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1. NATIONAL GALLERY

I will be in The National Gallery, London, on March 14th, from 7pm, talking about Joseph Wright’s Experiment With A Bird and William Hogarth’s The Graham Children. Some other celebs are doing their bits too See ya there Art Fans! NationalGallery.Org

2. NEW MERCH

Along with WAXFACE’s usual line of Stewart Lee merch there are new for 2025 t-shirts and hoodies on the Man-Wulf theme, all of the highest quality. I’d wear them myself but I’d look arrogant. Waste the money your Nan gave you for Xmas here

wax-face.com/stewart-lee

3. MAN-WULF BY THE PRIMEVALS

Glasgow’s garage punk veterans The Primevals announce a new single as featured in the new Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf U.K. tour.
There are 3 versions
Side a I’m The Man-Wulf
Side b I’m The Man-Wulf (long nail edit)
Plus a 9 minute I’m The Man-Wulf (long nail version) (I LOOOOOVE THIS!!)

Vinyl sides a&b released on a 7” 45 in January.

https://primevals.bandcamp.com

4. BASIC LEE IS ON NOW TV

https://www.nowtv.com/ie/watch/entertainment/collections/ultimate-comedy/asset/stewart-lee-basic-lee…/A5EK6949itCVNKaChrDXN

You’ll have to subscribe though.

Here is a thorough, and not entirely positive, review from a thoughtful young man on Youtube, still better than most pro-critics.
https://youtu.be/kdOYgqCzJ4s?si=1uIZBn8tMWsAiS0h

5. STEWART LEE VS THE MAN-WULF

John Mackay & Sally Homer, in association with Debi Allen/Curtis Brown present
STEWART LEE vs THE MAN-WULF BRAND NEW SHOW

UK TOURING THROUGHOUT 2025

NB: TICKETS FOR THESE SHOWS WILL REMAIN AT THE ADVERTISED PRICE. SURGE PRICING IS IMMORAL AND TICKETMASTER AND OASIS ARE WANKERS, ENCOURAGED BY SUCCESSIVE TORY CULTURE SECRETARIES IN THEIR CRIMINAL ENDEAVOURS.

In this brand-new show, Lee shares his stage with a tough-talking werewolf comedian who hates humanity. The Man-Wulf lays down a ferocious comedy challenge to the culturally irrelevant and physically enfeebled Lee. Can the beast inside us all be silenced with the silver bullet of Lee’s unprecedentedly critically acclaimed style of stand-up.

STEWART LEE vs THE MAN-WULF Opened at Leicester Square Theatre in December 2024 the new show will tour to UK cities throughout 2025.

I AM VERY PLEASED WITH HOW THIS SHOW IS SHAPING UP – PRESS IS COLLECTING HERE.

April 2025

Tuesday 1st April 2025 – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – TICKETS
Wednesday 2nd April 2025 – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – TICKETS
Thursday 3rd April 2025 – New Theatre, Peterborough – TICKETS
Friday 4th April 2025 – Palace Theatre, Southend – TICKETS
Saturday 5th April 2025 – Palace Theatre, Southend – TICKETS
Sunday 6th April 2025 – Palace Theatre, Southend – TICKETS
Tuesday 22nd April 2025 – Royal & Derngate, Northampton – TICKETS
Wednesday 23rd April 2025 – Royal & Derngate, Northampton – TICKETS
Monday 28th April 2025 – Playhouse, Nottingham – TICKETS
Tuesday 29th April 2025 – Playhouse, Nottingham – TICKETS
Wednesday 30th April 2025 – Playhouse, Nottingham – TICKETS

May 2025

Thursday 1st May 2025 – Playhouse, Nottingham – TICKETS
Friday 2nd May 2025 – The Mach Arena, Machynlleth Comedy Festival – TICKETS
Saturday 3rd May 2025 – The Mach Arena, Machynlleth Comedy Festival – TICKETS
Sunday 4th May 2025 – The Mach Arena, Machynlleth Comedy Festival – TICKETS
Tuesday 6th May 2025 – Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool – TICKETS
Wednesday 7th May 2025 – Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool – TICKETS
Thursday 8th May 2025 – Playhouse, Leeds – TICKETS
Friday 9th May 2025 – Playhouse, Leeds – TICKETS
Saturday 10th May 2025 – Playhouse, Leeds – TICKETS
Monday 12th May 2025 – Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton – TICKETS
Thursday 15th May 2025 – King’s Theatre, Portsmouth – TICKETS
Friday 16th May 2025 – The Forum, Bath – TICKETS

