Winning The Hog over

Well to kick start our punk theme off, we had a great performance by Cwmbran based band Winning The West. I think it was their second gig, the band had already popped their gig cherry at Pontypool Carnival a few weeks ago but I believe this was their first venue date and we had the privilege of seeing them here at The Hog.
Now the band are a three piece but remember punk bands always started out like this and a lot of noise and great music can be produced by one person so don't think for a second you  need a six piece band (ahem ok I did, but that was different and I was greedy) The band were fronted by singer and guitarist Liam who just needs a tweek here and there but lets face it, I wasn't perfect in the beginning and everyone needs to start somewehere.I was informed that Jordan on drums had only been playing a few months, but by the way he played I would have thought a year or two at least, that young guy is going to be a very sturdy drummer if he keeps the gigging up.Sam got his sound right after a few tweeks by myself and Jason. And when they started they didn't disappoint, their punk/new wave influences came through and they paid tribute to the Clash not once but twice as they were asked to do two encoures. So there you go , a well rounded band, keep the good work up lads and see you in a few months

CBGB'S is moving to Pontypool (wink wink) tribute to

Well CBGB's has always been close to my heart when it comes to music. Well I did do a tribute to Blondie for 17 years. I was actually surprised that some people hadn't heard of the place, so I have decided to do a PUNK month in August to introduce people to the Punk Scene. To kick it all off I put together a play list on my laptop and about two hours later of listening to the material, i remembered how much I had missed out as a teen. I did listen to a lot of rock and metal but had left out a large portion of Punk. Which is really stupid as when I was about  years of age, i remember seeing this guy with a bright pink mohican and wearing a leather jacket with chains. His girlfriend has white blonde spikey hair and had her nose pierced. I remember thinkinf' I want to be like that when I am older' Ok so I have dabbled with the bleach a fair number of the times over the years. AND I DID used to have my nose and belly button pierced (and ears of course but that's just to normal now) but over time they annoyed me and either fell out by design or accident. Still there is nothing to stop me reliving the wannabe Punk days by putting on a number of punk shows over the next few months at The Hog and turning it into South Wales' little CBGB's for a while, whilst other places carry the torch for Rock (Didnt I start that 3 years ago? I well nice to be flattered)
So you ask, what is she ramberling on about this time? Well on August 5th we have the fantastic Strawberry Blondes who are doing a warm up show before they hit the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool. They are being supported by The Dolts who are heavily influenced by the Ramones (see my connection now). This gig is the start of many I am looking forward to. I have heard so much about Strawberry Blondes and the people they have played with is endless. Take a peek at our website for the lo down.
Then of course at the end of the month is our massive Punk festival headlined by the one and only Sham 69. This will be one of their last gigs whilst they sort all the legal crap out with Jimmy Purseys Management. ( Ahem cant comment on that one but I do know Jimmy well and know what he is like)
So girls and guys, punk in Pontypool is the way forward. New and Old, I hope I will see you soon