Iron Man Records

https://www.davinaandthevagabonds.com

Davina And The Vagabonds – UK Tour Dates July 2026

Mark Sampson — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:07:45 GMT

High-energy live shows, sharp-dressed professionalism, and Davina’s commanding stage presence. Come and see.

“You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.” - Carl Jung

“One of the best shows we’ve ever seen!” - Cluny promoter

“Davina and the Vagabonds combat heartache with sugar and sass.” - Downbeat Magazine

“This music...feels fun, frisky and alive.” - American Songwriter

In 2011 Davina released her first full length, all original album Black Cloud. It was named one of the 10 best releases of the year by the Minneapolis Star & Tribune and awarded 4 ½ stars from Downbeat Magazine. Their next release in 2014, Sunshine, hit number 13 in the Billboard Blues Chart and led them to landing a performance on the hit BBC2 show, Later with Jools Holland.

JULY 2026

Saturday 18th July – Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Scotland

Sunday 19th July - Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Scotland

Monday 20th July - Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival,Scotland

Wednesday 22nd July – Live Room, Saltaire

Friday 24th July – Minack Theatre, Penzance

Much like the music, the story spurns era, expectation, and classification. The often unbelievable, sometimes harrowing, and wholly inspiring journey of Davina Sowers gave birth to her eponymous band Davina and The Vagabonds in 2004. As the tale goes, she grew up in the economically depressed Allegheny town of Altoona, PA, which she now describes as “awesome in the industrial era, but horrible for high school.” She was adopted by her much older stepfather when he was in his 80s; he passed away when she was just 13. Through him and his Edison phonograph, she first heard The Ink Spots, Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong and Louis Prima, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and many others. “Great man. He was my angel and still is,” she says.

On her own, she vividly recalls hours in front of the record player where she religiously spun Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Simon and Garfunkel records belonging to her folk singer mom.

To this day, Davina still refers to music as “my first and eternal love.” Despite early dalliances with classical piano and guitar, she developed a heavy drug habit in high school, which morphed into heroin dependency, left her homeless, sent her in and out of jail, and brought on all manner of trouble. Kicking dope on the streets, she “got clean, started the band, and worked her ass off every day since.”

“Rooted in early-20th-century blues and jazz, but freshened up with the 21st-century cheek of Davina’s teasing vocals and clever lyrics.” - NPR

Davina and the Vagabonds shine every time they play. To date, they’ve performed in forty-five states, twelve European countries, and two Canadian provinces. Not to mention, they’ve earned feverish acclaim from the Chicago Tribune, NPR, and more in addition to performing on BBC’s international favorite late-night program Later… With Jools Holland and appearing on PBS’s Bluegrass Underground.

More info:

https://www.davinaandthevagabonds.com/assets

https://www.movinmusic.co.uk/davina_vagabonds.htm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/movinmusicagency

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movinmusic_blues/

If you would like to support the work of Iron Man Records, please become a Patron.

https://liberationpark.bandcamp.com

Tour Management Services – Touring Solutions for Music, Film and TV

Mark Sampson — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:27:31 GMT

"Mark is the best tour manager I have worked with in the 50 years I have worked in the business - trustworthy, thorough and handles all challenges with professionalism I highly recommend him." - Peter Conway, Peter Conway Management

Iron Man offers Tour Management Services for Music, Film, TV and Theatre and is fully insured with Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance. I work in and out of Cardiff, Birmingham and London.

I have an 8 Seat Volkswagen Transporter 2.0 TDI T32 Highline Crew Van with Leisure Battery, Extra Power Sockets, Night Heater and the option to add or remove seats to ensure comfort and maximum load space as required.

For touring artists that need something bigger, I hire 9 seater or 17 seater Splitter Vans that work within your available budget.

I also hire a panel vans or luton vans depending on your requirement.

Tour Management - A professional solution for touring artists, providing a reliable service at a reasonable price. I can help organise the administration for a schedule of appearances, contacting each promoter or venue to ensure the clients technical and hospitality demands are met. I ensure the work remains within your budget. I can take care of the day to day planning and management of activities on the road, and any unforeseen issues or emergencies should they occur. I can also handle any requirements for crossing UK / EU Border post Brexit.

"Mark has been a Tour Manager for many of my artists on lots of levels, including Samantha Fish across UK and Europe. He has always been highly efficient, trustworthy and responsive in all dealings. I have no hesitation at all in recommending Mark for any TM work." - Pete Sangha, Booking Agent, The Main Thing

Transfers - A simple and cost effective transfer service to or from the airport, the office, an exhibition, or an event.

Courier Services – Safe and efficient transportation of goods. I can offer a range of specialist delivery solutions to meet your needs.

Backline and Gear Moves - A reliable service to pick up or drop off backline, gear or trailers depending on your need. I use a suitable panel van, splitter van, or a Luton Van depending on the work involved.

Vehicles for Film/TV Production and Location Filming - A cost effective way to source the best production vehicle and driver suitable for your budget. I understand that sometimes you need everything at once, and on a budget. I can help find you the best vehicle at the right price with a friendly, reliable driver.

Vehicle and Driver: I hire vehicles according to the needs of the work involved, the available budget, and any specific client needs. I work with a number of suppliers based in London, Cardiff, Birmingham and Oxford. I always try and source the highest quality vehicles at the most competitive prices, that are best suited to the work.

"I worked with Mark in the past repeatedly. He is a fantastic TM always looking after his crew! A very knowledgeable and efficient professional , when it comes to the Music industry! Highly recommended!!" - Ildiko McAuley, Associate at Amsterdam Music Promotors

Email: mark@ironmanrecords.co.uk

From the point of pick up, to the final destination, your client is in safe hands. I offer a courteous and helpful service with an eye on safety and security. You and your clients can relax as I understand the importance or being discreet, reliable and friendly.

Safety and comfort is of utmost importance. All vehicles are always in a technically and optically perfect condition. Furthermore, all vehicles are non-smoking and undergo regular interior and exterior cleaning.

I can be found frequently in Birmingham, Cardiff and London.

Vehicles: I'm a freelance. I work for you, not the hire company. This means that if you employ me I can find you a good vehicle or trailer or anything else you might need so that's less work you have to do. All vehicles shown above are examples of what I might use when working with Clients.

Some recent Artists / Clients

James Bruner, Tommy Blaize, Uncle Lucius, Starsailor, Gemma Hayes, Kristian Bush, Limahl, Natacha Atlas, Transglobal Underground, Rosellas, Davina And The Vagabonds, Exotic Pets, Mike and Kate Westbrook, Arild Andersen, Rob Luft and Daniel Sommer Trio, Heavy Wild, Stephen Hodd, Alastair Greene, D3lta, Sinead O'Brien, Samantha Fish, Young Voices, Chess Records, Yiddish Twist Orchestra, Edwin Sanz, Alex Wilson, Seasick Steve, John Paul Jones, Goat Girl, Mipso, John Murry, Shalamar, Five Star, The Monkees, Dua Lipa, M83, Barry Adamson, Hotei, Madness, The Stone Roses, Mika, Killing Joke, Adam Ant, Shye Ben Tzur and the Rajasthan Express, Roland Gift, Omar Puente, Fatoumata Diawara, Anthrax, Modestep, Imani Williams, Talib Kweli, Little Barrie, House of Pain, The Enemy, Friendly Fires, Curse of Lono, Crystal Castles, Bullet for my Valentine, The Orb, Vagina Monologues, Taio Cruz, Ivo Papasov, Sierra Meastra, As I lay Dying, Roisin Murphy, Ladytron, Son de la Frontera, Jeffrey Daniel, and many others.....

Some recommended suppliers I like to work with include: Rock-it Cargo, Civilised, Vans for Bands, Pony Touring, Chief Rentals, Brent Cross Hire

Arild Andersen, Rob Luft and Daniel Sommer Trio, Liberation Park, Icicle, Kiyohime and Transglobal Underground. Come and See.

