Live Review : Trench Dogs + Continental Lovers + Suicide Bombers @ Eleven, Stoke on May 27th 2025

Sleaze punk. An evocative phrase, possibly even a contradiction in terms. However, it comfortably describes each of tonight’s bands even though they are as like each other as sleaze and punk.. If tonight’s act were coffee Suicide Bombers would be a dark, strong espresso, Continental Lovers would be a warming, familiar americano and Trench Dogs would be a light and frothy cappucino, possibly with marshmallows. All have the same roots but present them in their own style – put the kettle on and let’s settle in for the next couple of hours!

Live Review : Blaze Bayley + Absolva @ Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent on March 19th 2023

It’s not often that you get to see two amazing bands doing a free meet and greet before and after a show. This unique combination of down to earth humbleness and sophisticated musicianship is precisely what we got at Eleven.

Absolva were the first group to hit the stage and they have a fascinating sound to them. NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) brought back to life but modernised in a way that you can still hear its roots without it being spoiled.

Live Review : Midnite City + StOp,sToP! @ Eleven, Stoke on July 6th 2021

Have I mentioned before how much I hate the M6? Picture the scene. The dancing shoes are on. The rum is poured. I’ve got both bands’ new albums on the car stereo to listen to on the way. I even managed to get away from work a bit earlier than usual. Only to come to a total standstill on the M6 for no apparent reason, aaargh. The reason I am telling you this is because tonight’s bill advertised 3 bands, the first being an outfit called The Event, but the motorway gods ensured that I got to the venue at 8pm just as StOp,sToP! hit the stage. I have no idea if this band played, or even if they exist. Sigh. So whoever they are, you’ll have to wait for another time to find out if I liked them or not!

Gig ReviewAuthor : Jo Crosby9 August 2021ElevenMidnite City, Eleven, Stoke-On-Trent, 2021, Live Review, Jo CrosbyComment

Live Review : Midnite City + Devilfire + Atlas @ Eleven, Stoke on June 6th 2019

I love Eleven as a venue, it’s a cracking place. Total pain in the bum to get to in time for a gig start on a week night though! However, I persevered and best efforts of the M6 notwithstanding, I managed to get there in time to see all the bands. This was just as well, as tonight’s bill was a bit of an epic.

Gig ReviewAuthor : Jo Crosby17 June 2019ElevenMidnite City, Devilfire, Atlas, Eleven, Stoke-On-Trent, 2019, Live Review, Jo CrosbyComment

Live Review : Eric Martin + Rob Wheeler @ Eleven, Stoke-On-Trent on October 30th 2018

Rob Wheeler appeared on stage for his acoustic set to an excited crowd no doubt waiting to see the local lad perform. Rob was accompanied on stage for his 9 songs set by Stephen Tams on keyboards & Elizabeth Birks on backing vocals, he played a mixture of songs from his debut album 'Little Ghosts Full Of Songs' from last year & his new album 'Luxury of Time' that will be released early next year.

Gig ReviewJohann Wierzbicki4 November 2018ElevenEric Martin, Eleven, Stoke-On-Trent, Acoustic, Dave CotterillComment