Some things are straightforward and some defy description.
For twenty years the Beautiful South were one of Britain’s most popular bands, with hit albums, number one singles and sold-out tours around the world. After they split in 2008 founder member Dave Hemmingway and fellow singer Alison Wheeler, along with members of their touring band, continued with The South, performing the classic hits as well as new material which featured on their debut album Sweet Refrains, released in November 2012. They’re at the Robin on Tuesday.
Tickets £22. 50
On Wednesday there’s what promises to be one of the strangest nights the venue has ever hosted. Billed as an evening of symphonic power metal, the Epic Tour of Furious Thunder is headlined by self-styled heroic fantasy power metal band Gloryhammer. Formed by Christopher Bowles of pirate metal band Alestorm, the band’s debut album Tales from the Kingdom of Fife, released earlier in the year, tells the legends of an alternate-history mediaeval Scotland. Making up the Furious Thunder are supports Darkest Era, Dendera and Divided We Fall.
Tickets £10
On a more serious note, Thursday sees one of the veterans of blues rock in town. Canadian Pat Travers has been recording since the seventies, hitting the charts on both sides of the Atlantic and touring the world, with a performance at the 1980 Reading Festival amongst their high points. Unlike many of his contemporaries Pat has recorded throughout his career, this year’s Can Do album amongst over thirty he has released.
Tickets £15
If Wednesday wasn’t enough, Friday heralds the arrival of Finnish folk metal legends Finntroll. Blending folk with black metal, the band are currently touring Europe to promote their sixth studio album, Blodsvept, and expect costumes as strange as their mythology–inspired lyrics.
Tickets £16
Saturday sees tribute act Kick up the 80s on stage.
Tickets £8
The next heat of the Robin/M2 Studios Live Band of the Year competition takes place on Sunday afternoon, featuring Regale, Morning Riot, the Mokats and Tyrannosaurus Nebulous.
Tickets £3
Regular Robin visitors Wishbone Ash perform on Sunday evening. Now in their fifth decade of touring and recording, the band are still churning out nights of classic blues rock wherever in the world they play.
Tickets £16
For more information or tickets sales, call 01902-401211 or visit www.therobin.co.uk