Mark Sampson — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 11:23:36 GMT

Arild Andersen, Rob Luft and Daniel Sommer Trio - Tour Dates UK 2026

Arild Anderson, Rob Luft, and Daniel Sommer comprise a world-class trio that bridges generations in an innovative and spontaneous musical encounter. With a shared sense of aesthetics and sound, they explore how their diverse backgrounds merge into a unified expression. The trio are a must-see act on the European jazz scene. I will be looking after Tour Management for the group for these dates:

June 9, 2026: Watermill Jazz Club, Dorking
June 10, 2026: PizzaExpress Live (Holborn), London
June 11, 2026: Cambridge Modern Jazz Club (Hidden Rooms), Cambridge
June 12, 2026: Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham
June 13, 2026: St John’s College (Garden Quad Auditorium), Oxford

Danish drummer Daniel Sommer met Norwegian bass legend Arild Andersen in Oslo, where they played as a duo and discussed music and improvisation. Eager to expand the collaboration, Andersen suggested British guitarist Rob Luft as the third member thus, the trio was born!

In March 2023, they came together in Denmark for the first time, performing and recording what would become this remarkable debut album.

Dedicated to evolving the Nordic sound in a contemporary context, the trio blends original compositions with structured improvisation, forging deeper connections across European jazz scenes.

The trio will be performing music from their new album ‘As Time Passes’.

Liberation Park

Listen to this: Dreaming. Released May 19, 2026.

This track was started in response to the wild fires that occurred in Europe in the Summer of 2025, and progressed to make comment on the ongoing collective damage being done to both the planet and humanity. It keeps on coming, so as artists we will to do what we can. All proceeds from our sales on bandcamp will continue to go to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) who provide frontline medical care in war zones throughout the world.

Written and composed by Michelle Watson (Moksha) and Graham Parker. Mixed and mastered by Darryl Knights-Thomas

Iron Man Records has started to work with a couple of interesting Artists you probably have never heard of. Let me introduce you to…

Icicle (Montreal, Québec)

A zealous bass player, soulful singer and a talented composer, Krassy Halatchev (Icicle) has 20 full-length albums under his belt, summarizing those of the 90’s psychedelic rock group The Clouds and those of the alternative/indie band Chiwawa.
Visit icicle.club for more info.

https://icicle-band.bandcamp.com/

Kiyohime (England, UK)

"kiyohime" is a musical project focusing on an eclectic range of metal subgenres.
BizarreTherapy is no more.

https://kiyohimehq.bandcamp.com/

Total Assault On The Culture - June 2026 a wild ride with Transglobal Underground and Davina And The Vagabonds plus what is happening next. Come and See bit.ly/4x3i681

Davina and the Vagabonds, Newcastle - Echoes In Ink It isn’t until the spell has fully taken hold that you realise the song you’ve been singing your heart out to is actually about death, demise, and a rather intimate dance with the Devil https://echoesinink.co.uk/music-reviews/davina-and-the-vagabonds-cluny-2-newcastle-live-gig-review/

Festival supporting grassroots music venues across UK: Everywhere At Once Festival takes place on what would have been Glastonbury Festival weekend of June 26 to 28, featuring more than 2,000 artists across over 400 grassroots venues https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/fatboy-slim-backs-everywhere-once-37202039.amp

Blur’s Dave Rowntree: It’s virtually impossible for young bands - Brexit has been an absolute disaster. Dave Rowntree tells Chris Burn their long road to global success couldn’t be repeated today. https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/blurs-dave-rowntree-its-virtually-impossible-for-young-bands-brexit-has-been-an-absolute-disaster-8554104

MPs have raised concerns about “climate of fear” in live music industry and called for an investigation. Business and Trade Committee said the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) should look into the industry and highlighted evidence regarding ticketing company Live Nation. https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/national/26134671.mps-raise-concerns-climate-fear-live-music-industry/

UK Cities Ranked By Live Music Scene: Where Does Your City Stack Up? https://www.xsnoize.com/uk-cities-ranked-by-live-music-scene-where-does-your-city-stack-up/

Transglobal Underground

I will be at Dürer Kert (Nagyterem/Main Hall) in Budapest on June 8, 2026 with Transglobal Underground. The concert will be part of the Tilos Maraton event on World Music Day.

Monday’s Day of the Marathon is traditionally woven around the theme of World Music and Folk Music, so it will be this year at the Dürer Kert 5 program venue with exciting concerts, disc jockeys, Tombolas and mouth-watering Tilos Bogrács!

TILOS MARATON 2026 complete program: https://fb.me/e/47qdSvYk4

Iron Man Records is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. If you would like to support Iron Man Records to help more Artists, please become a Patron.

https://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/26145698.sidmouth-jazz-blues-festival-2026-attracts-thousands/

Total Assault On The Culture - June 2026

Mark Sampson — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:02:31 GMT

The last month has been a wild ride with Transglobal Underground and then Davina And The Vagabonds.

“Let everything happen to you. Beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.” - Rainer Maria Rilke

I will be in Budapest with Transglobal Underground at Dürer Kert (Nagyterem/Main Hall) in Budapest on June 8, 2026. The concert will be part of the Tilos Maraton event on World Music Day.

TILOS MARATON 2026 complete program: https://fb.me/e/47qdSvYk4

Here’s a picture of Transglobal Underground finishing up at Thekla Bristol after a shows around the UK. A big thank you to all those who came out to see the band play in Lewisham, Leicester and Bristol.

On the return from Budapest I’m taking Arild Andersen, Rob Luft and Daniel Sommer Trio out for a run of shows.

June 9, 2026: Watermill Jazz Club, Dorking
June 10, 2026: PizzaExpress Live (Holborn), London
June 11, 2026: Cambridge Modern Jazz Club (Hidden Rooms), Cambridge
June 12, 2026: Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham
June 13, 2026: St John’s College (Garden Quad Auditorium)

Davina And The Vagabonds

Davina & The Vagabonds delivered one of the festival’s most talked-about performances with their New Orleans-inspired set.”

“Taking the mid-afternoon slot on the main stage, Davina and the Vagabonds offered a fresh take on New Orleans jazz, blending it with blues, soul and pop. A tight band, fronted by charismatic vocalist and pianist Davina Sowers, the group exuded class, fine musicianship and humour. Highlights included a blistering “Bourbon Street Blues”, a sumptuous cover of Aretha Franklin’s “Dr Feelgood” and an unusual take on The Kinks’ “Sunny Afternoon”. Finishing with a roaring “St James Infirmary”, the band deservedly received a huge response from the crowd.”

https://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/26144533.sidmouth-jazz-festival-draws-crowds/

This was a review from The Cluny 2, Newcastle

“Sometimes the greatest trick a musician can pull is making joy the disguise for something much deeper. Sometimes you find yourself humming, swaying, grinning from ear to ear, and it isn’t until the spell has fully taken hold that you realise the song you’ve been singing your heart out to is actually about death, demise, and a rather intimate dance with the Devil.”

https://echoesinink.co.uk/music-reviews/davina-and-the-vagabonds-cluny-2-newcastle-live-gig-review/

I managed to take the band to Stonehenge on the way to Sidmouth Jazz and Blues Festival, and English Heritage didn’t stop us either.

The band will be back in July for more UK shows. Come and see.

“Davina Sowers creates her own Americana mishmash — a little Amy Winehouse-worthy neo-soul here, a little Great American Songbook-influenced songcraft there.” – Rolling Stone Magazine

JULY 2026

Saturday 18th July – Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Scotland

Sunday 19th July – Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Scotland

Monday 20th July – Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival,Scotland

Wednesday 22nd July – Live Room, Saltaire

Friday 24th July – Minack Theatre, Penzance

Phil - P.A.I.N

Some sad news, Phil from P.A.I.N passed away. And this, not long after Danny also from P.A.I.N passed away.

