Ferocious Dog Full Band Acoustic Tour 2025: A Unique Live Experience
Get ready, folk-punk fans! Ferocious Dog is hitting the road in March 2025 for a unique, full-band acoustic tour across the UK. Known for their high-energy performances, powerful lyrics, and socially conscious themes, this Nottinghamshire-based band is bringing a fresh, acoustic twist to their sound in intimate settings across the country.
This tour promises to offer fans a new way to experience Ferocious Dog’s raw energy, as the band scales back to an acoustic format without losing any of the intensity and emotion that has made them a mainstay in the folk-punk scene. These acoustic shows will give audiences a chance to hear fan-favorite songs in a stripped-back format, where the depth of the lyrics and musicality can take center stage.
Here’s a complete list of dates and venues for the Ferocious Dog Full Band Acoustic Tour 2025:
March 2025 Tour Dates:
6th – Guildford, Boileroom
7th – Exeter, Phoenix
8th – Tunbridge Wells, The Forum
13th – Dorchester, Corn Exchange
14th – Hitchin, Club 85
15th – Corby, The Steel Bar
18th – Cambridge, Junction
19th – Kendal, Brewery Arts
20th – Newcastle, The Grove
21st – York, The Crescent
23rd – Shrewsbury, Albert’s Shed
27th – Frome, Cheese & Grain
28th – Falmouth, Princess Pavilion
29th – Seaton, The Gateway Theatre
30th – Birmingham, Castle & Falcon
Tickets are available from ferociousdog.co.uk and all usual outlets. With limited capacity at many of these intimate venues, tickets are expected to go fast—so make sure to grab yours before they’re gone!
Why This Tour is Special
Ferocious Dog is known for their intense live shows, and this tour will add a new dimension to their music, providing a closer connection with the audience. The acoustic setting will allow fans to appreciate the intricate melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and storytelling that Ferocious Dog delivers with every performance. This tour is an opportunity to experience the band in a more personal atmosphere, making each show feel unique and memorable.
Don’t Miss Out!
This acoustic tour is a must-see for anyone who loves live music that connects on a deeper level. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering Ferocious Dog for the first time, this tour promises an unforgettable night filled with soul-stirring music and camaraderie. Check the date nearest to you and join Ferocious Dog for an incredible acoustic experience this March!
Be sure to follow Ferocious Dog on social media and visit their website for the latest updates on the tour. Get ready to feel the power of folk-punk like never before!
The Ferocious Dog frontman talks about the social and political issues that new album Kleptocracy deals with.
Ferocious Dog released their follow-up to 2021’s The Hope on 17th May and, true to form, it is a rumbustious and raucous orgy of political punch that lifts the veil on the uncomfortable social realities of a damaged and divided Britain. Feel-good tunes with feel angry lyrics, it’s set to go down a storm with the band’s loyal fan-base and well beyond.
I spoke to Ken Bonsall, the ever-present, ever-cheery, and ever so slightly Left Wing in his political outlook front-man, to get the story behind the songs on Kleptocracy.
LTW: So, you’re releasing the follow up to The Hope with Kleptocracy. How was it getting the album together?
Ken: Being a folk punk band and a political band at the same time isn’t easy because a lot of bands of that genre try and imitate Dropkick Murphys, and Flogging Molly, with singing songs about being Irish and getting drunk. Yeah, we’ve still got the Irish side but I’m very political, a socialist, so it’s an odd one to balance for me.
I had four weeks to write 13 songs, but I didn’t in a way, because I knew the subject matter that I wanted to write about. I don’t write for a long time; I’ll just write when it’s time to do the album. When the band have got the tunes ready, I’ll start writing and I’ll write for that tune, and then one for that one and so on. They’re just bits of music that we’ve jammed and then I say, right, that’s the album there, Kleptocracy. A lot of times you’re trying to make people aware of things, social issues or important events, and with Ferocious Dog we’re often looking back into history, so you’ve got to know what you’re writing about.
Kleptocracy is an attention-grabbing title, why did you choose to call it that?
