POPES OF CHILLITOWN + Easydread + The Tics

7.30pm Friday 3rd March – Bedford Esquires

Very pleased after an absence of 3 years to announce Popes of Chillitown are finally returning back to Bedford Esquires.

Popes of Chillitown play ska/dub/punk with a progressive edge. Impossible to tie down and with enough energy to power a small city, their songs drag you through punk, two-tone, rock, hip-hop, reggae, drum & bass, dub, metal and more.

Renowned for their energetic live shows, they have amassed a loyal following over the years. Since 2011, Popes have released 3 well-received albums, 2 EPs, toured the UK with US legends Fishbone, Voodoo Glow Skulls & The Slackers as well as doing extensive headline touring of their own across the UK & Europe.

“Everything here is top draw quality. There’s not a song on the record that I’d describe as less than a goddamn riot … this is a desert island album. If someone told me this was the only thing I could listen to for the rest of my life then I’d probably die a happy man” – Colin’s Punk Rock World

“From the start, energy bursts from the speakers as colourful melodies from the horns dance and twist above the guitar, bassline and drums [but] this isn’t simply another bouncy ska record.” – Songwriting magazine

“They waste no time in redeeming their rightful place as one of the most diverse and complex beings in the punk genre … Their ability to completely surprise you at every turn and provide tune after tune is incredible and massively admirable.” – The Cozy Chronicles

“Some of these tracks are the best that Popes have ever written.” – RockFreaks.net

Special Guest support comes from EASYDREAD the seven piece Conscious-Rock-Reggae band from Bedfordshire

They combine sounds drawn from a wide range of influences, from Ska to Rap and Soul to Punk. As they seamlessly blend powerful political imagery with sweet harmonies and heavy grooves Easydread will get you thinking as well as skanking. Get down early as this will kick start proceedings of a very lively evening !

Opening up proceedings is The Tics – Ska punk rock band built in beds n bucks, energy is king!

Tickets priced £10 are on sale from 10am from Seetickets on Monday 2nd January and available in Esquires Bar & Slide Record Store.