Having put so much time, effort and personal commitment into working with P.A.I.N to help them present their music and ideas properly, in all forms, for so many years, this news hit me hard. It has taken me some time to be able to post about it. I have shared what I can but Sal probably has the most important words to share at this time. My love and sympathy goes out to all Phil’s friends, family and loved ones at this time.

PLEASE SHARE - POSTED BY SAL, PHIL’S WIFE

Thank you to all who visited Phil in the last few months of Phil’s amazing life! You all, each and every one of you, lifted Phil’s spirits so so much.

The funeral will be at Breckland Crematorium in Norfolk on Friday the 19th of June at 3.15pm followed by bands and lots of eats at Banham Barrell! Invites will be sent.

I know you all loved Phil as much as I did and I still can’t believe he’s gone. He has left such a legacy, let us all keep that alive.

https://propagandaandinformationnetwork.bandcamp.com/

Please support the P.A.I.N. familia and grab yourself some limited vinyl!

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sally-lephard-2

We love you all!

xxxxXxxxx

What’s Going On?

Icicle

Iron Man records has adopted Icicle on Bandcamp. The Band have released 14 LPs and have everything covered to play live in a full/plugged or semi-acoustic/unplugged formation. Icicle still haven’t secured a booking agent nor a manager so if you can help do get in touch.

If you would like to support Iron Man Records in other ways, please become a Patron.

https://www.davinaandthevagabonds.com

Total Assault On The Culture - May 2026

Mark Sampson — Tue, 19 May 2026 17:34:19 GMT

“Davina Sowers creates her own Americana mishmash — a little Amy Winehouse-worthy neo-soul here, a little Great American Songbook-influenced songcraft there.” – Rolling Stone Magazine

With influences ranging from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits, the band is converting audiences one show at a time. Davina and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national music scene with their high-energy live shows, sharp-dressed professionalism, and Davina’s commanding stage presence. I will be driving and Tour Managing the group on their UK Dates. If you want to come and see, let me know and I’ll put you on the Guest List. If anyone has a number for Jools Holland, please let him know.

“One of the best shows we’ve ever seen!” – Cluny promoter

“Davina and the Vagabonds combat heartache with sugar and sass.” – Downbeat Magazine

“This music…feels fun, frisky and alive.” – American Songwriter

MAY 2026

Tuesday, 19/05/2026, Barnoldswick, Music and Arts Centre Lancs

Wednesday, 20/05/2026, Selby Town Hall

Thursday, 21/05/2026, Acapela, Cardiff

Friday, 22/05/2026, Wrotham Arms, Broadstairs

Saturday, 23/05/2026, The Cluny, Newcastle upon Tyne

Sunday, 24/05/2026, Godalming

Monday, 25/05/2026, Sidmouth Jazz & Blues Festival, Devon

JULY 2026

Saturday 18th July – Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Scotland

Sunday 19th July – Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Scotland

Monday 20th July – Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival,Scotland

Wednesday 22nd July – Live Room, Saltaire

Friday 24th July – Minack Theatre, Penzance

On her own, she vividly recalls hours in front of the record player where she religiously spun Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Simon and Garfunkel records belonging to her folk singer mom.

“Rooted in early-20th-century blues and jazz, but freshened up with the 21st-century cheek of Davina’s teasing vocals and clever lyrics.” – NPR

https://www.davinaandthevagabonds.com/assets

https://www.movinmusic.co.uk/davina_vagabonds.htm

What’s Going On?

If you would like to support Iron Man Records in other ways, become a Patron.

Doin the Moonshine press release

Transglobal Underground - Doin' The Moonshine + Tour Dates 2026

Mark Sampson — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:15:19 GMT

“There have been great societies that did not use the wheel, but there have been no societies that did not tell stories.” - Ursula K. LeGuin

Few acts carry such a mysterious legendary status as Transglobal Underground. You want genres? How about DigiSquareDance? Transglobal Underground, noted over 35 years for their lack of respect for all boundaries, genres and musical limitations return with a new release ‘Doin’ the Moonshine.’ Initially inspired by attending one or two ceilidhs (pronounced kay-lees) at the wrong time of night, the inspiration got mixed up with an American square dance, which inspired a little bit of bhangra, plus a melody from…..well, you get the picture. Or, equally, you don’t, in which case you need to listen to it right away and join everyone who’s reacted with ‘That’s great! But what is it?’ TGU never care what it is. If they like it, they do it. Come and See.

All live booking enquiries email Peter Conway or call +44 (0)20 8378 1012 / 07885 288512

With Shut Up and Dance to one side, and KLF on the other, Transglobal Underground came into being during the electronic dance scene of the early 1990s. Pioneers in the mixing of club culture with world music, their first single ‘Temple Head’ went Top 30 and their debut album, ‘Dream of 100 Nations’ top 20.

Transglobal Underground became best known for their live shows which made them festival favourites and have seen them touring worldwide ever since. Along the way they picked up a BBC World Music award for their seventh album ‘Moonshout.”

The current lineup is based around original members Hamid Mantu and Tim Whelan

and features the UKs best known sitarist Sheema Mukherjee (also of Cornershop, Imagined Village)

TUUP, a major figure on the UK storytelling scene

and Rav Neiyyar (Bollywood Band).

“Music is the universal language of mankind — poetry their universal pastime and delight.” - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Transglobal Underground - All Tour Dates confirmed for 2026

Friday 27th February at The Forum, Tunbridge Wells, UK

Tuesday 24th March at Pizza Express - Holborn, Holborn, UK

Wednesday 25th March at Katie Fitzgerald’s, Stourbridge, UK

Thursday 26th March at The Met, Bury, UK

Friday 27th March at Butlin’s - Skegness, Skegness, UK

Saturday 28th March at The Boileroom, Guildford, UK

Thursday 14th May at Fox & Firkin, London, UK

Friday 15th May at The Musician, Leicester, UK

Saturday 16th May at Thekla, Bristol, UK

Monday 8th June at Dürer Kert, Budapest

Friday 19th June at Willowman Festival, Thirsk, UK - 10th Anniversary 2026

Sunday 19th July at Beat Herder Festival, UK

Saturday 03rd October at Castle & Falcon, Birmingham, UK

Saturday 28th November at Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham by sea, UK

All booking enquiries email Peter Conway or call +44 (0)20 8378 1012 / 07885 288512

“This was the heaviest and most hyped Transglobal show I have seen, really putting the beat in world beat…a brilliant gig” (Hip-Hop Mag JAZZ CAFÉ)

If you would like to support Iron Man Records in other ways, become a Patron.

Transglobal Underground - UK Tour Dates 2026

Mark Sampson — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:05:06 GMT

“There have been great societies that did not use the wheel, but there have been no societies that did not tell stories.” - Ursula K. LeGuin

The current lineup is based around original members Hamid Mantu and Tim Whelan

and features the UKs best known sitarist Sheema Mukherjee (also of Cornershop, Imagined Village)

TUUP, a major figure on the UK storytelling scene

and Rav Neiyyar (Bollywood Band).

“Music is the universal language of mankind — poetry their universal pastime and delight.” - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Transglobal Underground - Tour Dates 2026

Friday 27th February at The Forum, Tunbridge Wells, UK

Tuesday 24th March at Pizza Express - Holborn, Holborn, UK

Wednesday 25th March at Katie Fitzgerald’s, Stourbridge, UK

Thursday 26th March at The Met, Bury, UK

Friday 27th March at Butlin’s - Skegness, Skegness, UK

Saturday 28th March at The Boileroom, Guildford, UK

Thursday 14th May at Fox & Firkin, London, UK

Friday 15th May at The Musician, Leicester, UK

Saturday 16th May at Thekla, Bristol, UK

Friday 19th June at Willowman Festival, Thirsk, UK - 10th Anniversary 2026

Sunday 19th July at Beat Herder Festival, UK

Saturday 03rd October at Castle & Falcon, Birmingham, UK

Saturday 28th November at Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham by sea, UK

All booking enquiries email Peter Conway or call +44 (0)20 8378 1012 / 07885 288512

“This was the heaviest and most hyped Transglobal show I have seen, really putting the beat in world beat…a brilliant gig” (Hip-Hop Mag JAZZ CAFÉ)

If you would like to support Iron Man Records in other ways, become a Patron.

