Whats Going on At The Hog

Finding Old reviews:- Diamond Head @ The Hog and Hosper, Pontypool, South Wales

2015-03-31T03:56:00.002-07:00

Another fantastic band I had perform at The Hog were NWOBHM legends Diamond Head. Being a Stourbridge girl and knowing Brian Tatler for years, I gave him a ring and asked him if they needed a warm up gig at the start of their Tour.
The answer came back as yes, we would love to. And I was so proud to see on the band T Shirts The Hog's name listed at the very top. Just Amazing! Here is a review from Uber Rock from that show.Diamond Head @ The Hog, Pontypool,South Wales

The origianl link can be read here :-

Do you know, even as I start to type the title of this review I can't help slipping back into a little bit of retrospection. Back in my early days of gig going I travelled the length and breadth of the country with like-minded mates, sleeping in some very dubious places when for whatever reason we couldn't make it home following the show. All the time the topic for discussion amongst us was to bemoan the fact that there was nowhere remotely close to where we lived putting on gigs.

Nowadays music lovers in our area, (that being Gwent, as was) currently have people out there putting on shows weekly all within walking distance for most of us. Sam at tonight's venue being just one of these (Come on!!! She's put on G.B.H, Ricky Warwick, Dan Reed, James and Scabies and now Diamond Head in the space of just over a year), whilst others just a short drive away at the EVI, and The Steelhouse are doing equally as much for live music in our area (I mean for Aberbeeg to be hosting it's second annual hard rock gathering with bands like Feeder, the Answer, St Jude, Reef would have been the stuff of dreams for a teenage Brooks).

These people need our support out there, not every gig can be a big one, but why not frequent some if not most of them? I already hear the answer, Money!!! But music is as much about the feeling of camaraderie and building up a scene and supporting the not so very well known. Take tonight for example entry to see Diamond Head cost the same as 3 pints in your local, so where were you? Tear yourself away from the X-Factor, The Voice and the likes that are all killing live music by breeding a generation of copy artists and ripping the heart out of local bands and shows, and become a part of something that could build into something great before it's all told late.

Please don't let me be writing in a few years time "I told you so."

Anyway enough of my rant, why I'm here on a Thursday night in Pontypool, is to catch one of my all time fave live bands, Diamond Head (and I still can't quite believe it) who are headlining a three band bill, for as I said earlier and entry fee of around the price of 3 pints in your local. Now that is what I call outstanding value.

First up tonight from nearby Cwmbran are traditional metallers Counterhold, who do a good job for a band still pretty much finding their own sound, they play straight down the line metal, and are well worth catching on their own merits.

Next up the already Uber Rock approved Fell on Black Days, this bunch just keep getting better and better with each live showing, and with their debut album due for release any day soon, the tail end of 2012 promises to be something very special for this five piece from Ebbw Vale. Now if these guys can get a little bit of that aforementioned local scene going and garner some wider media interest then I can't think of any reason why these guys couldn't follow the Revoker route onwards and upwards to stage much farther a field than simply neighboring valleys. We just all need to believe.

Okay let's not beat around the bush any longer, I came here tonight to see a band that I first witnessed (and was immediately blown away by) back in the early 80's, that band pretty much help set the blueprint for every thrash band that has ever existed, they were also a band that led the punk D.I.Y ethos within the NWOBHM scene, and they were/are a band that deserved to be as huge if not more so than the pale imitations of them that went on to become household names - but that story is for another time. That band is of course the one and only Diamond Head, and whilst the band personnel may have changed since my live induction all those years ago, the driving force of guitarist Brian Tatler is still very much leading from the front, and here in 2012 in "new?" vocalist Nick Tart he has finally found his perfect foil for delivering all the classics of my youth, whilst also presenting some choice new tunes from their last two albums 'All Will Be Reveled' and 'What's In Your Head?' two CD's that should sit in every self-respecting British rock fans collections.

So on to the set, and as soon as the band kicked off with 'Play It Loud' Pontypool's very own answer to Beavis and Butthead, who had seemingly been installed as headknockers on the end of the bar for tonight immediately moved up a few gears in appreciation of the fine NWOBHM riffing on show. I kid you not these guys have come alive and are currently living in the Gwent valleys, I just hope Johnny H got the snap.

