July 2021 Hertfordshire Gig Guide

Well it’s been over a year since I last posted an update. Like everyone else, I’ve been stuck at home trying to keep myself busy. Although there’s been the odd online gig, I found most of them didn’t work for me. While we should have been back to normal by now. July is still hotting up, ready for the ending of social distancing on the 19th.

Although, I doubt I will attend shows before August, I thought I would resurrect my monthly listing of what’s on in Hertfordshire. It’s a short list and even then, everything is subject to change. But it’s a list of actual normal shows that might actually happen. Exciting times.

19th July – End of social distancing.

Maybe?  Numbers are growing exponentially. We could be looking at 50k daily cases by the 19th. Will the government blink and push back the opening a few more weeks until more 18-30 year olds have been vaccinated? They should do, if they’re following the science. But, they haven’t done a good job of following the science so far. Have to admit. I’m not sure I want to be in a full venue with poor air conditioning on the 19th

21st – Hardwicke Circus, Happy Hour, The Replies. The Horn

With their debut album due soon, Hardwicke Circus have apparently played 700 gigs, including support slots at BST Hyde Park. They sound to me a bit of a throwback to the rock music of the late 60s, early 70s. Might be worth a listen.

22nd – Spitfires. The Horn (SOLD OUT)

Popular Watford band playing a sold out none socially distanced show. I’m sure the place will be buzzing for this one. 

22nd-25th Standon Calling

Have to admit. Even though it’s only 30 minute drive, I’ve never been to Standon Calling. it’s far easier to hop on a train and catch music in London than driving to Stanton to pay festival prices. Like many festivals, you’re paying for the weekend camping experience and the headliners. If you’re not interested in the headliners, then they can be an expensive way of catching new bands.

This year is the perfect illustration. The  headliners are pretty drab with Bastille, Hot Chip, David Craig and Primal Scream. Luckily, the lower order is full of quality with Arlo Parks, Squid, Dry Cleaning, Working Men’sClub, Holly Humberstone, Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, Billy Nomates,  Porridge Radio. Pretty much all the interesting bands are playing Laundry Meadows stage. There’s still weekend tickets available for £179 and daily tickets without camping priced at £65 per day.

28th – The Drones. The Horn

Drones are a punk rock band. I saw them a few years ago play the Horn. They didn’t do much for me as I don’t like that punk rock sound that emerged in the later half of the 90s. But I know there’s lots of fans of the sound in Hertfordshire, especially at Club 85. 

31st – Bison Face. The Horn

Local band. Sound interesting. I can hear grunge influences of bands like Soundgarden. I’m away when they’re playing otherwise this could have been my ‘return to normality’ gig.