July 2025

Saturday 5th July 2025 – Royal Festival Hall, Southbank, London – TICKETS
Sunday 6th July 2025 – Royal Festival Hall, Southbank, London – TICKETS
Sunday 6th July 2025 – Royal Festival Hall, Southbank, London – TICKETS
Saturday 12th July 2025 – Royal Festival Hall, Southbank, London – TICKETS
Sunday 13th July 2025 – Royal Festival Hall, Southbank, London – TICKETS
Sunday 13th July 2025 – Royal Festival Hall, Southbank, London – TICKETS

September 2025

Monday 8th September 2025 – Lighthouse, Poole – TICKETS
Tuesday 9th September 2025 – Lighthouse, Poole – TICKETS
Wednesday 10th September 2025 – Hall For Cornwall, Truro – TICKETS
Thursday 11th September 2025 – Northcott Theatre, Exeter – TICKETS
Friday 12th September 2025 – Northcott Theatre, Exeter – TICKETS
Saturday 13th September 2025 – Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil – TICKETS
Sunday 14th September 2025 – Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil – TICKETS
Tuesday 16th September 2025 – New Theatre, Cardiff – TICKETS
Wednesday 17th September 2025 – New Theatre, Cardiff – TICKETS
Thursday 18th September 2025 – New Theatre, Cardiff – TICKETS
Friday 19th September 2025 – New Theatre, Cardiff – TICKETS
Saturday 20th September 2025 – New Theatre, Cardiff – TICKETS
Wednesday 24th September 2025 – Hippodrome, Darlington – TICKETS
Thursday 25th September 2025 – Gala, Durham – TICKETS
Friday 26th September 2025 – Theatre Royal, Glasgow – TICKETS
Saturday 27th September 2025 – Playhouse, Edinburgh – TICKETS
Sunday 28th September 2025 – His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen – TICKETS

October 2025

Friday 3rd October 2025 – Aberystwyth Arts Centre – Great Hall, Aberystwyth – TICKETS
Tuesday 7th October 2025 – Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes – TICKETS
Wednesday 8th October 2025 – Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes – TICKETS
Thursday 9th October 2025 – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford – TICKETS
Friday 10th October 2025 – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford – TICKETS
Saturday 11th October 2025 – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford – TICKETS
Wednesday 15th October 2025 – Grand Theatre, Swansea – TICKETS
Thursday 16th October 2025 – Grand Theatre, Swansea – TICKETS
Friday 17th October 2025 – Bristol Beacon, Bristol – TICKETS
Saturday 18th October 2025 – Bristol Beacon, Bristol – TICKETS
Tuesday 21st October 2025 – Storyhouse, Chester – TICKETS
Wednesday 22nd October 2025 – Storyhouse, Chester – TICKETS
Thursday 23rd October 2025 – Opera House, Buxton – TICKETS
Friday 24th October 2025 – Opera House, Buxton – TICKETS
Saturday 25th October 2025 – The Baths Hall, Scunthorpe – TICKETS
Wednesday 29th October 2025 – Cast, Doncaster – TICKETS
Thursday 30th October 2025 – Cast, Doncaster – TICKETS
Friday 31st October 2025 – Harrogate Theatre, Harrogate – TICKETS

November 2025

Saturday 1st November 2025 – Harrogate Theatre, Harrogate – TICKETS
Sunday 2nd November 2025 – Harrogate Theatre, Harrogate – TICKETS
Monday 3rd November 2025 – Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle Upon Tyne – TICKETS
Tuesday 4th November 2025 – Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle Upon Tyne – TICKETS
Friday 7th November 2025 – The Anvil, Basingstoke – TICKETS
Saturday 8th November 2025 – Rose Theatre, Kingston – TICKETS
Sunday 9th November 2025 – Rose Theatre, Kingston – TICKETS
Tuesday 11th November 2025 – Brighton Dome, Brighton – TICKETS
Wednesday 12th November 2025 – Brighton Dome, Brighton – TICKETS
Thursday 13th November 2025 – Brighton Dome, Brighton – TICKETS
Friday 14th November 2025 – Brighton Dome, Brighton – TICKETS
Saturday 15th November 2025 – Brighton Dome, Brighton – TICKETS
Monday 17th November 2025 – Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – TICKETS
Tuesday 18th November 2025 – Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – TICKETS
Wednesday 19th November 2025 – Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – TICKETS

6. SNOWFLAKE/TORNADO

Stewart’s 2019-2022 touring show Snowflake/Tornado, which was originally broadcast as a BBC Special in Autumn 2022 is now available to buy or rent “on demand” from www.mediagarageproductions.com

Both shows also appear to be free as part of the current Amazon Prime rosta, but buy them from us to defeat American fascism.

We are currently preparing a physical release of these shows but it’s got delayed as I got pneumonia and have been bogged down in picking through a wealth of possible, and very exciting, audio extras, where the material worked much better than in the broadcast show itself.