This blast from the past was closely followed by the first of the newish tracks and 'Nothing To Lose" (from What's Inside Your Head) fits in just nice up against the classic era stuff, but then it's straight back into my perm days with 'Dead Reckoning' before 'Give It Me (from All Will Be Revealed) suddenly reminds me I shine these days rather than comb.....Hmmmm. The other newies aired tonight, (in a set designed to mix it up a bit ahead of a full set of European shows spread throughout much of July) were 'Prey For Me and 'Drinkin Again', but do you know what? Even in a set chock full of classics, they more than held their own.

And of the classics (in no particular order as they will probably change these before the end of the tour), came the likes of 'In The Heat Of The Night', 'To Heaven From Hell', 'Sucking My Love, 'The Prince', "It's Electric", a shortened version of 'Shoot Out The Lights", before the place went bananas with a closing run through of 'Am I Evil?' And we got all of that before the encore!!! For which we got 'Lightning to the Nations' and a stunning full pelt version of 'Helpless'.

Although tonight's show was not empty by any stretch of the imagination, it would be such a shame that through a lack of our own support for local live venues, we made gigs like this a thing of the past. So get off your arses, wherever you live, and get involved with your local live scene, you might just discover a band that you will end up following for the rest of your life, just like me and these guys from Stourbridge all those years previous.

Oh and as a footnote this review I'd say this was probably my sixth or seventh time of seeing Diamond Head live, and I would say it was probably the best I've ever seen them.

https://youtu.be/FwwZgHUJykY

https://youtu.be/KIH1UyagCPA

https://youtu.be/20s8__IUSkw

Finding old Reviews:- Dan Reed

2015-03-31T03:47:00.001-07:00

I left the Hog back in May 2013 but sometimes I do have little pangs as I miss the bands and the famous faces that graced our once, small, but wonderful stage.

One such face was a man who I worshiped when I was at college. He was the frontman of a band called Dan Reed Network and I was addicted to his album 'Slam' at the time. Those were my days of finding the most hideous and outrageous leggings and wearing bright coloured ribbons in my Para boots.

So when I eventually came to claim my own little music venue in the South of Wales, I decided to contact my college hero and see if he would play here in Pontypool. To my surprise he said yes and in June 2012 he arrived at The Hog. It was a wonderful night and sadly I don't have any photos of myself with him but thankfully people have taken videos and written that, yes, Dan Reed did play my little pub in Pontypool

Here are just a few of the reviews and videos from that night.

Adrian’s review of evening at Hog and Hosper 1st June 2012

As I sit here typing this, I left Dan Reed’s evening at the Hog and Hosper less than an hour ago and so I write this with the memories freshly in my mind.

It is difficult to know where to start; as a member of perhaps an “older generation”, I am not a great frequenter of concerts in any genre. But tonight I was moved to go and visit the Hog and Hosper in Pontypool to hear Dan Reed “in concert”.

I feel I should start with the Hog and Hosper. This is a pub in Pontypool, just an ordinary pub, but where entertainment can be expected, usually at the weekend. I have nothing but praise for this establishment, run by a most amiable lady called Sam who was nothing less than welcoming and with brilliant bar staff as well, and pretty keen bar prices. Okay, it was no concert hall and if I have a criticism, it was only a little one. With the enthusiastic and rather large audience it got pretty hot in there, but this was resolved “at a stroke” by propping open the door. Thanks Sam – a great venue and clearly very well respected by the clientele.

But moving on to Dan Reed, I am almost without words to describe this talented man adequately. Where to start? I have never heard him live before but his talent in bringing his audience on side was brilliant, and an audience which was very well versed in his music. Dan was no stranger to them. But underneath the levity displayed in the enthusiastic performance of his own music, it was plain to see a man of intensity in so many ways. His musical ability as displayed by his command of the guitar was undisputed. In fact he told me that he once played the organ so this was in a way unsurprising. The level of control over the music he himself composed was formidable and masterly.

But there was more – here was a man who has undergone many levels of personal experience in his life, in different environments worldwide, different religious backgrounds and with so many different ethnic and religious areas of guidance. And all of this emerged gently, as opposed to being imposed, during the course of the hour and a half that he performed without a break. The lyrics and the various explanations which accompanied his renditions gave an insight to a man of deep personal and religious convictions. It was impossible to fail to be moved by all he portrayed.

It is always difficult for words to portray what visual experiences can show. But what I can say is that whatever your personal musical preferences might be, I would challenge you not to be moved by the musical and personal offerings of Dan Reed. If you have a chance to spend an evening with him, I can honestly strongly recommend it.

