Tickets are now available to see The Bar Steward Sons of Val Doonican at Rescue Rooms!
Founded in Barnsley Rock City in 2006 by their outspoken and energetic ringleader, Scott Doonican, The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican are on a mission! Far from being your typical folk ensemble, this cult-like collective of like-minded knit-wear enthusiasts are determined to follow in their spiritual father’s immortal footsteps and keep his legacy alive. They have a talent for Bar-Stewardizing other famous people’s songs with new satirical comedy lyrics, on folk instruments, and to complete their outrageously understated image, this band of brothers-from-other-mothers have become instantly recognisable for their immaculate hair and their stylish choice of sexy knitwear.
A group that is both perpetually on the move, ever-evolving and joyously independent, they have played close to 1300 side-splitting shows to date, and have brought smiles and belly-laughs to audiences across the UK; from Barnsley to Barnstaple, from Glastonbury to Glasgow. They continue to wow audiences with their anarchic live shows and a fine selection of their greatest hits, including the likes of “Jump Ararnd”, “The Lady In Greggs”, “How Deep Is Your Glove?”, “Paint ’em Back”, “Goat Yoga”, and “If I Could Punch A Face… It’d Be Justin Bieber’s”.
They have written and recorded eleven studio albums, independently released over 40 live recordings, successfully crowd-funded nine separate independent vinyl releases, played on top of mountains, wowed-festival goers across the length and breadth of the UK, had six different beers brewed and named in their honour by four different breweries (one of which, ‘Doonicans’ is an award winning part of the brewery’s core range of ales), they have sold-out six consecutive shows on a Mississippi paddle-steamer on the Norfolk Broads in less than 20 seconds, hosted their own sell-out music and comedy festivals, written & performed in their own musical, are featured in the Experience Barnsley Museum Music Archives, hold the bar-takings record for at least ten theatres, have been the recipients of six different individual awards as voted for by the public in the Barnsley Music Awards, played the Avalon Stage at Glastonbury Festival, and to 20,000 people at Fairport’s Cropredy Convention (twice!), and even scaled the dizzy heights of a #1 and a #2 single and a #2 album on the iTunes Comedy Charts (plus a National chart position in the Top 100)! That’s not too shabby for a daft little unsigned comedy folk band from Barnsley, who manage themselves, eh?
After 18 years of tearing across the UK, their return to the Rescue Rooms in 2024 is going to be incredibly special, as they will be unveiling the three new members of their exciting Mk. IV line-up… get ready to be rocked, but gently!
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