7. FESTIVAL STAND-UP SETS 2025 (the usual 30 mins greatest hits shit)

24th May 2025 Bearded Theory, Derbyshire

Iggy Pop, The Manics, Thee Sisters O’ Mercy, Yard Act, Left Field, Throwing Muses, The Selecter, The Lovely Lovely Eggs, my pals Asian Dub Foundation, Cool distaff Japanese Ramones Shonen Knife, The Alarm (!!!!???), Beans on Toast, dub legends Zion Train, Angeline Morrison, Miki Berenyi from off of The Shoegazing Lushes, The Vaselines, Stick In The Wheel, Paul Heaton, and afro-rock avatars W.I.T.C.H.
www.beardedtheory.co.uk.

8. Benefit Shows

The Burning Parrot, Just Stop Oil fundraised, Walthamstow Trades, London, 8th April TICKETS
Me, Judy Boom, Henry Morris, Rosie Holt, Harley Brewer, Cameron Ford.

Daniel Kitson is hosting a series of benefits for Resonance FM Radio in London in March.
He says, “As part of my ongoing affection for London’s community arts radio station – Resonance FM – I have put together some benefit gigs throughout March. They’re at Up The Creek in Greenwich (London) every Monday night during March, i’m booking the acts and hosting the shows and i think they’ll be a lot of low key, chilled out, Monday night fun. Here’s the blurb:

“A Month of Mondays for Resonance FM. Daniel Kitson will host five Monday nights of very good comedians doing whatever they like to raise some money for London’s community arts radio station, Resonance FM. There’ll be a mix of new material, old material and some bits that are not and never will be material. .£10. There will definitely be one or two more acts added here and there. Also, you have to assume that if people get a better (paid) offer they may well cancel on the day but as things stand the bills are as follows

3rd – Lloyd Griffith, Roisin Conaty, Rose Matafeo, Sean Mcloughlin
10th – Rosie Jones, Ivor Dembina, Ania Magliano, Spencer Jones
17th – Rob Auton, Lucy Pearman, Bridget Christie.
24th – Ceyla AB, Andy Zaltzman, Sam Campbell
31st – Alice Sneddon, John Kearns

Tickets available now – HERE
He didn’t ask me, which means I am not one of the cool kids anymore.

9. IDLER FEST 11-13 JULY, HAMPSTEAD HEATH, LONDON

I will be amongst the knobheads being grilled at the Idler magazine’s annual 3 day garden party.
It’s a lovely event.

“FENTON HOUSE & GARDEN, HAMPSTEAD, LONDON. The Idler Festival is a weekend of philosophy and merriment, comedy, talks, music, workshops and salons in the bucolic surroundings of Fenton House and gardens near Hampstead Heath. You’ll be entertained and enlightened by the Idler’s favourite thinkers, comedians, writers, and musicians. There’ll be walks, ukulele, bibliotherapy, agony aunts, beekeeping and plenty of time to loaf under the apple trees. There’ll be dancing lessons on the lawn, loafing to DJs in the orchard and salons in the house. Join us for our dream garden party. Headlining a stellar line up will be comedians Michael Palin and Stewart Lee and former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams. Plus Daisy Dunn, Miranda Sawyer, a mini pilgrimage with Guy Hayward, evensong on Sunday and much more to be announced. “Britain’s best arts and literary festival,” Spectator”.

https://www.idler.co.uk/festival/?mc_cid=d7a7e0ee8d&mc_eid=131dcf01d6

10. WOLVERHAMPTON ART SCHOOL BLDG

In what seems to look like a concerted attack on the fabric of the arts in the UK, Wolverhampton Art School building is now scheduled for demolition. “Save the Wolverhampton school of art building from demolition . It is more than just an art school it is a land mark and part of Wolverhampton’s sky line and heritage. Hands off our Art school.”

Save the school here https://chng.it/qJpCVdfjpr

11. CARDIFF ANCIENT HISTORY & MUSIC DEPTS TRASHED

As if further evidence were needed of the ongoing war against intelligence, Cardiff Uni’s Ancient History degree, and music department, are both threatened with going down. Those who do not understand history are condemned to vote for the same wrong things over and over again. Vote here to protect the past. And Wales is the LAND OF SONG surely?

“Along with several other departments and degrees, Cardiff University is cutting its entire Ancient History department. This threatens the livelihood of staff and the future of students, who have been told that they will graduate, but given no further information as to the future of their education. This is a devastating decision that threatens the future of the arts in Wales and the wider UK.

Cardiff University currently boasts a large Ancient History faculty but has now decided to let these hard-working and dedicated professionals go, in the name of profits. When did our universities become about money, rather than education?  We stand in solidarity with our lecturers and supporting staff who stand to lose their livelihoods. These cuts disregard the importance of our subject and leave students feeling disrespected and left in the lurch. We pay thousands of pounds for our degrees, and should not have to worry that they will be swept out from under us, or have their content gutted.