The original link can be found here:-Adrians Review

https://youtu.be/v0wvDd03P-I

UNDERKILL TV EPISODE 24 HOG AND HOSPER

2013-11-03T03:17:00.001-08:00

An interview from Landlady samon UnderKill TV on what has been going on at The Hog and what else is coming up. Of course this has now been and gone as the Hog is now closed:(
Click on the link to view the footage

UNDERKILL TV EPISODE 24 HOG AND HOSPER

DIAMOND HEAD - AM I EVIL 2012 - Pontypool at the Hog and Hosper

2013-11-03T03:13:00.002-08:00

In June 2012, NWOBHM legends Diamond Head performed at The Hog and Hosper in Pontypool.
A brilliant evening was had by all

DIAMOND HEAD - AM I EVIL 2012 - Pontypool at the Hog and Hosper

dan reed singing holy diver dio tribute

2013-11-01T11:01:00.001-07:00

dan reed singing holy diver dio tribute

Dan Reed performed at The Hog and Hosper,Pontypool in August 2012. It was a wonderful night. Very memorable

Finial Review of the Hog and Hosper by Johnny H of Ubder Rock

2013-05-22T09:18:00.001-07:00

SO THIS IS THE LAST REVIEW FROM UBER ROCK ON THE GBH GIG. IT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE. I AM SO PROUD OF THE WORK THAT I HAVE DONE HERE AND THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT MADE IT POSSIBLE.

GBH - Pontypool, Hog And Hosper - 3rd May 2013 Print E-mail Written by Johnny H Thursday, 16 May 2013 03:00 “And now the end is near….” GuntysThe first of two nights of Punkfest 2013 here at the Hog And Hosper, this is the most fitting swansong for a venue I’ve grown to love over the last few years. That’s partly because I’ve never actually seen GBH before other than in the cavernous surroundings of the Olympia in Blackpool where it was like an unaired punk rock edition of Name That Tune trying to pinpoint the songs being cranked out thanks to that venue’s infamous aircraft hanger sound, and of course it’s also because this is the last but one gig before we wave bye bye to the Hog. So as I lift a can of Stella in celebration of The Guntys taking to the stage/raised floor area, nothing other than truly happy memories of encounters with the likes of Ricky Warwick, LA Guns, Dirt Box Disco, Diamond Head and Scabies & James fill my horse head. So what better way to send the venue off into the sunset in true style than with two nights of punk rock debauchery? Thankfully this is something that Abertillery trio The Guntys specialise in, and their brief set, leaning ever more towards the politically charged end of things, is filled with disenchanted anthems such as ‘When The Brick Stops Swinging’ and ‘Height of Stupidity’, Both dedicated to Tory prime ministers old and new had the already filling dance floor screaming along. It is their set climax where they are joined onstage by This System Kills frontman Pig for a run through of Anti Pasti’s ‘No Maggie Thatcher And No Government’ that almost brings the roof down though. Fuck ‘Ding Dong’ this is the true anti-Thatcher song delivered by people who really do mean every word of it. Vendettas 2 Hailing from the Rhondda just a few Valleys away, The Vendettas are too young to remember John Major never mind Horrible Hilda, so their furious take on punk rock is more about the music rather than the politics. Think what Phil Campbell’s grandchildren might sound like playing Zeke covers, and you won’t be a million miles away. ‘Heartbreaker’ whilst being introduced as a slowie dedicated to the couples in the house is the exact opposite, ripping the skin from your face with its intensity. Likewise ‘Dirty Secret’ and ‘Killing Machine’ (dedicated to the band’s beloved Cardiff City) seek and destroy all comers sending the crowd into an early climax of beer soaked sweat drenched fun. Fellow Uber scribe Darrel Sutton had warned me not to miss these purveyors of filthy dirty ’Bad Taste’ rock ‘n’ roll, and he was once again bang on the button. So to paraphrase old Squidward McPoopshute, make sure you too check out The Vendettas because they are “fucking choice!” BlatoideaThese types of multiple band line ups always tend to throw up one surprise package and tonight that honour falls to Blatoidea, who deliver a set of stinging Sicilian streetpunk by way of London town. Looking almost exactly like the eighties version of tonight’s headliners the quartet even had someone near me complaining that after paying £10 he would have expected one original member to be in GBH, and the comparisons don’t stop there either, as tracks from their ‘Infected’ album like ‘Alive’ speed past in two minute blasts of punk rock fury ala the Midland maniacs in their prime. Singer/guitarist Manu might conduct his stage banter in a second language but at times he actually reminds me of a ‘Total 13’ era Nicke Borg, which is a comparison that I don’t normally give away lightly. Okay they might have overstayed their welcome a bit playing a set of songs that no one other than the few clued in people stage front really knew but the impression they left had punks flooding to the merch stand to pick up CDs and T-shirts, myself included. Whilst I’m on the subject of T-shirts I really do have to mention that when I pay £10 for a shirt I don’t expect to get it home to find it is an iron on transfer. But that’s exactly what the GBH ‘Perfume And Piss’ shirt I picked up tonight was, and what was otherwise as perfect a headline set as I’ll see this year this really left sour taste in my mouth I can tell you. GBH ColAnyway back to the gig and kicking off with ‘Unique’ from the aforementioned Hellcat released return to form; Colin, Jock, Ross and Scott were certainly on a mission tonight, that being to mix the old with the new and send the Hog off with a gig that will be remembered for many years to come by those of us lucky to be in attendance. Of the old we got all of the ‘Leather Bristles Studs And Ache’ EP in its entirety and almost in its expanded Captain Oi CD version sequence too albeit for a ferocious run through of ‘No Survivors’, Big Women’, ‘Sick Boy’, ‘Give Me Fire’ and ‘Hellhole’ before ‘City Baby Attacked By Rats’, and ‘City Babies Revenge’ were called back to close the set with Stooges fave ‘I Feel Alright’. The other newbie of the main set ‘Kids Get Down‘ gets dedicated to Blatoidea, with Colin not missing the band’s striking resemble to his band’s younger selves, whilst the recently deceased Jeff Hanneman also picked up an earlier song dedication. It’s this link to thrash metal that actually got me into GBH in the mid eighties, when for nights on end me and my mates would sit and watch the VHS of ‘Live At Stoke-On-Trent 1983’ on constant loop, marvelling at just how intense four guys could be on a stage. Losing none of that intensity here tonight the set closing blast of ‘Maniac’ is a schoolboy ending for yours truly, finally sending everyone out into the street well past the witching hour. If tonight really was the final curtain for the Hog And Hosper as a live venue then Sam and her crew have left most of us at URHQ with many happy memories of what can be done with a relatively small venue and a lot of ambition, however it also paints the harsh picture of reality of what punter apathy and the current economic climate can mean when you are trying to run a business. Unfortunately I couldn’t make the second night of this two day send off (which was headlined by Vice Squad) but this was the perfect way for me to say goodbye to a venue that really did do it their way. To visit the GBH store on Amazon - The Punk Singles 1981-84

