Franz Nicolay, Aaron Cometbus, Billy Liar

Franz Nicolay: In the fertile ground of 00's New York, Franz Nicolay found himself immersed as the piano and accordion player Anarcho-Circus Punk Band, World/ Inferno Friendship Society. A heady blend of punk ideals and guitars set against European born Klezmer and Jazz, W/IFS's live became synonymous with chaos and friendship. Their traditional Hallomas shows bringing in fans from across the globe. Franz would then go on to join The Hold Steady, described as America's Best Band during a 5 year run that saw the band going from a scrappy band on cool publications Best Of Year lists to opening for The Rolling Stones and headlining big venues. All this while also forging a solo career that has seen him collaborate with Dresden Dolls, Frank Turner and Jeff Rosenstock to name a few. In recent years, Franz has released two books: "The Humorless Ladies Of Border Control", a diary of DIY touring through snowy Europe, revolutionary Ukraine, into Mongolia and back; and "Somebody Should Pay For You Pain", the tale of a fictious musician caught at the crossroads of middle-aged enuii, creativity and morality.

Aaron Cometbus: Before blogs, there were zines. And few zines in the punk scene reached the level that Cometbus did. Starting out in the early 80's, Aaron  started writing zines with Jesse Micheals (Op Ivy) while also being involved with the early days of 924 Gilman Street and forming influential East Bay punk band, Crimpshrine. We are joined by Aaron to do a special reading/ performance as part of Franz's tour.

Billy Liar: After spending the better part of a decade releasing a series of EPs and singles that showed a maturing and evolving, Billy released "Some Legacy" on Red Scare Industries in 2019. A stalwart of Scotland's punk scene, taking his acoustic across the UK, Europe and regular tours leading to The Fest, Billy has earned his wings winning over audiences with ferocious performances and emotionally charged lyrics. Billy is wrapping up his second album due for release in the very near future. 

£8/£10 OTD