The study of the classical world and ancient history is one of the primary foundations of higher education. The principles of democracy and law that it teaches reflect keenly on the current world and in today’s political climate, it seems nonsensical to erase such vital education.

We as Ancient History students are writing this petition to demand that Cardiff University think twice about this decision, and take a different course of action than these devastating cuts. Please sign and share with all students, staff, alumni, and all who care about the arts and their future.”

https://www.change.org/p/save-cardiff-university-ancient-history-degree

And Cardiff’s music dept is also going down. Llion Williams wants you to sign a petition and says;

“I am writing this letter to the Vice Chancellor of Cardiff University to express my profound disappointment and outrage at the decision to cut the Music degree course at Cardiff University. This action represents a gross dereliction of duty and a deeply short-sighted betrayal of Wales’s rich musical heritage.

As the capital city of Wales, Cardiff University has a unique responsibility to nurture and cultivate artistic talent within the nation. Music is not merely a frivolous pastime; it is an integral part of our cultural DNA, woven into the very fabric of our society. From the vibrant folk traditions to the contemporary sounds emerging from our cities and towns, music enriches our lives, fosters creativity, and strengthens our communities.

Cardiff, as the cultural heart of Wales, has long been the wellspring of musical inspiration for many. Our nation’s musical legacy is deeply intertwined with the lives and works of greats such as Ivor Novello, Alun Hoddinott, William Mathias, and Grace Williams, whose compositions have brought global recognition to Welsh music. To cut the Music degree course is to betray this rich history and the contributions that Welsh musicians have made to the world stage over centuries. This decision diminishes the role Cardiff has played in fostering Wales’s proud tradition of musical excellence and stifles future generations who could follow in these illustrious footsteps.

By eliminating the only dedicated music degree course in Cardiff, the University is effectively forcing aspiring musicians to seek their education elsewhere, likely in England. This not only undermines the aspirations of countless talented young people but also weakens Wales’s capacity to produce world-class musicians and contribute to the global music scene.

Furthermore, Music, as a major component of creative industries, supports jobs, local businesses, and tourism, all of which have significant economic value. By cutting the Music degree, Cardiff University risks undermining the future contribution of Welsh musicians and artists to both the local and national economy.

This decision demonstrates a shocking lack of ambition and a profound disregard for the vital role of the arts in a thriving society. It suggests a preference for short-term gains over long-term cultural and economic benefits. Music education is not a luxury; it is an investment in the future, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth.

Music is also essential for mental health and well-being. Studies show that participating in music, either as a performer or audience member, reduces stress, fosters social cohesion, and improves cognitive function. Cutting this course disregards these well-documented benefits, not just for students but for society as a whole.

By abandoning a key cultural course such as music, Cardiff University is risking its own reputation as a leader in higher education and as a progressive institution. Universities are meant to be bastions of intellectual and cultural leadership, and this decision undercuts that role, diminishing Cardiff’s standing both within Wales and internationally. Countries like Finland, known for their thriving music education programmes, have shown the world the power of the arts to build a cohesive and progressive society.

To discard such a cornerstone of our cultural identity is an act of cultural vandalism. It sends a chilling message that the arts are not valued in Wales, and that our aspirations for a vibrant and dynamic cultural landscape are being systematically dismantled.”

https://www.change.org/p/save-welsh-music-achub-cerddoriaeth-yng-nghymru

12. I Arrogantly Recommend

TIRZAH GARWOOD: Beyond Ravilious, Dulwich Picture Gallery London, until 26 May 2025. 

https://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/about/press-media/press-releases/first-major-exhibition-of-modern-british-artist-tirzah-garwood-among-2024-highlights-at-dulwich-picture-gallery/

The first major exhibition devoted to the artist and designer Tirzah Garwood (1908–1951) since 1952. Best known until now as the wife of Eric Ravilious and as the author of the autobiography Long Live Great Bardfield, Garwood excelled as a fine artist and printmaker. Her diverse and enchanting works are gems of the mid-20th century.

ITHELL COLQUHOUN – BETWEEN TWO WORLDS Tate St Ives, Feb 1^st – May 5^th. 

Coincidentally, I have a routine about Ithell in the new show!

