpid=100057660872162 https://www.facebook.com/UXBFEST/ Cumbrian power pop-punk pair VOODOO RADIO consisting of singer/drummer Paige and guitarist Tony, unleashed their debut 10 mini-album POP PILLS a collection of eight self-penned, and deliciously infectious two-and-a-half minute pop songs of pure relentless, raw power out on Holy Dotage Records in 2022. The duo started rocking the tunnels of Leicester Square tube station, London in 2018, stopping commuters and tourists alike in their tracks with a mesmerising Summer of 76 power-pop sound. Tony, a seasoned performer was inspired by hearing Slaves on the radio and suggested to young Paige: Get two shoe boxes, anything that's like a drum stick a table knife and a wooden spoon and see if you can sing and play rhythms whilst hitting a beat Paige certainly could and Voodoo Radio were manifested. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voodooradiobandigsh=azlrZGxtcncwNWsy Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/17cDqkqqeL/ You Tube https://youtu.be/EYLzy_I0JDM'si=YeN5cAQvfK1L5UZZ The Dollheads Composed of siblings Angela Avery (vocals, lead guitar), Samantha Avery (bass, backup vocals), and Austin Avery (drums), The Dollheads are a rising force within punk's modern new wave of young talent. Beginning their musical journeys when Angela was just 10 years old, the siblings have been playing music together since they were in elementary school. Establishing for themselves an energetic and upbeat artistry, the group conveys a charming and hard-hitting musicality that has cemented them as one of indie punk's most exciting rising acts. The Las Vegas-based punk trio were active in 2025 with new music, including the album Adol-essence, and several festival appearances, such as SBAM Fest in Austria and another set at Rebellion in the UK. They continue to tour, with recent shows in the western U.S. and England, and have established themselves with their 2022 album What Teenage Angst and 2023 EP Et Cetera. Their music often addresses themes of mental health, feminism, and identity https://www.facebook.com/share/17x4hrq4uH/ https://www.instagram.com/the_dollheadsigsh=MW80ZzQwZHg5ZWh5cg== https://youtu.be/w63ji4WyXn8'si=krYi34dVL84osJDK It's time, Brothers & Sisters, to be seen on the scene with Quick Romance Hayden James, on lead guitar, and Gabe Thomas on bass are the rocknroll bookends that were Wayne Kramer and Fred Sonic Smith, redrawn for the here and now. The boys see themselves as two straws in the same Coke (other gut-rotting, thirst-quenching, shit-coloured drinks are available). Quick Romance singer, Matilda Scotland, slapped Ian Hunter down in the first round to relieve him of his shades, which she now wears proudly as she warns us of the perils of growing up in a big bad world. She likes clothes, music and Brian Jones's hair. Making more signals than Thomas The Tank Engine could shake a drum stick at, drummer Oliver Bull-Lifely, moves like a wind chime in a tropical storm, he is the time-keeper's time-keeper. Unlike the White Rabbit, you cant set you watch by him, but who wears a watch these days If you want to know what you are about to experience, why dont you try imagining Poly Styrene joining The Sick Things for a chorus of Bondage Boy. If you dont want to know, why dont you And, for the record, teen punks Quick Romance will sing for Scotland Yard if the price is right. https://www.facebook.com/profile.phpid=61559579349682 https://www.instagram.com/quickromancebandigsh=OWQ2aHFoeDNkandy https://youtu.be/fTydsM_-_28'si=JwYuw03jRMA8dOpl Doors 7:30 Bar until 1am Advance tickets £11 or £15 OTD, all major credit cards accepted.
Nicky Rubin Live @ Water Rats

Nicky Rubin Live @ Water Rats

15 May 2026 - 15 May 2026

NICKY RUBIN Nicky Rubin is a songwriter shaped by lived experience. Time spent immersed in diverse cultures informs his perspective, with each chapter of his journey feeding into a sound that resists easy categorisation. Despite its breadth of influence, his music remains anchored in disciplined melodic structure and precise lyrical craft. A seasoned live performer, Nicky is at home on stage, delivering emotionally direct material to audiences across the globe. His work is characterised by conviction, atmosphere, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity in performance. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4JOEnntRQPqMPOmIOPZUiH Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickyrubinmusic FRONTIER STATION Frontier Station are a London-based rock band with an old-time twist. Blending the lavish lyricism of Bruce Springsteen, the multiple vocals of Fleetwood Mac, and the cinematic soundscape of The Cure, they've a rousing sound with a hard storyteller's edge. Their music drenched in harmonies, with guitars that cascade like distant foghorns and drums that pound like locomotive pistons. They spin tales of miners, gargoyles, immortals and steeple jacks, in the shell of a Victorian steelworks by the glow of a flickering gaslamp. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5MwYouhWjYljEL9mx9g5cl Instagram: https://instagram.com/frontier_station Doors: 7pm Tix: £20 (online) / £22.50 (OTD)
Stone Jets In King's Cross

