09.12.11 Socrates Johnson + Tsar Nicholas III + Dave Woodcock @Shakespeares

[Amsterdamned]

WagonWheel Presents… heads back to Shakespeares on Friday December 9th for a show featuring a fine triple bill of Socrates Johnson, Tsar Nicholas III & The Exiles plus an acoustic performance from Dave Woodcock & The Dead Comedians. Advance tickets for this feast of live music priced at just £3 are available from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/137116 or entry on the night will be £4. Doors open 7.45pm.

 

 

***SOCRATES JOHNSON***

 

Sheffield four piece Socrates Johnson, an acoustic bluesy rock n’ roll band, were formed in 2007, originally under the name Troubadour, by Andy Davison and Matt Flowers. Completing the line up are Ewan Asburn on drums/percussion, and Paul Ward on bass who joined in the summer of 2008. In 2008 recording of songs that would make the debut album ‘Providence and Fate’ were completed. Since then they’ve been building their reputation as a quality live act.

 

“Socrates Johnson stepped up and filled the place with an energy and talent that is uncommon for a gig that only cost three quid. Each track was well constructed, masterfully performed and an absolute pleasure to hear.” Toast Magazine

 

“If you closed your eyes it could be Big Pink in ’68” Sandman Magazine

 

http://www.myspace.com/socratesjohnsonband

 

 

***TSAR NICHOLAS III & THE EXILES***

 

Tsar Nicholas III & The Exiles rose from the ashes of former Leeds bands ‘The Silver Tree Club’ and ‘Tenderloin’. Frontman Nick Wallace and guitarist Don Mort experimented with different line ups and instrumentation including accordion, eukelele and banjo before settling on the current incarnation. After adding Joel Smith on bass and Danny O’Neil on drums, Joel’s basement became the creative hub of the project, serving as a studio, rehearsal room, pub and padded cell. Out of that melting pot of ideas and personalities came their understated debut album ‘Letter of Marque’.

 

Whilst still being based around the gutteral narrative of Nick’s voice the current album in progress has taken a different turn since the addition of Toby Wiltshire on sax, keys and anything they find that makes a good noise. The sound now is more raw and stripped down taking in moments of free improvisation, the energy of the blues and dark brooding songwriting. The obvious comparisons are made with Tom Waits, Nick Cave and Johnny Cash but imagine they were from the North of England and grew up with acid house and cheap Netto Scotch and turned that experience into something thrilling and feeling and melodic and powerful. The live shows are loose, edgy, raucous and never the same twice.

 

http://www.myspace.com/tsarnicholas3rd

 

 

***DAVE WOODCOCK & THE DEAD COMEDIANS***

 

Described by Americana UK as “The next big thing from Sheffield”, Dave Woodcock & The Dead Comedians recently launched their fantastic new album “Poisoned Nights & Bar Room Nights”. They deliver booze soaked rock ‘n’ roll echoing Springsteen, Strummer and with a nod towards the likes of The Hold Steady. Tonight they’ll perform an acoustic set.

 

“Damn it’s good” 8/10 – Toast Magazine

 

“One of the best live shows I’ve seen this year“- The Sheffield Scenester

 

“A band at the very top of their game” – Nowhere Town

 

http://www.davewoodcock.net

 

 

Facebook Event page:

 

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=268522553189701

 

Last.fm Event page:

 

http://www.last.fm/event/3099164

 

 

[Amsterdamned]

This is tonight, live music starts around 8.15pm.