“The first major exhibition of visionary artist Ithell Colquhoun. One of the most radical artists of her generation, Ithell Colquhoun was an important figure in British Surrealism during the 1930s and 1940s. An innovative writer and practicing occultist, Colquhoun charted her own course, investigating surrealist methods of unconscious picture-making and fearlessly delving into the realms of myth and magic. Colquhoun explored the possibilities of a divine feminine power as a path to personal fulfilment and societal transformation. Her understanding of the world as a connected spiritual cosmos brought her to Cornwall, where she deepened her creative explorations, inspired by the region’s ancient landscape, Celtic traditions, and sacred sites. This landmark exhibition of over 200 artworks and archival materials traces Colquhoun’s evolution, from her early student work and engagement with the surrealist movement, to her fascination with the intertwining realms of art, sexual identity, ecology and occultism. It culminates in a room dedicated to Colquhoun’s interpretation of the Tarot deck – her most accomplished fusion of her artistic and magical practice. Explore Colquhoun’s enthralling, multi-layered universe through writings, drawings, paintings, early theatre projects and mural designs, many of which have never been shown publicly before. The exhibition will debut at Tate St Ives in February 2025, journeying to Tate Britain from June to October 2025.”

THE FALLEN LEAVES Mod-punk veteran assassins

FEB 28^th Bristol Thunderbolt,
MARCH 1^st Guildford Holroyd,
8^th Brighton Hope & Ruin,
22^nd London Hope & Anchor,
MAY 3^rd Stockton-On-Tees Volume,
4^th N’Castle Billy Bootleggers,
31^st London Dublin Castle,
June 8^th Southsea Edge of The Wedge,
SEPT 27^th London Dublin Castle.

CHUCK PROPHET  Chuck’s last live tour was one of the greatest rock and roll shows I ever saw – real huckster guitar slinger stuff that they don’t make anymore. The Mount Rushmore of sandblasted country noir is on the road here again in 2025. Don’t miss. Honestly.

FEBRUARY
27th – Cambridge – Portland Arms
28^th – Norwich – Arts Centre

MARCH
1st – Hassocks – Mid Sussex Music Hall
2nd – Bristol – Lantern
3rd – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
4th – Southampton – 1865
5th – London – The Garage

NAPALM DEATH Birmingham’s grindcore godparents

MARCH
4^th – Dublin Academy
5^th – Glasgow Galvanisers’ Yard
6^th – Newcastle Uni Union
7^th – London Electric Ballroon
8^th – Liverpool Academy
9^th – Birmingham Institute

EMMY BRIDGWATER/SURREAL SOLIHULL 6th March – 31^st May

Emmy Bridgwater was a great surrealist pioneer from my howetown. I suspect I may have delivered her newspaper. And, gossip-fans, Emmy was the woman the now noted surrealist Ithell Colquhoun’s surreal husband had an affair with. With Birmingham’s main gallery being in an ongoing state of closure you’re unlikely to see any of the artworks of Emmy’s they hold in situ, so maybe this slightly odd looking event will shed some light on her.

“Surreal Solihull –  Solihull’s links to the Surrealist art movement will be celebrated this Spring with a new exhibition in Solihull town centre. ‘Surreal Solihull’ takes as its starting point the work of Solihull’s pioneering Surrealist artist and poet Emmy Bridgwater who founded and worked with the Birmingham Surrealists throughout the 1930s and 40s. As well as featuring several pieces painted, drawn and collaged by Emmy Bridgwater, 30 local artists have been commissioned to create new Surrealist art works which will be shown for the first time at the exhibition. Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Wazma Qais, said: “The ‘Surrealist Manifesto’ was published just over 100 years ago in 2024, but Surrealist art continues to influence contemporary art, fashion and interior design. ‘Surreal Solihull’ will shine a light on Solihull’s very own Surrealist, Emmy Bridgwater, and also provide a space for emerging and established contemporary local artists to engage with this exciting and thought- provoking art movement. I am excited to see what they will produce!” Contemporary artist, Helen Grundy, who regularly exhibits around the world, was thrilled to have been selected. She said: “Emmy Bridgwater was an important part of the Surrealist movement and I am delighted she is being rediscovered and her work is finding a new audience.  “My piece ‘Bird Land’ is a homage to her work and promotes my belief that she is an inspiration to modern artists. In my piece she is a hybrid – part human, part bird – and she towers over a surreal imagined landscape that represents a dreamlike version of Solihull.” ‘Surreal Solihull’ will take place from 6 March – 31 May 2025 in an outdoor gallery on Solihull High Street. Full details of all the artists and supporting events will be available in February. Free to visit, it has been developed thanks to funding from West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and in partnership with Solihull Council, Visit Solihull, The Mayor Gallery in London, the Emmy Bridgwater Estate and Solihull BID.”