Stone Jets In King's Cross

3 Jun 2026 - 3 Jun 2026

Stone Jets' first London show of 2026 has arrived! Join Stone Jets for a night of music and celebration of a new season. The sun is on the way and we need to celebrate weathering the storm(s). Sophie Griffiths is joining the line up and we love that it will be one of those nights; UNFORGETTABLE! Sophie is a fantastic singer and an amazing songwriter who will have you from the first note. She will disarm you with her charm and wit, which she uses to muse over love and all things life. Here is a little bit more about her With over 2.2M+ streams, support from BBC Radio 1 (Mollie King, Maia Beth, and Gemma Bradley), BBC 6 Music, and playlisting on New Music Friday UK, New Pop UK, Fresh Finds, and more, she’s fast becoming a standout name in UK pop. Her music has featured on Love Island UK & US, I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, and Netflix AU/NZ’s Take My Hand, with 25K+ Shazams and strong sync momentum. A BBC Introducing Spotlight Artist, she’s also been championed by Hunger Magazine and All on the Board. On TikTok, she’s built a community of 420K+ followers, with over 30M video views in 2025 alone. Live, Sophie has played at Latitude, 110 Above, and sold-out London shows, proving she’s just as compelling on stage as she is online. Get your tickets and see you there! ★This was not summed or created using AI. Real people, Real words. Presented by Onion Disco. This is an 18+ event
Lucy Farrell and Shane Pendergast

Lucy Farrell and Shane Pendergast

9 Nov 2026 - 9 Nov 2026

Rooted in the rich traditions of English and Maritime folk music, Lucy Farrell and Shane Pendergast bring together two distinct yet complementary voices in contemporary folk. Lucy Farrell, a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner, is celebrated for her poetic songwriting, unconventional melodies, and the crystalline clarity of her voice. Known for her work with The Furrow Collective, Eliza Carthy and the Wayward Band, and a host of other acclaimed collaborations, Farrell has carved out a singular place in English folk with her elegant, understated tenor guitar and viola arrangements. Her solo work reveals a deep lyricism and a rare ability to make the strange feel familiar, and the familiar feel extraordinary. Shane Pendergast, hailing from Prince Edward Island, Canada, carries forward a long lineage of Maritime storytellers and songkeepers. A troubadour of the East Coast, his plainspoken yet profound songwriting has earned him recognition at folk festivals worldwide, as well as Contemporary Roots Album of the Year at the Music PEI Awards for Second Wind (2021). His 2025 release Winter Grace offers a deeply personal reflection on the joys and hardships of life in the Maritimes. Together, Farrell and Pendergast embody the living, breathing spirit of folk music: rooted in tradition, yet unafraid to tread new ground. With voices that echo across oceans, their collaboration bridges English and Canadian folk, crafting songs that are at once intimate, timeless, and resonant.
Swill Odgers and Friends

Swill Odgers and Friends

19 Dec 2026 - 19 Dec 2026

What better way to celebrate the festive season than our traditional get-together at The Water Rats in Kings Cross this December Join us for a rockin afternoon as Swill and friends perform the usual smorgasbord of story, song, and, of course, some great surprises. These special show's are always a delight, with a truly special atmosphere. That's why they sell out well in advance.. So don't miss out , book early. Please note that seating at this show will be limited and unreserved..
Kristy Cox

Kristy Cox

20 Sept 2026 - 20 Sept 2026

Kristy Cox is blazing a trail across the bluegrass world, bridging the sounds of Australia and the heart of American roots music with undeniable flair. Crowned the Australian Queen of Bluegrass, Kristy has carved out a powerful reputation for her fearless artistry, soulful vocals, and genre-bending creativity. After first captivating audiences in Australia's country music scene, she has gone on to dominate the U.S. bluegrass charts, earning multiple Billboard #1s and widespread acclaim on both sides of the globe.
Man the Lifeboats

