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Blog

Gig Goin’ – Triumphant Night At The Tramshed.

23 March 2024 179 7 4

Rusty Shackle roguish warm up

A fantastic evening in the Capital as Caldicot’s Rusty Shackle were in town for their biggest headline show to date a ‘huge milestone in their musical journey’ according to their Facebook event and it certainly lived up to that billing. The event was Co Hosted with Newport’s Dirty Carrot Records and the supporting line up was a brilliant representation of the music scene in the area. It promised to be a great event.

First up were fast rising Newport Indie Rockers The Rogues who fresh from making their debut at another iconic venue Clwb Ifwr Bach in February continue their ascent to big things. The band from the opening 1963 delivered an assured performance including a new song Underside which already sits well with the rest of the bands anthemic songs. The finish of singles Skinny Dipping, Nice To Say Hello and fan favourite Chemical Dream is as strong an end to a set you’re likely to see. They even left out debut single Lizzy but testament to the strength of their songs it wasn’t missed. It felt like another huge moment for the band and it was a pleasure to witness it. The band then dashed off to take part in The In It Together Festival Got Talent contest in Port Talbot which I’m sure they’ll represent themselves well in.

Joe Kelly and the Royal Pharmacy

Next up was former volunteer and friend of the station Joe Kelly and The Royal Pharmacy also making their debut at the venue and Joe addressed this during the set. With Joe you feel the emotion in every note he sings and when backed up by the incredible musicianship of Chris (Guitar), Jon (Keyboards) Morgan (drums) and Niall (bass) it takes the songs to another level. The set was a mix of new songs from the upcoming second album such as the Don’t Let Me Down esque Holding On and songs from their debut album World On Fire, the title track amongst many highlights including Amber Glow and There You Go Again and the epic finale of Kings Road. This band really are a must see live and surely will be gracing this size venue more in the future.

Pigeon Wigs and the main event

Cardiff based Pigeon Wigs who describe themselves as ‘fuzz pedal abusers’ on their social media were on next. They provided a solid set of strong songs and were roared on by an enthusiastic crowd. The highlight for me was Heavy Low which brought a change of pace to the set and showcases front man Harry Franklin Williams vocals.

Finally onto to the headline act Caldicot’s folk rockers Rusty Shackle who with a 14 year career behind them winning Wales Folk Favourites at The Wales Folk Awards in 2023 they have built up a good following and have a large repertoire of songs to choose from. The anticipation in the room was incredible and the band were met with much enthusiasm as they launched into opener When The Morning Comes and proceeded to deliver a career spanning set even including a song voted for by fans on social media the track Cold Hearted Town taken from their Wash Away These Nights album. The band once played at the Olympic Torch Relay concert in Cardiff in 2012 and they certainly won the gold medal for their performance tonight.

Overall this was an incredible experience seeing so many local bands filling out such a large venue and each one had their individual moment of glory. An absolute privilege to be there.

Written by Stephen Howell and Luke Lewis
Thank you to Tom Damsell for photos