If you like your Rock'n'Roll dirty, bug-eyed and loud enough to cause your eardrums to wave a white flag of surrender, then you are in for a treat on the 3rd April when The Jim Jones Revue blaze into town.

Featuring the eponymous ex-frontman of Thee Hypnotics / Black Moses, The Jim Jones Revue are an unholy amalgam of Jerry Lee Lewis, The Sonics, MC5 and Elvis, with a live show that through word of mouth has slowly earned them a reputation as one of the most incendiary acts around.

Quite probably this years 'must see' gig at Esquires. Tickets are £7, available in advance from Danny's Bar or from www.seetickets.com with support from The Silver Brazilians.

For more information see www.jimjonesrevue.com

1st January 2010 @ 00:01
Posted by Martin

2000-2004: A Preface...

The the next Roar Club gig at Esquires is on Sat 19th Sept and features one of only two English dates for Irish indie rockers Humanzi - how special are we?

For the uninitiated, imagine Kasabian if they'd been locked up in a Berlin sex club for 6 months, Humanzi combine guitars with dirty beats and their influences scream classic Rock'n'Roll, Punk Rock and Dark Electronic Music. Think The Clash, Velvet Underground, Joy Division and The Stooges scrapping with the likes of Depeche Mode, Daft Punk, Peaches and LCD Soundsystem. The Humanzi signature sound is fraught, claustrophobic and often heavily political.

Tickets are £6, available in advance from Danny's Bar or from www.seetickets.com - Support comes from The Beautiful Sleazy + Death Mile Fury + Embrace the City.

24th August 2009 @ 18:00
Posted by Rick

You're the One for Me, Dolly...

Brighton's bright new hopes, Doll and the Kicks, rock into Bedford on Saturday the 5th September, just one of a succession of hotly tipped bands to visit Esquires in recent months

The Doll's spunky female fronted punk-pop has brought them many admirers, not least the mighty Morrissey, who personally invited the m to join his European 'Years of Refusal Tour'. The band returned the favour by recording a version of 'Throwing My Arms Around Paris' for Mozza's 50th birthday earlier this year.

Tickets to see Doll and the Kicks support the former Smiths' frontman at the Royal Albert Hall in October will set you back £50, but you can see them for a tenth of figure at Esquires next Saturday! Tickets are available in advance from Danny's Bar or from www.seetickets.com - Support comes from Baedeker + Death Mile Fury + Amy Leeder

24th july 2009 @ 18:00
Posted by Rick

Get the Girl, Kill the Baddies

We've previously informed you that the hotly tipped Baddies are coming to Bedford Esquires on the 27th August 2009, courtesy of The Roar Club.

The NME have now gone slightly mental over the band, devoting a two page spread to them in a recent edition, suggesting the Southend four piece produce a 'masterclass in post punk performance' and describing their live show as 'a tearaway sonic scuffle where the moonshine chorus and fruggable peculiarity is king'. Yowsa!

Tickets for this gig, which is a special warm-up show for groups Reading Festival appearance, are just £5 in advance, available from Danny's Bar or from www.seetickets.com with support on the night coming from Kilto Take and Knievel Genius

If scientists spent thousands of dollars trying to pinpoint the exact epicentre of the current cool music scene, they may well come out with the answer: Brooklyn. And on Monday the 20th July 2009, a little bit of that Brooklyn zeitgeist inexplicably lands in our very own Bedford Esquires, in the shape of indie electronica darlings, Au Revoir Simone.

With their vintage keyboards and swirling harmonies, the all girl three piece create the kind of ethereal melodies that you'd normally expect to find on the soundtrack of a David Lynch film. Therefore it's no surprise to learn that they are the esteemed director's absolute favourite band. And who are we to argue with the director of cult classics like Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks?

This is just a one of a handful of UK club dates to promote potential single of the year 'Shadows' and third album 'Still Night, Still Light' (recently released on the achingly hip Moshi Moshi record label and home to Florence and the Machine and Hot Chip), before Heather, Erika and Annie headline Derby's Indietracks Festival the following week.

Indie trainspotters may also recognise the band from their vocals on Friendly Fires sublime 'Paris', especially the 'Aeroplane Remix' which is currently getting a hammering from DJs at clubs and festivals all over the globe.

Support on the night comes from the wonderful Tinker Jack and Amy & the Integrals.

Tickets for this rather special event are £7.50, available in advance from www.seetickets.com and Danny's Bar, 80A Bromham Road, Bedford. For more information visit www.aurevoirsimone.com

24th May 2009 @ 08:00
Posted by Rick

Roar Power

August see the welcome return of local promoters The ROAR CLUB who are hellbent on bringing the most exciting new young talent & hotly tipped touring bands back to Bedford and Esquires.

Kicking things off are Bleech on the 14th August. The new project of esteemed manager Andy Ross (Blur), they are female fronted 3 piece who have already supported The Kooks, Pete Doherty and The Rifles whilst Tim Burgess (The Charlatans) is just one of several high profile fans. With a Britpop / Punk sound (think Elastica meets Ash) singer Jen and bass player Katherine already have a rock pedigree in that their father is the drummer in cult Blues band Nine Below Zero.

On the 27th August we welcome Baddies to Esquires. Hailing from the musical hotbed that is Southend (The Horrors, The New Puritans, Get Cape, Wear Cape Fly etc) the band play scratchy punk full of muscular riffs and meaty choruses - think Franz Ferdinand scrapping with Queens of the Stone Age. Such is the buzz around the group, Baddies are playing virtually every festival going this summer, so this might be a rare opportunity to see them indoors! Support comes from Kilto Take & Knievel Genius.

Finally Tom Hingley makes a welcome return to Bedford on Saturday the 3rd October. Best known as the lead singer of The Inspiral Carpets, Tom enjoyed a massive string of hits in the nineties with such indie disco classics as 'This is How it Feels', 'She Comes in the Fall' 'Saturn 5' and 'Dragging me Down'. The 'Carpets, who famously had a young Noel Gallagher as their guitar roadie, regularly packed out huge venues including a main stage headline slot at the 1990 Reading Festival.

Performing now just with an acoustic guitar, Tom still belts out the tunes from his extensive back catalogue. Rather fittingly, support on the night comes from the Farfisa driven sounds of luton's Bowfinger.

Tickets for the gigs are just £5 (Tom Hingley £6) and are available in advance from Danny's Bar or from www.seetickets.com - The Roar Club have also just set up a facebook group to keep you informed about all their upcoming gigs which you can join it by clicking here

Martin Stapleton has taken a look back at the past twelve months at Esquires, a year that saw such heavyweights as Glasvegas, F*cked Up, Les Savy Fav, Athlete, Lightspeed Champion and Metronomy all make an appearance on our well trodden stage.

You can read Martin's retrospective, plus our view of the best singles, albums and gig of 2008 here.

24th December 2008 @ 08:00
Posted by Rick

All About (New Years) Eve...

For those of you who have yet to make plans for New Years Eve, why not pop down to Esquires where Bedford's favourite rockers The Quireboys will be making a special appearance. It's always a party when the boys hit their hometown, and when you combine this with New Years Eve, it's truely going to be unforgettable night (alcohol consumption permitting!). No doubt the band (who, lest we forget, were once managed by Sharon Osbourne!) will be playing all their classic hits plus tracks from their 2008 album 'Homewreckers and Heartbreakers'

With support from Cutting Out, tickets are £20, available in advance from Danny's Bar. This also includes entry to Pete's 2008 New Year's Eve disco afterwards, where Pete will be playing all the best tracks of the previous twelve months - expect to hear Kings of Leon, MGMT, The Ting Tings and much more...

The Strange Place Club round off 2008 with a couple of gigs featuring bands who are sure to be hotly tipped in 2009.

On Wednesday the 29th October, Holy Ghost Revival blaze into Esquires. Named after a needle exchange in their hometown of Seattle, the glam rock quintet have relocated to London where they were described by the NME as being 'Groteque, violent, absurd and utterly vital'. With an unabashed and unashamed party philosophy, their music simply intends to bludgeon you into submission recalling such rock and roll heavyweights as Guns'n'Roses, Led Zeppelin and even (whisper it) Meatloaf!

A different proposition altogether, Red Light Company make their Esquires debut on Sunday the 16th November. Having already toured with The Kaiser Chiefs and Editors, the band deal in the kind of soaring, epic anthems that have earned them comparisons with U2, Echo and the Bunnymen and Arcade Fire.

Forthcoming single 'Scheme Eugene' namechecks the Broken Social Scene is already heavily playlisted on Radio 1 and XFM. Check out the video below.

Tickets for both gigs are £6 in advance / door. For more details, see www.spclive.co.uk

24th September 2008 @ 21:00
Posted by Rick

Lip Up, Fatty...

Here at Esquires we would like to offer our congratulations to Elbow, who scooped the Mercury Music Prize this week for their sublime fouth album 'The Seldom Seen Kid'

Elbow played here back in 2001, and join Franz Ferdinand and Klaxons as the other winners of the prestigious prize who have also graced the Esquires stage.

8th August 2008 @ 21:00
Posted by Rick

Gold Blend...

Fancy yourself as the next Sasha or Erol Alkan? Well, you might just get your chance to show a crowd that you've got the skills to pay the bills when when 'Blended', Bedford's only open deck night hits Esquires on Thursday the 4th September!

Whether it's dirty electro, uplifting trance or Norwegian death metal, Blended will cater for all tastes and textures and you can use vinyl, CDs, MP3s or 8-track cassettes (ask your Dad). So, if you think you have got what it takes and are tired of performing in your bedroom for an audience consisting solely of your pet cat, drop an e-mail to blendedopendeck@jubi.co.uk with details of your playlist / genre.

For more info, pay a visit to www.myspace.com/caniplayatblended

Here at Esquires we can now excitedly announce that Athlete will be appearing at the club on the 10th of September 2008.

The Deptford five piece, who are probably best known for their top five single 'Wires', are playing a select handful of dates in venues which are blatently too small for them and, as luck would have it, one of them is Bedford Esquires!

With a sound that fits snugly between the cigarette lighter anthems of Coldplay and the woozy indie rock of Grandaddy & The Flaming lips, you can expect to hear not only the aforementioned 'Wires' but also such hits as 'El Salvador', 'Half Light', 'You've Got the Style' and 'Hurricane'.

Ticket sales are expected to brisk and the only place you can buy tickets from in advance is www.crowdsurge.com

2nd July 2008 @ 21:00
Posted by Rick

Wanna Play at Cravenfest 2008...?

The Hungry Bears 1st birthday celebrations conclude with 3 of the hottest gigs of the year taking place over just one weekend.

First up, on Thursday the 5th June hotly tipped indie dance pioneers Metronomy come to town just before they release album number two 'Nights Out'. The Brighton based 3 piece have been causing a stir in the music industry this year with singles 'Radio Ladio' and 'My Heart Rate Rapid'. Weilding various samplers, keyboards and pedals they produce a unique electro sound which lead to The Guardian proclaiming them the best live act at last years Reading Festival. With the group also renowned for remixing the likes of Kate Nash, Gorillaz and Klaxons, this gig is not to be missed by fans of Hot Chip and Crystal Castles. Support on the night comes from Casio kids with tickets £6 in advance available here.

On Saturday June the 7th Johhny Foreigner, Ox Eagle Lion Man & Tubelord all pay a visit to Esquires as part of a joint headline tour in conjunction with Fly Magazine. Anyone who saw Los Campesinos at Esquires early this year should need no introduction to Johnny Foreigner. A frenetic mix of Sonic Youth and Bloc Party, these inspired punkers are fast heading for the big time, with Drowned in Sound describing their debut mini-lp 'Arcs Across the City' as 'some of the most exciting indie-pop sounds committed to record by a British band in a long while'. Ox Eagle Lion Man are previous members of stylish Londoners Les Incompetents and promise to preview their highly anticipated debut album - a five part opus over 27 minutes of pure 'grot & roll'. As for tubelord, these guys will be everywhere soon and describe their sound simply as 'pop sounds for rock kids'. Tickets £6 Advance from www.seetickets.com.

Last, but by no means least, on Sunday 8th June Glasvegas roll into town courtesy of a joint promotion with The Roar Club. If you haven't heard of this Glasgow quartet yet then you have been living under a rock for the past six months! With the NME proclaiming debut single 'Daddy's Gone' as the second best single of 2007, they are a mesmorising mix of Velvet Underground cool, Mary Chain feedback and songs of utter beauty which can't fail to tug at your heart strings. You can watch Glasvegas perform their superb upcoming single 'Geraldine' on 'Later with Jools Holland' below...

Supports are so far unconfirmed but on-line tickets are nearly sold out. However, 50 will be held on sale for punters who come to the Metronomy show on a strictly first come first served basis.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Palladium will no longer be appearing at Esquires this Saturday (17th May). Anyone who has bought a ticket in advance should contact www.hungrybears.co.uk regarding a refund.

However, the gig will still be going ahead with The Whybirds now headlining the evening with support from Sulfer, The Escape and The Sticks. Tickets £5 on the door.

3rd May 2008 @ 17:00
Posted by Rick

Sergeant Rock...

Hotly tipped newcomers Sergeant arrive at Esquires on Thursday 10th May, courtesy of the return of The Roar Club.

With chiming guitars and rasping harmonies that recall Liverpudlians acts such as The La's, Sergeant actually hail from Glenrothes in Scotland, where they have already sold out the 1500 capacity Rothes Hall before even releasing a single. Since then they've been snapped up by the management team that masterminded The Fratellis mainstream assault, and are currently in the studio recording their debut album with legendary producer John Leckie (The Stone Roses, Radiohead).

Alan 'Creation Records' McGee, the man who discovered Oasis, Primal Scream etc has described them as 'the saviours of Scottish music', whilst the NME reckons their debut single 'K-Ok' is 'the most perfect pop anthem we can imagine being penned'.

You can judge for yourself for a meagre £5 - tickets are available in advance from Danny's Bar and www.seetickets.com Support comes from Ed Bowfinger, Sister Ray and Arrows (ex Delphian Complex).

19th April 2008 @ 17:00
Posted by Rick

Local promoters The Hungry Bears are soon to celebrate their first birthday and to mark a year of amazing gigs they are throwing a massive party at Esquires.