Man the Lifeboats

20 Nov 2026 - 20 Nov 2026

Man The Lifeboats began life in a shanty-punk folk mosh pit in 2016. Skinny Lister and Holy Moly & the Crackers were the two bands that lit the fire and blew the roof of the Garage that night. Fast forward 8 years and 100 gigs and counting and Man The Lifeboats are ploughing their full-throttle folked-up furrow on the festival circuit, winning over audiences at Moseley, Purbeck, Warwick, Swanage, Jurassic Fields, Beardy Folk, Folk in a Field, Bearded Theory, Deepdale, Ragged Bear and more, drawing comparisons to Bellowhead, Waterboys, Oyster band, the Levellers, and those folk-punk heroes the Pogues. The second album Soul Of Albion hit no. 27 in the Official Folk Charts in 2022. Recorded at Rockfield Studios, it sounds like Led Zeppelin arm-wrestling Shane McGowan in a Birmingham brewery, like Jimbo band Fruitbat fronting Fairport Convention, like The Albion Band turned up to 11 with their fiddles on fire. Tonic for these troubled times.
My Girl the River Showcase

My Girl the River Showcase

16 Jun 2026 - 16 Jun 2026

Come and celebrate a live preview of My Girl The River's new album Manifest Good Things along with music, press, and radio guests, crowdfund supporters and family. Expect a great show performing as a full band giving you a taste of things to come. Limited ticket availability. Show will last approximately 1 hour.
Lady Nade

Lady Nade

11 Nov 2026 - 13 Nov 2026

Experience multi award-winning songstress Lady Nade live as she brings her highly anticipated album Identity to the stage. Blending roots, folk, soul, Americana, jazz, blues and pop, the show offers sanctuary, encouragement and a powerful celebration of self-love and self-expression. Featuring the anthemic BBC Introducing Song of the Week ‘One Of Us’; the soul-soothing ‘Rainbow’; and the retro-infused, inspired pop of ‘Sober’, as championed by Cerys Matthews on BBC Radio 6 Music. Identity is about being seen, being heard, and discovering the freedom of fully inhabiting who you are. Lady Nade writes with honesty and vulnerability, balancing emotional depth with warmth, positivity and hope. As noted by Americana UK, her music is rooted in lived experience and a belief in its power to foster connection, compassion and healing. Joined by a six-piece band of some of the UK’s finest musicians, this is an evening designed for connection, reflection and shared experience. Identity invites those who love electric, soul-folk rooted songs to come exactly as they are and to celebrate all the things that make them who they are.
Scott Lavene - Acoustic Songs & Stories 2026
Scott Lavene is a British singer-songwriter and storyteller whose work blends kitchen-sink realism with dark humour, poetic grit, and a distinctly English sense of place. Emerging from Essex, Lavene has carved out a niche as a chronicler of the overlooked; his songs populated by down-and-outs, late-night wanderers, and small-town dreamers. Before his music career gained traction, Lavene spent years working a range of everyday jobs, experiences that would later inform the unvarnished authenticity of his lyrics. His songs often feel like short stories set to music, delivered in a conversational, almost spoken-word style that sits somewhere between indie folk and post-punk. Lavene first began to gather attention in the late 2010s with early releases that showcased his knack for vivid character sketches and bleakly comic observation. His debut album Broke (2019) introduced listeners to his stark, narrative-driven songwriting, earning praise for its honesty and literary quality. Follow-up records such as Milk City Sweethearts (2021) and Disneyland in Dagenham (2023) expanded his reputation, refining his sound while maintaining the raw emotional core that defines his work. His music is often compared to a lineage of British storytellers, Ian Dury, Elvis Costello, John Cooper Clarke, Jarvis Cocker and Robyn Hitchcock but, even so, Lavenes voice remains singular. He has a gift for balancing melancholy with wit, finding beauty and absurdity in the mundane corners of modern life. On stage, Lavenes performances are intimate and magnetic, driven as much by his narrative delivery as by melody. Whether backed by a full band or performing solo, he creates a sense of closeness that draws audiences into his world. Last years record, Cars, Buses, Bedsits and Shops was a classic, full of Essex, East End poetry, and classic ballads, the 4th solo album to add his growing, cult catalogue. The album tour was extensive, starting with an astounding show at End of The Road in August 2025, then on through the autumn and winter, finishing off in early February, with many of the shows sold out. After a move across country back to the south east where he grew up and then some time setting up his analogue studio, Milk City Studios, Scott is back with another tour, Acoustic Songs and Stories, a run of intimate shows in some incredible venues across the UK and Europe. In 2026, Scott will be playing the best of his four solo albums as well as some new material and stories, bringing the banter along with two beautiful vintage acoustic guitars. Scott continues to build a loyal following, not through chart dominance but through the strength of his songwriting and stage shows - honest, unsettling, and deeply human, bringing us into the original landscapes he creates onstage. scott-lavene.com
London Music Ultimate Showcase: All Dayer
Its time.. for the Ultimate Gig The Ultimate Meetup ultimate showcase ★ Something is happening... The best way I can describe it is like one member said to me: ‘Tim - It’s like freshers week, every week, but better, with bands and stuff...’ and that’s how it’s been over the last 7 years since we created this group. It’s honestly the most fun we’ve had and I’m inviting all of you - Everyone of you because something’s been happening for a while now and you just don’t know about it. It’s a Showcase of some of the Best London bands playing their music in London - Great place for a beer, meet new people and see some amazing unsigned bands! ★ LONDON MUSIC SHOWCASE Presents: STAGS HEAD in HOXTON - ULTIMATE SHOWCASE May 17th SATURDAY All-Dayer Music 5pm-11pm Ronnie white San demas Helen King Persepolis Tranquil Ancient unknown Iris ks ★ Disclaimer: We are not responsible for you or your belongings. By attending this event you agree to waiver liability for the Host :) Please bring ID to events as some are 18+. Instagram: LondonMusicShowcase Https://dice.Fm/promoters/London-music-showcase-6ko3 https://www.meetup.com/London-Music-Showcase-Gigs-Drinks/ Presented by London Music Showcase. This is an 18+ event
The Meteors