Ken: Like a lot of people, I had never heard of the word kleptocracy; there’s autocracies and democracies, but what we have now in Britain is a kleptocracy. I saw it on a t-shirt and I thought, “wow, that’s exactly what we have got with this government”. They are granting money to friends and stealing taxpayer’s money and then just laughing it off. And now they’re not even trying to hide it, it’s blatant but people don’t seem to know about it, or maybe they don’t care. We were singing and clapping for the NHS during COVID and they were just slicing billions off for each other, for their friends and family. Their friends make another company, there’s money to be awarded for services, so they carve millions off and don’t actually provide any benefit.
All they’re doing is looking after themselves, and it’s now so blatant that I thought I’ve got to sing about it – we’re living in a kleptocracy and they are just robbing us working class people and getting away with it. A kleptocracy is defined as a state with corrupt political leaders who misappropriate the wealth of the people and take it for themselves at the expense of the population.
I always try and write a song where you’re not actually pointing the finger and saying “you’re wrong”; I just try and point out what they’re doing and people can make up their own minds. I’m not saying they are wrong in what they are doing, it’s their way of life, that’s why most of them are so rich. So, by writing Kleptocracy, I’m just pointing out what they are doing, taking all the money and looking after the 1% club, and letting people decide for themselves if they agree with it.
Is it neo-Thatcherism in your view, or a stage beyond even that?
Ken: Thatcher privatised the NHS – the only thing that’s not private is that badge that says NHS, and they’ll always keep that badge as it gives them cover for what’s really happening. It’s not national, they’re all private companies. They wrote it as a strategy way back then to privatise the NHS without us knowing, and they have done it.
We saw Tories wearing these badges saying National Health Service and clapping during COVID and it’s just rubbish, but what can you do? There is no stopping them because the political culture has shifted so far to the right that all this is seen as almost normal.
You’ve written about the SUS laws that were so hated in the’80s.
Ken: Well, it’s all come full circle hasn’t it, they’re doing it all again and they’ve got the rights to do it. I witnessed it with my own eyes in the Miner’s Strike in 1984, when it was illegal but the police still got away with it. Nobody stopped them because Thatcher had said “I want you to do this”. The police went to training camps in Northern Ireland and they came back over to the mainland to absolutely smash the working classes.
The poem, Sonny’s Lettah by Linton Kwesi Johnson, which you’ve said inspired the song, is a great piece of work but not easy reading or listening
Ken: It’s an amazing piece of work, very hard-hitting. Listening to that, you get a real insight into the SUS Laws, as good a depiction of being black in Brixton in the 1970s and early ‘80s as you will get. I’ve just seen a drama on the BBC, This Town set in the Midlands around that time, and that just shows you the police brutality. There was a picket line, and a striker who was black got arrested – he wasn’t doing anything wrong, just on the picket line. They took him in, but before they let him go they gave him a good beating in the cells. That’s why I wrote SUS Laws, because it was a wicked law that saw innocent black guys being beaten in the cells and nobody could hear their screams. The police would just say “oh, he fell over” or “he attacked one of our officers” and they got away with it. But, to return to your question, yes the poem by Linton Johnson is very moving and very effective in what it sets out to do.
The album Kleptocracy suggests that you see more parallels with those times in Britain today.
Ken: If you look at the level of discrimination in the ’60s and ’70s towards immigrants who had come over to do the jobs no one here wanted to, I definitely feel it is the case, yes. We had the Windrush people coming to work on the trains and buses. The Irish had done the railways, and a hundred years later the motorways, and practically built modern Britain, but they faced hotels and pubs with signs saying “No Blacks, No Dogs, No Irish”. They had come to do the jobs we didn’t want to and faced massive discrimination. So, they can’t win either way, these people, and now it’s gone full circle. The people who are coming over to take up unwanted jobs, like in the Care sector, or in kitchens, are being criticised by the very people who are bringing them in to do it.
It seems that the targeting of minorities, race and social class, is a default political strategy by the current Government?