Over the last year Chris and Gareth have brought some of the best new bands to Bedford, including Does It Offend You, Yeah?, Lightspeed Champion, Hadouken!, Cajun Dance Party, Late of the Pier, Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong, Les Savy Fav, Crystal Castles, Holy F**K, Shy Child and The Whip.

Not wanting to rest on their laurels, they are continuing their quest to bring hot talent to town, and their birthday party will be no exception - playing live will be Iglu and Hartly and OK Tokyo.

Straight from Hollywood USA, Iglu and Hartly blew everyone away at this years South by Southwest Festival. With a mixture of non-stop party electro hip-hop sleaze, these guys are destined to tear up the Esquires stage - think the Beastie Boys on Viagra. You can check out their fab single 'Violent and Young' here.

Reading's OK Tokyo are on the fast track to world domination. Taking influences from Outkast, Led Zeppelin, Rage Against the Machine and Daft Punk, they create a dance party like you have never seen before. Their debut release 'You Better Believe It' was an NME single of the week, and you can here the pretty outstanding Does It Offend You, Yeah? remix of it on their myspace.

But that's not all. The Hungry Bears will be performing a special DJ set - expect lights, lasers and surprise guests. There will also be an array of birthday surprises, including a giant 'pass the parcel', birthday cakes and a free goodie bag featuring a special hungry bears CD for the first 50 punters in.

The party will take place on Friday 23rd May from 8pm to 12:30am. Tickets £6.50 in advance, available from www.seetickets.com or from Danny's Bar.

3rd April 2008 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

Quireboys Acoustic Gig - 20th April 2008

Spike, Griff, Paul and Keith of the Quireboys will be performing a short acoustic set at Esquires on Sunday April the 20th as part of a benefit show for Graham Barnell.

Graham, who was previously the bass player of Feline Grove, sadly has Acute Myeloid Leukemia and this gig is to raise money to send him to the United States for a vital transplant - more info can be found at www.adonorforgraham.com

Also appearing will be Cutting Out, The Swamis, Chris Corney (Ravines), Amy Lee and many more acts to be confirmed. Suggested fee is £5 but feel free to give more for this very worthy cause. Tickets are available in advance from The Music Centre - telephone (01234) 346206.

5th March 2008 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

Metro Shock Blues...

This Saturday lairy South London tykes The Metros make their debut at Esquires, fresh from being kicked off a tour supporting The Coral as a result of their unabashed rock'n'roll behaviour.

Despite being barely old enough to drink, the band pack an inebriated punch of Dexy's tinged mod rock that you may have caught when they performed their debut single and anti-school anthem 'Education Part 2' on the universally panned 'Lily Allen & Friends'. Signed to '1965 Records', they look set to follow in the slightly grubby footprints of their labelmates (and previous visitors to Esquires) The View.

Tickets are a fiver on the door, which support coming from The Wallbirds and The Broadcast

20th February 2008 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

Woggle Rock...

A pair of electronica punks are getting ready to call dib dib dibs on your Friday night plans, when I Was A Cub Scout return to Esquires this Friday (22nd February)

The teenage duo combine electro beats with emo riffage and have been compared to The Postal Service, 'Digital Urn' era Bright Eyes and even the mighty New Order.

The band's debut album 'I Want You To Know That There Is Always Hope' is out this week and is already tipped to be one of the most innovative LPs of the year, while the single 'Pink Squares' is currently one of the buzz tracks on Radio 1 - almost 18 months since Steve Lamacq first championed it on his own show.

Tickets are £7 in advance from Danny's Bar and Luscious Juice Bar, slightly more on the door. For more information check out www.hungrybears.co.uk

6th February 2008 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

28th January 2008 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

We Are The (Lightspeed) Champions...

Following on from last week's sold out Joe Lean & the Jing Jong Jang gig, those Hungry Bear characters have once again secured one of 2008's hottest properties when Lightspeed Champion beams into Esquires on Saturday the 2nd February.

Essentially the solo project of ex-Test Icicle member Dev Hynes, Lightspeed Champion owe very little to the fluro post-punk of his previous group. Instead, Dev has released an album of string-laden alt-country perfect pop which is more Bright Eyes than Nu Rave. The NME are already calling it the debut of the year and with lyrics about inadvertently throwing up in your girlfriend's mouth after one too many Gin & Tonics ('Galaxy of the Lost'), who are we to disagree?

Support on the night comes from the equally excellent Semi-Finalists and we are expecting another sell-out. A handful of tickets are still available in advance from Danny's Bar and 'The Juice Bar' on Lime Street, priced £6 each. You can listen to Lightspeed Champions wonderful singles at www.myspace.com/lightspeedchampion

21st January 2008 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

Lean on me...

In what is the first of several high profile gigs at Esquires over the few months (check our gig guide for full details), Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong make their Esquires debut on Thursday the 24th January, courtesy of the Hungry Bears.

Despite the bizarre moniker, the band have pretty much dominated the critic's top tip lists for 2008, and you may have already their debut single 'Lucio Starts Fires', a fine slice of post Libertines indie pop which saw a limited release last year.

Outspoken lead singer Joe Van Moyland would appear to be a man of many talents. He previously played drums for The Pipettes and is also known for a number of acting roles, having starred in 'The Tudors', 'Peep Show' and the sublime 'Nathan Barley'. Furthermore, despite all this this extracurricular activity, he also finds the time to be romantically linked to Peaches Geldolf!

Their second single 'Lonely Buoy' is due for release on the 18th February, at which point the band will be heading out on the 'NME Brats' tour supporting The Cribs. Demand for tickets has been high but the promoters inform us that there are still a limited number available in advance from Danny's Bar, priced £6.50 each.

8th January 2008 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

We Are Your Friends...

In a massive coup for Bedford, we are extremely excited to announce that Les Savy Fav will be playing Esquires on Saturday the 9th February, just one of TWO UK dates for the massively tipped Brooklyn band.

With slightly bonkers lead singer Tim Harrington quite possibly rock's most compelling frontman, critics were united in praise of their recent album 'Let's Stay Friends'. Drowned in Sound described it as a 'breathless, boisterous, beautiful listen' whilst the NME deemed it the fifth best album of 2007 (beaten only by Arcade Fire, Radiohead, The Arctic Monkeys and Klaxons!).

Considering the band's only other UK date is at the 2000 capacity London Astoria, it is almost impossible to overstate how lucky we are to have them at our slightly smaller venue and with people expected to travel far and wide to the concert it is likely to sell out in advance. If you only intend to go to one gig this year, make it this one. Tickets are £12.50, available now from www.seetickets.com

8th December 2007 @ 15:00
Posted by Rick

We Want Your Memorabilia!

Have you got Esquires related memorabilia kicking around at home? Have you got any old photos from gigs gone by? Perhaps you kept your Coldplay ticket stub or snaffled a set list from Pete Doherty. Alternatively, you might have drawers and drawers full of old flyers...

If so, we want them! Please scan and send your mementoes (and any stories that accompany them!) to webmaster@bedfordesquires.co.uk and we'll stick them on the website for all to see...

3rd December 2007 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

Shizzle My Nizzle...

Just a quick note to inform you that the Lethal Bizzle gig at Esquires Wednesday the 12th December has completely and utterly sold out and the promoters have asked us to stress that there will not be any tickets available on the door.

11th November 2007 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

The Man Don't Give a F**k...

They all live in different States, never practice and claim to hate each other with a passion. Are scarily named Canadian lo-fi electronica outfit Holy F**k the most mental act to ever play Bedford? You can find out on Thursday 15th November when they play Esquires courtesy of those Hungry Bear scenesters.

Tickets are £5, available in advance from Planet Clothing and Danny's Bar with a limited number available on the door.

5th November 2007 @ 22:00
Posted by Mel

November Fireworks...

Rock promoters Ignition Management have lit the proverbial touchpaper this November with two shows that promise to pack more punch than a warehouse of illegal Chinese Firecrackers.

On Friday 9th November Johnny Panic headline Bedford Esquires in support of new single 'Dislocation' and their forthcoming second album, 'The Good Fight'. A mix of The Clash, Guns'n'Roses and early American Punk (and possibly the only heavy rock band named after a Sylvia Plath novel), they make a welcome return after headlining the "Day of Wreckoning V" festival at the Bedford Hobgoblin back in May.

Support on the night comes from Darren Michelangelo Smith and the Kraze, (who should be instantly recogniseable from T4's 'Musicool' programme), Gertrude and Autumn Red. Tickets are available now, priced £6 from Danny's bar at Esquires or from www.seetickets.com

If that wasn't enough, Sacremento metal legends Will Haven play Esquires on November 17th 2007, the final date of a highly successful U.K. tour promoting their new album 'Heirophant', their first for over 6 years.

After the release of "Carpe Diem", in 2001, Will Haven seemed primed for the spotlight as the band headlined venues in the United States and Europe alike, adorned metal magazine covers and were tagged "Saviours Of Rock Music" by "Kerrang!" magazine. Then, without warning the band announced they would be going on indefinite hiatus. That hiatus would last until 2006. Now they're back.

Tickets for Will Haven are available from Danny's Bar at Esquires, or from www.seetickets.com priced £8 which includes free entrance to the Fuzzbox disco afterwards. Support comes from The Mirimar Disaster, Versus Akira and Scar My Eyes.

22nd October 2007 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

Leading by Example

From the mean streets of Fulham, Example hits Esquires on Wednesday the 24th October with his unique blend of hip-hop (or is it hip-pop?) This outspoken MC caused a bit of a ruckus last year when he launched 'Vile' in response to Lily Allen's 'Smile' and written from the perspective of Lily's publicly dissed ex-boyfriend. After signing for Mike 'The Streets' Skinner's label The Beats, he has since released 'What We Made' (an anti-nuclear energy song), 'You Can't Rap' (a self-deprecating track about being white, from Fulham and trying to make it in Hip Hop: "don't be stupid/you won't get that far/turn your back on Hip Hop bruv and go and play guitar") followed by 'I Don't Want To' a track that recounts a one night stand that ends in rather bizarre circumstances.

Example's clever, wise-cracking word-play is boosted by a fine selection of samples, some that really shouldn't work but amazingly do (The Carpenters!?!) and a set of infectious choruses that will soon OWN you. Fresh from touring the UK's arena's with The Streets, this is your last chance to catch him in a 'smaller' venue. Tickets £6 in advance, available from Danny's Bar, Planet Clothing and www.seetickets.com

14th September 2007 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

Dan Le Sac and Scroobious Pip. Just a Band.

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past 6 months you can't fail to have heard 'Thou Shalt Always Kill' by Dan Le Sac and Scroobious Pip. Quite possibly the most vital track of 2007 and with a pretty cool video too...

New single 'The Beat That My Heart Skipped' is another essential 7" of Beardy Electro Hip-Hop and the duo will tearing up the Esquires stage on Friday 21st September. All together now "Thou Shalt Not Question Stephen Fry..."

Tickets six quid in advance.

13th September 2007 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

Hadouken Date Change!

Electro-Grime superstars Hadouken! have been invited to perform live at the annual Digital Music Awards on the 2nd October and as a result have rescheduled their sold out gig at Esquires to Tuesday the 9th October. Any ticket holders who cannot make the rearranged date should e-mail the promoters at hungrybears@hotmail.co.uk as soon as possible.

In other Hadouken! related news, previously advertised support band Colon Open Bracket will no longer be playing due to illness, but they have been replaced by the very excellent Whip, who played a storming headline set at Esquires back in May.

With the line-up being completed by the highly tipped and 'totally brilliant' (see above) Late of the Pier, it promises to be an amazing night for those lucky enough to snap up tickets!

2nd September 2007 @ 23:00
Posted by Rick

A Sap's Guide to Rock'n'Roll...

Those of you old enough to remember the heady days of Britpop may recall Oxford's psychedelic powerhouse mod combo The Nubiles, featuring enigmatic ex Five-Thirty bass player Tara Milton. Signed to Bedford's very own 'Lime Street Records' they were a regular fixture in town, supporting such luminaries as Elastica, S*M*A*S*H* and a little known Manchester outfit entitled Oasis.

With singles like 'Layabout' and 'Tatjana' still sounding like lost classics from the era, the band have reformed for a handful of dates and will be appearing at Esquires on the 7th September. Tickets are a fiver on the door, and support on the night comes from erstwhile favourites Portion and Flitwick tearaways The Beaslie Gang.

You will see all sorts of things if you seach for 'Nubiles' on the internet, so for further info we recommend you head straight to the bands official site www.thenubiles.com

30th August 2007 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

Main Offender...

The Hungry Bears crew return on the 15th September 2007 with bizarrely named electro-noise merchants Does it Offend You, Yeah? Recent recipients of a single of the week award in the NME for their forthcoming release 'Let's Make Out', the band were also named by the same publication as one of the top bands to catch at the recent Reading / Leeds festival. Vinyl junkies may also know the group from their high profile and superlative remixes for the likes of Bloc Party and Muse.

The gig, which is being held in the club downstairs at Esquires, should be unmissable for fans of Klaxons, CSS, Justice and Daft Punk. Tickets are £6.50 in advance, available from Danny's Bar or from www.seetickets.com

21st July 2007 @ 15:00
Posted by Rick

Have a Yabba Dabba Doo Time...

On the weekend of the 28th and the 29th of July Bedford Metal bring us the second annual BED ROCK Festival - a cacophony of metal, rock and indie which will feature over 30 different bands performing over 2 days at both Esquires and the Bedford Civic Centre.

Acts appearing will include Hekz, The Ten Years Prospect, The Ramblers, Black Reverence and Drive by Argument plus many, many more. For the full-line up and further details (including how you could win a Gibson electric guitar!) visit www.bed-rock.org

Tickets are £10 in advance - available from Danny's Bar, The Music Centre and on-line here.

2nd July 2007 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

The Next Untouchables..?

Fresh from being crowned by the NME as 'the best new band at Glastonbury' (see below), the unfeasibly young and wondrous Cajun Dance Party kick a brief UK tour at Esquires next Saturday (7th July).

It's not just the New Musical Express that has gone a little bit loopy over this North London five piece. The Guardian described their debut single 'The Next Untouchable' as a stone cold indie classic to be ranked alongside The Smiths 'This Charming Man' or The 'Roses 'I Wanna be Adored'

With a second single recorded with ex-Suede guitarist Bernard Butler due to be released shortly, it's a safe bet that this time next year Cajun Dance Party will be selling out arenas, therefore don't miss the chance to catch them at Esquires. Tickets are £6.50 in advance, available from www.seetickets.com

In other news, we can confirm that the Hadouken! gig in October is now completely sold out and no further tickets will be available.

