First day of a new start

So that was it. A party of all parties to close the pub and we drank it dry. I am now recovering, I have the shakes so please excuse me. Today I will be chilling out. I will need to clean the Pub as there are empty cans and glasses everywhere and there is someone coming to have a look at the place tomorrow. The pub will be going up for auction next month so we are staying here until 25th May and then moving into our new place which is in the middle of nowhere. Its not far from our friends and its close to where Wayne's Mom is. The new place has 3 bedrooms so the kids have a room as well when they come over to visit. We will need to invest in a new car as well so we can all, kids and fur kids, go out on day trips. Thats what Im looking forward to mainly, going out for trips and not having to worry about rushing back if there is a problem at the pub. I have spoken to a few Landladies that have come out of the Trade recently and thay say that they do miss the Social part of it but not the worry. We have checked out the local Pubs and they are within wlaking distance. The Hunters Moon is the nearest, The Skirrid is a 10 minute drive away and The Walnut Tree about 15 mins drive. Very important to check out the local!! The house has its on acre of land and we can put a little fence up so the woo's can have a run around. Offas Dkye also starts at the bottom of the garden and the views are spectacular. Our neighours are Sheep to the left and horses to the right. I would like to get into writing abit more as well if possible and earn some money that way. I need to take it easy. I still havent really recovered from my Op as you can never switch off when you run your own business. I was short on cash when I had to pay HMRC and they said I should have made provisions. Sorry HMRC I didnt know I was going to get seriously ill. I do apologise for getting off my arse and starting a Business. Oh well, time to rest, but first I am going hopping with my Mom. Waynes gone to see the kids in Bristol so I am having a relaxing day withmy folks. Catch you later http://intotheble.gtmachine.track.clicksure.com -->

Punk RULES!

And its a fact! Apart from one blip which I wont go into, our Punk gigs have been brilliant! We had the AMAZING Scabies and James here on March 2nd and if you dont know who Rat Scabies and Brian James are well, your not Rock n Roll enough. Google it and then lock yourself away in a dark room whilst listening to their albums. Then kick yourself for missing out for so long. Put it this way they are Punk Royality!!!

Last Friday we saw The Vibrators rock the place and what a mighty fine gig it was as well. so if you love it LIVE, Love The Hog. The best Little venue in South Wales bringing you the best in Live Music, if its Punk, Rock, metal, or Tribute we have it

Alot of venues have looked up to us which is a really nice thing.  There wasn't many Music Venues in Wales in my day and I thought I would try and put a bit of Rock n Roll into Pontypool. I think we have managed that and will continue to do so with your support. so thank you to all you guys and girls that look after us every week.
So keep checking back to see who we have lined up. We have just confirmed the amazing NWOBHW band DIAMOND HEAD to play here on June 28th.

See you at The Hog

Sam, Wayne and Team

Johnny Trashed - Johnny Cash Tribute

You only had to see the 'Dukes of Hazzard' flag  and rams head on the mic stand and that wonderful double bass ready to be spanked and plucked to know that Johnny Trashed were in the building. Johnny Trashed are an amazing punked up tribute to the one and only legend that is Johnny Cash.

There intro couldn't be  mistaken and very tongue in cheek,the lads swaggered on to the stage to the sounds of The Waltons. 

Now these guys are professional make no mistake, but they have the ability to do everything tongue in cheek to give the max to their entertainment level. The banter on stage with a couple of heckling and 'yeee ha's' from the audience add to the gig.

The audience tapping their feet on the first number only to be dancing and pogoing by the second number, was enough to really get the party started. Smiling faces confirmed that the night was a good night. The band will be booked for July next year so keep your eyes peeled.

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