http://www.uberrock.co.uk/gig-reviews/9-may-gigs/8091-gbh-pontypool-hog-and-hosper-3rd-may-2013.html

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First day of a new start

2013-05-06T04:46:00.002-07:00

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 -->

Last Hurrah at The Hog

2013-05-02T07:49:00.002-07:00

So its our last and final gig atThe Hog and Hosper in Pontypool this weekend. We had to make a decision to if we could carryon bailing the pub out based on its current turnover, but alas, it wasnt to be. So we thought we would carry on with Punkfest as planned and go out with a PARTY! Tickets will be availble on the night or online http://www.wegottickets.com/f/5927

saturdays event is now starting at 2pm as a number of bands wanted to play the final gig at The Hog. Its sad times for everyone, but the economic climate is hitting everyone hard and the only people making money are SKY and British Gas. Well you bastards you have helped close another Business down with your over inflated crappy prices. I hope your happy!

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Uber Rock Review

2012-05-29T12:31:00.001-07:00

We have had a fab review off Uber Rock
http://www.uberrock.co.uk/gig-reviews/9-may-gigs/4913-punkfest-weekend-pontypool-hog-and-hosper-5th-may-2012.html

Punkfest Weekend - Pontypool, Hog And Hosper - 5th May 2012

Written by Johnny H & Dom Daley

Thursday, 17 May 2012 04:30

There's a point here today halfway through This System Kills mid afternoon set where the band's charismatic frontman Pig turns to the assembled faithful and laments the descent of the majority of mainstream UK rock music festivals into the corporate hellholes that we all know they are. He may be largely preaching to the converted here but he still makes a very valid point, as today's proceedings work out at costing us, the average gig goer, a whopping £1.66 to see each band, and with band shirts ranging from £8 to £12 this is hardly the economics deployed on the festival battlefield these days.