Ken: Yeah, racist overtones are becoming more and more common in the language of some politicians. There’s also a trend where they demonise people such as the homeless. These people are rock bottom, you know, no matter how they got there, there is no lower they can fall, and yet they are demonised. They try and clear them out of the city centres because they don’t want them to be so visible, but these people are in crisis and hiding the problem – calling it a “lifestyle choice” is not really helping.
We always do the Ferocious Food Drops wherever we play on every tour and I always say I hate having to do it. You know what? The eighth biggest economy in the world, and we’ve got a crisis on our streets. It’s everywhere you look now. Many of these people are vulnerable – they have no choice in current society. They don’t aspire to living in tents in city centres, who would? And if it’s not bad enough for them living on the streets, they’re demonised by politicians and very often picked on or attacked by gangs. These are often people with severe mental health issues, and I just find it shocking that the situation exists. People say they’re proud to live in Britain and I’m thinking there’s nothing to be proud of in this country at the moment.
It’s all going back to “Victorian Values”, that pet phrase of Thatcher. So many years of Tory rule and this is what we’ve got. The establishment are so far in charge now, and when you’ve got billionaires running the country, they don’t know anything about real people. They don’t care about you, why would they? They’re not interested in somebody who’s leaving school and trying to make his own way, struggling to buy his first flat or house because he’s on zero hour contracting. You cannot expect a billionaire to understand that or care about it.
People are never going to get out of that poverty cycle. Kids are born into child poverty, that’s all they’ve ever known; they will struggle in school, they will struggle to access health services and they may end up homeless. I can’t listen to billionaires saying they understand that and their plan is working.
I’m working class and brought up in a village. We didn’t have anything when we were growing up, but we had food and we had love. So, luckily. I’ve never had to live on streets, but I’ve worked with people on the streets and I helped them as much as I could. I’ve always said there’s two types of people; people who care and people who don’t and that simply means there’s nice people who will go out of their way to help people, rather than demonise them. Those are the people we should be proud of in this country.
This brings me to the song on the new album, a beautiful duet called A Place We Call Home. That’s inspired by this subject isn’t it?
Ken: It’s with Lizzey Joy Ross, my vocal coach – she has an amazing voice and I just thought it would be good. to get her on the next album doing a duet with us. So, Sam, our wonderful multi-instrumentalist, came up with the guitar riff that had this great feel about it. Then I wrote the lyrics and what I wanted to convey was, where’s the best place or the worst place you can be for two lovers? But one thing that shines through, no matter how hard things are, is that you still got love and nothing can break that that bond.
I’ve never been homeless like I said, but I did the song about the worst place to live and that’s on the streets when you’ve got nothing. It’s about two people being evicted, the impact of austerity, they’ve lost everything and ended up being on the streets. But the one thing that shines through is their undying love for each other. They’ll get through it together and they’ll still have that same love no matter where they live.. I’m trying to turn a terrible situation into a positive, it’s that kind of song.
Merthyr Rising, also on the new album is a song that means a lot to you?
Ken: Playing Merthyr Rising Festival is a massive honour for me. In a square in the middle of Merthyr. To me, that was the same as playing the Toll Puddle Festival and the Left Field Stage at Glastonbury. That’s exactly where Ferocious Dog, as a Left-leaning band should be playing, I wrote the song which is on the kleptocracy album and I’ve even put some Welsh in there. I’ve got a friend who lives in Mold and she speaks fluent Welsh so she helped me with the phrases and how to pronounce them properly.
Blood Soaked Shores has a real contrast between the vibe and the actual lyrics?
Ken: It’s one of those songs I always envisaged being played in a pub on Paddies Day, with people jumping on the bar, chucking shorts down their neck and passing out with a big grin on their face. A real goodtime tune, but what we’re actually singing about is the hard, cruel reality of war. It’s a blatant anti-war song called Blood Soaked Shores, but it’s not about some faraway place, It’s about England. We’ve got blood on our hands throughout history but we make these people into heroes, like Nelson and Cromwell. The number of atrocities committed in the name of Britain must be phenomenal but, if you can get people to dance along to such lyrics set to a good tune, then that’s a masterpiece.
I didn’t know the story of Iron Mike Malloy until I heard the song, but it’s quite a tale, and all true?