EX-EASTER ISLAND HEAD Groovy minimalists. MARCH 8^th London ICA. APRIL 20^th Colchester Arts

STIFF LITTLE FINGERS Indefatigable punk progenitors

MARCH 11^th Brighton Concorde, 12^th Nottingham Rock City, 14^th M’cr Academy, 15^th N’castle City Hall, 17^th Glasgow Barrowland, 18^th York Barbican,

THE LOFT I never saw Pete Astor’s pioneering indie-folk-rock janglers The Loft, like an English middle class mid-60s Dylan with a post-punk rush, first time around, though I saw the Weather Prophets loads, and regular doses of Astor solo over the decades have been pleasurably unavoidable. But I am thrilled at the possibility of this, and new recordings show the band on great form.  Age suits them it seems. MARCH 13^th – M’cr Gullivers, 14^th – B’ham Castle & Falcon, 15^th – Nottingham JT Soar, 20^th – Ramsgate Music Hall, 21^st – Bristol Thunderbolt, 22^nd – London Lexington, 23^rd – Brighton Prince Albert, 27^th – Leeds Lending Room, 28^th – N’castle Cluny 2, 29^th – Glasgow Mono

WILL ADAMSDALE – AI, AI, OH. Barbican March 13^th – 15th

Adamsdale’s Jackson’s Way show in 2005 changed my approach to life and work. Here is his new show at the Barbican, London “Perrier Comedy and Fringe First winner Will Adamsdale presents a new autobiographical show about escape, creativity and technology.
Once upon a time a washed up London writer and technophobe went off-grid in a confused lockdown relocation… only to find that the grass ain’t always greener. The blank page stretched out like the endless fields. His only hope? His greatest enemy – technology. A story of bots, writer’s block and getting away from it all. Will Adamsdale is a Perrier Comedy and Fringe First award-winning comedian and theatre maker whose previous shows with Fuel include Jackson’s Way, The Receipt, The Human Computer, The Summer House, Jackson’s Way: The London Jacksathon!, The Victorian in the Wall.”
https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2025/event/fuelfest-ai-ai-oh-by-will-adamsdale

DAVID GRUBBS/SECLUDED BRONTE Chicago’s amazing art-folk-minimalist David Grubbs, of Gastr del Sol pedigree, is on the road here in March, with bendy sound-art cracked-actors Secluded Bronte tow.

Tuesday March 18th at the NCI Centre, Cambridge https://wegottickets.com/event/644180#tickets
Wednesday March 19th at Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff https://www.chapter.org/whats-on/david-grubbs-andsecluded-bronte-support-from-jo-kelly
Thursday March 20th at Cafe Kino, Bristol https://www.instagram.com/p/DF_THyaoUD8/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Friday March 21st at Pan-Pan, Birmingham https://www.pan–pan.com/product/david-grubbs-secluded-bronte

NICK HELM AND NAT METCALFE SCREEN JOHN CARPENTER’S ‘IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS’ IN MANCHESTER 22^ND MARCH.

Nick and Nat screen Carpenter’s Lovecraftian classic at Cultplex, 50 Red Bank,  Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M4 4HF with a podcast tie-in. https://cultplex.co.uk/Cultplex.dll/WhatsOn?f=222110

“The Consume & Obey Podcast invites you to join multi-award-winning comedian Nick Helm and Nathaniel Metcalfe (collectively, The John Carpenter Appreciation Society/The JCAS) in their club house as they meet up to talk about what films they’ve been consuming that week.  In this special at CULTPLEX, we’ll be screening John Carpenter banger IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS and then jumping into a live podcast taping with Nick and Nat to discuss the film with the audience, and what films they’ve recently logged!

Film synopsis IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS opens with Stephen King esque horror novelist Sutter Cane going missing and insurance investigator John Trent is set up to scrutinize the claim made by his publisher; he endeavours to retrieve a yet-to-be-released manuscript and ascertain the writer’s whereabouts. Accompanied by the novelist’s editor, Linda Styles, and disturbed by nightmares from reading Cane’s other novels, Trent makes an eerie nighttime trek to a supernatural town in New Hampshire.
This screening is 18+, and will feature subtitles to aid accessibility. The film will begin at the advertised time above.”

MEKONS/STEWART LEE April 4^th – Signature Brew, Haggerston, London. I host an album launch show by welsh country punk legends! Superb secret special guests TBA

THE MAGPIE ARC Fabulous young British country-folk-rock act on the road, augmented by the mighty guitar legend Martin Simpson APRIL

Thursday 17th – The Glasshouse, Gateshead Buy Tickets,
Tuesday 22nd – The Phoenix, Exeter Buy Tickets,
Thursday 24th – Chapel Arts, Bath Buy Tickets

HAWKWIND 2025. Another implausible trip for the psychedelic survivors, Dave Brock still imperious, even from his octogenarian stool.
APRIL 17th – Gateshead Glasshouse,
18^th – Guildford G Live,
19^th – Bournemouth Pavillion,
20^th – B’ham Symphony Hall.