So with so much to offer your avid punk rock fan, and as you can see above spread over the entire May Bank Holiday weekend this Punkfest makes out almost like a mini Rebellion for the South Wales valleys, albeit for yours truly and the boy wonder from out West Dom Daley, it was only ever going to be this, the Saturday's line up that we could actually get our sorry arses along to. So our apologies to the rest of the bands playing who don't get a mention here.

With yours truly arriving at the venue suitably early to catch the 2pm advertised door time, I end up missing first band of the day Meathook who feature father and son duo Michael and Jay Tatler from the English Dogs, but with the Abta-lairy massive already in residence awaiting the arrival of the next band of the day they assured me that they were "fucking excellent". So job done I guess.

Taking their places with military like precision, printed set lists placed in front of them, it was time for Pontypool to experience Trigger McPoopshute - a band these days looking "almost" like a professional porn rock combo. Bearing in mind that some of the audience were perhaps slightly more than a little shy of the 18 years required to share the blue air with such smut as 'Knob Rot', frontman/bassist (and resident Dr Martin boots wearer) Sutton was on fine form, fired up on Polish lager and winking at the ladies ahead of a galloping run through 'Glory Hole Viper', his warning the parents of the aforementioned siblings that he wouldn't be held responsible if any of them turned out to be mass murderers of the future was pure comedy gold. Expect more from the 'Shute anytime soon as they tell me they are in the midst of recording their debut album. God help us all.

With the event poster running order stating that 100,000 Bodybags were due up next what we actually got was a bit of a local punk scene supergroup going by the seemingly makeshift title of Trackstar Pornstar. Featuring two members of the Bodybags and two members of Dead Radio, the band's mix of old Rectify tunes and gothic country/pop covers managed to both confuse and amaze, frontman Brewer raising perhaps the biggest cheers of the afternoon so far by dedicating 'Spent You' to the fall of the Nazi scum party in the recent UK local elections. It'll be interesting to see what these guys do next and under what name, although as a Facebook page now exists for Trackstar Pornstar I'm guessing today's moniker stuck after all.

Nottingham's Girlfixer are the first band of the day to bring a more modern edge to the punk rock proceedings, and that's quite possibly because they are so damn young that they would never in a million years get my comparison of singer Natalie Thornton to one Jody Turner (high praise indeed though old schoolers eh?). Raised on a mix of Hellcat punk and metalcore the four piece bounce their way through a lively 40 odd minute set sounding not unlike Human Waste Project on more than one occasion, new track 'Hitman' meanwhile hinted at a more direct "go for the throat" approach. With talk all day of who had slayed the in-house drum kit the best, I would like to offer up Girlfixer's Nicola Brooks as perhaps the hero of the day, boy can she hit them skins!!!

And so as the clock strikes 5 it's time for the aforementioned scene legend Pig and his This System Kills band mates to deliver what was quite possibly the best set I've ever seen them play. With the frontman "kilted up" and restricted in his mobility as a result, today's set may not have been the liveliest (although the few high kicks we did get instantly make a few of us feel rather queasy), but with the newer tracks that pepper the set with maybe a slightly more metal edge (like on say 'All Sinners Rise') this makes for an all more compelling reason for you to sit up and take notice. Set highlight for yours truly came during a faithful rendition of '30 Years' where stood next to Pig's old Classified Protest band mate I suddenly realised just how much of a formative effect these characters have all had in my years spent following music. Let's just say it was emotional.

So with all the punk genre boxes seemingly ticked at this point up pop Sickpig from the West Country plying a very fine line in anarcho hardcore punk to frighten the shit out of those of us not brave enough to appreciate their more direct 1-2-3-4 approach. The splendidly titled 'Shit What You Eat' finally gets a pit going, whilst also reminding me I should perhaps seek out some sustenance other than what is in my pint glass. However with nothing open for what seems like miles I instead settle for one final slice of Sickpig, and wait for the arrival of my partner in grime Dom Daley who is picking up the evening's bands.

And I wait....and wait. Not since Nightwish got lost in the lanes around Donington Park have I waited so long for a band (and their accompanying uber scribe) to turn up, in fact the natives are starting to get a little restless as the between band silence is almost deafening, then as by magic - both of them appear in quick sucession.