Willowman Festival - 10th Anniversary - 18th-21st June 2026

Total Assault On The Culture - February 2026

Mark Sampson — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:18:52 GMT

“Actually it is quite devastating to realise how few people ever think at all. They mostly take their ideas from what they are told on the wireless, television, or in the newspapers... To suggest anything different makes you tread on many corns of vested interest.” - T.C. Lethbridge

https://faergolzia.com/

Transglobal Underground - “…a band of cosmic mutant rebels” — BBC

“Tonight, they blow away long standing fans and those that have never heard of them before. The only people not dancing are those stood open mouthed thinking, wow, this is amazing.” (Peppermint Iguana: LANDED FESTIVAL)

The current lineup is based around original members Hamid Mantu and Tim Whelan

and features the UKs best known sitarist Sheema Mukherjee (also of Cornershop, Imagined Village)

TUUP, a major figure on the UK storytelling scene

and Rav Neiyyar (Bollywood Band).

Transglobal Underground - Tour Dates 2026

Friday 27th February at The Forum, Tunbridge Wells, UK

Tuesday 24th March at Pizza Express - Holborn, Holborn, UK

Wednesday 25th March at Katie Fitzgerald’s, Stourbridge, UK

Thursday 26th March at The Met, Bury, UK

Friday 27th March at Butlin’s - Skegness, Skegness, UK

Saturday 28th March at The Boileroom, Guildford, UK

Thursday 14th May at Fox & Firkin, London, UK

Friday 15th May at The Musician, Leicester, UK

Saturday 16th May at Thekla, Bristol, UK

Sunday 19th July at Beat Herder Festival, UK

Saturday 03rd October at Castle & Falcon, Birmingham, UK

Saturday 28th November at Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham by sea, UK

All booking enquiries email Peter Conway or call +44 (0)20 8378 1012 / 07885 288512

“This was the heaviest and most hyped Transglobal show I have seen, really putting the beat in world beat…a brilliant gig” (Hip-Hop Mag JAZZ CAFÉ)

What’s Going On?

“Once an idea is there, the gates must be opened to it.” - Lev Shestov

If you would like to support Iron Man Records in other ways, become a Patron.

Total Assault On The Culture - January 2026

Mark Sampson — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:17:42 GMT

Transglobal Underground (Full Live Band Show)

Tickets from £20 + b/f: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/redhotpromotions/1617907

Bar from 5:00pm. Doors 8:00pm – 11:00pm

Long known for their scorching live shows, Transglobal Underground are back in full form after emerging into a new post-Covid, post-Brexit world and have been blowing audiences away around the UK and EU. They’ll be playing a very special full live band performance at the Lewes Con Club on Saturday 10th January 2026

Transglobal Underground came into being during the electronic dance scene of the early 1990s. Pioneers in the mixing of club culture with world music, their first single ‘Temple Head’ went Top 30 and their debut album, ‘Dream of 100 Nations’ top 20.

They became best known for their live shows which made them festival favourites and have seen them touring worldwide ever since. Along the way they picked up a BBC World Music award for their seventh album ‘Moonshout” been a DJ collective, a techno soundsystem, a Middle Eastern hit production team, a backing group for an Albanian brass fanfare, a seminar, a medicine show and several things that no one involved would admit to if they could even remember them…

The current lineup is based around original members Hamid Mantu and Tim Whelan

and features the UKs best known sitarist Sheema Mukherjee (also of Cornershop, Imagined Village)

TUUP, a major figure on the UK storytelling scene

and Rav Neiyyar (Bollywood Band).

Transglobal Underground - Tour Dates 2026

Saturday 10th January at Lewes Con Club, Lewes, UK

Friday 27th February at The Forum, Tunbridge Wells, UK

Tuesday 24th March at Pizza Express - Holborn, Holborn, UK

Wednesday 25th March at Katie Fitzgerald’s, Stourbridge, UK

Thursday 26th March at The Met, Bury, UK

Friday 27th March at Butlin’s - Skegness, Skegness, UK

Saturday 28th March at The Boileroom, Guildford, UK

Thursday 14th May at Fox & Firkin, London, UK

Friday 15th May at The Musician, Leicester, UK

Saturday 16th May at Thekla, Bristol, UK

Sunday 19th July at Beat Herder Festival, UK

Saturday 03rd October at Castle & Falcon, Birmingham, UK

Saturday 28th November at Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham by sea, UK

All booking enquiries email Peter Conway or call +44 (0)20 8378 1012 / 07885 288512

“…a band of cosmic mutant rebels” — BBC

“This was the heaviest and most hyped Transglobal show I have seen, really putting the beat in world beat…a brilliant gig” (Hip-Hop Mag JAZZ CAFÉ)

daily.bandcamp.com/features/beatnik-youth-interview

If you just want to listen to some music, start here…..and share, share, share…

Remembering John Sinclair (1941 – 2024) The Last of the Beatnik Warrior Poets…..

John Sinclair, the renegade poet, scholar and cultural revolutionary was the king-size, psychedelic old-gangster poet, a living legend, a veteran of the counterculture, a survivor of the Marijuana Wars, and one of the last bohemians. As a co-founder of the Detroit underground newspaper The Fifth Estate, manager of MC5, and Chairman of the White Panther Party described on Wikipedia in these modern times as a far-left, anti-racist, white American political collective founded in 1968 and dedicated to cultural revolution… his mark on the boho rock & roll underground has been unique. Listen up…

Living Euro to Euro, sleeping on the couches and extra beds of friends, a man without a country and a post office box in New Orleans for a permanent address.

Celebrating the life and music and poetry of John Sinclair, "Blow Baby Blow" A new John Sinclair compilation album.

This new album of music and poetry features cuts from John’s first collection of monk work, and signifies the beginning of what has become an unparalleled modern verse epic, spanning out across time, continents and musical environments.

Fly Right: a monk suite, is an opening chapter to john’s tale of the tribe in music and verse, and much like the music of monk, as here interpreted by tom worrell, each note and each syllable are themselves fossilized poems, each pregnant with novelty, history and biographical detail......Steve Fly, 2023.

“Once an idea is there, the gates must be opened to it.” - Lev Shestov

If you would like to support Iron Man Records in other ways, become a Patron.

Total Assault On The Culture - December 2025

Mark Sampson — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:23:24 GMT

“White-collared conservatives, flashing down the street,
Pointing their plastic finger at me.
They’re hoping soon, my kind will drop and die.
But I’m gonna wave my freak flag high” - Jimi Hendrix - “If 6 Was 9”

Iron Man Records provides a cultural outpost for musicians, writers and travellers in the arts. An Embassy for the Imagine Nation committed to inspiring and promoting Independent Creativity. If you would like to volunteer online, or help operations in any way, or give out flyers, please get in touch. If you would like to support Iron Man Records in other ways, become a Patron. If you just want to listen to some music, start here…..and share, share, share…

Listen to Life In A Blender

Listen to Liberation Park

Liberation Park is a South East London duo, who together, combine decades of musician and penmanship with the experience of life, to create an eclectic range of compositions that voice the landscape of our times. Soulful folk with a twang of country and an occasional classical underbelly.

Their first track to be released, ‘Not Your War’ was written as a response to feeling helpless in the face of genocide. The idea that we have to carry on regardless. All proceeds will go to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) who continue to provide frontline medical care in war zones throughout the world, including; Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and The Congo. Please pay what you can. Acts of radical love are all we have.

Visit churchofburn.org.

