Dub Pistols, Wedgewood Rooms – Photo Credit: Paul Windsor
Beats & Swing Present… Dub Pistols Reloaded Tour 2022
I must admit, I’ve not put pen to paper (or fingers to keys) for many gigs I’ve been to recently. Although that’s not been for the lack of great live music, so what better way to get back in the (Beats and) Swing of it, than with another Dub Pistols show at the Wedgewood Rooms!
Seeing Barry Ashworth and Co. in Portsmouth every March has certainly become an annual tradition, having only been halted last year by the pandemic. It’s a date to put in the diary the moment it’s announced, often selling out in advance, with many regular faces popping up in attendance.
After all, you’re always in for something special when the Pistoleros roll into town. Hosted as always by the Beats & Swing crew, we were warmed up on this occasion to a selection of banging tunes thanks to DJ sets from Madame Electrifie and Johnny Shbaz.
However, it was soon time for the headliners and you certainly got that instant feeling the group had missed playing the Wedge last year as much as we had giving them a warm welcome. As when you’re this hyped about a show, 2 years feels like a lifetime and as ever the Dub Pistols were certainly on fire.
Dub Pistols – Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth 2022
Tonight, wasn’t just any Beats & Swing show but also one in which Barry Ashworth was celebrating 25 years of the band. As well as being a chance to showcase a glimpse into their future releases.
Early tracks such as 1998 single “Cyclone” were given a new lease of life with now longstanding member Seannie Tee on co-vocals. Meanwhile, there were the likes of “Rub a Dub” from Worshipping the Dollar (2012) sitting perfectly alongside songs from the most recent album Addict.
The night also featured special guests Emiliyah and MC Levi Collins being handed some time on the mic. Plus we were also unexpectedly treated to a couple of superb new numbers before the Pistols performed their take on “Bankrobber” by punk legends the Clash.
There was, however, somewhat a change of pace when it came to the more direct cover of New Orders “Blue Monday“. Although the single is well worth noting, mainly due to the Dub Pistols more personal connection with Portsmouth. Whereby all profits from the sale of the record are donated towards Tonic Music for Mental Health, a local charity of which Barry Ashworth and Seannie Tee are both proud patrons and avid fundraisers.
As for the Encore, there was always going to be room for one more tune. As such, there was no surprise when the chorus of “Oh no here we go again…” rang out for the party anthem of “Mucky Weekend“. Something which, for some reason, I have a feeling we’re all going to still be singing again at the Wedgewood Rooms this time next year.
Dub Pistols – Wedgewood Rooms (photo by Mr Teeth)