I arrive fashionably late at The Hog just in time to catch the bar before Foreign Legion take the stage, and my first band at this quality all - dayer succumbs to the dreaded sound problems (God damn you gremlins), although it has to be said that the band admirably fought on and soldiered through. The fact that the vocals of frontman Marcus Howells were now working in a Norman Collier style-y was a bit of a shame especially in between songs when he was trying to get a message across to the throng of punters who seemed to be enjoying every minute of throwing themselves around the dance floor. During their brief set they managed to play some pretty nifty tunes along with some choice covers such as 'White Riot' and the excellent heads down 'Commando' from da Bruddas from Queens Noo Yawk. The pick of the Legion's own tunes was the poke in the eye for big corporate food chain stores at the cost of our villages and towns (something sadly quite evident in Pontypool) in the 'Market Trader Song' and the tribute to a drunken friend 'Wasted Your Life'. Always reliable and punk to the core - that is Foreign Legion.

Next up were the lovable English Dogs who've also been around the block and back again with many line ups and a sound that over the years has ebbed and flowed from punk to metal and back again. Here tonight they were on the money delivering a pretty decent support set for the mighty Subs. After the troublesome mic was eventually sorted the band could settle into their slot and kick up a shit storm of throbbing bass lines and furious drumming. Pick of the set were 'This Is A Class War' which again preached to the converted, as the beer was spilt and the fists were pumped, 'Left Me For Dead' and 'Fucked Up People' were also knocked out with suitable aplomb. For a finale English Dogs knocked out a cracker which I believe was called 'Greedy Cunts' (correct me if I'm, wrong guys) containing some right proper old school terrace chants thrown in for good measure, and in turn making one or two Uber scribes beam from ear to ear. "Your going home in a fucking ambulance!" and the 70's terrace classic of "Your gonna get your fucking heads kicked in" had me Oi! Oi!-ing like a fourteen year old. A great addition to the line up and so far so good I'd only been in the venue for over an hour and already seen two quality bands - Result!

Last but not least headlining the Saturday night were the one and only UK Subs, and if I'm being honest I was delighted to see Alvin, Jet, Jamie and Charlie walk in to the venue, as I do believe they are my favourite holders of the UK Subs torch that still burns so brightly. Without much fussing and hanging about the band set up and got straight into business as the punters of all ages crammed into the room to get a face full of top notch punk rock.

Kicking off proceedings tonight was 'Emotional Blackmail' and it was plain to see that the band who are forever on tour were as tight as fuck, and the feeling that tonight was going to be something very special was already starting to deliver.

Now I've seen the band play many many times, and as was pointed out by my learned friend Mr Hayward they never play the same set twice. So whilst you have the usual suspects like the behemoth that is 'Warhead', you will also get more than one or two surprises thrown into the set that the guys probably haven't played in a while. Tonight's set list just got better and better as it went on, and the band really were in absolutely sparkling form as Jet threw out some blistering licks on the Les Paul Jnr and bass monster Alvin Gibbs played the guts out off his guitar looking every inch the fuckin' rock 'n' roller. Those dreaded gremlins were back briefly on the microphones but it was quickly sorted and didn't interrupt the flow or performance as bodies were being flung across the room and drinks were tossed in the air the fans singing along to every word that fell from Mr Harpers chops.

I always think after watching the UK Subs I wish they'd played longer or done this or that one, but the simple fact remains I always know I've been entertained and witnessed a great band play some great songs - both old and new. Tonight off the magnificent and Uber Rock approved 'Work In Progress' we had the Gibbs penned 'Hell Is Other People' as well as the brutal 'Creation', but the heat was turned up for 'Barbie's Dead' which followed a brutal 'Endangered Species', which preceded 'New Barbarians' before 'Tomorrows Girls' finally ended the main set!

Before I finally went off into the cold summers night in East Wales we were treated to a magnificent encore as Mr Harper introduced some crowd participation during 'Organised Crime' with some fetching Slade-esque "Woah oh oh oh oh's" (as on We'll Bring The House Down!), and you know on this kinda form I wouldn't be surprised if they did. Then 'CID' and 'I Live In A Car' followed - and that was it. The night was sadly done and the curtain dropped on another fantastic Subs set that had wasted bodies staggering around the venue and fans beaming from ear to ear knowing that the boys had just done it again. They came - we saw and boy did they conquer.

As Johnny had already commented earlier in the review this event was all about a great venue - great value for money - great company, and most of all fucking great music.

Job done - Love it!

As Johnny had already commented earlier in the review this event was all about a great venue - great value for money - great company, and most of all fucking great music.