Transglobal Underground will be back playing in 2026

Saturday 10th January 2026 at Lewes Con Club, Lewes, UK

Tuesday 24th March 2026 at Pizza Express - Holborn, Holborn, UK

Wednesday 25th March 2026 at Katie Fitzgerald’s, Stourbridge, UK

Thursday 26th March 2026 at The Met, Bury, UK

Friday 27th March 2026 – Sunday 29 March 2026 at Butlin’s - Skegness, Skegness, UK

Thursday 14th May 2026 at Fox & Firkin, London, UK

Friday 15th May 2026 at The Musician, Leicester, UK

Saturday 16th May 2026 at Thekla, Bristol, UK

The Official Record Of Opposition To The Death Penalty.

Please Add your name - https://secure.reprieve.org/page/69141/petition/1

This cup is Free from animal or animal-derived products

Ford Timelord - 111 Lithographic Prints by Flinton Chalk

Mark — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:59:06 GMT

Iron Man Records has been working with the artist Flinton Chalk, of the band TC Lethbridge, to produce a limited edition 50cm x 70cm Lithographic Print.

TC Lethbridge’s claims regarding the existence of Ancient Hill Figures on Wandlebury Hill in Cambridgeshire caused significant controversy within the archaeological community, with most archaeologists believing that Lethbridge had erroneously misidentified a natural feature. Lethbridge’s methodology and theories were widely deemed unorthodox, and in turn he became increasingly critical of the archaeological profession. The area of Wandlebury Hill has been described as a neolithic ritual landscape.

Ford Timelord has returned to work in the neolithic ritual landscape to substantiate TC Lethbridge's claims. With regard to the existence of Ancient Hill figures on Wandlebury Hill, Ford Timelord will demonstrate the methodology and theories of TC Lethbridge are Justified.

111 Lithographic Prints have been signed and numbered by Flinton Chalk. I hope that between us we will be able to raise awareness of the Project to Uncover Ancient Hill Figures on Wandlebury Hill, Cambridgeshire.

Iron Man Records Patrons helped design and print the TC Lethbridge T-shirts. Patrons helped print these limited edition Lithographic Prints.

If you would like a Ford Timelord Lithographic Print, here’s how to get one.

Will Swap Book for Lithographic Print - Seek out a copy of any TC Lethbridge (23 March 1901 – 30 September 1971) book. The book can be Hardback or Paperpack, New or Used, but must be in relative good condition. Send it to Iron Man Records, UNIT 8A, City Industrial Estate, Western Road, Birmingham, B18 7QD. Include your name and valid postal address and I will send you a Ford Timelord Lithographic Print as a Swap.
Become an Iron Man Records Patron at the Uncover Ancient Hill Figures Tier Patrons get their Prints FREE as a reward.
When the number of active Iron Man Records Patrons reaches 150, the remaining Ford Timelord Limited Edition Lithographic Prints will go on sale via Iron Man Records and Bandcamp at £35 each plus postage. Each remaining Print will be signed and numbered as above.

Reusable Bamboo Coffee Cup – 12oz / 350ml Black

Mark — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:10:12 GMT

Choose to Re-use with the Iron Man Records Reusable Bamboo 12oz / 350ml Coffee Cup in Black. Money raised from the sale of each cup will help Iron Man Records provide a cultural outpost for musicians, writers and travellers in the arts. An Embassy for the Imagine Nation committed to inspiring and promoting Independent creativity.

The average lifespan of a single-use cup is less than 10 minutes – and due to their plastic content less than 1% will be recycled. Since the arrival of the modern single-use “paper” cup.... In three short decades, we estimate that over 3 trillion of them have ended up in landfill.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BAMBOO COFFEE CUPS - Our travel cup will keep your drinks tasty & warm. Your reusable cup is lovingly made with natural bamboo fibre.

SILICONE COFFEE CUP HOLDER FOR PERFECT GRIP - Your new leak proof travel mug features a non-drip lid with a resealable lip, helping to stop any shirt disasters. Our Ecoffee Cup will keep your drink hotter for longer than a single use cup so you can enjoy your Tea or Coffee even longer.

LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL CUPS THAT CAN GO IN THE DISHWASHER - Our lightweight coffee cups only weigh 135g so you won't even know it's on your bag. All elements of the coffee cup are fully dishwasher safe too.

BEST TRAVEL MUGS SET - Our travel cup is ideal for filling with your favourite coffee from your favourite coffee shop. Available as 12oz coffee cups with secure lid and stopper.

Brand: Iron Man Records / Ecoffee Cup

Colour: Black

Item Weight: 159 g

Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 9 cm

Capacity: 350 ml / 12oz

Material: Bamboo

Special Features: dishwasher-safe

Notes: Made with bamboo fibre, corn starch and resin Naturally sterile, no plastic after-taste BPA, BPS and phthalate-free High grade, latex-free silicone lid and sleeve Re-sealable ‘no-drip’ lid Independently tested in EU Fully dishwasher-safe Suitable for daily usage to +100°C

Made with natural fibre, corn starch and resin, it’s BPA, BPS and phthalate-free. The lid and sleeve are made with matte, food-grade silicone which is latex-free and designed especially for hot liquids. It has a re-sealable ‘no-drip’ lid, making it perfect to take with you everywhere you go. The whole product (cup, lid and sleeve) is dishwasher safe and should last for years if treated nicely.

Available in Black, Iron Man Records coffee Cup is light, bright and beautiful to drink from, with no capitalist after-taste.

It’s never been easier to Choose to Re-use.

Buy your Reusable Coffee Cup from Iron Man Records here

Join Iron Man Records on Patreon and keep music alive: patreon.com/ironmanrecords

Total Assault On The Culture - October 2025

Mark Sampson — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 11:30:34 GMT

Iron Man Records provides a cultural outpost for musicians, writers and travellers in the arts. An Embassy for the Imagine Nation committed to inspiring and promoting Independent creativity. If you would like to volunteer online, or help operations in any way, please get in touch. If you would like to support Iron Man Records in other ways, become a Patron.

1. Support Artists, Not Algorithms

Streaming platforms pay artists almost nothing of any use. Patreon lets you support musicians directly, helping them tour, record, and survive in a harsh and rapidly changing environment.

2. Be Part of the Story

Help write the next chapter by enabling vinyl pressings, ambitious projects, touring and unconventional releases that otherwise might never happen.

3. Keep Independent Music Truly Independent

Your contribution allows artists to make music on their own terms, without compromise.

4. Exclusive Access

Join the inner circle.

5. Method to the madness

Your support is meaningful. All artists have a piece of the puzzle. Every artist’s life has a value. Your help ensures the work can be presented properly for everyone to enjoy.

Join Iron Man Records on Patreon and keep music alive: patreon.com/ironmanrecords

Two nights of Premium foul mouthed scumbag punk in eternal loving memory of the man, the van, the legend… Risky Rich.

3rd and 4th October 2025 at Fox and Firkin 316 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6JZ

A new “best of” Playlist:

Seth says “I’ve been putting this off for ages because I really don’t like the whole streaming thing and how little artists get paid, but I had to make this playlist to use for promotion on my tour so I thought I’d share it with you. It’s got a lot of my albums, I basically picked a couple songs from each album that people tend to like. haha. I hope you dig it!!”

Oct 9 Ihmezentrum - Hanover, DE
Oct 10 BLO Kanteen - Berlin, DE
Oct 11 House Concert - Eschenbach, DE
Oct 12 House Concert - Busenberg, DE
Oct 16 Flowfield - Dornbirn, AT
Oct 17 Don Quichotte Kult.Z - Innsbruck, AT
Oct 22 Benderhof - Kaiserslautern, DE
Oct 23 House Concert - Steinbruch, DE
Oct 24 House Concert - Hangelar
Oct 26 Cafe Zeezicht - Antwerp, Belgium

News and other items of interest I’ve discovered this month

As tech giants have become increasingly powerful, musicians’ ability to benefit financially from their own creative work and control its use has been severely impacted. MU to Call for Copyright Reform with Motion at Labour Party Conference buff.ly/TU70b8i

Grassroots university touring initiative - Access All Areas https://accessaa.co.uk/live-nation-launches-grassroots-university-touring-initiative/

Land Of Kali, by Essential Logic. Land of Kali (co-produced by Youth), is the first new Essential Logic studio album in 43 years, and features the new single ‘Prayer for Peace’, a re-imagining of the X-Ray Spex track from the tragically overlooked album, Conscious Consumer (1995) on which Lora also played sax.