Ken: It’s brilliant. isn’t it? And yes, all a true story. Mike Malloy was a homeless Irish guy in New York in the early Twentieth Century and this gang of crooks kept trying to kill him, and some of the ways they went about it are unbelievable. Basically, they knew he was an alcoholic so took out life insurance policies on him and then set about trying to kill him, but the next day he would be back at the bar despite what they did, so he got this reputation of being invincible. Johnny Edwards our old accordion player worked on it with me but we never got it finished but it’s such a great story, I felt I had to share it.
I mention that the song Iron Mike Malloy puts me in mind of the great, but sadly now late, Shane MacGowan and instantly it is easy to see what that means to the Ferocious front man. However, the comparison stands for me, Ferocious Dog, and their rabid band of Hell Hounds are keeping the spirit of The Pogues well and truly alive. Good time, infectious music is the velvet glove, concealing the iron fist of lyrics that spare nothing in their description of the realities of poverty and corruption.
Is Britain 2024 a Kleptocracy? Everyone must decide for themselves but Ferocious Dog have made a blistering contribution to the debate with their latest album.
All words by Dave Jennings. More from Dave can be found at his Louder Than War Author Archive. He is also on Twitter
Exciting news for all Ferocious Dog fans! The band is set to hit the road for a series of in-store signing events across the UK to promote their upcoming album, “Kleptocracy.” The much-anticipated tour promises not only a chance to meet the band but also to experience a special treat—at Canterbury & Leeds.
Exclusive Mini-Acoustic Sessions
As a special bonus, Ferocious Dog will perform a mini-acoustic set at Canterbury & Leeds, These sessions are rare and not to be missed, providing a glimpse into the band’s creative process and the music’s raw power in its most stripped-down form.
Each event offers fans the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the band, get their hands on autographs, and for a Canterbury & Leeds stores get to hear acoustic renditions of some of the new tracks.
Signing Tour Details
The tour will make stops in several key cities, ensuring that fans across the country have the chance to join in the festivities.
Leeds 24th May, 12pm, Crash Records (Mini Acoustic Performance)Click For Tickets
Each event offers fans the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the band, get their hands on autographs, and for a Canterbury & Leeds stores get to hear acoustic renditions of some of the new tracks from “Kleptocracy,” along with a few surprises.
About the Album
“Kleptocracy” promises to deliver the fierce, driving sound that Ferocious Dog is known for, coupled with lyrical depth that challenges and provokes. The album is a reflection of the times, packed with energy and the band’s trademark folk-punk spirit. Each track tells a story, making “Kleptocracy” one of the most anticipated releases in the folk-punk genre this year.
Don’t Miss Out!
The in-store signings are expected to draw large crowds, and availability may be limited. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot, as the mini-acoustic sessions are a one-of-a-kind experience that Ferocious Dog is excited to bring to their loyal fans. It’s not just a chance to hear the new album first-hand but also to engage with the music and stories behind it.
Stay tuned to Ferocious Dog’s official website and social media pages. This tour is an opportunity to support live music, pick up a copy of “Kleptocracy,” and be part of a special moment with one of the folk-punk scene’s most compelling acts.
Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to their music, these events are the perfect way to dive deep into the world of Ferocious Dog. Join us in celebrating “Kleptocracy” and experience the power of music in its most authentic form. Don’t forget to mark your calendar and spread the word!
Ferocious Dog’s “Kleptocracy” – A Bold Statement in Folk Punk
Ferocious Dog, a band celebrated for their fusion of traditional folk music with the raw, unapologetic energy of punk, has made a striking return with their latest album, “Kleptocracy.” This album, a powerful critique of political greed and corruption in the UK, marks a significant evolution in the band’s discography, both musically and thematically.
Lyrical Bravery and Political Commentary
“Kleptocracy” is a fearless deep-dive into the murky waters of governmental misconduct. The lyrics are poignant, charged with emotion and a sense of urgency that resonates in today’s political climate. Tracks like “Kleptocracy”, “SusLaws”, “Brixton’s Burning” and “Anger on the streets” are not only musically captivating but also paint a vivid picture of societal discontent and the struggle for justice.