Job done - Love it!

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Easter Week planned

2012-04-03T11:35:00.001-07:00

So whats coming up at The Hog this Easter weekend? Well we are starting to do Live Music on a Thursday night as Karaoke seems to be doing its rounds to much these days and after 4 years on a Thursday Night, we thought we would give Live Music a chance.
So opening up for us this week are Cardiff Based Bete Noir promising us an evening of Punk and Grunge. Yet again The Hog brings you something new and exciting and not just the run of the mill stuff that seems to be churned out these days. Oh the hum drum of being stuck in the same vein week in and out would bore anyone with a music brain stupid. So we try and bring the best of the best to you to listen and tap your feet to,.
Are we blowing our trumpet? Well why not? We have spent 4 years building the reputation of being one of the most exciting small venues in South Wales. But don't take my word for it ask the bands and our regular gig goers. We need them and to keep things fresh we like to be more diverse then, say, well.. you know.

Friday sees the return of Metalers ISOLATION with special guests Iridium and Red Exit Girl. They went down a storm last year so we had to have them back, especially as it's little Trev's Birthday. He is promising some very interesting costumes this Friday which will be in competition with our friends from Isolation. I shall take as many pictures as I can!!

Saturday we see the debut gig of Guns & Roses, yes thats the correct name folks!!! Tickets are selling well already so get down early. Also Jen is celebrating her actual birthday this week as well. We had a Private Party here last week for her but we decided she is much nicer then the Queen and is entitled to two birthdays.

Sunday, now if the weather is nice and it isnt peeing down with snow, we will be doing a BBQ.
This week I will be mainly baking cakes and making Easter pressies for the others halves little ones, ok thats my excuse. I love baking. The New Rock n Roll eh?

See you at the bar.
Sam,Wayne and Team

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Punk RULES!

2012-04-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

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

GBH

2012-03-08T06:18:00.003-08:00

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

RAT (THE VILE)

THE VILE

GBH

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROSS PONTY

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Johnny Trashed - Johnny Cash Tribute

2011-10-16T05:06:00.000-07:00

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.

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LA Guns/Damn Dice/The Prophets Of Addiction - Pontypool, The Hog & Hosper - 8th October 2011

2011-10-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

On Oct 8th 2011 we had the privilege of having LA Guns grace our stage. Although we are a small place, we book the occasional Rock Star to play our 'Living Room' giving our customers an up close and personal experience. Alot of the bands have played Arena's playing to thousands, so for them to come to The Hog is a real scoop.. Johnny Hayward from Uber Rock came to see LA Guns and wrote a wonderful review on his idols as well as giving The Hog the thumbs up.
Click the link to have a read.

LA Guns/Damn Dice/The Prophets Of Addiction - Pontypool, The Hog & Hosper - 8th October 2011

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Getting upto date and How Bands can get a Gig here

2011-10-15T05:05:00.000-07:00

Hi guys and Girls.

Well I haven't been great at keeping this Blog up to date, shame on me lol. Its been all go at The Hog lately. We have had some fab acts since I last wrote, including Sham 69 and LA Guns.

We are going to be going through a few changes over the next month or so and are looking to re brand. Don't worry, you will still be seeing your favourite bands at The Hog so that wont change. I am just looking to re launch The Hog in a fun and funky way. Its exciting times for all the Team here so keep your eyes peeled on the website and on this Blog ( yes I will keep it up to date more often)

I have also been really busy booking bands into the middle of next year. I have had loads of emails and calls off bands for gigs which is great, but can I politely ask bands to provide a link to a website with a Biog and demos so we can see what you have to offer. Don't forget your selling a service and with any service you need to provide credentials. I know you may be thinking ' Who the hell does she think she is?' but believe me, I ran a very successful Blondie Tribute band for 17 years and the main thing was providing a potential customer with a great marketing package to promote the band. At first this consisted of an A2 glossy poster an A4 promo card, a biog and a DVD consisting of video, audio and images. All in all this costed £5 to me but reaped great rewards and we were gigging on average 3 times a week. I also put a digital package together where I would email customers/clients back and direct them to a website with all the same info on.

Your promotional material speaks volumes about how you, as a band come across. If your promo material looks professional, your band comes across professional.

