As long term followers of this site will know, we started covering shows in Norwich mainly, so being asked to come to the Arts Centre and cover a show was like a lovely trip down memory lane. Since last visiting in 2011 the venue has had a bit of a glow up (even though it was fantastic back then too) and it highlights what a beautiful building the former church is.
A t-shirt in the crowd with “Shanty Punks Unite” emblazoned on it would hint at what we were about to hear. However first Claudia Kate from Cambridge would take to the stage with some songs about being frustrated at the state of the UK as a young person.
She would be followed by The Vandoliers all the way from Texas. Fronted by Jenni Rose who came out as a trans woman earlier in 2025, she would tell the crowd that being trans in Texas can be scary at times, however life on the road is the opposite where every live room is full of friends and allies. They would proceed to blast out any cobwebs that might be lurking in the rafters above, with their brand of cow punk, played at full volume and with gusto, even finishing with a full blooded cover of I’m Gonna Be by The Proclaimers.
With the crowd warmed up tonight’s headliner, Skinny Lister, would make their way onto the stage to a recording of Yorkshire Belle, the opener to their latest LP. Then barrelling into Wanted from their third album, which would see the band fill the small stage and beyond with their boundless energy, melodeon player Maxwell often leaning out to the crowd while playing.
Tonight’s sold out 500 strong crowd of fans would spend their evening clapping, dancing, jigging and singing along to the words of from deep cuts like Colours all the way to brand new songs like Bristol Bound. Vocalist Lorna would make her way into the crowd to over see some arm wrestling whilst still singing away.
All while frontman Dan would continue at the helm, directing the show with his vocal style that must draw from the Dropkicks and Flogging Molly, whilst spiritedly playing his guitar. With his trusty bassist Scott to his right, who made it look easy to play a double bass above his head!
Whether it’s clapping along, passing around a flagon with a GoPro strapped to it or just dancing like crazy. You will have to have a shipwrecked heart to not be swept up in the fun of a Skinny Lister show. I close to guarantee you will leave with a massive smile on your face and sweat dripping off your brow.