For a band that’s been making music for thirty years, the pandemic was a real struggle for THE WILDHEARTS. Not being able to do what they love, playing in front of their dedicated fans, has made the last 18 months very long. But now we finally seem to coming out the other side, the guys are ready to hit the road with some live dates, which kick off with a very special gig in Cardiff – more of that shortly.

As they say on their website…..

‘It’s been a long time coming, but as we look to be starting to come through to the other side of this pandemic, we can finally start to book some live shows again, and get to see your wonderful faces in person once again!’

‘Starting out with a handful of festival shows in the UK and Europe in July and August, the band then gets back out on the UK roads in September and October, and into November and December for some more dates around the country!’

The Wildhearts have remained at the forefront of the British rock scene for most of the two decades. From their classic début album Earth Vs (voted number one album of the year in Kerrang! Back in 1993, and number 20 in the best rock albums of all time in a Kerrang! Special in 2006), through to 2007’s self titled record (10/10 Rocksound, 5/5 The Sun) their creative output and legendary live shows have been second to none.

Having a Geordie boy in the office means we have a tiny connection to the band. They got together in 1989 in Newcastle upon Tyne, home to many a good rocker (Brian Johnson AC/DC). The band’s sound is a mixture of hard rock and melodic pop music, often described as combining influences as diverse as the Beatles and 1980s-era Metallica. With that combination you’d think it wouldn’t, but The Wildhearts really make it work.

As any fan will tell you, seeing them live is where they shine the most, if you have 90 minutes spare just take a look HERE.

Lead singer Ginger said….

“It’s always great to play to Wildhearts crowds, they really are the best crowd in the world. We are a very lucky band in that respect, and we never take it for granted. This time we’ll be promoting the new album which has Scott and CJ singing lead vocals too, so I’ll be in heaven being able to take a break from f****** singing all the time. I can’t wait to see people’s reaction to the new material.”

And we can catch them live at the start of their post-pandemice tour at the Tramshed in Cardiff, unless you’re going to the Steelhouse Festival – the guys will be performing there.

We did say this is going to be a special gig, the band are supporting the work of the charity HUGGARD. The team there have been around a little longer than The Wildhearts and are now Wales’s leading centre for people who are sleeping rough on the streets of Cardiff.     

They provide practical help to people who are homeless and vulnerable. Their Critical Intervention Hub in Hansen Street is open 24/7 and anyone can go to them for a hot drink and meal, as well as a shower, to do their laundry or get a change of clothes. They even allow well-behaved dogs to accompany their owners!  

They do get very busy but never turn anyone away, and while they may exclude some people due to unacceptable behaviour, the staff and security personnel do their best to help everyone who comes through the doors.   

They aim to give everyone staying in our Hostel the dignity and privacy they deserve. This is why they have 18 single rooms, and 2 for couples, all with en-suite facilities. 

To find out more about this amazing organisation, and maybe support the work they do, just head to their website HERE.

Here’s CJ from The Wildhearts making the gig announcement……

THE WILDHEARTS get to the Tramshed in Cardiff on Friday 3rd September at 6pm. Support is from SYTERIA + ADAM AND THE HELLCATS. Tickets are £28.50, including a booking fee, and you can get yours right HERE.

And their new, full length studio album, ’21st Century Love Songs’, is out on September 3rd through Graphite Records. Pre-order now.