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For this episode of Punks Unknown, we travel 217 miles north of the Arctic Circle to Tromsø, Norway, home of Bastard Bar – possibly the most northern punk dive bar in the world. Liam sits down with Paul, co-founder of Bastard Bar, to hear how a snowboard kid who loved punk ended up running a basement venue that puts on around 180 shows a year in one of the coldest, darkest parts of Europe. We discuss starting the bar back in 2009, why Bastard Bar became a home for punk, hardcore, and all things loud, and how Tromsø has changed as tourism has exploded. Paul explains the reality of keeping a DIY venue alive in a city where hotels are full of Northern Lights tourists, and big corporate bar chains are trying to buy up independent spaces. This really is a love letter to small venues, stubborn punks, and the people who keep scenes alive at the very top of the world. All music in this episod are from Norwigan Punk bands (Names below), and thank you to Michael Rigby for the intro track 'Punks Unknown' — links to Mike’s music can be found via this⁠ link Turbonegro - All My Friends Are Dead Honningbarna - Festen Som Aldri Stopper The Good The Bad and The Zugly - How To Do Nothing Blood Command - The Plague On Both Your Houses

Our Christmas special with Obi Fernandez (Westbound Train) We talk family Christmas traditions, his time at Berklee, a rodie called Eric Andre, the early grind, and how a Hellcat deal changed their path. Obi opens up about stepping away after 2009, leading worship, and finding a healthier way back with 2022’s Dedication. We recorded this on the day Sing the Ghosts Away was released (Go pick up a copy of the album) , so we dive into why it matters to him, how he and drummer Eric built it, and what he hopes you hear. Follow the podcast ⁠⁠⁠@punksinpubs⁠⁠⁠ across all social media and give us a⁠⁠⁠ rate and review⁠⁠⁠ while you are at it.

Jose from MakeWar joins us in a proper London boozer to talk barrier-free stages, why small rooms hit harder, and how the Fat→Hopeless move (and debt wipe) landed for bands. We dig into his Venezuelan upbringing, finding punk through skate and surf tapes, Miami’s Churchill’s open-mic, the New York DIY grind at Suburbia, and why he still writes melody first before lyrics. Jose also opens up about anxiety, therapy, and what actually helps on the road—plus a nod to the Common Thread tour and a lot of love for fellow artists. You can support the band by picking up some merch via this link Follow the podcast ⁠⁠⁠@punksinpubs⁠⁠⁠ across all social media and give us a⁠⁠⁠ rate and review⁠⁠⁠ while you are at it.

In this episode, Liam sits down with Scott Eastman, Greg Mytych, and Bryan Jones from Horace Pinker — the veteran punk band that’s been defying trends and expectations since the early 90s. They talk about everything from growing up in their local punk scenes and surviving chaotic mosh pits to balancing day jobs with life on the road, DIY ethics, and why touring now is tougher than ever. Expect stories about playing with Green Day, sharing dinner (and too many drinks) with Dave Grohl, and the bizarre fate of a Horace Pinker T-shirt once owned by Kurt Cobain. New album Now and the Future is out now — a perfect excuse to dive back into a band that never lost sight of why they started doing this in the first place. Follow the podcast ⁠⁠⁠@punksinpubs⁠⁠⁠ across all social media and give us a⁠⁠⁠ rate and review⁠⁠⁠ while you are at it.

In this episode of Punks Unknown, we shine a light on Iran’s underground punk scene through the story of Tof, a hardcore band fighting to keep punk alive under heavy restrictions. This conversation explores: Growing up with music in a country where punk is considered “forbidden” Discovering bands like Metallica, Misfits, and Minor Threat through bootleg tapes and satellite TV The risks and realities of playing punk in Iran, from underground shows to government crackdowns The importance of international connections and DIY spirit in keeping the scene alive TOF's journey is a raw reminder of punk’s power as resistance and connection across borders. You can support TOF by visiting their Bandcamp page Featuring a brand-new intro track by Michael Rigby — links to Mike’s music can be found via this link Follow the podcast ⁠⁠⁠@punksinpubs⁠⁠⁠ across all social media and give us a⁠⁠⁠ rate and review⁠⁠⁠ while you are at it.