Musical Fusion and Artistry
Musically, the album is a testament to Ferocious Dog’s ability to blend genres seamlessly. The use of folk instruments like the fiddle and mandolin, intertwined with aggressive punk rhythms, creates a sound that is both unique and familiar. The band has managed to elevate their musicality while staying true to their roots, a feat that is evident in tracks like “Merthyr Rising” and “Running with The Hounds Again” where the melody is both haunting and invigorating.
Vocals and Songwriting
The lead vocals in “Kleptocracy” are more passionate than ever, conveying a sense of raw honesty and strength. The songwriting, intricate yet accessible, allows listeners to connect deeply with the themes and messages. Each song tells a story, engaging the audience not just with melodies but with meaningful narratives.
Surpassing Previous Works
While Ferocious Dog has always been known for their bold statements and energetic performances, “Kleptocracy” might just eclipse their previous albums. The combination of timely political commentary and musical experimentation makes this album not only relevant but potentially influential in the folk-punk genre.
This new album takes the band’s signature sound to uncharted territories. The fusion of traditional Celtic instruments with the visceral punch of punk rock has always been their hallmark, but “Kleptocracy” elevates this blend to a new level of sophistication. Songs like “A Place We Call Home” and “Blood Soaked Shores” showcase a maturity in composition, blending intricate melodies with a raw, unfiltered edge that speaks directly to the listener’s soul.
The thematic depth of “Kleptocracy” is particularly noteworthy. Each track serves as a poignant critique of the current socio-political landscape, addressing issues from economic disparity to the erosion of civil liberties with a deftness that is both enlightening and mobilizing. It’s a soundtrack for the times – a rallying cry for awareness and action that resonates with the frustrations and hopes of a generation.
Moreover, the album’s production quality signifies a step up from their previous works. There’s a clarity and richness to the sound that enhances the impact of both the lyrics and the instrumentation. This polished production does not detract from the band’s raw energy; instead, it complements their intensity, ensuring that the message is delivered with both power and precision.
In “Kleptocracy,” Ferocious Dog has not only continued their tradition of challenging the status quo but have also pushed their musical boundaries. This album could very well be a defining moment in their career, marking a transition from a band known for their lively performances to one recognized as serious commentators on the state of the world.
Their ability to encapsulate the spirit of rebellion and resilience in their music is what sets “Kleptocracy” apart. It’s an album that doesn’t just speak to the fans of folk-punk; it speaks to anyone who hears the call for a fairer, more just society. As such, stands as a testament to Ferocious Dog’s evolution as artists and activists, marking a significant chapter in their journey and in the history of folk-punk music.
Potential Impact and Legacy
“Kleptocracy” is poised to resonate well beyond Ferocious Dog’s existing fan base. Its relevance in the current socio-political environment gives it the potential to become a landmark album in their career. It’s an album that not only entertains but also provokes thought and discussion.
Conclusion
In “Kleptocracy,” Ferocious Dog has delivered an album that is both a musical triumph and a powerful social commentary. It’s a bold, unflinching look at the state of politics, wrapped in a sound that is unmistakably Ferocious Dog. This album is sure to leave a lasting impact on listeners and the folk-punk scene alike.
At Ferocious Dog, we believe in the power of connections, community, and leaving a lasting impact. One of the most remarkable ways we’ve seen this come to life is through the Lee Bonsall Memorial Fund. In this blog post, we’re proud to share the story of how Lee Bonsall’s legacy continues to shine through this incredible initiative.
Lee Bonsall was more than just a beloved friend; he was an inspiration to us all. His positive energy, dedication, and love for life touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Tragically, Lee’s journey was cut short in 2012, leaving a void in our hearts and the community. Yet, his memory lives on, not only through the positive change inspired by his spirit.
The Lee Bonsall Memorial Fund: A Tribute to Passion
In the wake of Lee’s passing, his family, and friends came together to establish the Lee Bonsall Memorial Fund. This charitable organization was born out of a desire to honor Lee’s legacy by supporting causes close to his heart, particularly those related to community engagement.
