The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican

Founded in Barnsley Rock City in 2006 by their outspoken and energetic ringleader, Scott Doonican, The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican are on a mission! Far from being your typical folk ensemble, this cult-like collective of like-minded knit-wear enthusiasts are determined to follow in their spiritual father’s immortal footsteps and keep his legacy alive. Scott and his brothers-from-other-mothers, Alan, J.R., Mo-Jo and Dave, have quite the talent for Bar-Stewardizing other famous people’s songs with new satirical comedy lyrics, on folk instruments, and to complete their outrageously understated image, the Doonicans have become instantly recognisable for their immaculate hair and their stylish choice of sexy knitwear, and instantly memorable for their lairy, no-holds-barred, anarchic live shows.
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A group that is both perpetually on the move, ever-evolving and joyously independent, they have played over 1300 side-splitting shows to date, and have brought smiles and belly-laughs to audiences across the UK; from Barnsley to Barnstaple, from Glastonbury to Glasgow. They continue to wow audiences with a fine selection of their greatest hits, including the likes of “Jump Ararnd”, “The Lady In Greggs”, "How Deep Is Your Glove?", "Paint 'em Back", "Goat Yoga", and “If I Could Punch A Face… It’d Be Justin Bieber’s”.

They have written and recorded eleven studio albums, independently released over 40 live recordings, successfully crowd-funded seven separate independent vinyl releases, played on top of mountains, wowed-festival goers across the length and breadth of the UK, had three different beers brewed and named in their honour, sold-out five consecutive shows on a Mississippi paddle-steamer on the Norfolk Broads in less than 30 seconds, written & performed in their own musical, are featured in the Experience Barnsley Museum Music Archives, hold the bar-takings record for at least seven theatres, and have been the recipients of six different individual awards, as voted for by the public in the Barnsley Music Awards! Not bad for a daft little comedy band from Barnsley, eh?

As well as appearances at venues and festivals across the UK (including, Glastonbury, Fairport Convention's Cropredy Convention, The Levellers' Beautiful Days Festival, Bearded Theory, Rebellion Punk Festival, Kate Rusby's Underneath The Stars, Watchet Live, Off The Tracks and many, many more), they have also had the pleasure to collaborate with, support or share the same bill as many of the UK's finest live acts from a wide range of genres, including:

The Levellers, Fairport Convention, Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band, Lulu, Skindred, The Darkness, Chas & Dave, The Wurzels, The Gipsy Kings, Mike Harding, The Blockheads, Afro Celt Soundsystem, Roy Wood, Dreadzone, 3 Daft Monkeys, Richard Thompson, John Otway, Richard Digance, Focus, Toyah, Nizlopi, Oliver/Dawson Saxon, The Wildhearts, Simon Friend (Levellers), Maartin Allcock (Fairport Convention/Jethro Tull), Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Chumbawumba, Carter USM, Miles Hunt & Erica Nockalls (The Wonder Stuff), Ben Ottewell (Gomez), Will Varley, Mark Chadwick (Levellers), Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets), The Urban Voodoo Machine, The Sweet, Danse Society, Gaz Brookfield, Dan Donnelly (The Wonder Stuff) & Jon Sevink (The Levellers), Heaven 17, Merry Hell, Jon Gomm, Tony Christie, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Sound Of The Sirens, Martin Carthy & Norma Waterson, Dub Pistols, Reverend & The Makers, The Go Team!, Hugh Whitaker (The Housemartins), Peter Donegan, Ruts DC, T'Pau, Lemar, Dave Burland, Ruts DC, The Bay City Rollers... and even Dick & Dom!

The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican can’t wait to bring their shindig to a venue or festival field somewhere near you and they promise that they WILL rock you… but gently!