“Fascism is cured by reading, and racism is cured by travelling” - Miguel de Unamuno

“While UK live music continued the post-lockdown trend of strong performance for the biggest names at the biggest venues”, at the same time “pressure built across our grassroots as venues closed, tours were cancelled or cut back, and festivals called time” https://completemusicupdate.com/uk-live-music-spend-reached-6-68-billion-last-year-but-challenges-remain/

Brexit is silencing British musicians. The bureaucratic demands put on artists touring the continent are so great that many acts are simply giving up. And the government is doing nothing about it https://buff.ly/cJu2djM

Transglobal Underground: Walthamstow Trades Hall. Thursday 27th November, 2025. Door time: 7:30pm, Start time: 8:00pm, 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult) https://wegottickets.com/event/669744

“Birmingham city feels like the city that’s turned its back on its own culture and has done for a long time.” A Freedom of Information request revealed that around 77 out of 114 noise complaints had been made by one person. https://buff.ly/h49qaO1

Birmingham ‘turning its back on culture’ with busking ‘ban’ - Arts Professional. Unions and musicians have criticised Birmingham City Council for becoming the only local authority in the UK to forbid busking in its city centre. https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/birmingham-turning-its-back-on-culture-with-busking-ban

It’s a similar story in bigger cities such as Birmingham. David Garside, 51, a musician, recalls a livelier scene in decades past. “The Old Railway in Digbeth was an old-fashioned pub with live music pretty much every night. ‘The live music bedrock has vanished’: gig venue closures from Oxford to Birmingham https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/sep/15/live-music-gig-venue-closures

The Official Record Of Opposition To The Death Penalty.

Please Add your name - https://secure.reprieve.org/page/69141/petition/1

https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/exhibitions/working-class-hero

Total Assault On The Culture - September 2025

Mark Sampson — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 11:50:09 GMT

Grassroots Music Making is the source of our music culture and sense of place.

Grassroots Music Making is under threat from rising costs, venue closures, loss of accessible spaces, reduced income streams, changing audience habits, and political decisions.

Iron Man Records is committed to supporting musicians and recognising that every artist has a piece of the puzzle. An Artist’s life and craft has a value, and their work should be accessible and presented properly.

If you would like to see some examples, Iron Man Records has helped these Artists to present their work in the last few weeks:

Mixing their signature bluesy swagger with playful pop sounds and soulful vocals, they come to the crossroads where Lake Street Dive meets Leon Russell.

Designed as Davina’s personal mixtape, the album features self-penned songs of love and loss, tossed in with covers by John Prine, Los Lobos and Louis Jordan.

Davina and the Vagabonds UK / EU Bookings for 2026.

Interested venue owners & promoters can contact Mike at MovinMusic about offers for Davina and the Vagabonds for May 2026 and beyond via e-mail or +44 (0)1209 860067

Transglobal Underground

Transglobal Underground - A band of cosmic mutant rebels representing the beating heart of multicultural Britain, a living rebuttal of race-hate politics.

All UK / EU booking enquiries to Peter Conway Management Tel: +44 (0)20 8378 1012

Busking Banned in Birmingham

Birmingham is becoming a cultural wasteland. From a city with a fantastic musical heritage to one where the council is openly hostile to music & culture. The council has axed all arts funding & banned busking and street performing in its city centre under a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). Can you help by signing this petition? https://www.change.org/p/lift-the-brum-busking-ban

Birmingham becomes the first UK city to entirely outlaw all city-centre busking. Musicians Union Responds to Birmingham Council’s City Centre Wide Busking Ban https://musiciansunion.org.uk/news/mu-responds-to-birmingham-council-s-city-centre-busking-ban

Ozzy Osbourne (1948-2025): Working Class Hero - Exhibition at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Radio Free Marseille

Tim Whelan of Transglobal Underground hosts a regular show on Radio Free Marseille. No original material but Radio Free Marseille play Transglobal Underground a lot so we like them.

https://24.radio-free-marseille.online/

Grassroots Music Venues

The UK is home to over 800 grassroots music venues, each with a singular story to tell. Stars are formed in their dingy back rooms and on their tiny stages, providing a platform for the musicians of tomorrow.

Data shows post-Brexit touring decline for UK acts. PRS for Music says live performance claims for small and medium-sized European events have dropped by over a quarter bit.ly/4l6zy4f

Matty Healy of The 1975 has highlighted the importance of small gig venues, expressing concern over their viability in the face of mounting economic pressures. bit.ly/44Xmj15

Fresh analysis reveals the number of UK musicians playing at music festivals in the EU is down by 26% compared to pre-Brexit levels bit.ly/3IUistb

How Birmingham Became Home to the Shadowy Side of Techno.

Birmingham is home to a scowling version of dance music that’s indebted to post-punk, no wave, and industrial. Uptempo and unrelenting, the Birmingham sound is gripping.

“Let artists keep their merchandise money”

Please help Touring musicians pay their bills and add your signature

Join Iron Man Records on Patreon

Support the work: https://www.patreon.com/ironmanrecords

Get involved: If you would like to volunteer online or help operations in any way online or off, please get in touch.

Chilean Chill Club

Maria Adriana Contreras is a Chilean, UK-based artist who weaves the heart of Chile into every performance. As the daughter of a disappeared political figure, she transformed her story into soulful song, finding healing in South American folk music and inspiring others to do the same. Her voice transmits tenderness, resilience, and a powerful reminder that music connects us all.

https://chileanchill.bandcamp.com/music

September is known as Tom Baker

As the Doctor, Tom Baker spoke in favor of authentic, human-created art compared to computer-generated images:

The Doctor: "Computer pictures? You sit in Paris and talk of computer pictures? Listen, I'll take you somewhere and show you some real paintings painted by real people"

Cost effective Touring Solutions for Music, Film and TV from Iron Man Records

“It's like, how much more black could this be? And the answer is None: None...more black.”

Tour Management Services

I have an 8 seat VW Transporter. I hire and drive 9 seat splitter vans and / or 17 seat vehicles. I can handle requirements for crossing UK / EU Border.

If something happens, get in touch…..

https://ironmanrecords.net/tour-management-driving/

e: mark@ironmanrecords.co.uk

Your Guarantee

https://www.offthetracks.co.uk/

Total Assault On The Culture - August 2025

Mark Sampson — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 11:17:46 GMT

Join Iron Man Records on Patreon today and support the work: https://www.patreon.com/ironmanrecords

Get involved: If you would like to volunteer online or help operations in any way online or off, please get in touch.

Stephen Hodd played at Temperance on 27th July 2025.

The full performance was filmed and posted on YouTube. A big thank you to all Iron Man Records Patrons and to Adrian and all at Temperance who made this possible.