The fund’s mission is clear: to make a difference in the lives of others while keeping Lee’s memory alive. Over the years, the Lee Bonsall Memorial Fund has provided support for various charitable initiatives, embodying the values and passions Lee held dear.
Our Commitment to the Future
As Ferocious Dog, we are immensely proud to be a part of this ongoing journey. We’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible spirit of unity and passion that Lee Bonsall’s memory continues to inspire. It’s a reminder that life has the power to heal, to bring people together, and to leave a lasting legacy.
Moving forward, we remain dedicated to supporting the Lee Bonsall Memorial Fund. It’s our way of paying tribute to our dear friend Lee and ensuring that his legacy lives on, not only in our hearts but in the positive impact we can make together.
Join Us in Celebrating Lee
We invite you to join us in celebrating Lee Bonsall’s memory and the incredible work of the Lee Bonsall Memorial Fund. Whether you’ve been a part of the Ferocious Dog community for years or are just discovering our journey, your support makes a difference.
Stay tuned for updates on the charitable initiatives of the fund and how you can get involved. Together, we can continue to honor Lee’s legacy and make a positive impact on the world through community and compassion.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Lee’s spirit lives on in every act of kindness and in the love we share.
Welcome to the brand-new Ferocious Dog website! We’re thrilled to have you here as we embark on an exciting journey of music, connection, and unforgettable gigs. In this inaugural blog post, we want to give you a sneak peek into how this website will serve as your ultimate resource for all things Ferocious Dog.
Get to Know Ferocious Dog
For both devoted fans and those new to our music, this website is your portal to dive deeper into the world of Ferocious Dog. Here’s how it will help you:
Explore Our Music: With an easily navigable discography section, you can explore our albums, EPs, and singles. Get ready to immerse yourself in our captivating folk-punk tunes, each telling a unique story. You can listen to previews, read lyrics, and discover the inspiration behind the songs.
Learn About the Band: Ever wondered about the people behind the music? Our ‘Band Members’ page introduces you to the talented individuals who make up Ferocious Dog. Learn about their musical backgrounds, influences, and what drives their passion for creating music that resonates with so many.
Stay Updated with News: Be the first to know about the latest happenings in the world of Ferocious Dog. Our blog will keep you informed about band news, announcements, and insights into our creative process. Whether it’s a new album release or an upcoming gig, you’ll find it here.
The Promise of New Content
We believe in the power of music to connect people, and this website will be a dynamic hub for that connection. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Fresh Music: As we continue to create new music, you’ll find it right here. From singles to full-length albums, this website will be your go-to place to discover our latest releases. We’ll also share the stories and inspirations behind each song, giving you an intimate look into our creative process.
Gigs and Tour Updates: Our gig calendar will keep you in the loop about upcoming performances and tours. You’ll never miss a chance to experience the electrifying atmosphere of a Ferocious Dog gig. Get ready to mark your calendars and join us on the road.
Exclusive Content: Stay tuned for exclusive content, such as behind-the-scenes videos, interviews, and live recordings. We want to share our music journey with you, and this website will be the platform for these intimate moments.
Connect with Us
We value your support and want to stay connected with you. Here’s how you can engage with us on this website:
Join Our Mailing List: Be part of our mailing list to receive exclusive updates, early access to tickets, and special offers. We’ll keep you in the loop without filling your inbox with spam.
Follow Us on Social Media: Connect with us on social media platforms for real-time updates, interactive content, and a glimpse into our daily lives as musicians. Your comments and messages mean the world to us.
Share Your Thoughts: We want to hear from you! Use our contact form to share your thoughts, questions, or even fan stories. We love hearing how our music has touched your lives.
In Closing
This website is not just about us; it’s about you, the incredible community of fans who have supported us on this musical journey. We can’t wait to share our music, stories, and experiences with you in this new digital space.
So, whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are just discovering Ferocious Dog, we invite you to explore, engage, and stay tuned for the incredible music and memories we’ll create together. Thank you for being a part of our adventure, and here’s to many more gigs, songs, and moments shared.
Stay fierce, stay passionate, and let’s make music together.
