Chris Chalmers & Joel Harkin
Fresh from the release of his critically acclaimed debut album with The Souvenirs, Way Back Home—which reached No. 8 in the IBBA Album Chart and has received worldwide airplay—Chris Chalmers returns to Bangor Rock and Blues Club on Sunday 2nd August.
Following a series of sold-out solo shows, Chris will be joined by acclaimed pedal steel guitarist and songwriter Joel Harkin, whose album Never Happy was shortlisted for the NI Music Prize, for an afternoon of heartfelt, soulful music.
Critical acclaim for Way Back Home includes:
Alan Harrison (Rocking Magpie): "These deeply personal songs all sound as if Chalmers has been hoarding them forever" and "Sounds like a co-write between Leonard Cohen and Randy Newman."
Liam Ó Maonlaí (Hothouse Flowers): "Lovely, well done, beautiful."
Nigel Foster (Blues in Britain & Blues Matters): "Way Back Home is an album of light, dark and shade… A terrific album."
Richard L'Hommedieu (Making a Scene): "If The 2:19 built the foundation, The Souvenirs is the sound of Chalmers widening the frame—keeping the grit and heart, while letting the songs travel further."
Club favourites return to Bangor Rock and Blues Club with their comprehensive catalogue of classic tunes, ranging from blues to Jetho Tull.
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!!!
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.