Finally, it always gives us a warm glow here at Esquires HQ when visitors to our stage enter the rock and pop elite. Therefore, it did not go unnoticed this week when Jack Penate crashed into the top ten with 'Torn on the Platform' and Editors scored a number one album with the austere 'An End has a Start'. Mr Penate played at Esquires just over three months ago whilst Editors made enjoyed a sold out gig here back in July 2005. Esquires - still the place to see tomorrow's stars today.

10th June 2007 @ 16:00
Posted by Rick

Too Shy Shy, Hush Hush, Eye to Eye

Following the success of their first club night with the fantastic Whip, Hungry Bears return on Friday 15th June with the mighty Shy Child.

Straight outta New York City and fresh from touring with Hot Chip and Klaxons, Shy Child come to Bedford for the very first time. This gig will be the start of a somewhat hectic weekend for the electro rock duo, as the day after they will be heading off to Hyde Park to support Daft Punk and on the 17th June they will be playing to 80,000 people at the new Wembley Stadium at the personal request of Muse!

Their recent debut UK album 'Noise Won't Stop' earned them rave (arf!) reviews and was described as the missing link between Kraftwerk and The White Stripes. You can watch the video for the title track below.

Support on the night comes from Trash Fashion, who are on the verge of major success themselves thanks to their club hit 'It's a Rave Dave', and Bedford's own melodic noiseniks Ice Sea Dead People. Tickets are £6 advance and can be bought from Planet Clothing, Danny's bar and from www.seetickets.com - However, word reaches us that they are selling fast so you are advised not to wait around!

5th June 2007 @ 20:30
Posted by Rick

Ride Like the Wind...

This Saturday The Roar Club (who, lest we forget, were the guys who brought Razorlight, The View, The Rakes, Art Brut, The Fratellis and Jamie T to Bedford) will be putting on their last gig for the time being.

The band - WINDMILL, whose recent album 'Puddle City Racing Lights' the critics are currently falling over themselves to praise... 4/5 from both the The Telegraph and The Independent.

'Freakoid Americana that sounds like a lost Mercury Rev or Grandaddy album. Not bad for a one-man band from Newport Pagnell.' NME

'Dillon might be a great British eccentric in the making' Uncut

'Borderline brilliant sense of emotional dynamics, heart-wrenching cello and gorgeous washes of full-on strings.' Mojo

If you don't believe the hype, check out the sublime 'Asthmatic' on our myspace page

Support comes from Thy Whybirds, Loose Baby Charlotte and Dylan Lee Jones. A fiver will get you in. Bargain.

30th May 2007 @ 23:00
Posted by Rick

Whiplash!

Northern Electro-funksters rocked Esquires last Friday, none more so than when they played the shimmering epic 'Trash'. Now you can relive that moment courtesy of Youtube and one punter who had the foresight to video the entire thing from the heart of the moshpit!

22nd May 2007 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

Whipping Piccadily...

'Manchester, so much to answer for', as Morrissey once remarked. Electro-rock outfit The Whip are the latest export from the rainy city and this Friday (25th March) they will be at Esquires courtesy of new promoters on the block 'Hungry Bears'.

The Whip first appeared on the musical radar when their monster club stomper 'Trash' was featured on the 'Maison Kitsune' compilation series alongside established acts like Klaxons and Simian Mobile Disco. A cool metallic mix of New Order and The Rapture, it was described 'as if Interpol had taken up disco dancing' while Channel 4 called them 'the most brilliant band of 2007'.

After a series of show-stealing appearances at the Camden Crawl, The Whip have embarked on a mammoth UK tour before appearances at the Glastonbury Festival and Creamfields in Liverpool. Tickets are a fiver in advance, available from Danny's Bar @ Esquires or from Planet Clothing in Bedford. For more information check out www.myspace.com/thewhipmanchester

Promoters Chris and Gareth (aka the Hungry Bears) promise this will be first in a series of high profile gigs at Esquires and have already lined up an appearance next month by New York's uber-hot duo Shy Child. You can visit The Bears @ www.myspace.com.

17th May 2007 @ 23:00
Posted by Rick

I Heart Look See Proof...

You can safely assume it has been a bit of a whirlwind six months for Biggleswade post-punk noiseniks Look See Proof. At the turn of the year Radio 1 DJ and Bedford Esquires veteran Steve Lamacq declared their debut single, the hook filled 'Start Again', as his favourite of 2006. Then last month the band received an invite to play at the 2007 Glastonbury festival. Ok, so 11:00am on the John Peel stage on Friday morning might not be quite the same as headlining the Pyramid Stage in front of 100,000 slightly muddy and frazzled campers, but the group quickly realised that this meant they would actually be the very first band of the entire weekend to play!

To celebrate being chosen as the opening act for the most famous festival in the world, the band are playing a one-off gig on Saturday the 26th May at Esquires, a venue that is somewhat of a spiritual home for them. Having cut their teeth here supporting The Rifles and The On-Offs last year, their sell out gig in January was a somewhat riotous affair, featuring non-stop crowd surfing and wide eyed eyed girls in homemade 'I Love LSP' t-shirts.

Tickets for this return fixture are £5, available in advance from Danny's Bar or on the door. With support on the night coming from The Runners and Model Horror you are advised advised to get down here early to avoid disappointment.

5th May 2007 @ 13:00
Posted by Rick

Wrapped Up in Books...

In a breaking news stylee, we can confirm that the highly rated GoodBooks will be making their Esquires debut on Tuesday 29th May.

Since the release some 12 months ago of the blistering 'Walk With Me' on the achingly hip Transgressive record label, this highly literate Sevenoaks four piece have been gaining plaudits in all the right places for their melodic and danceable indie/electo pop.

Following tours with The Maccabees, The Rakes and The Magic Numbers plus appearances at the Reading Festival and as support to Depeche Mode in Hyde Park, the NME decribed their second single 'Leni' as 'like Joy Division in pastel colours and quite possibly the cutest thing we've heard in months.'

Their third single 'The Illness' is out on the 7th May whilst a debut album recorded with Dan Grech-Marguerat (Radiohead, Beck) should be released in time for the Summer Festivals.

Infectious, original and quite possibly your next favourite band. Tickets for GoodBooks are a mere £5 in advance, available now from www.seetickets.com or from Danny's Bar.

8th April 2007 @ 17:00
Posted by Rick

Lion Rock...

Before embarking on a well earned sabbatical, The Roar Club have lined up a couple of top notch gigs for April.

First up on Saturday the 14th April are hotly tipped sextet Louie. Featuring dual vocalists and a breakneck punk sound, since forming in 2005 the band have already supported Kasabian, Dirty Pretty Things, The Fratellis and Clash legend Mick Jones. Having just finished their debut album with renowned producer Stephen Street (The Smiths, Blur) Louie release their first 'proper' single 'I Know What You're Doing Tonight' (which features backing vocals from Tom and Serge Kasabian) just in time to coincide with this gig.

For more info, check out www.myspace.com/louiemusic. Support on the night comes from South London's Illustrated Youth and perennial Esquires favourites Portion.

On the Saturday the 28th April The Switches make their Esquires debut. You've probably already heard 'Lay Down the Law' - an NME single of the week and a ridiculously catchy mix of T-Rex and Franz Ferdinand which is currently causing carnage on indie dancefloors up and down the country.

With previous single 'Drama Queen' also displaying a killer pop sensibility whilst giving more than a passing nod to prime Dame David Bowie and the wasted bohemia of The Dandy Warhols, The Switches upcoming debut album promises to be very special indeed so this will probably be your only opportunity to catch them in a venue this size.

Check out their website www.switchesmusic.co.uk

Tickets for both gigs are available in advance from www.seetickets.com

25th February 2007 @ 21:00
Posted by Rick

Pills, Thrills and Bellyaches...

Ex Prodigy and Pitchshifter guitarist Jim Davies will be bringing his new band Victory Pill to Esquires on Friday the 13th April.

Jim was responsible for the guitars on the multi-million selling Prodigy Album 'The Fat of the Land', including the buzzsaw 'Firestarter' riff, and his impressive C.V. also includes helping Pitchshifter to write 'Deviant'. Furthermore, word reaches us that this gig will also feature longstanding Prodigy drummer Keiron Pepper.

Tickets are £5 in advance, availabe now from Danny's Bar. For more information, check out www.victorypill.com

Support on the night comes from Losing Sun and Modus Vivendi.

11th February 2007 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

Tickets available now from www.wegottickets.com

13th January 2007 @ 18:00
Posted by Rick

Things to Rake and do...

Almost a year to the day since they managed to convince Razorlight to play the Bedford Angel, the boys at the Roar Club have pulled of another coup by booking THE RAKES at Esquires on Saturday the 3rd February!

This will be just one of four tiny club dates before the boys head out on a tour of such enormo-venues as the Brixton Academy and Glasgow Barrowlands in March to promote the release of their second album.

Their debut L.P. 'Capture / Release' was a blistering mix of post punk guitars with an eye firmly on the dancefloor and frontman Alan Donohoe's acerbic lyrics about life 'in a crap job when your media course is done'. It was released to critical acclaim and featured the hit singles 'Strasbourg', 'Binary Love', 'Work Work Work (Pub Club Sleep)' and indie disco classic '22 Grand Job'.

Tickets went on sale yesterday and (unsurprisingly!) they were all snapped up within a few hours. However word reaches us that there will be a limited number for sale at the Officer Kicks gig at Esquires next Saturday (20th January). For more information, check out www.theroarclub.com

In other news, we are also excited to confirm that The Electric Soft Parade will be making a welcome return to Esquires on Tuesday the 13th February. Comprising of Brighton based brothers Alex and Tom White, their excellent debut album 'Holes in the Wall' earned them comparisons with Teenage Fanclub and even the sonic experimentation of The Flaming Lips and was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize. Since the release of their second album 'An American Adventure' the band have mainly been on hiatus while Alex and Tom concentrated on the indie supergroup The Brakes. We're certainly glad to have them back.

Tickets are £6 in advance and are available from www.seetickets.com. For more information, check out www.electricsoftparade.com / www.myspace.com/electricsoftparade

2nd January 2007 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

Bang Bang Rock'n'Roll...

What did Bloc Party, Klaxons, Enter Shikari, The Feeling, Art Brut, The View, The Automatic and the drummer from Blur all have in common in 2006? You can find the answer here as we look back on the bands and events of 2006 at Esquires, plus the best singles, albums and gigs of the past twelve months.

In other news, the Bedfordshire on Sunday has very kindly named Esquires as its 'Venue of the Year'. You can read the lovely things they have to say about us here.

29th December 2006 @ 14:00
Posted by Rick

While My Guitar Gently Weeps...

To wrap up a frantic 2006, Luton's very finest mod squad Bowfinger are putting on special Beatles nights at Esquires on Saturday the 30th December.

Bowfinger, along with a little help from their friends Fruition, Portion and The New Town Centres, will be performing Beatles covers along with tunes from their own repertoire. To complete that swinging sixties vibe, Melting Pot DJs Monkey T and Dr Gonzo will be administering free love and spinning classic cuts from the era.

Doors open at 7:30pm, and although Money Can't Buy You Love, a fiver will get you in.

Finally, if you are sick of getting ripped off of New Years Eve, just a reminder that on the 31st of December Esquires will be open until 3am and tickets are a measly three quid in advance. We will have live music in Danny's Bar from Cutting Out whilst in the Kaliedoscope Disco DJ Pete will be dropping the very best tunes from 2006 in addition to the usual Esquires classics.

27th November 2006 @ 20:00
Posted by Steve

Seven Nation Swami...

When you combine serious talent with something unique, you get something special, something worth listening to, something worth going to see, something hot, something like The Swamis, who return to Esquires for a Christmas extravaganza on Saturday 16th December.

Since sparks were first lit at a jam night in Buckingham just a couple of years ago, the fire has been spreading like crazy, from a top result at the Emergenza UK Unsigned Bands Competition to a prestigious set at the Guilfest festival.

So what's it like to be burnt by The Swamis? Imagine an indefinable somewhere between Placebo and Pearl Jam, with a bit of Radiohead lurking in the background, all the time fighting for a piece of the limelight alongside pioneering influences like Zeppelin and a melodic, swaggering, intelligent rock that reeks of just having a good time. And aside from the speed with which their shirts generally come off, this is exactly what The Swamis live are all about; think more party, less gig!

Then, as are slowly consumed, you might realise there's something not quite right; your ears are saying something that your eyes don't agree with. There's vocalist Dan, delivering a whole lot more than you initially expect when you first see his eccentrically good-looking young frame close up, with his acoustic guitar perfectly complimenting the naturally gifted guitarist Paul, whose fingers move mesmerically around his 12-string fret board in the kind of effortless way you could never hope to learn. All this backed by Joe's technically superb drumming. That's it! No bass player! As sure as you are that it must be there somewhere, all you need to know is that they don'tt need it and you won't miss it; a full-on rock experience from two acoustic guitars and a drum kit shouldn't make sense. With The Swamis it does!

Tickets are a mere £5 on the door, which includes free entry to the Kaliedoscope Disco afterwards. Top support on the night come from The Occasion, The Runners and Sister Ray.

22nd November 2006 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

Enter the Dragon...

After becoming only the second ever unsigned band to sell out the 2000 capacity London Astoria and their (self released) new single 'Sorry You're Not a Winner' all over MTV / Kerrang etc, there is a certain undeniable buzz surrounding Enter Shikari at the moment, so we are very excited to reveal that the St. Albans metalcore ravers will be playing a special gig at Bedford Esquires on Friday 22nd December.

With a massive one million plays on their myspace page and the NME this week describing the group as 'the fiercest attack of art-metal on Earth' before declaring 'the strange magic that this band are conjuring up really does have to be seen to be believed', it goes without saying that we are expecting this gig to sell out, and fast!

Tickets are £8 in advance and will be available from the 25th November onwards from Danny's Bar at Esquires. A limited number will also be available from www.seetickets.com - Paul Craven's 'Xmasfest', which was due to take place on the 22nd has been moved to Thursday the 21st of December, and all tickets purchased remain valid for this re-arranged date.

