The sound of the city: October’s live music highlights
Bjorn Again
In our new monthly column in partnership with Culture Hull, Rose Barker, from Polar Bear Music Club, gives her live music highlights in the city this month
Forget the darker nights and seasonal slump, Hull’s music scene is brighter than ever.
October’s gig calendar is packed, loud, and ready to shake the leaves off the trees – and drag you up off the sofa!
We’re kicking things off with a bang on Thursday, October 2 at Wrecking Ball Arts Centre with the Total Who Show. Fronted by Johnny Warman’s Magic Bus, it’s two hours of powerhouse rock, belting out every Who anthem you know and love (£20).
The next night, Friday, October 3, cult favourites Fonda 500 make their return to The Adelphi with their signature lo-fi fuzz and synth-soaked chaos. It’s been far too long since we’ve seen them last, and at just £12, it’s a no-brainer.
Sunday, October 5, Deacon Blue bring their Great Western Road Trip to Connexin Live. Big tunes, big emotions, and stage presence earned from years of doing it right. £46 gets you Real Gone Kid live and loud, right in the heart of Hull city centre.
Indie legend Peter Perrett hits Social on Tuesday, October 7. Best known as the voice of The Only Ones’ Another Girl, Another Planet his solo material is just as raw and poetic. For £26, you’ll witness a true original up close.
The next night, Wednesday, October 8, head to Polar Bear Music Club for gritty Essex indie trio Bilk, who are out on a special grassroots venue tour. Tickets are £12.50, supporting the Music Venue Trust.
Thursday, October 9 sees Chiedu Oraka back at The Adelphi after blowing up on stage with Coldplay. His Undeniable Tour’s first date sold out fast, so grab tickets at £10 to see one of Hull’s brightest rising stars. Or for a more chilled vibe, Trinity Live hosts Noor, Muru, and Bea Harris at Trinity Market with smooth, soulful sounds. It's family-friendly, free entry, with some top local food to enjoy as well.
Friday, October 10, it’s ska night at O’Rileys with The DekkerTones. Expect horns, high energy, and a dancefloor that won’t quit. From Trojan classics to Two Tone anthems, they’ve got it covered for just £15.
Fast forward to Monday, October 13, and Björn Again take Connexin Live by storm with an ABBA tribute night that’s anything but ordinary. With memorable Glastonbury sets behind them, it’s a sparkling Swedish pop party for £21.
Friday, October 17, you have two choices depending on your mood. At Dive, Sky Valley Mistress tear through HU5 with Sabbath-weight doom, blues-drenched riffs, and swagger that would make Queens of the Stone Age blush. All for £8, so no excuses! Prefer something that hits you in the heart? Wrecking Ball Arts Centre hosts the mesmerizing Martha Tilston. BBC Best Newcomer nominee, Glasto alum, and collaborator with Damien Rice and Kae Tempest, Martha’s cinematic folk delivers grace, grit, and lyrical fire (£20).
Saturday, October 18 is a day for local music lovers. The Adelphi hosts the WaterBear all-dayer, showcasing the best local and regional acts for just £1 (no, not a typo!). Every penny goes to support the Music Venue Trust, so your night out does some good too. If you want slicker vibes, head to Welly where the legendary Trevor Nelson brings his iconic soul and R&B party to Hull! Decades of dancefloor magic, all for £29.
Then wind things down on Sunday, October 19 back at Polar Bear with Katie Spencer marking her new album What Love Is with an intimate sit-down hometown show. Rooted in Yorkshire spirit, and delivered with heart (£12).
By Tuesday, October 21, Andrew Cushin lands at Social. If you haven’t heard of him yet, get on it. Endorsed by Noel Gallagher and Pete Doherty, this Britpop torchbearer is going places fast. See him now, while you can for £17.50.
Then later in the week, on Thursday, October 23, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales brings a cinematic experience to Hull City Hall. Known for scoring TV’s Doctor Who and Sherlock, this is your chance to see one of the UK’s top orchestras. Tickets start at £15.
Finally, October closes out with a bang...and a bark! Friday, October 24, Electronic duo Dogshow turn Polar Bear Music Club into a surreal fever dream of electro-jazz-techno madness, until the early hours. Complete with DJs in full poodle costume (yes, really!). It's weird, wild, and totally worth the £7 ticket price, just for the story.
Bringing more soul than spook on Friday, October 31, The Signatures deliver the UK’s most authentic Northern Soul live show to Hull Truck Theatre. This powerhouse ten-piece band has backed more legends than any other group in the country. Fans of the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show, this one’s not to be missed. Tickets £22.
So, there you have it. Picking just a few highlights for October wasn't easy, there’s loads of good stuff happening in Hull this month. Be sure to check out what else is on, grab your tickets, and support your local venues. Hull’s music scene isn’t slowing down, and neither should you!
Top gigs this month…
October 2
Total Who Show: 'The Best of The Who', Wrecking Ball Arts Centre, £20
October 3
Fonda 500, The New Adelphi Club, £12
October 5
Deacon Blue, Connexin Live, £46
October 7
Peter Perrett, Social, £26
October 8
Bilk, Polar Bear Music Club, £12.50
October 9
Chiedu Oraka, The New Adelphi Club, £10
Trinity Live: Noor, Muru & Bea Harris, Trinity Market, FREE
October 10
The DekkerTones, O’Rileys, £15
October 13
Björn Again, Connexin Live, £21
October 17
Sky Valley Mistress, Dive, £8
Martha Tilston, Wrecking Ball Arts Centre, £20
October 18
WaterBear All-Dayer, The New Adelphi Club, £1
Trevor Nelson, Welly, £29
October 19
Katie Spencer, Polar Bear Music Club, £12
October 21
Andrew Cushin, Social, £17.50
October 23
BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Hull City Hall, from £15
October 24
Dogshow, Polar Bear Music Club, £7
October 31
The Signatures, Hull Truck Theatre, £22