The first comment reads: "Authenticity at its finest, inspiring…" - Joe Lees

Follow Stephen Hodd on Bandcamp https://stephenhodd.bandcamp.com/follow_me

In the News

Data shows post-Brexit touring decline for UK acts. PRS for Music says live performance claims for small and medium-sized European events have dropped by over a quarter bit.ly/4l6zy4f

Number of British acts at European music festivals plummets since Brexit. Europe’s top music festivals feature half as many British acts as they did before Brexit this summer, as red tape continues to hammer the music industry bit.ly/4oonWwA

‘Self-termination is most likely’: the history and future of societal collapse. An epic analysis of 5,000 years of civilisation argues that a global collapse is coming unless inequality is vanquished https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/02/self-termination-history-and-future-of-societal-collapse

Matty Healy of The 1975 has highlighted the importance of small gig venues, expressing concern over their viability in the face of mounting economic pressures. bit.ly/44Xmj15

Brexit Causes Sharp Drop in British Acts at European Music Festivals. This decline is largely attributed to logistical challenges and increased costs stemming from Brexit, which have created obstacles for touring musicians. ukfestivalguides.com/ne…

Decrease in British Acts at European Music Festivals Post-Brexit. Analysis revealed Benicassim experienced 58% fewer British acts. Increased paperwork, red tape, and costs are creating a “logistical nightmare” for touring artists https://bit.ly/45dVaWv

Fresh analysis reveals the number of UK musicians playing at music festivals in the EU is down by 26% compared to pre-Brexit levels https://bit.ly/3IUistb

Transglobal Underground

Transglobal Underground - A band of cosmic mutant rebels representing the beating heart of multicultural Britain, a living rebuttal of race-hate politics. All booking enquiries to Peter Conway Tel: +44 (0)20 8378 1012 / 07885 288512

Off The Tracks Festival

Radio Free Marseille

Tim Whelan hosts a regular show on Radio Free Marseille. No original material but Radio Free Marseille play Transglobal Underground a lot so we like them.

https://24.radio-free-marseille.online/

New Album By Garaj Mahal - Rotifer

Garaj is back with a new scorching album and featuring an all-star lineup! Kai Eckhardt, Fareed Haque, Oz Ezzeldin and Hassan Hurd, plus very special guests Angelo Moore and Cautious Clay. OUT NOW! / I-Tunes /

https://garajmahal.us/

KAI ECKHARDT "A renowned performer ...a no-compromise, organic vibe....framed with Eckhardt’s remarkably fluid, often chordal basswork" - Anil Prasad

OZ EZZELDIN "I am very impressed with Oz's composing and I enjoy his improvisation also! - John McLaughlin

FAREED HAQUE "Classical and jazz, East and West, the future and the past, the brain and the booty all come together in glorious harmony via his fleet fingers and freewheeling spirit." – Guitar Player Magazine

HASSAN HURD "....unshakable lock on his groove, explosive power and velocity, and crazy chops" - The Coup "Boy you the truth! " - Cj Macc

Doin It Again @ youtube

P.A.I.N

Tapping the Flow - Podcast

Holding space with musicians, poets, artists and practitioners of artistic endeavours to discuss their work in an attempt to open the doors to discussion about how we can best share our creative methods and to open creativity up for all

Chilean Chill Club

Maria Adriana Contreras is a Chilean, UK-based artist who weaves the heart of Chile into every performance. As the daughter of a disappeared political figure, she transformed her story into soulful song, finding healing in South American folk music and inspiring others to do the same. Her voice transmits tenderness, resilience, and a powerful reminder that music connects us all.

17 AUG: Lewes, Tribal Earth Festival, book tickets

https://chileanchill.bandcamp.com/music

If you have an interest in these things, support a painter of politicians, amongst other things.

https://www.patreon.com/Wefail/

Cost effective Touring Solutions for Music, Film and TV from Iron Man Records

“It's like, how much more black could this be? And the answer is None: None...more black.”

I have an 8 seat VW Transporter. I hire and drive 9 seat splitter vans and / or 17 seat vehicles. I can handle requirements for crossing UK / EU Border.

Birmingham, Cardiff and London. If something happens, get in touch…..

e: mark@ironmanrecords.co.uk

Transglobal Underground perform sold out gig by Nick Linazasoro 8 Jan, 2024

Transglobal Underground – a band of cosmic mutant rebels, a techno sound system, and one of the country’s best loved festival bands.

Mark Sampson — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 16:16:54 GMT

Few acts in the UK can demonstrate such a profound influence, a multifaceted legacy, and carry such a mysterious legendary status as Transglobal Underground.

Listen to the most recent Transglobal Underground Album “Walls Have Ears”

All Transglobal Underground and Natacha Atlas booking enquiries please email Peter Conway Tel: 44 (0)20 8378 1012 / 07885 288512

Transglobal Underground - Tour Dates 2025

August

Friday 23rd August - Victorious Festival 2025, Portsmouth (Transglobal Underground Soundsystem)

Friday 29th August - Off The Tracks, Castle Donington

November

Thursday 27th November - Walthamstow Trades Hall, London, UK

Transglobal Underground - Tour Dates 2026

January

Saturday 10th January - Lewes Con Club, Lewes, UK

March

Tuesday 24th March - Pizza Express - Holborn, Holborn, UK

Wednesday 25th March - Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge, UK

Thursday 26th March - The Met, Bury, UK

Friday 27th March – Shiiine On Weekender - Butlin’s, Skegness, UK

Saturday 28th March - Thekla, Bristol, UK

Thursday 14th May - Fox & Firkin, London, UK

Friday 15th May - The musician, Leicester, UK

Saturday 16th May - Thekla, Bristol, UK

Follow Transglobal Underground on SongKick for more Tour Dates and updates.

From their origins in the dance scene in the early 90s they became one of the country’s best loved festival bands, a techno sound system, a pop group, a club night, a Middle Eastern hit production team, an improvised study group for Indian classical music, an Albanian brass band, a duo..or was it an octet?...

Transglobal Underground exploded onto the club scene with the club classic ‘Temple Head’ a track with inspiration taken from the UK bhangra scene, with one foot in the Madchester and indie worlds, and another in club music. The mix was totally new (DJs loved it but couldn’t work out what speed to play it at) and the track is still regularly played on the radio today.

The collective went on to practically create a new genre with a series of albums mixing a heady concoction of club grooves, dub, bhangra, rock, digital hardcore and oriental melody, driven by the possibilities of musical technology, inspiration and a massive belief in the need to create something creating a bar that kept others looking for the next level of global experimentation.

The best known albums are probably the most recent, ‘Walls Have Ears’, the top 20 ‘Dream of 100 Nations’ and the BBC award winning ‘Moonshout’ but they’re almost as well known for their collaborations with artists such as Page and Plant, original lead vocalist Natacha Atlas, the Trio Bulgarka, and Fanfara Tirana.

Now, more than 30 years later, Transglobal Underground continues to fill venues across Europe, showcasing their enduring appeal and influence.

Reviews:

Nick Dubulah aka Dub Colossus – Interview

With more than 14 albums, 21 Singles and EPs and having appeared on more than 7 compliations, Transglobal Underground have put all their best work here on Bandcamp: https://transglobalunderground.bandcamp.com/music

Transglobal Underground are touring as a five piece band featuring original members Tim Whelan, drummer Hamid Mantu and storyteller TUUP alongside percussionist Rav Nieyyar and sitar player Sheema Mukherjee.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tgunderground/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Transglobal1000

Bandcamp:

https://transglobalunderground.bandcamp.com/

“They drag the world music scene into a seething global disco. TGU are a living rebuttal of race-hate politics…” NME

Lineup
TUUP: Vocalist, percussionist, one of the UKs leading storytellers
HAMID MANTU: founder member, drums, percussion
SHEEMA MUKHERJEE: sitar, bass (Cornershop, Imagined Village)
RAV NEIYYAR: tabla, dhol (Bollywood Band, Diamond Cut)
TIM WHELAN: founder member, keyboards, machines

Reviews

“The collisions are as glorious as ever....swaggering ... a classic TGU mix of soul, rap, electronica and bliss” - FINANCIAL TIMES
“They did it first, they did it best and are pretty much back on top form here” - ROOTSWORLD
“A record that shows the band continuing to grow and develop...a record of the world, and in these times of solitude and conflict and isolationism, it’s a very welcome one” - BACKSEAT MAFIA
“Joyful and forward thinking...the masters of global fusion are back with a gem” - WORLD MUSIC CENTRAL
“A disc which, after two or three immersions, risks possessing you” - MUZZART
"The Brit-Asian collective boldy go where no psychedelic, drum and bass, funk, punk, dub, global beatists have gone before" - INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY
"The most irresitable rhythms to which anyone with soul can dance"- THE TIMES
"This musical collective have dipped in and out of fashion, but the new album finds them on inventive form" - GUARDIAN
“A pan-European journey you’ll want to embark on at length” - SONGLINES
“Swaggeringly confident...perhaps their most in-tune with the zeitgeist effort yet” - INDEPENDENT
“They show no signs of losing that magic that makes them so special...they compress more sounds, beats and genres into one song than most bands manage in a whole career.” - SPIRAL EARTH

Davina And The Vagabonds

Mark Sampson — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 15:19:40 GMT

I will be working with Davina And The Vagabonds in August, get yourself a ticket and come and see.

