After spending the day in Birmingham taking photos it was time to head off to the Hare And Hounds in Kings Heath! The journey was fine and I found the venue with ease!

Once at the venue I had a chat with a few people and took in the great vibe surrounding the venue!

Come 8pm it was time for Mega Fishy Four a tribute to the legendary Mega City Four to hit the stage!

This was the third time I’ve seen Mega Fish Four play and they delivered a tight and wonderful set which pleased everyone in attendance!

For 30 minutes you’d have thought it was Mega City Four back on the stage with songs such as Rose Coloured, Iron Sky, Messenger, Shivering Sand and closing with the epic Stop!

I loved every moment and I believe the late legend Wiz from Mega City Four would have love these lads playing his songs!

Next up were the UK’s answer to Fugazi – London’s own Dealing With Damage led by the legendary Ed Wenn!

To be fair to these guys they’ve added more to their early sound which really does need to be heard. Yes the Fugazi influences are but there’s lots more going on and the keyboards seem to feature much more!

Guitar wise you wont meet a better guitarist than Andy Myers who took it to a new level which complimented Ed Wenn’s unique rhythm guitar approach!

James Sherry was his usual crazy self on drums keeping everything in time along with the bassist who also played a blinder!

Some great tunes played by these London lads such as Wrong Sometimes which was the first single release from their most recent album The London Particular. An album certainly worth picking up! In fact one of my favourite albums so far in 2026!

Dealing With Damage delivered 30 minutes of solid Punk / HC (Whatever you want to call it?) with a set list that also included Alienation and Be Careful also from the new album!

A set I didn’t want to see end!

You must see this London based 5-piece for sure!

Final band of the night were the mighty Midway Still who for a three-piece know how to deliver the goods with the power most bands couldn’t handle!

On the night Midway Still were on top form with some top playing from the band and some banter from Guitarist / Vocalist Paul Thomson who really takes his craft to an entire different level! This guy is a pleasure to watch!

On bass was Russell Lee who really rocked out complimenting Dec Kelly the drummer – Both of whom really add the greatness of Paul Thomson!

Alternative Rock or Pop-Punk?

You decide!

Between the three of them they are one top band who I’d love to see doing more UK shows because it’s simply a pleasure watching them strut their stuff!

Their set included the likes of Daynight, What You Said, Fuck You and Counting Days.

The crowd were loving what was on offer and that’s down to Midway Still being one of the most entertaining guitar bands doing the rounds in the UK!

Sadly I had to leave after 40 minutes due to the last train being cancelled as I was miles from home!

What a great night for live music and what a top venue the Hare And Hounds Is!

Thanks to all three bands making it a magical night for live music!

Thank You to James Sherry for the press pass.

Words / Photos: Kat Riot