The Meteors

23 Sept 2026 - 29 Sept 2026

Veteran U.K. psychobilly band who blend rockabilly twang, punk rock energy and attitude, and horror movie imagery.
Marc Valentine / the Derellas

Marc Valentine / the Derellas

1 Oct 2026 - 1 Oct 2026

Wam Bam !!!.. What a Fantastic Glamtastic double bill The DeRellas and Marc Valentine play this joint headline show .. Two of the best live Rock n Roll bands around, The Sound of the Trashy Underground..supporting are London glam rockers Glitter Kick this is gonna be one hell of a night .. see you down the front
Amy Speace

Amy Speace

25 Feb 2027 - 25 Feb 2027

Heralded by Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Billboard Magazine and NPR's Weekend Edition, Amy Speace was discovered by Judy Collins, who signed her to her record label and has recorded her songs. She's the 2020 winner of the AMA UK's International Song of the Year. The Blue Rock Session, her 10th solo album, was released in December 2025 and reached #1 immediately on the Folk Radio Charts. It is a truly solo acoustic project Amy recorded in 3 hours at The Blue Rock Studio during a writer's retreat there. Her 2024 release, The American Dream, became the #1 record and the title track was named #1 song in the FAI Radio Charts for its first month out. She has been featured on NPR's Weekend Edition and in a segment for Marketplace. Craig Havighurst of Nashville's WMOT radio calls her Sublime and inimitableSpeace has been one of [Nashville's] premiere folk artists of the last decade. Amy has played many festivals around the world, including Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Glastonbury Music Festival, legacy stages like The Grand Ole Opry and The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and is a favorite of Mountain Stage Radio. A well-respected writer, she's had essays published in The New York Times, No Depression, Working Mother Magazine, Salon.com and leads workshops in songwriting and performance. Her forthcoming debut collection of poetry, The Cardinals, will be published by Red Hen Press on September 1, 2026. In 2025 she published To The Performer: A Handbook for Singer-Songwriters. She holds an MFA in poetry from Spalding University.
The Paradox Twin: Runtime Error

The Paradox Twin: Runtime Error

28 Jul 2026 - 30 Jul 2026

Join The Paradox Twin for a special evening celebrating the release of our latest work, A Romance of Many Dimensions, with support from Dikajee. The Paradox Twin are known for their blend of progressive rock and emotional storytelling, this performance will take you through the layers of the new album in an intimate setting. Dont miss this chance to hear the new tracks live as we bring the concepts and soundscapes of the record to life.
The DekkerTones at the Water Rats 2026
There's a sound that runs from Kingston to Coventry to every sweaty back-room gig that ever mattered. Off-beat guitar, walking bass, horns that punch and weave, voices that carry the whole thing. The DekkerTones know that sound inside out. The DekkerTones land at The Water Rats with a setlist that runs the full ska bloodline: the Jamaican originators, the 2 Tone insurgents, the Trojan classics that built the whole thing. Expect Dekker, Cadogan, Toots; expect Madness, The Specials, Selecter, Beat; expect the kind of brass-led, off-beat-driven set that doesn't let up. Eight musicians, deep in the tradition, bringing the Trojan songbook and the 2 Tone canon to The Water Rats. This is the music of rude boys and rude girls, of Two Tone and Saturday-night dances, of bands who understood how to pack a dancefloor. Played by people who love it, for people who love it. No filler, no fuss, no apologies. Just ska, the way it's meant to sound.
Dead Chic