“Davina Sowers creates her own Americana mishmash — a little Amy Winehouse-worthy neo-soul here, a little Great American Songbook-influenced songcraft there.” Rolling Stone Magazine

“Davina and the Vagabonds combat heartache with sugar and sass." DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE

Davina Sowers and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national music scene with their high-energy live shows, level A musicianship, sharp-dressed professionalism, and Sowers’ commanding stage presence. With influences ranging from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits, the band is converting audiences one show at a time, from Vancouver to Miami and across Europe.

UK Tour Dates

25th Aug - Rye Jazz and Blues Festival 2025, Rye, United Kingdom

26th Aug - Guildhall Studio, Portsmouth, United Kingdom

27th Aug - Acapela Studio, Cardiff, United Kingdom

Much like the music, the story spurns era, expectation, and classification. The often unbelievable, sometimes harrowing, and wholly inspiring journey of Davina Sowers gave birth to her eponymous band Davina and The Vagabonds in 2004. As the tale goes, she grew up in the economically depressed Allegheny town of Altoona, PA, which she now describes as “awesome in the industrial era, but horrible for high school.” She was adopted by her much older stepfather when he was in his 80s; he passed away when she was just 13. Through him and his Edison phonograph, she first heard The Ink Spots, Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong and Louis Prima, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and many others. “Great man. He was my angel and still is,” she says.

On her own, she vividly recalls hours in front of the record player where she religiously spun Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Simon and Garfunkel records belonging to her folk singer mom.

Davina and the Vagabonds shine every time they play. To date, they’ve performed in forty-five states, twelve European countries, and two Canadian provinces. Not to mention, they’ve earned feverish acclaim from the Chicago Tribune, NPR, and more in addition to performing on BBC’s international favorite late-night program Later… With Jools Holland and appearing on PBS’s Bluegrass Underground.

UK Bookings: MOVINMUSIC AGENCY

Mike Hellier

mike@movinmusic.co.uk

MOVINMUSIC.CO.UK

“ Davina is a one of a kind performer, who has a sassiness bearing some

comparison to that of heart pumping blues Queens Ma Rainey and Ida

Cox” - Downbeat

“She purrs and growls, whispers and wails. Sweet and seductive one

moment, she’s in your face the next, and then she makes you laugh. Her

voice is a complex, expressive, flexible instrument made of sugar and grit.”

– Pamela Espeland, MinnPost

“There is a timeless quality about this band that sets them apart from the

masses but, perhaps more than anything else, there is an honesty here

that is refreshing beyond belief. This band loves what they do and they do it

well.” – Reflections in Blue

“Two things remain consistent at all her shows though: her throaty but

cushiony voice, which has a sort of hard-mattress comfort to it that’s part

Bonnie Raitt, part Etta James and a little Amy Winehouse; and her band’s

rollicking New Orleans flavor, driven home by dueling horn players and a

bayou-thick standup bass.” -Star Tribune (MPLS)

“Davina Sowers’ classically trained right fingers shimmy down the piano

keys and meet up with an insistent boogie-woogie bass. Then she reveals

her other musical talent: a sassy, salty, sweet voice that’s childlike at the

top, husky at the bottom.” – NPR

“They dare to be different.Davina zips to near impossible heights in a divine

declaration of romance” - DOWNBEAT

“From the churning emotion of Billie Holiday to Amy Winehouse by way of

Etta James!” – NEWCASTLE EVENING CHRONICLE (UK)

“I cannot believe that Davina’s vocals will remain ‘un-heard’ for much

longer, she has a unique talent that has Blues & Jazz crossover

opportunities.” – BLUES MATTERS MAGAZINE

“ Think of a meld of Bessie Smith, Etta James, Alberta Adams and Amy

Winehouse, and you come close to understanding what Davina Sowers is

all about…Davina is a real talent who deserves greater exposure – and I

have no option but to highly recommend this band.” – BLUES IN BRITAIN

https://www.offthetracks.co.uk/

Total Assault on the Culture July 2025

Mark Sampson — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 23:33:28 GMT

“A unique talent, closest comparison John Martyn… a confident delivery of great songs with a devil-may-care attitude.”

Stephen Hodd

Sunday 27 July 2025 at Temperance, 33 Bath Street, Leamington Spa, CV31 3AF

Venue Website: www.temperance.bar

Doors open: 2pm for a Matinee Show - Free Entry

2 x 45 minute sets with the Music starting at 2.30pm

There will be 50 seats available only, be sure to RSVP as soon as you can here:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-guitar-temperance-stephen-hodd-tickets-1434586319299

Venue is open from 9am – 7pm (Kitchen until 3pm) Bar until 11pm on gig nights.

Watch this Stephen Hodd performance from Thursday 19th June 2025 at Green Note:

Stephen’s career has earned him support slots with such luminaries as Mark Knopfler, Bonnie Raitt, Damien Rice, Passenger, Mundy, and Rodrigo y Gabriela.

Listen to the Stephen Hodd Bandcamp compilation album for Iron Man Records friends and family on a secret link here: https://bandcamp.com/private/UWD9876B

Iron Man Records is committed to supporting musicians and recognising that every artist has a piece of the puzzle, their life and craft has a value, and their work should be accessible and presented properly. Join Iron Man Records on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/ironmanrecords

If you would like to get involved, volunteer or help operations in any way, please get in touch.

Loretta Heywood

Boy Blues is A Catchy Reggae Pop song from the upcoming album Melodica Blues, written by Loretta Heywood and Grant Dell. You may spot members of Transglobal Underground in the Band.

Music: www.lorettaheywood.com
Ayurveda: www.lorettaheywood.com/ayurveda

Transglobal Underground

Off The Tracks Festival

Radio Free Marseille

Tim Whelan will be hosting a regular show on Radio Free Marseille. This week, amongst others!... Fats Domino, Mourning A Blkstar, PIL, Alan Bashung, Sly and the Family Stone, Ammar 808, Marlene Dietrich and all sorts of other people you wouldn't mind having in the room at the same time. No original material but Radio Free Marseille play Transglobal Underground a lot so we like them.

https://24.radio-free-marseille.online/

Here’s something else you might like

P.A.I.N

P.A.I.N. play the Sea Sound Festival Martiniska, Croatia Friday night! 18th July 2025!!

Headliners of the second edition of Sea Sound Festival P.A.I.N. The Propaganda And Information Network, perform on Friday July 18 2025, on Martinska in Šibenik, Croatia.

Tapping the Flow - Podcast

Chilean Chill Club

30 JUL: Brighton, The Brunswick, Chilean Chill Club new concept edutainment

17 AUG: Lewes, Tribal Earth Festival, book tickets

https://chileanchill.bandcamp.com/music

Cost effective Touring Solutions for Music, Film and TV from Iron Man Records

“It's like, how much more black could this be? And the answer is None: None...more black.”

I have an 8 seat VW Transporter. I hire and drive 9 seat splitter vans and / or 17 seat vehicles. I can handle requirements for crossing UK / EU Border.

Birmingham, Cardiff and London. If something happens, get in touch…..

e: mark@ironmanrecords.co.uk