Dirt Box Disco: Punk Energy and Outrageous Antics
Dirt Box Disco kicked off the night with a riotous, high-energy set that blended humor, attitude, and full-throttle punk rock. Their performance at Rock City was nothing short of a spectacle, filled with anthemic chants, outrageous outfits, and pure punk defiance. From the moment they launched into their opening track, “I Don’t Wanna Go Out With You,” the band set the tone for an unforgettable night.
Their setlist was a perfect storm of cheeky lyrics and high-energy riffs. Songs like “Second Hand Sex Toys” and “Cinderella’s Motorhead Tattoo” brought the crowd to life, turning Rock City into a bouncing mass of punk energy. The band closed with their signature track, “My Life Is Shit,” which was delivered with a mix of humor and raw aggression that left an unforgettable mark on the audience.
Visually, Dirt Box Disco was just as outrageous as their music. Their drummer played beneath a rainbow-lit rig, while the lead singer’s bizarre ensemble—a wrestling mask adorned with safety pins, red-print leggings, and a torn punk vest—embodied the band’s anarchic spirit. The blue-faced guitarist, rocking an army helmet and a skirt, and the bassist, wearing a furry hat, added to the group’s wild aesthetic.
At one point, the frontman joked, “You don’t want to see us without this gear on. You’ll either be sick or get an erection,” which had the crowd in stitches. Between songs, he turned to the balcony audience, repeatedly asking them to rate their performance—a cheeky touch that only heightened the band’s charm.
The audience fully embraced the chaos, singing along to “Rock ‘n’ Roll” as if it were a punk anthem. A particularly memorable moment came when a fan—referred to as the girlfriend’s sister—led the entire crowd in a singalong, showcasing just how infectious Dirt Box Disco’s energy was.
For Nottingham fans who can’t get enough, Dirt Box Disco will be returning on November 4th to play at the Old Cold Store. If their Rock City performance was anything to go by, this upcoming gig is one not to miss.
Jim Jones All Stars: A Firestorm of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Following the raucous punk energy of Dirt Box Disco, the Jim Jones All Stars took the stage and delivered an electrifying performance packed with relentless energy, ferocious guitar work, and raw, unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll. Their setlist was a non-stop barrage of powerful tracks, including “Cement Mixer,” “Burning Your House Down,” and the explosive “Rock N Roll Psychosis.”
One of the night’s standout moments was their gritty, high-voltage rendition of “Troglodyte,” originally by The Jimmy Castor Bunch. The cover added a whole new level of intensity, turning the funk classic into a foot-stomping, head-banging rock anthem. The band ended their set with “512,” leaving the audience in a sweat-drenched, adrenaline-fueled daze—the perfect lead-in to the night’s headliners.
The eight-member band made full use of the stage, ensuring that every inch of Rock City was packed with sound and energy. From the moment they stormed the stage—earlier than scheduled because they simply couldn’t wait—the energy was palpable. The audience responded in kind, rocking along to every beat and feeding off the band’s electrifying presence.
Jim Jones himself was a force of nature, moving with unrelenting intensity. One unforgettable moment saw him leap onto the crowd barrier, singing directly into the phone camera of a front-row fan, creating an intimate rock ‘n’ roll moment that will live on in their memories.
It was the Jim Jones All Stars’ first time performing at Rock City, but they owned the stage as if they had been playing there for years. The set was filled with swinging saxophones, pounding cowbells, and some of the most energetic keyboard playing ever witnessed. Their new single, “Going Higher,” set to release in April, promises to continue this momentum, bringing more of their signature high-energy rock to fans worldwide.
Jim’s guitar was a highlight in itself, featuring a skull motif bridge that perfectly complemented the band’s rebellious aesthetic. Behind the drum kit, stand-in drummer Blake Davies held everything together with thunderous precision, proving himself a vital part of the chaos.
From start to finish, the Jim Jones All Stars delivered a no-holds-barred performance that left Rock City buzzing with energy. It was the perfect setup for what was coming next: The Wildhearts.
Rock City: A Historic Venue for The Wildhearts
Rock City, Nottingham, holds a special place in The Wildhearts’ history. Over the years, the venue has hosted countless iconic performances from the band, but this night felt different. With a refreshed lineup and a renewed sense of energy, The Wildhearts stormed the stage, proving that their legendary status is far from fading.
Ginger Wildheart remains the soul of the band, and while lineup changes have occurred, the new additions have injected fresh vigor into their live shows. From the very start, it was clear that this wasn’t just another gig—it was a statement.
The Wildhearts’ Setlist & New Album Highlights
The band wasted no time in launching into the chaos, opening with “Suckerpunch” and setting the tone for a relentless, high-energy set. The setlist was a masterful mix of classics and fresh material, blending old-school fan favorites with tracks from their latest album.
Some of the standout moments included:
- “I Wanna Go Where the People Go” – The crowd erupted in a massive singalong.
- “Vanilla Radio” – An anthemic highlight that had everyone jumping.
- “Everlone” – Showcasing the band’s unique ability to blend melody and aggression.
- New Album Tracks – Proving that The Wildhearts’ latest material is just as powerful as their classics.
From the opening riff to the final encore, The Wildhearts commanded the stage with an electrifying presence. The energy in Rock City was electric, with the crowd fully engaged, singing at full volume, moshing, and losing themselves in the raw power of the music.
One unforgettable moment came when Ginger shared a story about their early days at Rock City. He recalled a time when the band had considered breaking up, only for Andy Copping, then a Rock City DJ (now the mastermind behind Download Festival), to present them with two magnums of champagne and assure them they would be headliners one day. Decades later, they stood on that same stage, proving him right.
The Only Flaw? Missing “Geordie in Wonderland”
If there was one minor criticism, it was the absence of “Geordie in Wonderland” from the setlist. The track is a fan favorite and practically demands a massive singalong. That said, the show was still an undeniable triumph, reaffirming The Wildhearts’ status as one of rock’s most enduring and exciting bands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the new members of The Wildhearts?
A: The lineup has undergone changes, but Ginger Wildheart remains the band’s driving force.
What are The Wildhearts’ most popular songs?
A: Some fan favorites include “I Wanna Go Where the People Go,” “Vanilla Radio,” “Everlone,” and “Suckerpunch.”
Will The Wildhearts tour again soon?
A: Given their recent success, a full tour announcement is expected soon.
Conclusion
The Wildhearts delivered a career-defining performance at Rock City, proving that they are far from slowing down. With a renewed lineup, an electrifying setlist, and a venue filled with die-hard fans, this was a night of rock ‘n’ roll magic. If you haven’t caught The Wildhearts live yet, make it a priority—you won’t regret it.