20th November 2006 @ 20:00
Posted by Rick

Just the One...?

Having treated a sold out audience to a memorable evening a couple of years ago, Drunk in Public will be playing Esquires for the second time on Wednesday 13th December. Featuring Rev. Hammer and some quite famous friends who we are contractually not allowed to mention, you can find out everything you need to know by visiting their Myspace page.

Tickets are £12 in advance, and there is only One Way to get them, and that's from Danny's Bar @ Esquires.

2nd November 2006 @ 21:15
Posted by Rick

Every Switch Way But Loose...

Mod / Power Pop trio The On-Offs make a welcome return to Esquires this Saturday (4th November) for a special warm-up gig before they head out on tour with The Zutons.

Often compared to The Jam and The Libertines, the Northampton group treated us to a frenetic performance back in July, after which the Beds on Sunday was moved to describe them as 'genuinely one of the most enthusiastic bands I have ever seen'. You can read the full review here.

Also on the bill are Luton retro-rockers The Presidents of Park Street and Stevenage indie-popsters The New Town Centres. Tickets are a mere fiver on the door, which includes free entry to the Kaleidoscope disco afterwards. For more information see www.myspace.com/theonoffs

24th October 2006 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

Almost Famous...

Hotly tipped Sheffield five piece Tiny Dancers will be pirouetting into Esquires on Friday the 10th November, courtesy of The Roar Club. Signed to Parlophone records on the basis of a few demo tracks by the man who signed Radiohead, the group have already supported such musical heavyweights as Richard Ashcroft and Bob Dylan!

With a bittersweet sound that is a million miles away from their Sheffield contemporaries, Tiny Dancers recall vintage Neil Young, early 70's Rolling Stones and The Beach Boys circa 'Surfs Up' and will leave you with the kind of warm glow previously only associated with three bowls of Ready Brek.

Tickets are £6 in advance, available now from www.seetickets.com
For more information check out www.tinydancers.com

23rd October 2006 @ 09:00
Posted by Rick

Betty's Gothpot...

Arch pop-goth teen and Myspace Queen Betty Curse will be swooping into Esquires this Friday (27th October). Like Avril Lavigne raised on a diet of The Cure or the unruly off-spring of Alice Cooper and Siouxie Sioux, Betty has already released a string of stupidly catchy singles, including 'God This Hurts' and 'Excuse all the Blood'.

In her previous life Betty Curse was the actress Megan Burns, who film buffs may recognise as 'Hannah' from the massively successful Brit Zombie movie '28 Days Later'.

It appears prolonged exposure to the undead can seriously affect your taste in music, and after a couple of years wallowing in the dark arts of Nick Cave, The Cramps and...err Cyndia Lauper, Megan was reborn as Betty Curse.

Find out more about the weird and wonderful world of Betty Curse via her very lavish and elaborate website. Plus, for a limited time only, you can hear her forthcoming album 'Here Lies Betty Curse' in it's entirety on her myspace page.

The following evening (Saturday 28th October), and following a triumphant set in at Esquires in August, our favourite Lutonions Bowfinger make a welcome return.

Influenced by groups like The Stranglers, Squeeze, The Who and The Small Faces, the 'finger peddle an infectious hybrid of Ska, Mod and New Wave and with twin vocalists, supercharged guitars and a continental vox organ sound cooler than a Polar Bear's icebox, this five-piece never fail to create a party atmosphere that even Russ Abbott would approve of.

For more information, check out www.bowfinger.net

Support on the night comes from German power-pop trio The Dogs, who have just released an album entitled 'Rola' on Kamikaze Records. Bowfinger supported the group on a recent tour of Germany, so now the favour is being returned. Those of you with a rudimentary understanding of German can check out their website at www.the-dogs.de.

Tickets for Betty Curse and Bowfinger are available on the door for a fiver each, which includes free entry to the Fuzzbox / Kaleidescope Disco afterwards.

15th October 2006 @ 16:00
Posted by Rick

Together in Electric Dreams...

The Roar Club have lined up 4 bands this upcoming Friday (20th October) at Esquires, all for a measly fiver.

Headlining are the unfeasibly named The Koolaid Electric Company, six guys with a love of space rock, dream-pop and veritable sonic catherdrals of sound and last seen in town supporting the mighty Howling Bells. Armed with a well worn copy of 'Isn't Anything' by My Bloody Valentine, plus an impressive array of guitar pedals and floppy fringes, think 'Nowhere'-era Ride, Spaceman3 / Spiritualized and the now semi-legendary Brian Jonestown Massacre.

Also appearing will be Valentine Stitch, who previously played at Esquires back in March with a little known Welsh band called The Automatic. A female fronted three piece with 'classic rock' influences, yet who also display a punky edge, their lead singer was compared to a young Janis Joplin on this very website!

Another band making a welcome return will be atmospheric indie rockers The October game, who Esquires regulars may remember under their previous moniker of Insomnia. Fans of The Cure / Radiohead would be advised to seek out a copy of their recently released album 'A Box of Billion Lights'

Completing the line-up will be singer/songwriter Luke Tuchsherer aka The Venkmen Project. Turn up early to catch the folk troubadour break some hearts (and maybe a guitar string or two).

12th October 2006 @ 09:00
Posted by Rick

Freaky Dancing...

Klaxons @ Bedford Esquires! Friday 15th December.

Tickets available now from www.seetickets.com. Act fast!

10th October 2006 @ 21:00
Posted by Rick

The Big Sell Out...!

Just a word of warning that The View gig this Thursday has totally and utterly sold out and there will be no tickets available on the door whatsoever.

The Dundee chart botherers have just scored an NME single of the week with their second single 'Superstar Tradesman' and recently announced a headline gig at the 2000 capacity London Astoria. Promoters The Roar Club tell us that demand for tickets has been so high that they could have sold the gig out twice over!

Perhaps fittingly, Thursday the 12th October is also John Peel Day and lest we forget, the late, great man visited Esquires on at least one occasion. We will never know whether The View would have made it on to his revered playlist, but considering his favourite record was 'Teenage Kicks', I'd like to think he would approve.

7th October 2006 @ 00:30
Posted by Rick

**** Art, Let's Dance...

Picture the scene. 24th November 2005. My birthday. 4 tickets for Art Brut at the Angel in my wallet and my plans for the evening thrown into disarray by the news that the band have been forced to cancel the gig because their drummer had rabies (or something equally unpleasant).

Back then lead singer Eddie Argos promised the guys at The Roar Club that the band would re-arrange the date and true to his word we are very excited to announce Art Brut will be playing a special warm up show at Esquires on Tuesday 7th November!

Yep, that's right. Arch indie terrorists Art Brut, a band who are currently making great waves in the USA (and who in Germany are the biggest musical import since David Hasslehoff) will be kicking off their UK tour at our beloved venue.

You've probably all sang along to their killer pop anthem (and Rolling Stone Record of the Year) 'Formed a Band' or swooned to the almost unbearably poignant 'Emily Kane'. Now is your chance to catch the band live. Tickets are £8 in advance, available now from www.seetickets.com or from Planet Clothing.

For more info, check out www.artbrut.org.uk or www.myspace.com/artbrut

2nd October 2006 @ 18:00
Posted by Rick

Wuthering Heights...

Following a scheduled appearance at The Angel early this year which the band were forced to cancel due to recording commitments, The Heights belatedly hit Bedford with a gig at Esquires this Saturday (7th October). For the uninitiated, The Heights are a hard rocking 4 piece with a killer pop edge - think the Kings of Leon or The Strokes relocated to deepest darkest North Wales but with Lemmy from Motorhead on vocals! Previous single and Radio hit 'Jamaica Beer was a thinly veiled tribute to one of our towns finest exports, Red Stripe Lager, and this gig follows a slot at one of the prestigious Club NME nights at the Koko in London for up and coming bands.

For more info, check out their website www.theheightsmusic.com or www.myspace.com/theheightsuk

Support comes from Bedford's own Look See Proof (formerly The Newtones) who in the band's short life-span have already supported Scottish chart superstars The Fratellis and created a bit of a stir with their angular post-punk sound, so much so that the band will be appearing on Steve Lamacq Radio One show on the 16th October to mark the release their debut single 'Start Again / Tell Me Tell Me Tell Me'. You can hear both tracks on their myspace page. Also playing are Luton's The Culturere, featuring 4 youngsters with an obvious love of The Arctic Monkeys and The Libertines.

Tickets are just a fiver on the door, which includes free entry to Pete's Kaleidoscope Disco afterwards. Speaking of which, don't forget True Brit IV on Friday 13th October...

4th September 2006 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

September Gurls...

Just a reminder that on Saturday the 16th September we witness the return of the annual 'Cravenfest' Festival, an all-day celebration of all things Metal, Punk and guitar amps that go all the way up to eleven.

Appearing over two stages will be (deep breath) Hekz, Dummy Run, Helminthain, Gain, Doubting Thomas, Stratchplate, Get Amped, Juniper Hollow, Summerfall, Son of a Gun, Paroxysm, Red Dollar, Losing Sun, New Groove Formation, The Delphian Complex, None is the Number, Henry & the Bleeders, The Tendons, His & Herpes, Hypo Psycho, Knievel Genius and The Smoking Hearts...!

It that's not enough, there will also be an acoustic stage featuring Liam Vernon, Terry emm, Nick Theodore, Ben Poole, Mash and The Anglians plus we are promised surprises and giveways during the day.

(For a full running order, including what time the various bands on stage - click here)

Cravenfest will run from 2pm til late, and tickets for this Celebration of Rock are just five pounds, available now from Danny's Bar. My calculations make that a mere 18 pence per act! Now that's what I call value...

Furthermore, ardent gig goers can whet their appetite the night before (Friday 15th September) with a slice of Iain Archer. Indie trainspotters may remember Iain as a member of Snow Patrol, and he co-wrote several of the tracks on their multi-million selling 'Final Straw' album - including the epic and career defining 'Run' (for which he received the prestigious Ivor Novella award).

Now an established solo artist, Iain is doing a select few gigs in support of his 'Magnetic North' album (released on the 18th September) which has gained rave reviews from the monthly music mags. Fans of Conor Oberst / Bright Eyes, Arcade Fire and Elliot Smith will find a lot to love here.

Tickets are £5 in advance, available from www.seetickets.com / £6 on the door and this includes Free Admission to the Fuzzbox Disco afterwards. For more info, check out his myspace page

3rd September 2006 @ 18:00
Posted by Rick

No Jacket Required...

Following a sold-out appearance at The Angel early this year, Bromhead's Jacket make their Esquires debut on Thursday 14th September.

Journalists have described the band as 'the missing link between The Streets and The Arctic Monkeys'. It's an easy (but perhaps lazy) comparison to make when you learn the Sheffield three piece come from the same stomping ground as Alex Turner, both bands have toured together and that Mike Skinner asked the guys to remix his 'When You Weren't Famous' single. Skinner was so impressed with their completely re-recorded version that he included it as the b-side of the official release - effectively giving the band a top five hit when they were virtually unknown. Certainly, there are element of The Streets social commentary in the Bromhead's incisive and witty lyrics about dead-end jobs, drug dealing, failed relationships, mobile phones and fast-food outlets.

However, the band see their roots in Punk Rock and describe their sound as mash-up of such diverse acts as Nirvana, Johnny Cash, The Melvins, MC5, Rage Against the Machine, The Kinks, Captain Beefheart, Steve Albini, Scratch Acid, The Small Faces, The Who, The Clash, The Stooges, Wire and PJ Harvey!

Much loved by Steve Lamacq (and, somewhat bizarrely, The Sun who called them 'like Squeeze on speed, up the junction and wondering how they got there!') Bromhead's Jacket are a genuinely explosive and original live act who have supported The Strokes at the personal request of the New York scenesters. Their gig at Esquires is just one of a handful of dates following their barnstorming appearance at the Reading / Leeds festival to promote forthcoming single and live favourite 'A Trip to the Golden Arches', which is already being hammered by XFM and Radio 1. Previous releases 'Woolley Bridge' and 'What If and Maybe's' (which you can hear on our myspace page ) are now highly sought after - a undeniable indication of the band's growing popularity.

Tickets are six quid in advance and are available from Danny's Bar, Planet Clothing or on-line at www.seetickets.com

For more info, check out their website www.bromheadsjacket.com or www.myspace.com/bromheadsjacket

Support on the night comes from Thomas Tantrum and The Ultra Sonics. The former are a female fronted 4-piece from Southampton who trade in wirey guitar patterns and little red riding hood vocals whilst the latter are a brand new 3-piece from St Neots whose style has been described as 'a sound blizzard of rough, scruffy, raw, dirty but angelic songs in a tea cup'.

Finally, mention of the Reading / Leeds Festival reminds me that someone recently pointed out that two of the three headliners of said festival had previously played at Esquires on their way to worldwide fame and fortune. If only that Pearl Jam gig in 2001 hadn't fallen through...

14th August 2006 @ 22:30
Posted by Rick

13th August 2006 @ 19:00
Posted by Rick

Hang the DJ...

'Wasted Little DJs', the debut single by recent visitors The View, smashed into the Top 40 this week at Number 15 and we are pleased to inform you that the band will be returning to Esquires on Thursday 12th October.

Yes, the lads enjoyed the gig so much that they have promised to come back in a couple of months time, by which time no doubt they will be bona fide rock stars each with their own seperate tour bus and a trail of lurid tabloid tales of late night shenanigans with Kate Moss and/or Patsy Kensit.

Anyway, tickets for this return fixture are available now and are already selling fast! You can get them from Danny's Bar, Planet Clothing or on-line at www.seetickets.com

In other news, following the success of the previous nights, True Brit returns on Friday the 8th September.

Expect the very best in British Pop, including Pulp, Blur, Oasis, Sleeper, The Kinks, Elastica, The Jam and much more. Entry is 4 quid after 11pm, but is free if you buy a ticket for the Swamis gig upstairs beforehand.

6th August 2006 @ 20:00
Posted by Rick

Fingerbobs...

Luton's very finest ska-mod, new wave, organ wielding popsters Bowfinger return to Esquires on Friday the 11th August for a much deserved headline slot. With their predominantly sixties / seventies influenced sound that recalls such three minute heroes as The Stranglers, Squeeze, The Small Faces, The Who and The Buzzcocks, this super-charged five piece were last seen in town back in February blowing The Rifles off-stage.

