The Rigger is the premier rock pub/venue in Stoke-on-Trent. Situated 200yds from Newcastle town centre, we're just a short walk up the hill and you can leave your troubles at the door. Having staged great bands such as NAPALM DEATH, MICHAEL SCHENKER, CLAWFINGER, LOST PROPHETS and SPEAR OF DESTINY, we pride ourselves in a long tradition of mainstream resistance! 7Kw sound rig, gorgeous barmaids and professional doorstaff help make us the place that you'll tell your friends about.

Monday - Tuesday 12 noon - 12 midnight.

Wednesday 2pm - 12:30am Joey Preece presents our open mic night. Bring what you've got and do a turn on the stage for a FREE drink. Special guest players and local bands spice it all up when available.

Thursday - 12 noon - 2am. Look out for big names, classic tunes and blues talent, bookended by bITjAM - electronica open mic - on the last Thursday of the month.

Friday - 12 noon - MELTDOWN. DJ Andyman throws all the cheese at you in a classic rock style! Spirit offers...

Saturday - 12 noon - Munchkin gives us Resurrection, the best in goth/metal/industrial 'til 2am.

Sunday - 2pm - 'til midnight. The Rich plays indie/alt rock and presents the legendary Sunday quiz (Now earlier from 8-11pm). MONEY, Beer, vouchers and porn to be won!

