Description

Riot starting, bouncer bashing, cop baiting, hotel trashing, foul talking, noise making, chaos causing, venue wrecking, government hating, rule breaking, piss taking, unrelenting, punk rocking. Clearly we're not talking about Pepsi adverts here, or indeed the many so-called punk bands that would gleefully sell themselves to such corporate giants for a palm full of silver.

But maybe we should put that into context since it means so many different things. It's early 1980 and 'entertainment' on a Saturday night (or any other night of the week) consists of sitting around at home watching crap on TV or sitting around in a bus shelter drinking cider or sniffing glue. Unless, of course, you're old enough to drink in the same pub as your dad. Oh the thrill of it all! Punk rock is all you have. It's your lifeblood, the only thing that makes sense and the only thing to look forward to in a world with 'no future'. And it's fucking exciting! The next single, the next gig, the volume coursing through your veins to remind you that you're alive. Punk rock is a dangerous business. The mere act of looking like a punk will earn you a night in casualty if you're not careful, and getting to and from one of the few venues that will let punk bands play can literally be a matter of life and death. So, you can cop out and be a part time punk (flatten your hair down for school, work or more likely the dole queue) or follow whatever trend you're told is 'in' this week. The other option, the only other option, is to give to punk rock what it has given to you -- everything! If you're going to be unemployed, then be unemployable! If you're going to get beaten up, then go down fighting! If you've got something to say, then shout it! And most of all, if you're going to be in an obnoxious punk rock band, then be in a really obnoxious punk band!

This was the route chosen by ex-squaddie Wattie Buchan (vocals), Big John Duncan (guitar), Dru Stix (drums) and Gary McCormack (bass). Right from the start (early 1980, if you were paying attention) there was no toning these Edinburgh punks down, no diluting their music for public consumption. The Exploited were punk rock.

Description

The Hairy Dog is the small music venue with a big sound in the heart of Derby.

We're bringing you the best of alternative music from the UK and overseas as well as supporting the local scene.

Since opening the doors in 2012 The Hairy Dog has become a favourite port of call on the UK touring circuit.

The Hairy Dog has made a name for itself having played host to bands such as Slaves, Sleaford Mods, The Blockheads, Cockney Rejects, Old Firm Casuals, UK Subs, Suburban Legends, Unearth, Shadows Fall, The Acacia Strain and hundreds more.

2016 saw the opening of our new 400 capacity venue room, with an impressive new stage, p.a lighting rig, cloak room and most importantly our new bar. This area of the venue is now all on ground level to make access easier.

We have also refurbished our second stage in our upstairs room. With its own bar and dressing room, p.a lighting rig and new lower level stage this is a great 80 capacity space.

The main bar is open every day from 5pm all the way until 3am.

It has become a safe home for Derby's alternative culture and is always loud, lively and accommodating to all.

Becket Street,

Derby,

Derbyshire,

England,

DE1 1HT.

07446 845 555