15/2/2024 Smalltown Tigers @ The Birds Nest

Heading south of the river to go to a dodgy old pub in Deptford, but I have a good reason. This pub originally called The Oxford Arms has a rich musical history, with bands like Dire Straights and Squeeze playing here in their early days.

These days it's called The Birds Nest and is a well known venue on London's punk rock scene. But the punk rock band I'm here to see tonight aren't from South London. In fact they aren't even from Great Britain.

I'm here for some punk rock fury - all the way from Italy! And it's provided by Smalltown Tigers.

I first discovered these girls a couple of years ago at the Pump It Up! Powerpop Weekender at The Lexington, and later that year they went on to support The Damned at their original lineup reunion shows - where they won over a lot of new fans. I saw them at the second London show and they were very well received.

This band aren't afraid to go back to smaller venues - this is the second time they have played at The Birds Nest since supporting The Damned.

But now there are a lot more people here to see them - hence my problems getting any decent pictures in a crowded small venue!

Smalltown Tigers seem to have hit on a winning formula with their Ramones influenced punk-pop style, but this is no cover or tribute act - they play their own original songs, and they play them with style and red blooded Italian passion - they mean it man.

The place is full even on a Thursday night and there are plenty of people dancing, while the band look like they are enjoying the night just as much as we are - proper punk rock chaos!

I see lots of posts on (anti)social media with people complaining about the price of gig tickets and paying three figure sums to see bands while being ripped off for £9 for a pint of weak pissy beer. 😮 Meanwhile there are a load of people you don't hear about going to gigs like this and having a great time! And tonight's show was FREE admission. I think you won't be able to go and see Smalltown Tigers and have as cheap a night out as this for much longer - so enjoy it while you can 'cos I expect this band to be playing in bigger (but still great value for money) venues next time they are in the UK.