With a great stage presence and insanely infectious tunes propelled by Simon Rinaldo's classic keyboard sounds, a Bowfinger gig is like the lost soundtrack to Quadrophenia 2, the rarely seen sequel to the cult mod film where Phil Daniels and his parka clad mates spend the bank holiday weekend hanging around the Luton Arndale centre.

Support on the night comes from Bedford's very own blues explosion Full Circle and St Neots agit-rockers and perennial Esquires favourites Portion. Tickets are just £5 on the door and this includes free entry to the 'True Brit' disco afterwards, where the DJ's will be spinning the very best in 'Britpop' - expect tunes from the heady mid-nineties from the likes of Pulp, Oasis, Blur, Sleeper, Elastica, Suede and many more.

In other news, 'Wasted Little DJ's' - the debut single by rock'n'roll superstars-in-waiting The View, got a rave write-up in the NME this week.

They describe The View, who plays Esquires on Wednesday 9th August, as 'a band that are going to inspire weeping adulation'. If you missed Coldplay, Franz Ferdinand, The Libertines etc at Esquires, don't make the same mistake again. This band will be massive and you won't get an opportunity to see them in a venue this size again. You have been warned...

30th July 2006 @ 12:00
Posted by Rick

The View from The Afternoon...

In a last minute, breaking news stylee, we are excited to confirm that The View will be playing Esquires on Wednesday the 9th August. Their soon to be massive debut single 'Wasted Little DJ's' is currently all over the Radio, MTV2 etc and their recent appearance at the 'T in the Park' festival drew a crowd that spilled far outside the tent - a surefire indicator of a band about to go global.

With an average age of just 18, this Dundee four piece have already toured with Primal Scream (with frontman Bobby Gillespie describing them as his favourite new band) and Pete Doherty's Babyshambles, which led to the former Libertines singer personally helping them to secure their eventual record deal with Sony offshoot 1965 Records.

With a sound somewhere between the ramshackle beauty of the Libs and the sheer power of early Oasis, coupled with a touch of the classic songwriting of The La's, the band have just finished recording their debut album with legendary producer Owen Morris - the man responsible for 'Definitely Maybe' and The Verve's 'A Northern Soul'

Don't miss this opportunity to catch the band before they go huge! This is a Roar Club Promotion and tickets are £6 in advance - available from Danny's Bar, Planet Clothing and www.seetickets.com

For more info, check out www.theviewareonfire.com or www.myspace.com/dryburgh

19th July 2006 @ 20:00
Posted by Rick

Skotch for Breakfast...

Older readers may remember the 'Skotch for Breakfast' fanzine that floated around Bedford some time ago. Over eight years and 26 issues it featured reviews, interviews and opinions with an emphasis on the local music scene.

Well - it's back for one final special issue!

Editor Milky has dedicated the issue to some of the great Bedford gigs of the past, recalling some of the bands that have graced the stages of various venues around town over the last 25 years, ranging from the long forgotten (Back to the Planet, Orange Deluxe anyone?) to current global superstars (Coldplay, Muse). There are also contributions from various local bands, promoters, gig-goers, DJs and venue staff as to their most memorable moments.

As you would expect, Esquires features frequently and it's a highly recommended read. For example, did you know New Order played Bedford Boys Club in 1981, Dinosaur Jr played Polhill College in 1988 or that Luton Town beat West Ham 3-2 in an FA Cup replay on the night Oasis played at the old Angel on Elstow Road?

Look out for copies appearing at Esquires, The Angel and Planet Clothing in the near future. Alternatively, if you e-mail Milky here he will send you a copy for the princely sum of £1 to cover postage and packaging.

16th July 2006 @ 13:00
Posted by Rick

Popscene...

Friday 28th July sees The Ailerons land at Esquires, the new band formed by erstwhile Blur drummer, aeroplane fanatic and pop superstar Dave Rowntree. Think a mix of lush melodies, naggingly infectious tunes and more than a hint of Dave's 'other' band.

Time will tell whether The Ailerons will emulate the success of Damon Albarn's Gorillaz or suffer the ignominy of Alex James' Wig-Wam but this gig is just one of a handful of dates on their ever first national tour and you can hear a couple of songs on their myspace page.

Top Support comes from London electro-lurch Ali Love, who has just secured the coverted NME 'Single of the Week' award with his debut single 'K Hole', a track about the perils and pitfalls of spending a night whacked out of your gourd on horse tranquilisers. The NME described it as 'essentially "Caught By the Fuzz" with the raging 'phetamine itchies and the jag-rock riff-blitz of the year' - you can check it out here.

Also playing are Slanted and Enchanted punk rock slackers The Black Ramps and Stevenage's impressive indie-pop / brit-pop revivalists Amanaboutadog.

Tickets are £6 and are available in advance from the Hairbrush Records website, www.hairbrushrecords.com

11th July 2006 @ 18:00
Posted by Rick

9th July 2006 @ 13:00
Posted by Rick

In It For The Money...

Friday the 11th August sees the return of True Brit at The Fuzzbox disco

DJs Pete, Steve, Rick and Simone will be playing the best in Britpop, including tunes from Oasis, Pulp, Blur, Suede, Sleeper, Menswear, The Bluetones, Elastica, Supergrass, The Stone Roses and many, many more.

Admission is 3 quid before 11, 4 quid after, or free if you get your kicks at the Bowfinger gig upstairs beforehand. I'll have a Rum and Coca-Cola...

27th June 2006 @ 8:00
Posted by Rick

Shoot you down...

The Rifles make a welcome return to Bedford Esquires on Thursday 6th July with a special warm-up gig prior to their appearance at the 'T in the Park' festival in Scotland. Taking their cue from classic British groups like The Kinks, The Jam, The Clash, The Smiths and even The Libertines, this mod influenced four piece are currently being hotly tipped by those in the know. The fierce ska rock of forthcoming single 'She's Got Standards is destined to follow previous releases 'Local Boy' and 'Repeated Offender' into the upper echelons of the Top 40.

Fresh from gigs with The Rakes, The Kooks and BoyKillBoy, the guys are just putting the final touches to their debut album 'No Love Lost' with the help of uber-producer and Lightning Seeds front man Ian Broudie. Early reports have described it as The Streets 'Original Pirate Material' recorded with guitars or the inner city anthems of The Specials re-written for the I-pod generation.

Support comes from The Ravines, Fruition and The Newtones. Tickets are 6 quid and are available in advance from Danny's Bar or from The Music Centre.

For more information check out www.therifles.co.uk or www.myspace.com/therifles

15th June 2006 @ 19:30
Posted by Rick

Electro-Shock Blues...

Los Angeles Punk Rock supergroup The Shocker pay a visit to Esquires on Friday the 23rd June. Formed in 2002 by former L7 bassist and grunge icon Jennifer Finch to play a house party, these self confessed 'three boys and two hot, hard girls' produce aggressive rock music with a sense of humour. And no, she wasn't the one responsible for the infamous tampon incident at the Reading Festival.

Their debut album 'Up Your Ass Tray - Full Length' was produced by Faith No More guitarist Dean Menta and you can check out tracks from it, plus a blistering version of Ice-T's 'Body Count', on their myspace page - www.myspace.com/theshocker.

You can find out more at www.shockersite.com

Tickets are £5 and available in advance from Danny's Bar. This includes free entry to the Fuzzbox disco afterwards, where DJs Pete and Steve will be playing Classic Rock all night. Expect Guns'n'Roses, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath and plenty of air guitars!

1st June 2006 @ 16:00
Posted by Rick

31st May 2006 @ 21:30
Posted by Rick

Turn on, Tune in, Switch off...?

Northampton's frenzied power-pop post-punk new-wavers The On-Offs will be making their Esquires debut on Saturday 17th June. Described by the NME as 'The Jam beating up The Libertines' and having toured with The Rakes and The Kooks, this three piece knock out the sort of razor edged pop tunes not heard since the early days of Supergrass.

Upcoming single 'Wrong Upstairs' (out on the 12th June) is produced by ex-Suede guitarist Bernard Butler and this date comes in the middle of a co-headline tour with The Fratellis. Tickets will be just £5 on the door, which includes free entry to the ever popular Kaliedescope disco afterwards. Bargain!

For more information check out www.theonnoffs.com or www.myspace.com/theonoffs

31st May 2006 @ 18:00
Posted by Rick

Attack of the 50ft Women...

Rock overlord Paul Craven popped in the website cupboard to dish the dirt on two Download Festival warm-up gigs happening at Esquires over the next week. Over to you Paul...

'Tuesday the 6th June sees the first of two very special Download Festival warm up shows. Planet of Women are headlining but warming up for Donnington is Lauren Harris - daughter of Iron Maiden legend Steve Harris! She and her band Voodoo Six will play two 20 minute sets. This promises to be a really good rock night with support from Son Of A Gun and Hekz. Doors are at 7.30pm with a ticket price on the door of £5.00.

'Wednesday the 7th June sees our good old friends Mendeed return. Since finishing their tour with Trivium the band have been busy in the studio working on their second album, so we might get to hear some new material. Another good metal night in store with support from Seethe, Dryad, Helminathain and Carnal. Doors are at 7pm with a tickets again just £5.00 on the door'.

---

22th May 2006 @ 23:00
Posted by Rick

Modern Life is Rubbish...

The Fuzzbox disco is taking a trip back to the heady days of Britpop this Friday as Esquires presents 'True Brit'.

DJs Pete, Steve and Rick will be playing classic indie tunes from Pulp, Oasis, Blur, Suede, Shed 7, Sleeper, Elastica, Menswear, Black Grape, Dodgy, The Boo Radleys, Supergrass, St Etienne, The Stone Roses, Echobelly, My Life Story, The Supernaturals and many more. Plus there will be a smattering of tunes from the godfathers of Britpop - The Beatles, The Stones, The Kinks and The Jam.

Entrance is £3 before 11, £4 after. Make mine a Gin and Tonic...

13th May 2006 @ 10:00
Posted by Rick

The Virgin Suicides...

Those of you who have been to Esquires over the last couple of weeks may have caught a fresh faced singer/songwriter reducing grown men to tears with a heartwrenching tune seemingly about American actress Kirsten Dunst.

That man is Daniel Flay and here at the website we're quite taken with the track. When we first heard it we thought it was so accomplished that it must have been a cover version, and now we think it is destined to feature on the soundtrack to an American teen movie - probably during the bit where the geeky lead character sits on the beach and stares at the waves having just been stood up at the prom.

Anyway, the reason Daniel is currently touring like a demented hamster is because he has entered the track into the Channel 4 Popworld competition www.popworldpromotes.com and he is currently No.1 out of over 700 unsigned artists! If he is still in the top slot at the end of May he will be invited to perform the track live on Popworld, and (even though the programme has gone right downhill since Simon Amstell left) we would like to think that this could be the first step to global superstardom!

However, it is still quite close between three or four bands at the top and we think, because the tune is so good and because he is a local lad, Daniel deserves your support. You can ensure he stays at the top by visiting www.popworldpromotes.com and voting for his track. You can also earn him loads of points by buying the track. Text the word TRACK to 83338 and you'll receive a code back from Popworld which will allow you to download the track. This will cost you £1.50 but Daniel has said if you e-mail him the activation code and your address here he will also send you a 6 track CD.

Get voting and texting. You can catch Daniel live in Danny's bar on Thursday 18th May and admission is FREE.

12th May 2006 @ 23:00
Posted by Rick

Smile Like You Mean It...

Metal Guru Paul Craven dropped in to give us the lowdown on the SecondSmile gig at Esquires on Friday 19th May. Over to you Paul...

'This is SecondSmile's second visit to Bedford and they are now getting from the music press the praise they deserve. From the South Coast, the band have just released there debut album entitled 'Walk in to the Light and Reach for the Sky'. This is a record that was nearly never made - with the band's former vocalist leaving at a crucial time in the Dorset quintet's career. Guitarist Ross Smithwick's promotion to vocal duties was a brave but evidently fruitful move as 'Walk in to the Light...' is complex but ultimately rewarding listen. Think of the brash intensity of Thursday, the introspective calm of Radiohead, the chaos of At The Drive In and the sheer technical brilliance of Minus The Bear - this is mesmerising stuff. 'Walk In...' is one of those slow burning records that requires time to mature, allowing every guitar nuance, every quiet moment and every bellowing chorus to make itself known'.

You can found out more at www.secondsmile.com or at www.myspace.com/secondsmile

Support comes from Loveburger, Sidearm and Antec Sonata. Doors are 7.30pm with a door price of £5.00 or tickets advance from Danny's bar.

7th May 2006 @ 19:00
Posted by Rick

Trainspotting...

The brooding and epic iLiKETRAiNS make their Esquires debut on Monday the 8th May. Creating veritable sonic cathedrals of sound which recall Sigur Ros or Radiohead at their most experimental, this Leed's five piece sing beautiful and breathtaking songs about the troubled chess champion Bobby Fisher and Captain Scott's doomed 1912 Antartic expedition.

With a live show which sees the group dressed in matching vintage British Rail uniforms and performing infront of their own film projectors, this promises to be an unforgettable night. You can listen to tracks at www.myspace.com/iliketrains or at www.iliketrains.co.uk

Tickets are £6 on the door.

25th April 2006 @ 19:00
Posted by Rick

24 Hour Party People...

It's gonna be like the London Marathon (except with a lot more lager and guitars) down at Esquires over the next few days as we embark on a massive 5 day bender of great music.

Tomorrow night (26th April) ex-Shed 7 frontman Rick Witter is bringing his new band, The Dukes, to Bedford. Responsible for countless indie disco classics such as 'Chasing Rainbows' and 'Going for Gold', Rick is promising more huge tunes, anthemic choruses and a few of the old favourites. We'll be playing some Britpop classics between bands so get your best old-skool clobber down from the attic and 'Disco Down' to Esquires.

The following night, hard rockin', leather clad muthas The Ga*Ga*s make their Esquires debut. With crushing riffs and soaring melodies, these guys have supported the mighty Velvet Revolver and are hotly tipped by the rock press. This gig is just one of four dates in a whirlwind UK tour before they release their highly anticipated second album.

For more information check out www.thegagas.com

On Friday (28th April) Little Joe Zero crash into Esquires. Mixing a punk rock attitude with a hard rock sound and hailing from the mean streets of Braintree, Essex, Little Kid Zero are currently recording their debut album with Keiron Pepper, who is probably better known as the drummer with The Prodigy...

