The Dirt Road Band
19th September
The Dirt Road Band feature Steve Walwyn (guitar & vocals), Horace Panter (bass), and Ted Duggan (drums), delivering hard-hitting, punchy blues-rock that gets the pulse racing.
Walwyn brings 45 years as a professional guitarist, including 32 years with Dr Feelgood. Panter is a founding member of The Specials, while Duggan has played with Banco de Gaia and more recently Badfinger.
Three seasoned, highly accomplished musicians at the top of their game.
Formed five years ago as a side project, The Dirt Road Band has since taken centre stage. Their critically acclaimed debut album, Righteous, was released in July 2024. The band’s chemistry fuels both their songwriting and electrifying live shows—earning them the description: “seasoned professionals with the energy of teenagers.”.
Whiski Road make their first visit to The Imperial, bringing their mix of brilliant celtic rock from Ireland and Scotland.
Featuring Aslan to The Waterboys, via Big Country,Sunrise, Snow Patrol and much more!!!
Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder
Mick McConnell is a hugely experienced guitarist, singer and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist of legendary Bradford band Smokie, with whom he has toured internationally for three decades. He has also worked as a songwriter for Warner Chappell and released two acclaimed solo albums, including Under My Skin, recorded in Nashville with Grammy-winning producer Blue Miller and reaching No. 13 on the European Blues Chart.
In 2023, Mick launched Blue Thunder, giving him the opportunity to bring his own blues-rock material to the stage. The band has quickly established itself on the UK blues circuit, appearing at major festivals and venues and earning repeat bookings along the way.
Musically, Blue Thunder are a formidable outfit. McConnell's melodic guitar playing and distinctive vocals are backed by Hammond and keyboards, melodic bass, powerful drums and soulful backing vocals. The result is a polished but energetic blend of blues, rock and Americana, built around carefully crafted original songs rather than extended jams.
With McConnell's years of experience, outstanding musicianship throughout the band and a catalogue of strong original material, Mick McConnell & Blue Thunder deliver a live show that is soulful, powerful and thoroughly entertaining.
If you like the sound of over 2 hours straight of Maiden bangers, then look no further with the return of Seventh Son after their last old out gig in April!!
Come on down down to the club to hear Q The Quo rocking all over the world while the play a fantastic set of Quo standards.
In support theres the one and only Black Dog Moon, hot on the heels of their 2nd album release and playing music from both their albums.
Saturday 21st of November
The Renegade Blues Band are a six-piece collective of experienced musicians, featuring the soulful guitar work of Paul Beattie (Whisky Road), the powerful vocals of Bri Gil (Black Rose), saxophonist Moose Campbell, keyboardist and harmonica player Pete McCarroll, bassist/vocalist Dave McVeigh, and renowned local drummer Laurence McKeown.
Known for electrifying performances ranging from Layla to sax-driven classics like Baker Street, the band deliver a powerful mix of blues and rock inspired by artists including Gary Moore, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, John Mayall, and Peter Green. Their live shows combine musicianship, passion, and energy to keep audiences captivated from start to finish.
If Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Free, Gary Moore, Bad Company are your thing then The Speed Kings are the band for you!
Featuring Ian Mackin on vocals,Speedo Wilson on guitar, Brian Warnock drums, Ali Mackenzie bass, Gordon Thompson keys
Featuring Rusty Jacks & Kings Call
Two bands who need very little introduction appear at the 2026 Christmas Cracker.
First up, it's a pleasure to welcome Rusty Jacks to play some of the best Southern rocking blues you'll hear.
Secondly, this band is a firm club favourite as previous sell out gigs will prove - it's the one and only Kings Call, bringing the best Lizzy sounds going.
Chris Chalmers & The Charge
