JIMMY ISLIP & THE GHOSTS // SUNDERLAND // 6th DECEMBER

Jimmy Islip and The Ghosts roll into Sunderland next Friday (6th December) to showcase their alt-country stylings at Pop Recs Ltd on Fawcett Street. 

If you are not familiar with Jimmy's work you may be forgiven for thinking that this is the Yorkshire troubadour's first foray into Wearside. You'd be wrong (walked into that one, didn't you?!). Over the past 11 years or so, Jimmy has visited our town on numerous occasions with a slew of his previous and current beat combos. Bringing their energy, experience and vibrancy from Leeds (a traditional hotbed of Northern independent art and music), invigorating sets by Kill Yourself, Eighty Six and That Fucking Tank played an instrumental part in influencing the embryonic Beats Happening and IFC gig collectives in town.


Jimmy's most recent venture sees him develop some themes first noticed whilst writing with yet another of his excellent bands, The Magnificent.This time 'round we're treated to a collection of tunes tunes which pay homage to the more Americana elements of his record collection. The subject matter, however, remains firmly rooted in the industrial North, with tales of love, loss and work set against the backdrop of the factories and communities of The Wild West Riding, the title of the excellent debut album.

Recorded with MJ of Hookworms, in Leeds, and released by All In Vinyl earlier this year, Jimmy has been touring hard in support of this fantastic piece of wax. Solo and full-band performances across the UK, US and Europe, sharing stages with the likes of Chuck Ragan and Sam Russo, have fine-tuned the live show and gathered plaudits across the board.

Check out the album here:

And the video for 'It Tastes Bitter' here:

Support on the night comes from two of Tyneside's finest, Mansions of Glory and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaind - both promise to rock your socks off. Believe!

We'll be taking donations on the door so the bands can put some petrol in their vans.

It would be ace to see you down.

Friday 6th December,
Pop Recs Ltd, Sunderland,
7 PM Doors.

The return of The Iron Fisted Champion...

For one reason or another, i've started to put shows on again - I hadn't put one on for around 18 months. There were a few reasons for this... lack of motivation, dwindling attendances (probably linked!), lack of a decent venue, studies taking priority - all contributing factors.

Anyway, the time is right to start again. And it did. Last Sunday...

It was great to kick things off again with a Sunday afternoon matinee as it was something we'd become known for previously, with memorable lunchtime performances from Lemuria, Young Livers, Bridge & Tunnel and Deep Sleep on different occasions.

In the end, there were 5 turns 'treading the boards' on Sunday. Losing Sleep from Kingston and Mikey Erg (of The Ergs!), who was drumming for Worriers, played a couple of short sets too, which was ace. In fact all the bands were excellent.

(Above: ONSIND)

It felt great to be helping touring bands again and contributing to something cool happening in our community. Lots of friends, friends of friends and kids of friends came down to support the gig and everyone enjoyed freshly brewed Chemex coffees, tea and homemade vegan cakes.

(Above: Rhys and Frankie of Pop Recs Ltd, perusing the cakes)

We payed all the bands well and even managed to donate some cash to the guys at Pop Recs Ltd who were such a massive help on the day. The shop is so vital to music, art and culture in Sunderland at the moment, it felt only right to help them out. Even if only in some small way.

(Above: Me and Rachel)

On a personal note, it was ace to catch up and hang out with Rachel again. We first met when we put on her band, Bridge & Tunnel, back in 2008. The following year, they came back again and we've been firm buds since. 

Rachel is playing guitar in Worriers and will be staying on in Europe to tour with her other band, Troubled Sleep, throughout December. Check 'em out if you can.

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Next gig:

Jimmy Islip & The Ghosts

Mansions of Glory

Dec 6th @ Pop Recs Ltd

Sunderland