You can check out their website at www.littlejoezero.com

There is something totally different on Saturday night as Breaks Co-op hit the town. This is the band that Radio 1 DJ / MTV2 presenter Zane Lowe formed back in New Zealand prior to his media career in the UK. We've been asked to stress that Zane will not be appearing on the night (his wife has just given birth!), but that shouldn't dissuade you from coming down to check out this impressively eclectic band. Drawing on influences as diverse as Neil Young and DJ Shadow, Marvin Gaye and Tortoise, the Breaks boy create a mellow mash-up of trip-hop beats and acoustics sounds. Breaks Co-op are absolutely massive down under (oo-er!) and the rest of the world are beginning to catch on. This promises to be a really special night.

Have a listen to some of their tunes at www.breaksco-op.com

Tickets for Rick Witter, The Ga*Ga*s, Little Joe Zero and Breaks Co-op are all available in advance from Danny's bar or on the door.

Bringing the week to an end nicely will be Leeds finest post-punk disco-funk math-rock quartet iForward, Russia! A breathtaking and compelling live act, this will be your last chance to catch them in a venue this size before they head out on sold out dates in May with BoyKillBoy and The Automatic (as part of the 'NME New Music' tour) and Editors. Impending album 'Give Me A Wall', which is released on the 15th May, is already causing a bit of a stir in the music press and with it being a Bank Holiday the next day, you really have no excuse for missing this one.

For more info, check out www.forwardrussia.com

Tickets for this gig are available in advance from www.seetickets.com but if you are worried you have left it a bit late to order one, word reaches us that there will be some available on the door at eight quid each.

Phew! That's it - we'll see you at the finish line.

19th April 2006 @ 01:00
Posted by Rick

16th April 2006 @ 20:30
Posted by Rick

NME - 12th April 2006

'Barbs'? Is that short for Barbara...?

5th April 2006 @ 22:15
Posted by Rick

2nd April 2006 @ 10:00
Posted by Rick

April Skies...

The guys at Hairbrush Records have lined up another set of exciting gigs over the next few weeks.

On Saturday 6th April, Uxbridge four-piece Driving on the Right crash into Esquires. Named after a Senseless Things b-side and with a heavily melodic pop-punk sound that recalls bands like Husker Du and Mega City Four, these guys are single-handedly pioneering a 'Fraggle Rock' revival. With a mini-lp 'Life Starts Here' released last year (which Kerrang described as 'as close to faultless as you could hope a debut to be') this is one of the first dates on a pretty mammoth tour which includes a few dates supporting Hell is for Heroes.

You can find out more at www.drivingontheright.co.uk

On Saturday 22nd April we welcome back Teesside pyromaniacs We Start Fires, having previously seen them here supporting the mighty Nine Black Alps last August. Currently out in Austin, Texas for the annual SXSW new bands festival, this 3 girls / 1 guy combo play 'spikie indie punk with space rocket synths and ramalama grrrl vocals'. Think Elastica, Veruca Salt, The Breeders, Kenickie and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Check out their website at www.westartfires.co.uk

The following Wednesday Rick Witter of Shed 7 fame brings his new band, The Dukes, to Bedford! The Sheds enjoyed huge success in the heady Britpop years, releasing a string of Top 40 hits and indie disco classics, such as Dolphin, Going for Gold, Chasing Rainbows, She Left Me On Friday, Disco Down, Where Have You Been Tonight and many more. With a new band, which also features ex-Seahorses bassist Stuart Fletcher, Rick promises more huge tunes with anthemic choruses and a few of the old favourites! Dig out your Adidas Gazelles for what promises to be an unmissable night.

Tickets for all of these gigs are available from Danny's Bar or from the Hairbrush Records website, www.hairbrushrecords.com

28th March 2006 @ 13:00
Posted by Rick

From Russia With Love...

We can confirm that Leeds finest post-punk disco-funk math-rock quartet iForward, Russia! will be playing Esquires on Sunday 30th April. With a reputation as a frenetic and compelling live act, this will be your last chance to catch them before they head out on the 'NME New Music Tour' with recent Esquires visitors Boy Kill Boy and The Automatic. Their first 'proper' single 'Twelve' crashed into the Top 40 and much anticipated debut album 'Give Me a Wall' is to be released via their own record label in May. Check out their website at www.forwardrussia.com

Tickets are £7 in advance and are available from www.seetickets.com

This is a special one-off gig being promoted at Esquires by the guys at The Roar Club, so for more information check out their website at www.theroarclub.com

In other news, we can also announce that The Swamis, The Ravines and Full Circle are playing a special Easter Sunday gig on the 16th April. With admission just £5 on the door and no work the next day, you've got no excuse for missing this one!

You can find out more at www.theswamisband.co.uk and www.theravines.co.uk

Finally, website contributor Christine Miller recently interviewed the bands Ella and Fell Silent prior to their gig at Esquires on the 16th March. You can read her interviews in the new 'Features' sections on the website. More interviews are to follow shortly and if there is anything else you would like to see in this section, please let us know...

21st March 2006 @ 22:00
Posted by Rick

Metal Machine Music...

Paul Craven recently popped in to website HQ to bring us the following news on two forthcoming 'One From The Underground' nights...

'Exciting times abound for the Underground crowd as on Thursday 30th March Bullets to Broadway play a very special warm up gig before joining Less Than Jake on their UK tour. This is going to be some show with a great supporting cast of The Fatal Mistake, Never So True, Deliquents and Hammerfluff. Doors open at 7.30pm with a tickets just £5.00 either in advance or on the door'.

You can find out more at www.bulletstobroadway.com.

'On Saturday 1st April Mendeed will provide us with a night of truely immense British Metal. This band are on a serious par with BFMV and have supported Avenged Sevenfold, Slipknot, Bleeding Through, Shadows Fall, Cradle of Filth and Trivium !! A must see gig with top support from Hekz, Hell Above, Blackout (playing their last ever show!) and Paroxysm. Doors are 7pm with tickets just £6.00 in advance or on the door'.

Check out their website at www.mendeed.co.uk

Thanks Paul! Tickets for both of these gigs are available now from Danny's Bar.

13th March 2006 @ 20:00
Posted by Rick

11th March 2006 @ 20:00
Posted by Rick

So Here We Are...

Judging from the amount of e-mails we have received over the past month or so, you all knew that Bloc Party were playing a fan-club only gig at Esquires last night. However, for contractual reasons we were not allowed to mention it...until now!

I am sure those of you who were lucky enough to get tickets will agree that last night was quite simply breathtaking. Ok, so Bloc Party have played Esquires twice before. But to see them return at this stage in their career when they could quite comfortably sell out a venue twenty times the size was something very special indeed.

Playing infront of a packed and understandably excitable crowd, Kele, Gordon, Russell and Matt played tracks from their highly anticipated second album as well as all the classics from 'Silent Alarm'. They seemed genuinely pleased to be back, declaring on stage that they 'loved' the venue, staging an impromptu second encore and then hanging around at the end for autographs and photos. It was also pleasing to note that although the gig was fanclub only, there was plenty of familar faces in attendance.

Special mention must go to the guys and girls at 'Hairgel' who worked tirelessly to make this night happen. You can read a full review here.

10th March 2006 @ 21:30
Posted by Rick

5th March 2006 @ 21:30
Posted by Rick

Carry on up the Charts...

This week's Top 40 would have featured some very familar tunes to regular Esquires visitors, as it featured four new entries by bands or artists that have played here in the past.

Crashing into the top ten at Number 7(!) with their single 'Sewn' were newly crowned soft rock superstars The Feeling, who played Esquires just two weeks ago. At number 20 with the excellent 'Standing on my Own Again' was ex-Blur guitarist Graham Coxon, who played a blistering set at Esquires some two years ago (and who was supported at that gig by a little known group called Bloc Party).

Another group who played Esquires a couple of years ago were indie-disco favourites The Rakes, who after previously enjoying chart success with '22 Grand Job' entered the charts at number 22 with their latest single 'All Too Human'.

Finally, and scoring a very respectable number 38 with their debut release 'All Over This Town', were The Upper Room who paraded their collection of stripey jumpers on the Esquires stage just over a month ago.

What with previous Esquires visitors The Ordinary Boys still riding high in the charts, last Sunday's headliners Boy Kill Boy also recently tasting chart action and the album chart featuring Coldplay, Editors and Franz Ferdinand, Esquires is still the place to see tomorrow's stars today.

Talking of chart stars, word reaches us that ex-Shed 7 frontman Rick Witter will be bringing his new band The Dukes to Esquires on the 27th April. More news when we get it...

28th February 2006 @ 21:30
Posted by Rick

Automatic for the People...

It looks like March is continuing where a frantic February left off, with several hotly tipped bands making the trip to Esquires in the forthcoming weeks.

On Saturday the 4th of March we welcome The Automatic. If these fresh faced lads look familar, it's probably because you saw them on Top of the Pops a few weeks ago. The song they were performing was the naggingly infectious 'Raoul', their new single and possibly the finest song ever about the trials and tribulations of buying a bacon sandwich.

Having toured with The Ordinary Boys, The Kooks, Goldie Lookin Chain and Hard Fi these guys produce an indie / electro-disco / emo racket that has earned them comparisons with pretty much everyone - The Kaiser Chief's illegitimate children, Bloc Party smashed on cider, Jimmy Eat World with a sense of humour or Interpol relocated to the Welsh Valleys. Another simply unmissable gig!

You can find out more at www.theautomatic.co.uk.

The Crimea, who make their Esquires debut on Saturday 18th March, are an altogether different prospect. Much loved by the late great John Peel, they deal in lush and woozy guitar pop that brings to mind The Pixies, the mighty Flaming Lips and the pocket symphonies of Brian Wilson.

Fresh from the critical acclaim heaped on their recent album 'Tragedy Rocks' ('Quite the most affecting record I've heard all year' - Manchester Evening News) and the Top 40 chart success of latest single (and Radio 1 / XFM fave) 'Lottery Winners on Acid' this will be the penultimate date in a highly successful tour. A few months ago The Crimea were touring North America with Billy Corgan at his personal request. Now you can catch them at Esquires...

For more info and to listen to tracks from their latest album, check out www.thecrimea.net

Tickets for both of these gigs are available in advance from Danny's Bar or from www.hairbrushrecords.com

23rd February 2006 @ 23:00
Posted by Rick

Between the Bars...

News reaches us from Metal Promoter Extraordinaire Paul Craven that tickets for the following shows will go on sale from Danny's Bar from Monday 27th February 2006.

- Rattlesnake Remedy
- Ella
- Bullets to Broadway
- Mendeed
- Devil Sold His Soul
- Jessie James
- Tribute to Nothing
- Enter Shikari

These will be strictly on a 'first come, first served' basis. For more information on dates, supports acts etc, click here.

19th February 2006 @ 18:30
Posted by Rick

Modern Love / Badly Drawn Boys...

Once again the Hairgel boys have lined up some exciting talent over the next few weeks, including a few acts making a return to Esquires after greatly impressing on their first visit and a few bands making their debuts.

As mentioned previously, soft rock gods The Feeling will be unleashing their unabashed take on Seventies MOR on Esquires on the 22nd February. Upcoming single 'Sewn' is currently all over the radio and the band have just been announced as the main support on The Charlatans huge arena tour.

We can't promise that the guitarist's wife, Sophie Ellis-Bexter, will be present, but we can promise massive tunes and huge harmonies. With a sound somewhere between the Electric Light Orchestra and the Super Furry Animals at their most melodic this will be The Feeling's year. Catch them while you can!

Check out their snazzy web-site at www.thefeeling.co.uk.

On Saturday the 25th February we welcome back The Modern. Following their visits to Esquires last year, their debut single 'Jane Falls Down' crashed into the top 40. With a sound not heard since the synth rock days of the eighties and describing themselves as 'pure pop with brains and balls, electroclash with warmth and tunes' their fans range from rubber clad goths, London scenesters and indie groovers. Having just finished recording their debut album with producer Stephen Hague (New Order, Pet Shop Boys, Erasure), new single 'Industry' is due out on the 6th March 2006.

Check out their website at www.themodern.co.uk

The next night (Sunday 26th February) also sees the welcome return of Boy Kill Boy. Recently described by the NME as 'Not a case of most likely to - Boy Kill Boy are being talked about as Rock's most definately to', since their last visit the band have signed a major record deal and supported both Hard-Fi and New Order. After featuring heavily on Radio 1 and XFM for the past few weeks, new single 'Back Again' (a compelling yet unlikely mix of Morrissey and Muse!), was released this week and is expected to chart highly. Don't miss this one - the audience were shell-shocked after their previous visit and the band won't be playing a venue this size again!

Find out more at www.boykillboy.com

Tickets for all of these gigs are available in advance from Danny's Bar or from www.hairbrushrecords.com

Finally, word reaches us that John Peel faves and recent chart stars The Crimea may be playing Esquires on the 18th March 2006. More info when we get it...

15th February 2006 @ 21:00
Posted by Rick

Back To Mono!!!

On the 24th February the Friday Night Fuzzbox disco will have a difference as DJs Pete and Steve present - 'Back to Mono' - a night of the very best in 60's, Soul, R&B, Ska, Mod, and Funk! Expect plenty of strutting on the dancefloor to a variety of Stax, Atlantic and Motown classics (and much, much more). It's the usual £4 to enter (£3 before 11pm) - just don't forget your dancing shoes!

3rd February 2006 @ 18:30
Posted by Rick

Valentine's Day Is Over...

The boys and girls at Hairbrush Records have been busy to ensure that some of the most promising and talked about new indie / alternative acts will be performing in Bedford over the next few weeks. Don't waste your money on a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates for the special someone in your life and drag them down to Esquires instead!

Spencer de Vere make their Esquires debut on Saturday the 4th February. This London four piece are purveyors of genuinely affecting and literate pop music - think Suede, Jeff Buckley and Bowie and you are almost there.

For more information, see www.spencerdevere.co.uk

The following Sunday Esquires welcomes The Rifles as they play a special warm up gig prior to their appearance at the NME 'Brats Night' at the London Astoria. Another London four piece, these Clash / Jam influenced rockers are a far rowdier prospect and are already gaining plaudits in all the right places.