THE RIGGER IS STRICTLY AN OVER 18'S VENUE. NO I.D.- NO ENTRY

ALL GIGS FREE UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. HEADLINE BAND USUALLY ON STAGE AROUND 9PM

The Rigger Myspace - The Rigger's own Myspace. Add us as your friend!
Venombase Studios - Newly opened studios owned by a top bloke called Chris. Give him a call and he'll sort you out good and proper!
R&B Music in Crewe -
Joey's myspace - Joey's the host of our open mic night, get in touch if you fancy playing or just come down every Wednesday.
Anti-Ego - Be part of our way of thinking. Anti-ego.
R&B Music in Crewe - You can trust in Stu for everything you might need for music and stuff cuz he is good and he knows stuff like music and stuff and what he does is in a music shop in Crewe which can look after you with all your music stuff and needs in music things.
Sat 04 JulySyren
Amanda, Erin and Jo return to our stage to wow you with their acoustic/rock/alternative tunes. Syren are an all female alternative/rock trio delivering powerful and well-crafted songs with the dynamics and intuitive “tightness” that come from a never-ending show schedule. The band formed in the USA September 2006. Being a highly motivated bunch and due to audience demand, they went on to record their debut album “Dehumanized,” which was self-released in January 2008. Having been offered a tour of the UK, Syren decided to relocate and since their arrival they have played many of the country's top venues. After making an impression on the highly respected band Hawkwind at their 2008 Hawkfest, Syren were invited to open the show for them twice during Hawkwind's Winter '08 tour. The Future for Syren? “To keep writing, playing and recording hopefully giving something fresh and organic to listeners.”
Mon 06 JulyThe Dreadnoughts
The Dreadnoughts are Vancouver's biggest, baddest, drunkest, punkest celtic band. One part roaring sea shanty, one part haunting Irish melody, and a solid chaser of gut-crunching street punk. The Dreadnoughts take punk, celtic, and shanty-music seriously. They stay true to the ancient ballads and bawlers that once drove sailors around the world, and they smash out modern street-punk with a fury and intensity that is almost unmatched in their home city. Best of all, they do both at the same time. Since their humble beginnings in 2006, drinking and playing in the roughest dive bars in the city, the Dreadnoughts have built a large and loyal following in Vancouver. They are often recognized as one of the best live bands in the city. They embrace the old-school destructive chaos of live punk, and they don't stop until the audience is exhausted, sweaty, happy, and usually pissed to the gills. 2009 marks a new era for The Dreadnoughts as joining up with Leech records out of Switzerland and Stomp Records out of Canada will enable extensive touring of Europe and Canada in order to promote the second album "Victory Square" which is to be released in the late spring. There is no better way to spend your Monday evening!
Tue 07 JulyThe Barflys
Steve, Les, George, Rob and Crowe doing what they do best every Tuesday - a fabulous mix of classic rock and blues with a bit of jazz thrown in for fun! All being accomplished musicians with strong pedigree, you can guarantee an entertaining night. Get to know the regular crowd and join in the banter on our most relaxed night of the week. New set, refreshing look, only £3 on the door.
Wed 08 JulyOpen mic night with Bearfoot
Bring what you play and join in with the best open mic night around. Let our sound man make you sound great and get a free drink for your glory. Hosted by Bearfoot, our resident acoustic band who are very friendly and approachable. ALL are welcome and we’re getting busier every time... Join us for our fun-filled extravaganza! Bring what you can play, get up on stage and earn yourself a free pint!
Fri 10 JulyDecadenze
Decadenze were born into a world of the mundane and the unimaginative. They sought refuge in music and became enthralled by the daring, excitement and adrenaline of rock 'n' roll. Five minds sharing one thought: 'To push their own boundaries and achieve full musical, and artistic, potential' Welcome to a band beyond obsession. . .
Sat 11 JulyUncle Rotter
With songs like "fit goth chicks", "fist your sister" and "what do you fuckin mean you don't like clowns?" I cannot wait for this one. Currently tearing the shit out of the UK on a mind bender of a tour, Uncle Rotter WILL refresh your desensitised soul!
Tue 14 JulyThe Barflys
Steve, Les, George, Rob and Crowe doing what they do best every Tuesday - a fabulous mix of classic rock and blues with a bit of jazz thrown in for fun! All being accomplished musicians with strong pedigree, you can guarantee an entertaining night. Get to know the regular crowd and join in the banter on our most relaxed night of the week. New set, refreshing look, only £3 on the door.
Wed 15 JulyOpen mic night with Bearfoot
Bring what you play and join in with the best open mic night around. Let our sound man make you sound great and get a free drink for your glory. Hosted by Bearfoot, our resident acoustic band who are very friendly and approachable. ALL are welcome and we’re getting busier every time... Join us for our fun-filled extravaganza! Bring what you can play, get up on stage and earn yourself a free pint!
Tue 21 JulyThe Barflys
Steve, Les, George, Rob and Crowe doing what they do best every Tuesday - a fabulous mix of classic rock and blues with a bit of jazz thrown in for fun! All being accomplished musicians with strong pedigree, you can guarantee an entertaining night. Get to know the regular crowd and join in the banter on our most relaxed night of the week. New set, refreshing look, only £3 on the door.
Wed 22 JulyOpen mic night with Bearfoot
Bring what you play and join in with the best open mic night around. Let our sound man make you sound great and get a free drink for your glory. Hosted by Bearfoot, our resident acoustic band who are very friendly and approachable. ALL are welcome and we’re getting busier every time... Join us for our fun-filled extravaganza! Bring what you can play, get up on stage and earn yourself a free pint!
Tue 28 JulyThe Barflys
Steve, Les, George, Rob and Crowe doing what they do best every Tuesday - a fabulous mix of classic rock and blues with a bit of jazz thrown in for fun! All being accomplished musicians with strong pedigree, you can guarantee an entertaining night. Get to know the regular crowd and join in the banter on our most relaxed night of the week. New set, refreshing look, only £3 on the door.
Wed 29 JulyOpen mic night with Bearfoot
Bring what you play and join in with the best open mic night around. Let our sound man make you sound great and get a free drink for your glory. Hosted by Bearfoot, our resident acoustic band who are very friendly and approachable. ALL are welcome and we’re getting busier every time... Join us for our fun-filled extravaganza! Bring what you can play, get up on stage and earn yourself a free pint!
Tue 04 AugustThe Barflys
Steve, Les, George, Rob and Crowe doing what they do best every Tuesday - a fabulous mix of classic rock and blues with a bit of jazz thrown in for fun! All being accomplished musicians with strong pedigree, you can guarantee an entertaining night. Get to know the regular crowd and join in the banter on our most relaxed night of the week. New set, refreshing look, only £3 on the door.
Wed 05 AugustOpen mic night with Bearfoot
Bring what you play and join in with the best open mic night around. Let our sound man make you sound great and get a free drink for your glory. Hosted by Bearfoot, our resident acoustic band who are very friendly and approachable. ALL are welcome and we’re getting busier every time... Join us for our fun-filled extravaganza! Bring what you can play, get up on stage and earn yourself a free pint!
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