GBH

Okay me bad, I haven't updated The Hog blog for some time, but if you are a regular visitor to The Hog, you will know why. We have had the most amazing last few weeks. Do you remember the blog I wrote a fair few months ago about bringing CBGB's to Pontypool? well it happened, and if love punk you will love The Hog. Our first big gig was on Feb 23rd with GBH. It was a great night, the band walked in to The Hog with everyone screaming, not at them, but at the TV. It was THE Rugby match between Wales v England, we made it and GBH sighed relief (lol) the band were down to earth and no airs or graces I didn't feel as I had to watch my P's and Q's with them. I say this because when we had LA Guns here last time, I felt they looked down their noses at us, well  not the band but sure their Tour Manager did. Nothing was good enough.

Anyway enough of last year (glad to see the back of it and some people!)

First up were local band Hobgoblin with our mate Chris on drums. The lead singer looked a little bit like Rat Scabies. Sadly being  on the door all night I didnt get a chance to see their whole set but I could hear them, and they sounded AMAZING!! The whoops and cheers that came from the room confirmed that everyone was indeed having a great time. I htink Chris really enjoyed being part of the whole GBH night! Well he was certainly dancing in the mosh pit later on.

Next band were The Vile, Rat sings lead in this band and also plays in Discharge who are confirmed to play The Hog on March 23rd. I cant really coment on the band as I could see them! like I said, stuck on door!

Anyway, GBH were amazing! It was wonderful to see so many people who had traveled to see them. And we had a laugh. Loved it when Luca 'Stage dived', the stage is about two inches off the ground. Bless him x
Its nice getting a great new crowd and building up a new scene which we are getting a great rep for. More to come folks!

 THE VILE

THE VILE

RAT (THE VILE)

THE VILE

GBH

GBH

GBH

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROSS PONTY

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