Check out their website at www.therifles.co.uk

I've always had a soft spot for bands from Oxford such as Ride, Esquires regulars Goldrush and a little known group called Radiohead. Already semi-legandary in their home town, on Saturday the 18th Dive Dive make the relatively short journey to Bedford. Although they have supported such acts as Franz Ferdinand and The Ordinary Boys and feature ex-members of The Unbelievable Truth, these guys are emo-tinged punk rock kids and are more likely to inspire outbreaks of moshing than shoe-gazing. Furthermore, be warned - Radiohead drummer Phil Selway has been known to join them on stage!

If you have listened to the radio in the past month or so, you will have undoubtedly heard a song that gives more than a little nod to rock dinosaurs Supertramp and 10CC. That song is 'Sewn' by The Feeling and on Wednesday the 22nd February they bring their own unabashed take on Seventies MOR to Esquires! The Times recently proclaimed that if 'Soft Rock is the new Punk Rock then The Feeling are it's Sex Pistols'.

Leave your preconceptions at the door and wallow in the huge choruses, five piece harmonies and sounds not heard since the heyday of the Electric Light Orchestra (ask your parents!). Mark my words, The Feeling will be huge and if that is not enough, guitarist Dan Gillespie is married to arch-pop princess Sophie Ellis-Bexter!

Fon't forget to clickity click for their website, at www.thefeeling.co.uk.

Tickets for all of thes gigs are available in advance from Danny's Bar or from www.hairbrushrecords.com

25th January 2006 @ 20:30
Posted by Rick

Going Underground...

Metal Promoter extraordinaire Paul Craven recently dropped into Website HQ to give us the lowdown on his 'One from the Underground' gig nights. Over to you Paul....

'One for the underground has been running quietly (?!?) now for just under a year now. Last year's bands included such acts as The Fatal Mistake, Days Of Worth, Dopamine, The Next Nine Years, Enter Shikari, Mendeed, Send More Paramedics, Aconite Thrill, <209>, Miksha, Second Smile, Buried Inside, Lazarus Blackstar, Ektomorf and Betzefer'.

'Furthermore, these nights were also noted for the quality of the local bands that played. This year the aim is still the same - bringing the best 'underground' music to Bedford and giving the public a great night out'.

'We have added an hour to the evenings, so rather than finishing at 11pm we can run through with our DJ's to midnight. Not only will you be able to see quality bands you will also be able to listen and dance to all your Metal, Punk and Ska faves. You will also be able to vote for your current favourite tunes which our DJ will play. There will be regular giveaways thanks to 'X taster' and 'Wild'. So with regular nights on a Friday and a couple of Saturdays, this year is looking good!'

Thanks Paul! We'll be voting for 'Bright Eyes' by Art Garfunkel...

22nd January 2005 @ 12:00
Posted by Rick

Happiness is a Warm Gun

The Rifles will be playing a special warm up gig for their upcoming UK tour at Esquires on Sunday the 12th February

This Jam / Clash influenced London four piece gained plaudits from the music press and XFM with their previous releases 'Piece and Quiet' and 'Local Boy', the latter of which was described by MTV 2 / Radio One's Zane Lowe as 'the hottest record in the world right now'.

You may also recognise them from Sky Sports 'Soccer AM' - presenter Tim Lovejoy is a huge fan - and they have made numerous appearances on the show both as The Rifles or as their 'Only Fools and Horses' influenced alter-ego 'The Trotters'.

New Single 'Repeat Offender' is out in March and The Rifles have been been invited by the NME to play the 'Brats Night' showcase of up and coming bands at the London Astoria on the 15th February.

Tickets are £6 in advance and are available here.

For more information, see www.therifles.co.uk

18th January 2006 @ 20:30
Posted by Rick

When the Crowd Say Bo...

Here at Esquires we are proud and excited to announce that genuine Two-Tone / Ska legends The Selector are playing on Friday the 17th of February.

Famous for such classic tracks as 'On My Radio' and 'Three Minute Hero', their influence on today's music scene cannot be understated - Gwen Stefani personally invited the band to support No Doubt during a US tour - and along with The Specials, they were at the forefront of the Ska revival in the late Seventies / early Eighties.

Still fronted by Pauline Black, this is a unmissable opportunity to catch the band that helped launch the Two Tone Record label. Tickets are £10 and are available in advance from Danny's Bar.

For more information, see www.theselecter.net

27th December 2005 @ 14:00
Posted by Rick

All About Eve...

For those of you who are still undecided on what to do on New Years Eve, salvation is on hand in the form of Pete's Kaleidoscope Disco!

On the 31st of December, DJ Pete will be playing the top tunes of 2005, plus all the usual Esquires dancefloor fillers. What is more, it will be the usual entrance fee of just £3.50 before 11pm, £4 after, which should leave you plenty of cash for festive booze and alka seltzer for the morning after.

For those who prefer live music, Cutting Out will be performing in Danny's Bar from 8pm onwards. Entrance will cost you a measly £2.

---

12th December 2005 @ 21:00
Posted by Rick

Ticket to Ride...

For all of those who have been bombarding the website with questions about the Enter Shikari gig on the 16th December, we can confirm there are still a few tickets available from Danny's Bar. Alternatively, for you out-of-towners who cannot make it to Esquires before Friday, you can reserve tickets by contacting Paul Craven at Paul.Craven@Charleswells.co.uk or by texting him on 07721020957

Depending on demand this week, there may be some tickets available on the door. We would recommend you contact Esquires or Paul on Friday to check availabilty.

Remember, tickets are just £7 and in addition to Enter Shikari, the night will feature performances from Fell Silent, Bent Like Bob, Summerfall, Mos Eisley, Days Ruin and a very special Life of Agony album promotion.

---

27th November 2005 @ 14:00
Posted by Rick

Hay Ho, Let's Go...

The surprise stars of this years Glastonbury Festival, Hayseed Dixie, play a special gig at Esquires on Saturday 10th December.

For the uninitiated, Antipodean Megastars Hayseed Dixie began life as an AC/DC covers band, but an AC/DC covers band with a difference. Rather than straight covers, they played them Bluegrass style. After earning the patronage of AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams, they widened their canon to include bluegrass interpretations of songs by Kiss, Led Zep, Motorhead, Van Halen, Franz Ferdinand, Queen and many, many others.

With a reputation as an awesome and hilarious live act, Hayseed Dixie have earned fans all over the world. Their set at Glastonbury this year had already gone down in legend, with people talking about it in the same hushed tones as Radiohead in '97. I can guarantee you have NEVER seen anything like this before!

Tickets are £12 in advance and are available here. You can also get hold of them from 'MVC' in Bedford or by telephoning (01234) 269519.

In other news, Friday 2nd December sees the welcome return to Bedford of funksters deluxe, Fun Ya Mum. Tickets are £5.00 on the door and you are advised to turn up early - not only may this sell out but Fun Ya Mum will be supported on the night by the ever excellent New Groove Formation and The Swamis.

On the following night, Don Palmacci returns to Esquires for the debut performance of his new band, Red Dollar. After touring acoustically for the past year, Don has formed Red Dollar with former members of local acts Kinkaid and Badhead and this will be the first time in nearly three years that Don will be onstage with a full band. We are warned not to expect the calming acoustic melodies of Don's 2004 release 'As Luck Would Have It'.

Support comes from The Heartbeat Assassins and Sirenide. Tickets are £5 in advance and are available here.

Finally, Paul Craven has put together a very special night of metal on Friday 16th December 2005. Entitled 'The Agony and The Ecstasy Before Christmas' it will feature performances from Enter Shikari, Fell Silent, Bent Like Bob, Summerfall, Mos Eisley, Days Ruin and a very special Life of Agony album promotion.

Tickets for this veritable smorgasbord of festive fun are just £7 and are available from Danny's Bar now.

---

31st October 2005 @ 21:00
Posted by Rick

Hairdresser On Fire...

Following the coup of attracting The Subways to Esquires, the guys at Hairbrush Records have been busy lining up a smogasbord of up and coming talent to tide us over til Christmas.

On Friday 4th of November, Australian Electro-Cock rockers Vanlustbader make their Esquires debut. Fresh from touring with fellow Antipodean rock gods Jet, their sound is more akin to The Pixies, The Cars and The Dandy Warhols. Recent single 'Here We Go Again' (which you may recognise as the track that was played at the Community Shield Final as Chelsea and Arsenal ran out onto the pitch!) was produced by Jim Abiss, famous for his work with Kasabian, Placebo and recent Esquires visitors, The Editors.

Their gig at Esquires is one of just five gigs in a whistlestop UK tour. Support comes from Longshot, Citizen Keyne and The Cadelles. For more information check out www.vanlustbader.com

Saturday 5th November sees the return of perennial Esquires favourites, Swindon indie-rockers The Return. Support comes from Sirenide and Counterfeit.

The following Saturday sees East London four piece Boy Kill Boy ride into town. Highly tipped and with a zeitgeist busting sound which can be described as a cross between the Kaiser Chiefs and The Killers, Boy Kill Boy have the potential to be massive. Recent single 'Civil Sin' (which Pete has been hammering in the disco!) has attracted airplay on Radio 1 and MTV2 and picked up rave reviews in the NME and, curiously, The Sun!

Support comes from Cool Ethan and The Drift. For more information check out www.boykillboy.co.uk

Friday the 18th November sees Trader Vegas bring their Jimmy Eat World / Biffy Clyro influenced emo rock to Esquires. Signed to Silvertone Records, the label that launched The Stone Roses, you can listen to their EP here. Support comes from Seven Stories High.

All girl group The Suffrajets hit Esquires on November the 26th. Perhaps more famous for the fact drummer Gemma Clarke temporarily left them to join the rock and roll circus that is Pete Doherty's Babyshambles, the girls have a celebrity fan in the form of Bruce 'Iron Maiden' Dickinson. Reminiscent of Hole / Babes in Toyland at their most melodic, as well as long forgotten 80's rock groups such as Vixen, this is their last date of a short tour in support of recent single 'Everything You Do'.

Support comes from St. Neots agit-rockers Portion. For more information check out www.thesuffrajets.com

Finally, on the Saturday 17th December, Hairbrush records will be throwing a Christmas Party which will feature the welcome return of My Awesome Compilation, plus Portion and Tempest, and more acts to be announced shortly. This event will be fancy dress only - no exceptions!!!

Information and advance tickets for all of these gigs can be obtained from www.hairbrushrecords.com

---

8th October 2005 @ 10:00
Posted by Rick

Get Your Franz on Some Goodies...

There will be a special Franz Ferdinand promotion at the Kaleidoscope Disco tonight (8th October) to celebrate the release of their second album 'You Could Have It So Much Better With...'

DJ Pete will have lots of exclusive Franz Ferdinand goodies to give away to those punters who get down there early and ask him nicely!

It would be nice to think that the Franz Ferdinand boys in their luxury penthouse apartments remember Esquires as one of the venues that they played just a couple of years ago during an early tour!

---

25th September 2005 @ 19:00
Posted by Rick

The Sophtware Slump...

You may have noticed that the Esquires website has been unavailable for a couple of days. This was due to technical problems beyond our control. The individuals responsible have had the back of their legs metaphorically slapped, so hopefully it won't happen again.

We can also announce a very special night of Americana / Alternative Country at Esquires on Saturday the 15th October featuring Richmond Fontaine with special guest Gina Villalobos and support from The Amazing Pilots.

Since the release of their most recent album 'Post to Wire' (which Uncut magazine named in the top five albums of the year), Richmond Fontaine have been been earning comparisons with Bruce Springsteen, Ryan Adams, Uncle Tupelo and Paul Westerberg. Every date on their previous tour sold out and this is an unique opportunity to catch them in an intimate venue.

Tickets are £12 and are available from Eastwest Promotions by ringing (01234) 269519. For more information checkout the following links

www.eastwestpromotions.co.uk.

www.richmondfontaine.com.

www.ginavillalobos.com.

www.theamazingpilots.com.

---

21st September 2005 @ 23:00
Posted by Rick

Good News For People Who Love Bad News...

Here at Esquires HQ we are disappointed to announce that The Towers of London have been forced to cancel their gig on Saturday the 1st October. We would like to think that in true Spinal Type style their drummer has died in a bizarre gardening accident or has choked on someone else's vomit, but I imagine the real reason is much more mundane. The boys have promised they will try to re-arrange a gig later on in the year, but in the meantime refunds are available from www.seetickets.com.

In other news, and as expected, The Subways gig on the 29th September has totally and utterly sold out. If you didn't get tickets, you were warned...!

You should need no reminding that this Sunday is the fourth Sid Worth Tribute Gig. Fresh from their triumphant set at Cravenfest 40, the event will be headlined by New Groove Formation and will also feature sets from Bent Like Bob, Rich Winter, Mat Roberts, Vince Memoli, Bob Peters, Max Milligan and Steve Woodward. The proceedings kick off at noon and tickets are £5 on the door. This is not only an opportunity to remember a much missed member of the Bedford music scene, but also to contribute to The Sid Worth Memorial Tribute Fund. For more information, go here.

Finally, don't forget Saturday the 8th October...

---

15th September 2005 @ 19:00
Posted by Rick

Strange News from Another Star...

Word reaches us that there a still a handful of tickets still available from Danny's Bar for Cravenfest 40 this Saturday. You can catch over 10 bands for just £5. First band will be on stage at 4:20 pm and there will be stalls selling both food and merchandise. Furthermore, birthday boy Paul Craven has promised us there will be various surprises during the day.

In other news, and before we really had a chance to tell you about it, the Fightstar gig on Sunday the 23rd October has sold out! Apparently, the lead singer is quite famous...

---

9th September 2005 @ 21:30
Posted by Rick

A ticket for a Subway journey...

Here at Esquires HQ, we had heard rumblings recently of a very special gig in the pipeline and now we are very excited to confirm that The Subways will be playing on the 29th September 2005!

In what is a massive coup, the boys at Hairbrush Records have persuaded the Welywn Garden City trio to perform a warm up show for their October tour at our beloved venue.

The Subways need no introduction, but for those who have been visiting Pluto for the last 12 months, they have enjoyed a meteoric rise since Michael Eavis heard their demo and invited them to play Glastonbury in 2004. Debut album 'Young for Eternity', an assured and intoxicating mix of early Oasis, Nirvana and Ash, has spawned numerous chart hits and in what now appears a sure fire indication of impending global domination, they have recently performed on 'The OC'!

