Johnny Dowd

Shows Are Standing Room Only Sonic adventurers, punk rock fundamentalists, exuberant luddites, willing outcasts. The Mekons are the most revolutionary group in the history of rock n roll wrote rock critic Lester Bangs. The genre-defying Mekons formed in Leeds, England in 1977. Born from the emerging British punk scene, they progressed from art students with no musical skills to the prolific, raucous progeny of Hank Williams.

History and Evolution

This current classic line-up has remained intact since the mid-1980s, continuing to regularly tour and release new music through to now. Theirs is an improbable history a surprising and influential embrace of folk and country music with occasional forays into the art world. They have always worked collaboratively and collectively with all work credited to the band, never to individuals.

Art and Collaborations

Their mind-boggling output consistently blurs the lines between high art and low and has included exhibitions in the UK and US, a deranged pirate musical recorded and staged with Kathy Acker, an art performance with Vito Acconci, and several books including the unique art catalog/unfinished novel Mekons United.

Documentary and Recent Work

Revenge of the Mekons, a documentary about the band, received nationwide release in 2015 on Music Box Films. The Mekons continue to make bold, unpredictable music while staying true to the punk ethos. Their last album Exquisite was recorded completely remotely during the early months of lockdown and released on Bandcamp in June 2020. The band is working with Fire Records on their new album, which comes out in 2025. The single from that album You're Not Singing Anymore will be released on Fire Records in early November 2024.

Show Information

• All shows are General Admission.
• All shows are standing room only unless otherwise noted.
• You will need your Valid Picture ID should you wish to consume adult beverages.
• Ticket purchasers will be scanned-in when the Magic Bag doors open on your event day.
• Please refer to the event listing for any age restrictions.
• Included in your fee is a 3% credit card processing fee.