MAY 9^th – Aylesbury Waterside,
10^th – Liverpool Auditorium,
11^th – M’cr Bridgewater Hall,
23^rd – Sheffield City Hall,
25^th – Cambridge Corn Exchange,
26^th – London Barbican

OSCAR MCLENNAN … is one of the people that made me want to do comedy, although he was really a performance artist and I didn’t have a name for that, when I saw him describe terrible scenes crawling on the floor as Turkey Bones and The Wild Dogs’ Helicopter Man shredded the Warwick Arts Centre studio PA in 1984.
He has a new cd out https://oscarmclennan.bandcamp.com/album/snow-on-the-river and a launch for it in Dublin on Sunday April 20^th  https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/snow-on-the-river-album-launch-tickets-1232613372779

RICHARD DAWSON Unmitigated art-folk genius, and funny with it

APRIL 23^rd &
24th M’cr Stoller Hall,
25^th Kendal Brewery Arts,
27^th Leeds City Varieties,
29^th London Clapham Grand,
MAY 1^st Cardiff Gate,
2^nd Notts Metronome,
17^th Gateshead Glasshouse,
20^th Edinbro Pleasance,
21^st Glasgow St Lukes,
22^nd L’pool Philharmonic,
23^rd Brighton St Georhe’s ,
24^th Folkestone Quarterhouse.

THE ICEMAN AT TABERNACLE GALLERY, NOTTING HILL, LONDON

April 28^th – 4^TH May

Anthony Irving Iceman (aim) says, “aim is surfacing from deepest Dorset for his first London show which is taking place at the Tabernacle Gallery in Notting Hill. Here is a group of paintings from the previous 10 years selected by aim himself. There is also a series of more recent paintings based on The Iceman’s ground-breaking Lecture at the Bill Murray Club in September 2024 where The Iceman explained his Block melting work in the form of an academic lecture. All aim’s paintings are based on the live performance and relational work of The Iceman who has spent his adult life melting Blocks of ice for reasons that escape most people.

The Iceman and aim are one and the same person. Humanly speaking, they coalesce as Anthony Irvine.“The Blocks live on”-that is the Iceman’s mantra and now aim’s as well. aim’s paintings have been described in numerous ways. He looks forward to hearing more adjectival phrases to describe his work during this run. aim is sometimes labelled as an ‘outsider’ artist because of the raw energy of his painting style and the idiosyncratic subject matter. But aim himself simply describes himself as a “painter with clear aims.”

Although in one sense the pieces could be described as obsessional self-portraits,in another sense they are paintings of ‘Everyman’ and “’Everywoman’ in life’s struggles and joys. Taking a leaf from Andy Warhol’s dictum that Business is the best kind of art to heart,The Iceman will be clearly delineating the prices of individual paintings. He will also be offering a wide spectrum of aesthetic merchandise for sale at bargain prices: Postcards, Posters, his ’75 braimnd new paintings’ art Book, his “Melt It! Book”, etchings, engravings, signed block photocopies on authentic fax paper, Melt It Badges and even his children’s book, “Lockdown Melter”, will all be available for purchase. Truly there is something for everyone. The Iceman will have a padlocked cash box on site and provide his own security for his priceless paintings and all goods. aim hopes visitors enjoy viewing his insightful canvases.

The opening do is at 7pm on 29^th April 2025 [Thank you to “Music Business Associates” for kindly sponsoring the refreshments for that event] The Iceman/aim will be in the Tabernacle Gallery in person every day of the run. But he will not be shaking anyone’s hand, for health and safety reasons, due to the freezing effect of such a gesture. *Thank you to Artcetera, Bournemouth who generously supply aim with free quality cut-offs of mounting board upon which to paint.

**FYI The Iceman’s Blockbuster Documentary film “Melt It!The Film of the Iceman” is due to be released this year 2025”

https://iceblocked.co.uk/aims-selections-taimbernaimcle-gaimllery-28th-april-4th-may/

MACHYNLLETH COMEDY FESTIVAL The greatest comedy festival in the world. Book your bell tent now to avoid disappointment. I am doing MAN-WULF 3 times, John Shuttleworth is on, Celya AB etc etc. Make sure to see Ben Moor’s Three Thing Day. May 2^nd – 4^th. Once visited, never forgotten.

DON’T TELL ANYONE ABOUT IT OR YOU WILL RUIN IT!!!!

https://machcomedyfest.co.uk

DEAD PIONEERS Native American hardcore punk. Superb.  MAY 13^th Norwich Voodoo Daddy’s, 14^th London Dome.

SAMANTHA CRAIN Heart-rending Choctaw country-folk

MAY 19^th Brighton Green Door, 20^th London Neon 194, 21^st M’cr Gullivers

THE NIGHTINGALES Birmingham post-punk leg-ends hit the road again. When will it end?