If that wasn't enough, lead singer Billy Lung and bassist Mary-Charlotte Cooper appear to have inherited the crown of rock's hottest couple since Gwen & Gavin / Kurt & Courtney / Damon & Justine / Justin & Britney / Jason & Kylie (delete according to taste!).

It goes without saying that this gig will sell out VERY quickly. A limited number of tickets will be available from the Hairbrush Records website www.hairbrushrecords.com from midday on Sunday the 18th September. The remainder will be available from Esquires from 3pm the same day

For more information (or if you just want to gaze at pictures of Mary-Charlotte) go to www.thesubways.net

Support is yet to be confirmed. However, on Saturday the 24th September The Rifles, who will be supporting The Subways during their October tour, will be performing at Esquires alongside The Tempest, The Reverie and The Tease. Tickets are £6 in advance and are available here

---

8th September 2005 @ 20:34
Posted by Rick

Jersey Royals...

Recently described in Kerrang magazine as posessing 'a huge, ballsy arena-filling sound that drips with pure rock attitude', Manchester's No Hope in New Jersey are coming to Bedford on Friday the 16th September where they have promised to give their recent debut album 'A Steady Diet of Decline' a good kicking on the Esquires stage.

After been forced to cancel their gig last month, we are pleased to announce support comes from the 'The Kites', whose previous visit to Esquires prompted an almost unprecedented amount of feedback.

Opening the proceedings will be Arconna and local lads Drift.

Tickets are £6 in advance and are available here / £7 on the door.

For more information, check out www.nohopeinnewjersey.com.

---

25th August 2005 @ 19:20
Posted by Rick

Cravenfest 40!!!

Just a quick reminder that on Saturday the 17th September Esquires plays host to 'Cravenfest 40'. Lovingly put together by stalwart of the Bedford music scene, Paul Craven, you can catch over 10 bands for a measly £5!

Confirmed so far are The Tendons, Henry and the Bleeders, Bent Like Bob, Scar-red, Blackout, Summerfall, Doubting Thomas, Dummy Run, Fell Silent, New Groove Formation and The Next Nine Years.

A few tickets are still available from Danny's Bar. More info as we get it...

---

23rd August 2005 @ 19:00
Posted by Rick

London, can you wait?

Here at Esquires H.Q. we are not sure whether to be delighted or scared to announce the return of The Towers of London. A five piece glam punk explosion, The Towers seem to have read Motley Crue biography 'The Dirt' at an impressionable age! Imagine if Guns'n'Roses had come from Camden and you are somewhere near both their sound and their look.

The Towers are currently being feted by both the Rock press and by trendy London fashion mags, and if they don't kill themselves / each other beforehand, big things are expected of them. Their previous alcohol fuelled visit to Esquires saw them chucking cans of lager at a shellshocked audience. You can read what the usually jaded Esquires reviewer Steve Norman thought of them here.

Tickets are £6 in advance and are available here.

For more information, check out www.Thetowersoflondon.com.

---

7th August 2005 @ 13:15
Posted by Rick

I Got a Brand New Rose in Town...

Following the success of their previous outing, Hairbrush Records present a further 'Hairgel' night on Friday 19th August. Headliners will be 'White Rose Movement', a disco punk combo fresh from support slots with Bloc Party, The Rakes and Soulwax. The NME recently proclaimed the heady electroclash of debut release 'Love is a Number' as a potential single of the year and this will be an opportunity to catch them before they head out on their first headline tour.

Support comes from the 'The Kites', whose previous visit to Esquires prompted an almost unprecedented amount of feedback, and local lads 'The Drawing of the Four'.

Tickets are £5 in advance and are available here / £6 on the door.

For more information, check out www.whiterosemovement.co.uk.

2nd August 2005 @ 23:00
Posted by Rick

Sunday Bloody Sunday...

Just a quick note to let you know that the ever popular afternoon sessions in Danny's Bar return at the beginning of September. Over the next few months you can catch The Subtractions, Ocean, New Groove Formation and Thunderbird Five. Check out the 'What's on' section for further details, and remember, they're FREE!!!

There will also be a very special Sid Worth Tribute gig on Sunday the 25th of September. Further details when we get them...

18th July 2005 @ 22:54
Posted by Rick

Top Twenty with a bullet...

Brooding indie quartet 'The Editors', who play Esquires on Saturday the 30th July, scored their first top twenty hit at the weekend when their third single 'Blood' crashed into the charts at number 17. There are still a few tickets left for what is sure to be a very special night but you will need to be quick - the rest of their tour has virtually sold out and this night will be no exception.

For more information, check out www.editorsofficial.co.uk.

Tickets are available from www.seetickets.com.

11th July 2005 @ 21:12
Posted by Rick

Summit In The Way...

Bedford Esquires is very excited to announce that Nine Black Alps will be playing on Saturday the 13th August. For the uninitiated, the 'Alps are a hotly tipped Manchester four piece who take their inspiration from such grunge giants as Nirvana and Sonic Youth. Recent debut album, 'Everything Is' combined buzz saw guitars with an unabashed pop sensibility and attracted rave reviews. We have already had a lot of interest about this gig so please get your tickets early - it is certain to sell out!

For more information, go to www.nineblackalps.net. You can get tickets online from here or by calling the 24 hour credit card hotline on 0871 2200 260.

In other news, we can also confirm that Thee Unstrung are playing on the 16th July. Signed to Alan McGee's Poptones label, and proving there is more to Hull that The Housemartins, they are a ramshackle mix of the La's and the Libertines.

Following them on the 23rd of July is the Esquires debut of fellow Northerners 'Alter Kicks', who have already had tracks played on XFM and MTV2.

We'll see you there.

28th June 2005 @ 21:47
Posted by Rick

Down with The Subways at Midnight!

DJ Pete will be hosting a special 'The Subways' promotion at the Kaleidoscope Disco on Saturday the 9th July. He will be playing tracks from their impending album 'Young for Eternity' and will also have loads of merchandise to give away to those who turn up early.

Also, Hairbrush Records are launching their very own night, 'Hairgel' at Esquires on Friday 18th July. It will feature the Esquires debut of 'Absent Kid', a hotly tipped Colchester five piece who are signed to Fierce Panda records (the label that gave us Coldplay, Keane, Ash, The Super Furry Animals and many, many more). Support will come from Bowfinger and Chester. Tickets are £5 in advance and are available here.

Finally, a quick mention should be made of an enjoyable evening we had courtesy of the Bedford College End of Second Year Party. It combined all genres of music, from Soul and Hip-hop to Rock and special mention should be made of Dawn, The Trenchcoat Mafia, Jamie Wise, C.J. and Miskisha and especially M.E.L.R.D.

Credit to everyone involved - it was free admission and an excellent night!!

2nd June 2005 @ 19:40
Posted by Rick

Edit this!

We are pleased to announce that hotly tipped Birmingham quartet 'The Editors' will be playing Bedford Esquires on Saturday the 30th July 2005. Following the release of the singles 'Bullets' and 'Munich' early this year, The Editors have earned favourable comparisons with such austere indie luminaries as 'Joy Division' and 'Echo and the Bunnymen'. Their highly anticipated debut album is out on the 25th July 2005 (so you will have a few days to learn all the words!) and this will probably be the last time you can catch them in a more 'intimate' venue.

For more information, check out www.editorsofficial.co.uk.

Tickets are available from www.seetickets.com.

And don't forget the upcoming Anti-Nowhere League / Tendons gig on the 11th June!

Also, news reaching us via that email interweb thingy from Paul Craven:

The first weekend in June looks to be a stormer.

Friday June 3rd is a fantastic night for metal. Playing on level 2 on Bedford's metal night is Fell Silent, Deserves to Die, Scar Red and Seethe. This is a mighty line up and not for the faint hearted. Saturday June 4th brings possibly the finest band in the country to Bedford. Days of Worth headline level 2 with a sound so good all the national rock magazines have called them the future of rock. Supporting them will be local heroes Summerfall and opening on their first Saturday at Esquires are Scratchplate. On both nights the doors open at 8pm with a ticket price of £5.00

28th April 2005 @ 19:38
Posted by Simone

Something for the weekend?

Oh I know how it is, you're sitting there thinking, "oh a long weekend is lovely, but I know I should be doing what Why Don't You used to suggest and going out and doing something less boring instead". Obviously. Well, how about this for something fab to do this weekend? You won't even require any toilet rolls or a grown up to help you with the scissors...

All you need to do is arrive at Esquires at 1pm on Sunday (1st May), armed with a measly £8 and enough beer tokens to get you through the day, and simply stand back and let your friends from antichrist skatewear entertain you with Bedford's only one day indie rock fest. The More I See, Hudson, Head Hung Low, Drug Dealer Cheerleaders, Scar My Eyes, Impact, Robochrist, Men of Unitus, Mantra, The Jager Bombs and possibly yet more (can you believe) will be there to enertain you, and entertain you they will.

So all that's left for you to do is get yourself down to Esquires and don't forget the sticky back plastic (not mandatory)!

6th April 2005 @ 20:29
Posted by Rick

Thanks!

A big thank you to 'Delicate Children', 'Bent Like Bob', 'Drop the Holiday Theme' and everyone who attended the special fundraiser at Esquires on Thursday night. Over £500 was raised for the British Heart Foundation. A full review is to follow, but thanks again for your support

22nd March 2005 @ 19:38
Posted by Rick

British Heart Foundation gig

There is a special gig at Esquires on Thursday 24th March, featuring Delicate Children, Bent Like Bob and Drop the Holiday Theme, plus other guests to be announced. It is a very reasonable£4.00 on the door, and all profits will go to the British Heart Foundation in memory of Keith Lawson, a much loved member of the Esquires staff who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Remember, the next day is a bank holiday, so there really is no excuse for missing this night!

8th March 2005 @ 20:20
Posted by Rick

Race for the Prize...

Just a reminder that the The Thirst Club / Henhouse Recordings Alternative Band Competition gathers pace over the next few weeks. The dates and bands to remember are as follows:

Saturday 12th March : Summerfall, White Room, Blind Theory, Phonic Rapture
Saturday 19th March : Drive Like Casey, Chavius, Alias
Friday 1st April: Long Shore Drift, Cut in Quarters, Henry and the Bleeders
Saturday 2nd April: Blackout, 3PD, Tinitus, Bent Like Bob
Friday 8th April: Revelation, Names for Enemies, High on Kites, Cartharsis
Friday 15th April: First Semi-Final
Saturday 23rd April : Second Semi-Final
Saturday 30th April: THE GRAND FINAL!!

The winning band will get 3 full days recording time. Each runner up will receive a full day recording time. Finally, the most original band overall will receive a special prize of £250, donated by the Sid Worth Memorial Trust, to spend as they wish.

Judges will include Neil (Thirst Club / Planet Clothing), Nick (Henhouse Recordings), Simon (sound), Pete (Esquires DJ), Paul (Club DJ) and some special guests who will all be looking for the band they feel is most deserving of the fantastic opportunity offered by the first prize.

23rd February 2005 @ 21:02
Posted by Simone

Surprise Support for Carbon Silicon announched!

Finally, we bring you the news we've been biting our bottom lips to stop us prematurely announcing - the special guest support act for the Carbon Silicon gig on the 9th April. Remember, you heard it here first!

Back in 1995 (or was it '94, and where did the years go?!), Valentine's Day to be precise, a very special gig went ahead at Esquires, and these guys stormed it. Recently reformed, it is a great honour to announce the return of S*M*A*S*H to our beloved Esquires. Seriously good live, miss it, and miss out!

10th February 2005 @ 21:26
Posted by Rick

News Just In!

We've just received word that Carbon Silicon will be playing Esquires on Saturday the 9th April.

Although the name may not be familiar (yet!), Carbon Silicon is the new band formed by Mick Jones (ex Clash / Big Audio Dynamite) and Tony James (formerly of Generation X, Sigue Sigue Sputnik and The Sisters of Mercy).

It is not everyday you get the opportunity to see a true rock and roll legend and this promises to be a huge night. The Clash were one of the most important and influential bands of all time, but Mick Jones has always been renowned for not wanting to bask on past glories and this will be a totally new set of songs. Described by former Creation Records boss Alan Magee as 'The Stones jamming with a laptop' you can hear tracks at www.carbonsiliconinc.com.

Tickets are £10 in advance from Planet Clothing or you can get them online at www.seetickets.com.

Also, a special guest support band is due to be announced shortly - watch this space!

5th February 2005 @ 21:05
Posted by Simone

News just in! We've just had word from the organisers of this year's Battle of the Bands competition, and can now announce that the first prize is 3 days usage of a recording studio worth £500! Not only that, but the runners up will also receive a day in a recording studio.

In other news, there is a slight change to the scheduled gigs this month, with Saturday 26th February now being a metal night rather than the previously advertised Battle of the Bands. The line up will be Deadfunny (formally Moolie), Kaotica (featuring world famous Simon Bisley - worked on Alien, Terminator, Slaine, 2000AD and the inspiration for Simon Pegg's character Tim Bisley in the critically aclaimed Channel 4 comedy Spaced!), and Newborn Nemesis, (formally Cerberus - old-skool metal). We'll see you there!

2nd February 2005 @ 21:21
Posted by Rick

February is a busy month at Esquires, with the opening heats of the annual 'Battle of the Bands' competition, plus several high profile gigs.

The 5th of February sees the debut Esquires gig by highly tipped quartet 'The Black Velvets'. Comprising of 4 likely lads from Liverpool (why does that sound so familiar?), the 'Velvets are a swaggering rock band with huge tunes that are already picking up serious air-play on Radio 1 and XFM. They have already held their own supporting The Who at their residency at the London Forum - just don't mention the Darkness.

Liam Gallagher and John Squire are fans. You will be too.

Support comes from Esquires favourites Portion (who are sure to bring along their vociferous support!) and Vision State.

On the 25th February, Blind Jackson bring their own unique blend of twisted psychedelic blues to Bedford. Based in North London and with their own unofficial slogan ('Blind Jackson love you enough to kill you'), they have released a handful of singles with an unabashed sixties edge that have earned them comparisons with The Coral and the Zutons. My advice - Turn on, tune in and drop out.

Support comes from the third best band ever to come out of Luton, Bowfinger, and 7 Storeys High.