Recorded under the blistering sun at 2000 Trees Festival 2025, Liam chats with some of the best punk bands on the bill: Kid Kapichi Grade 2 Cloud Nothings Press Club Last Hounds They talk musical evolution, political censorship, AI in music, touring with dogs, and whether punk still makes space for outsiders. A sweaty, funny, and thoughtful look at a festival that brings the punk community together. If you want to attend 2000 Trees in 2026, you can grab tickets now with a 30% discount via this link — offer ends July 21st

In this episode, Liam sits down with legendary photographer and journalist Maggie St. Thomas. With a camera in hand, Maggie has spent decades capturing raw, unfiltered moments from music’s most chaotic corners — from the grime of LA’s underground punk scene to the haze-filled green rooms of hip hop royalty. We talk about her new book Subject: Punk, her childhood surrounded by music and mayhem, photographing the Ramones, Sublime, and yes — smuggling weed in a trench coat to photograph Snoop Dogg for High Times. Maggie also opens up about her time working in a crematorium, the emotional weight of documenting vulnerable artists, and why punk isn’t just a sound — it’s a way of being. Check out Maggie's work via this link

Live from The Salty Dog in Northwich, UK, Liam sits down with Chris Mundy—drummer, venue owner, and all-round punk stalwart. In this episode, we dive into Chris’s journey from being a teenage Green Day fan to touring the world with Oi legends The Business, and eventually founding one of the UK’s most respected grassroots venues. We talk about his new band Kicked In The Teeth and their new album Watling Street Chambers (out now on Rare Vitamin Records), the power and politics of punk, scene beefs, Rebellion Festival, and why grassroots venues matter more than ever. Also: what happens when you take a piss in the wrong alley in Missouri? Chris knows. You can pick up the new album Watling Street Chambers⁠ via this link and find there tour dates via this link Thank you to ⁠⁠⁠Fidlar⁠⁠⁠ for not suing us and letting us use "Cheap Beer" as the podcast's opening track. Follow the podcast ⁠⁠⁠@punksinpubs⁠⁠⁠ across all social media and give us a⁠⁠⁠ rate and review⁠⁠⁠ while you are at it.

We are live at the Manchester Punk Festival! Liam sits down with John Porter, the first-ever Accessibility Coordinator for Manchester Punk Festival, for a live conversation recorded above a pub during the festival. They dive into what accessibility in the punk scene looks like, how punk venues and festivals can do better, and why John—an ex-standup comic and lifelong punk fan—is the right person to shake things up. They also explore the real-life barriers disabled fans face at gigs, the importance of representation on stage, and the power of community-led change. If you would like to provide feedback on the work that John and the MPF team are doing, you can email:  [email protected] The music played in this episode is from bands whose members have a disability. Supermilk: SweatPertti Kurikan Nimipäivät : Aina Mun PitaaMillie Manders and the Shutup: Not OkWheelchair Sports Camp: Same Shit Thank you to ⁠⁠⁠Fidlar⁠⁠⁠ for not suing us and letting us use "Cheap Beer" as the podcast's opening track. Follow the podcast ⁠⁠⁠@punksinpubs⁠⁠⁠ across all social media and give us a⁠⁠⁠ rate and review⁠⁠⁠ while you are at it.