Also, do yourself and the venues a favour when it comes to being booked by every pub in the same area. Leave yourselves enough time each side of the bookings so you don't saturate the area. IE play here this week, the pub down the road the following week. Its tough out there at the moment and neither you, the band, or the venue you are playing at will reap any rewards. What will simply happen is that your audience will get complacent with 'oh we will give them a miss as they are playing up the road in a couple of weeks.' This will result in falling audience attendance which will result in your gigs being cancelled as the venues simply wont be able to cover your fee. I hope this makes sense to the FAQ that I have put for bands on the Hog website. I have had to put terms and conditions when bands are booked to play here. I'm not being a bitch ( although I don't take offence to being called one) I'm simply being a business woman and protecting well.... my business and even yours.

Well here endeth the lesson, as they say. Its something I have been trying to explain for sometime and I hope it has come across in a well written manner rather then a nutty shouty woman.

Winning The Hog over

2011-07-24T05:46:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-24T04:37:00.000-07:00

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

Stangeness

2011-03-08T03:58:00.000-08:00

Ok so something strange is going on. I don't think its really a secret that spooky things have been going on in the pub recently. So we have drafted in Paranormal Experts, paranormal Knights. They will be conducting investigations on May 28th here at The Hog. What will they find? Well we wait to find out. I will be announcing ticket prices and links to purchase them soon.I'm really looking forward to it. Investigations will start at 10pm and run until 5am. A Buffet will be provided and drinks to purchase. SPOOOOOOOOOOOOOKKKKKKY

FOREVER VENDETTA

2011-01-22T05:15:00.001-08:00

Come on folks, leave your comments here.I am missing out alot at the moment due to being stuck in plaster. So feedback off you is important

www.hogandhosper.co.uk/s_whatson_detail.asp?t=m&event=172

2011-01-15T06:46:00.000-08:00

www.hogandhosper.co.uk/s_whatson_detail.asp?t=m&event=172

First gig of 2011! So I am looking forward to this tonight. Might even hobble down the stairs and have a peek myself and show off my Day Glo Neon Yellow plaster cast. It needs an airing

Whats Going on At The Hog: Still in plaster and 3DTV

2011-01-12T06:04:00.000-08:00

Whats Going on At The Hog: Still in plaster and 3DTV: "Well week 3 and still in plaster. Op went well removing the pin although I was wide awake when they did it and I cried like a wimp. Just had..."

Still in plaster and 3DTV

2011-01-12T06:03:00.000-08:00

Well week 3 and still in plaster. Op went well removing the pin although I was wide awake when they did it and I cried like a wimp. Just had a local injection and felt the wonderful sensation of it being unscrewed from my ankle. Something i didn't relish and wont want to go through again. Still having to take the good old trammies but hey ho worse things happen. Just got to wait for my next appointment an have another cast popped on. Neon yellow i think this time. Well according to the magazine I have been reading its the new 'in' colour this season. whoop I am up to date with the fashions lol. Carling and Guinness have been guarding my leg and keeping me company. Carling more so and Guinness is still a playful pup who likes to try and chew things.

Anyway, I have been speaking to Nigel and we think that we aren't doing enough with 3D TV. Sky have been adding more to it and show concerts so I have asked him to demo it tonight. Keane are doing a concert and also there are plenty of documentaries on Wild Life which must look amazing in 3D. So I might even shuffle bum down the stairs to watch it myself tonight. We are open from 5pm tonight so if you feel like popping in for a nose and see what the fuss is about, well you know where to come.Anyway back to watching Downton Abbey. Thank you for the invention of the internet and the written word to starve off boredom.

New Year New Start

2011-01-10T11:59:00.000-08:00

So new name New Year new start. The Hog is relaunching itself and so am I. The Hog will devote its Fridays to new and original bands and Saturdays will be for good Cover bands and quality Tribute bands as well as fab theme nights such as 90's 80's Pirates of the Caribbean, 70's Boogie nights etc. We have loads planned for The Hog this year so keep an eye on www.HogandHosper.co.uk.

This week Jan 15th we have two fab local punk bands on. The Dolts are fairly new to the scene but they have been in other bands before. They practised at The Hog before playing 6 feet under and after coaching the singer, the band have come on in leaps and bounds. I liken them to Ramones crossed with Madness.
Headlining the evening are 8.4%. The band started back in the 90's but members went and did other projects and 8.4% was briefly 'mothballed'. However they are back with a BANG and I personally, cant wait to see them. So if you need to dance off that Christmas podge, get down to The Hog this week. Its free entry

Sam Bentley

2011-01-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

Sam Bentley