MAY 21^ST Leeds Brudenell,
22^nd Newcastle Think Tank,
23^rd Glasgow Stereo,
24^th M’cr Deaf Institute,
25^th B’ham Castle & Falcon,
27^th Bristol Exchange,
28^th Brighton Chalk,
29^th Cambridge Junction,
30^th London Oslo,
31^st Swansea Bunkhouse.

ALSO —– The Nightingales release their first studio album since 2022’s much-praised ‘The Last Laugh’. Celebrated in the Stewart Lee-narrated film King Rocker of 2020, where the curtain was raised on the magic of the “long serving punk/alternative rock volunteer” (The Quietus) Robert Lloyd, The Nightingales are as pertinent as ever as they release a poignant tirade on modern times heralded, quite rightly, as ‘The Awful Truth’.

Released on April 4th on Fire Records, their new album ‘The Awful Truth’ is a modern mutant music hall interpretation of the day’s news, a haunting jolt into realism narrated with all the angst of an insistent, slightly dishevelled late-night newscaster.  BUY A BUNDLE HERE. https://thenightingales.org.uk

BOOTHBY GRAFFOE & ANTONIO FORCIONE May 28^th, The Old Woollen, Leeds. A MUST!! ONE OFF SHOW!!!! “20 years ago a stand-up comedian made an album with a virtuoso guitarist. They did a bunch of shows and got a bunch of 5 star reviews. Then they toured Australia, and won a bunch of awards. One of which they left in an Italian restaurant in Adelaide.

Now they’re back, performing songs from Wot Italian? and some other songs too.  Boothby is funny & Antonio is one of the best guitar players in the whole wide world. Seriously.” https://oldwoollen.seetickets.com/tour/antonio-forcione-boothby-graffoe-wot-italian-

LEN PRICE 3 Durable punk-mods

JUNE 18^th – 229 London

SKEP WAX WEEKENDER July 17^th – 20^th, Islington, London

Four nights of radical indiepop – Thursday and Friday evening at the Lexington, Saturday evening at Islington Town Hall, Sunday (4pm) back at The Lexington: see full line-up below. The ‘Weekender’ ticket will admit you to all four nights. Day tickets are available for each of the four shows.
Thursday (The Lexington) Jeanines, Sassyhiya, Panic Pocket
Friday (The Lexington) The Would-Be-Goods, The Orchids, Swansea Sound
Saturday (Islington Assembly Room) Heavenly, Lightheaded, Crumbs
Sunday (The Lexington), Marlody, The Gentle Spring, Special Friend
Venue addresses: The Lexington, 96-98 Pentonville Rd, London, N1 9JB.
Islington Assembly Hall, Upper St, London, N1 2UD. (The venues are less than a mile apart.)
Heavenly’s new 7″ single will go on sale at this event.
Ticket prices include £1.50 Venue Levy for Islington Town Hall.
The Lexington is 18+ admission, The Islington Assembly Hall is 16+

https://wegottickets.com/f/13685

MILLIONS OF DEAD COPS / MDC American hardcore heroes

AUG 4^th – New Cross Inn, London

SAINTS 73-79 Superb! The original line-up of the Australian Punk progenitors, but with Mudhoney’s Mark Arm deputising for the departed Chris Bailey (a gentleman and a scholar who once came to my show!).
His co-writer and co-guitarist Ed Kuepper remains undimmed and the rhythm section will rattle your bones. NOVEMBER 21^ST Bristol Trinity,
22nd Leeds Project,
23^rd Glasgow Garage,
24^th M’cr Academy 2,
26^th London Camden Electric Ballroom

13. IN OUR LAMENTATIONS 2025

Barre Phillips (Jazz bassman, 1934)
Bob Grover (Brighton Piranha, 1956)
Riro (Japanese sea otter, 2007)
Nora Orlandi (Spaghetti symphonist, 1933)
Ed Askew (Acid folkie, 1940)
Tony Slattery (The vile blows of the world made him reckless, 1959)
David Lynch (He erased our heads, 1946)
Landy Randerson (Museum access pioneer, 1949)
Garth Hudson (Bandolier, 1937)
Brian Murphy (Instantly aged actor, 1932)
Rab MacWilliam (Hackney historian, 1951)
Barry Goldberg (His flag was electric, 1941)
Peter Yarrow (He left on a jetplane, 1938)
Snowy Fleet (Easybeater, 1939)
Jamie Muir (Absolute fucking rhythmical genius, 1942)
Mike Ratledge (Moon in June Soft Machine man, 1943)
Gabriel Yacoub (Malicorne muso of French folk, 1952)
Bill Fay (Christian mystic songwriter seer, 1943)