In this episode of Punks in Pubs, Liam sits down with Monique Powell, the legendary frontwoman of Save Ferris. From growing up in Orange County’s iconic punk scene to navigating the chaos of the music industry, Monique shares her incredible journey—one filled with triumphs, setbacks, and a never-ending love for music. She talks about: Her time living in the UK, falling in love with Birmingham, and nearly freezing at a Crystal Palace match.The insane drinking culture of British football fans.What it was like being a woman in punk in the ’90s and how things have (or haven’t) changed.The DIY grind of selling 20,000 self-released records before the major labels came knocking.Covering Come On Eileen and whether she ever got sick of it.Her thoughts on punk, privilege, and why you don’t mess with her when it comes to racism or sexism. It’s a deep, hilarious, and brutally honest conversation with one of ska-punk’s most iconic voices. Give it a listen, and if you enjoy it, share it with a mate! Get your tix for Manchester Punk Festival Thank you to ⁠⁠Fidlar⁠⁠ for not suing us and letting us use "Cheap Beer" as the podcast's opening track. Follow the podcast ⁠⁠@punksinpubs⁠⁠ across all social media and give us a⁠⁠ rate and review⁠⁠ while you are at it.

In this Punks Unknown special, Punks in Pubs explores the underground punk scene of Cuba with Jordie, a former member of the horror punk band We Bite.  From USB drives full of music to chaotic government-sponsored festivals,  Jordie takes us on a journey through the unique struggles and triumphs of being a punk in Havana.  Now living in Madrid, he reflects on his escape from Cuba, the universal spirit of rebellion, and what punk has meant to him.  This is a story of resilience, self-expression, and the power of music to cross borders.  Don’t miss this one. You can listen to and buy 'We Bite' Eps via there Bandcamp, click the link below https://webite.bandcamp.com/music

In this special episode of Punks in Pubs, Liam revisits a project, his award-winning 2016 BBC Radio 4 documentary, 'In Search of Southern Hospitality'. Inspired by his recent conversation with Louisiana native Chuck Ragan, Liam shares this entertaining exploration of the famed “Southern Hospitality.” Presented by comedian Rich Hall, the documentary takes you on a journey through the deep South, from Louisiana to Alabama and Mississippi, to uncover whether the warmth and kindness the region is known for are still alive today—or if it’s all just a clever marketing myth. So grab a sweet tea or something stronger, sit back, and enjoy this special episode of Punks in Pubs.

In this episode, we sit down with the legendary Chuck Ragan, frontman of Hot Water Music, for a conversation about his journey through music and life. Chuck shares stories that define his remarkable career, from growing up with unique influences—like a ventriloquist mom and Cajun grandparents—to shaping the raw energy of punk rock. We explore the 30-year milestone of Hot Water Music, candid reflections on band breakups, and the importance of friendship and communication in keeping the fire alive. Chuck also opens up about his solo album, Love and Lore, and the perseverance it took to bring it to life. Beyond the music, Chuck shares heartfelt insights into balancing family, touring, and building Christmas traditions with his family. Whether you're a die-hard fan or discovering Chuck for the first time, this episode is packed with passion, resilience, and the spirit of a true artist. Thank you to ⁠Fidlar⁠ for not suing us and letting us use "Cheap Beer" as the podcast's opening track. Follow the podcast ⁠@punksinpubs⁠ across all social media and give us a⁠ rate and review⁠ while you are at it.

Jimmy is back! The former political operative who once worked alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and other key figures in the Republican Party. Dive into the state of American politics as we discuss the aftermath of the 2020 election, the January 6 insurrection, and the upcoming 2024 election. Jimmy shares his insights on the shifting landscape of the GOP, his journey from Republican to supporting Kamala Harris, and the impact of Donald Trump's rhetoric on the political discourse. Listen back to the last time Jimmy and Liam Spoke Go Vote (US Only) Thank you to ⁠Fidlar⁠ for not suing us and letting us use "Cheap Beer" as the podcast's opening track. Follow the podcast ⁠@punksinpubs⁠ across all social media and give us a⁠ rate and review⁠ while you are at it.

In this new special from Punks In Pubs, Liam explores the vibrant yet challenging world of punk music in Hong Kong with guest Kelsey Wan, a local musician and label owner, The episode begins with a personal reflection on the ongoing violence in Lebanon and Liam's concern for his partner's family. Listen to KVYLE via this link You can listen to more of Kelsey's new work via this link The bands discussed at the end were: 1. David Boring 2. Maenad and the Ravers 3. Deer (MX) 4. The Crush 5. An Id Signal