Dead Chic

17 Jun 2026 - 22 Jun 2026

Dead Chic bring their dark, cinematic rock to The EagleInn for their UK debut. Fronted by Andy Balcon (UK) (Heymoonshaker) and French guitarist Damien Félix (FR) (ex-Catfish), the band fuse heavy rock, soul and raw emotion into a sound built for the stage - intense, visceral and uncompromising. Their debut album Serenades & Damnation earned strong critical praise, with Rolling Stone France hailing Dead Chic as : “a cinematic and brilliantly orchestrated blend of heavy rock and soul.”
Jerry Joseph & the Jackmormons

Jerry Joseph & the Jackmormons

8 Jul 2026 - 8 Jul 2026

Black Cat Music proudly Presents..... Jerry Joseph & Jackmormons Jerry said to me 'People in the UK dont know I play electric guiter.... Well here is your chance to find out Jerry Joseph is a musician who lives in Portland Oregon, but he's often gone. He's been inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame but is still rather obscure to a lot of people. He plays well over 150 shows a year in the usual places. Across America. Sometimes in Europe, Mexico, and Central America. Then there's these other places he playsLebanon, Israel, Kurdish Iraq, India, and Afghanistan. All over the Middle East, often in war zones and refugee camps. In addition to his touring, Jerry has set up a non-profit called Nomad Music Foundation that acts as a sort of School of Rock for displaced teenagers in areas of conflict. So far, he has taken guitars and taught lessons in camps in Kabul, Afghanistan, and Sulaymaniyah and Dahuk, both in Kurdish Iraq. These life-changing missions have been written up in Rolling Stone, Relix, and PBS News Hour. Oh yeah, and he's really great. A rare chance to see Jerry with a band in the UK Support from Red Hash
Sam Brookes

Sam Brookes

23 Sept 2026 - 23 Sept 2026

there are vast emotional reserves at work reminiscent of the great Tim Buckley -The Independent "Nothing really prepares you for Sam Brookes ... he is a national treasure" - Folk Radio he excels at propulsive, narratively rich folk, delivered in a soaring, clear-as-a-bell singing voice -The Sunday Times Following the release of the album Black Feathers the title track has recently been used in Sky's biggest original Series The Day on the Jackal starring Eddie Redmayne. Music Supervised by Emmy Nominated Catherine Greeves (Baby Reindeer, Killing Eve) Black Feathers released in 2020 was produced by grammy nominated producer Dom Monks (Big Thief, Laura Marling, Nick Cave) Brookes was accompanied by a wealth of talented musicians which included Ethan Johns, Neil Cowley, Nick Pini, Daisy Palmer, Sam Sweeney & Rob Pemberton. Sam Brookes is reminiscent of Tim Buckley as he glides between the lower and upper registers of his four-octave range. His pure voice, evocative lyrics and soaring melodies have cemented him as a respected figure in the alt-folk scene as an artist & collaborator. Inspired by the British and American folk revivalists of the 60's, a sixteen-year-old Brookes began to write and perform while training as a gilder in his late father's workshop. Brookes had begun to receive serious critical recognition when he self-released album, Kairos, being acclaimed by The Independent as one of the stand-out records of 2014 and tipped for the mercury nomination. The past couple of years has seen Brookes collaborate with artist & producer Pete Josef releasing music as Supalung.
Pouk Hill Prophetz-Back in the Saddle, the Water Rats
Yes, it has finally happened and The Pouk Hill Prophetz will indeed be returning to their favourite stomping ground of The Water Rats in London's King's Cross for what promises to be another Night To Remember! So grab your feather boa's, squeeze into your sequinned leggings and join us for what will be a glam-tastic night of pomp anthems!
Ron's Honky Tonk

Ron's Honky Tonk

23 May 2026 - 23 May 2026

We're really excited to announce another Ron's Honky Tonk event, returning to The Water Rats on Saturday 23rd May. We're bringing a taste of Nashville to King's Cross with Paige Somerville and Hannah Anders flying in for the night. They'll be joined by two brilliant up and coming UK country artists, Ben Hutcheson and Robin Cooper, making this a proper transatlantic country line up. Our events are gaining a reputation for unbelievable talent and an incredible atmosphere, and we can confidently say this one will be no different.

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