As another year turns, here’s a look back over 12 months of mischief and mayhem.

2025 marked a decade of WSO, and a time to reflect on the 1250+ events run under that banner and the £1 million worth of food, cash, clothing, bedding and toiletries raised for folks who needed the solidarity of our raised fists and helping hands.

…..and a time to reflect on the political betrayals which all but ensure we’ll be needed for the rest of our lives.

But mostly, 2025 was a year of getting out on the road and doing my thing. ‘Sledgehammer Songs’ was a year old, but the need for gigs to be uplifting and spontaneous was obvious as the political situation here in the UK and around the world deteriorated. I felt the shows had to be a safe place to offload all that overwhelm, so the singalongs were more manic, the end of the night more collaborative, and the explosions of emotion more messy as a result.

The year began with a double-up at Groovy VI as I followed a Lithium Joe set with a solo one and just about made it over the line….

Then a couple of Miner’s Strike commemoration events, one at The Broadway for the Hatfield Brigade, and the other at Betteshanger for the Kent Brigade. The latter a particularly memorable day as I received the Ron Todd Foundation ‘Peter Todd Award For Creativity’ at the Marx Memorial Library in London beforehand.

And then embarked on a whistle-stop tour of Mick Jones‘s ‘Rock’n’Roll Public Library’, Soho Square to sit on Kirsty MacColl‘s bench, and what was once The Roxy for the most middle class sandwich I’ve ever eaten.

Before Chip Hamer and I embarked on a mad dash over to Betteshanger….

….followed by a last-minute detour to catch the end of Swill and Bobby‘s set in Margate where I ended a frantic day singing ‘Ghosts Of Cable Street’ alongside my heroes once again.

From there began the ‘Do Not Despair. That’s Exactly What They Want’ Tour and thousands of miles in poor Rosie, my long-suffering car, every last yard of it worth it to see the looks on your faces and hear those choruses bellowed back at me with such passion and commitment. It was a fantastic Spring.

Including two stand-out memories. Firstly, the graveyard shift opening up Ey Up Mi Duck Festival on the Sunday to a packed tent….

….before sharing a couple of songs with Jess Silk and spending an afternoon in the sun talking shop and putting the world to rights.

And secondly, a really special weekend playing the WI Hall in Bridport followed by Glastonwick Festival, again alongside Jess and with added The Men They Couldn’t Hang for icing on the cake.

There was a Strummercamp/Bearded Theory dash in there, a fantastic weekend made possible by Gail Something-Else and Phil Fitzpatrick…..

….a cracking WSO event in Derby courtesy of Joe Zux….

…..and in the middle of it all, the Three (+1) Shall Overcome hike from Scarborough to Robin Hood’s Bay along the Cleveland Way in the company of Steve and Kev, and this year, added Tim Hoy.

We raised around £1200 for Medical Aid For Palestinians, a cause which called to me as the appalling situation in Gaza worsened and governments around the world appeared to join a conspiracy of silence, with a complicity implicit within. My tour money was split between WSO Central for Pauline Town, Hull Unity Shop, and MAP. There was little I could do other than voice my solidarity, share the daily death toll, and donate what I could, but I drew enormous inspiration from the likes of Greta Thunberg, Carsie Blanton, Chris Smalls, and Thiago Avila as they joined the hundreds attempting to break the illegal sea blockade. Respect to all.

The Summer was spent playing a string of gigs and festivals, including a return to play the main stage at Durham Miners Gala….

…I played house concerts….

….NHS Solidarity events….

Pauline‘s birthday at The Station….

A very sunny Burslem for Potteries Chartist Festival eye-balling Lemmy‘s statue from the FBU Fire Engine….

….two very special in-the-round gigs alongside Carol Hodge and Daniel Lucas in London and York….

…..and a memorial gig for Annie Rodgers at Stainforth Pit Club.

We lost some dearly-loved and much-missed people this year, and although it’s impossible to list them all, Annie, Monologue John, and Pauline’s Mum are three who hit me very hard.

Into the Autumn I took up the Stride For Gaza challenge and hobbled my way through the virtual miles eventually raising upwards of £1400 for MAP…..

….hit Brighton with Chip for Robb Johnson‘s Railway Roots gig in Portslade….

…..played a wonderful inclusion event for the wider WSO Family at The Station….

….played both Musicport Festival and the 10th Anniversary WSO event in Whitby and Middlesbrough respectively on the same September Saturday, and basically just made a nuisance of myself whilst I prepared for the ‘Inspireography’ Tour with Jess.

There’s something really special about sharing a stage with Jess Silk. It’s not just that we bring out the best in each other, or our shared commitment to the ‘Big Gigs In Small Rooms’ ethos grassroots live music will need in order to survive, it’s that there’s just something unexplainably magic about it.

I loved every second of that tour alongside Jess, Joe Zux, Caroline and Tarby, and if you missed us, you really need to bag tickets early next year!

2025 also saw the launch of ‘SONGS & VERSES’ the collection of my lyrics and poetry painstakingly edited and presented by Chip for Picket Line Press, and designed by Mark Welland. It’s a thing of beauty, and I can’t thank them enough for making it happen. I’ll be doing a couple of spoken-word shows with that in the new year.

Behind the scenes this year has been about seeing the new album ‘Punk Rock Prepared Us For This’ over the line. I began the year writing and recording, and finished it tying off the loose ends having spent much of the last 12 months overseeing the various collaborations and bouncing back and forth with Lee Huck, who took over mixing and mastering duties.

I’m pleased to report it’s currently at the pressing plant and the pre-order will go live on Bandcamp on FRIDAY FEBRUARY 6TH so please get on this early so I can pay the not inconsiderable bills.

Here’s a first look at Kevin Pearson‘s artwork….

The first single ‘Rise Up! Rise Up!’ will launch with a video on MONDAY FEBRUARY 2nd and will be available to download with the pre-order on the 6th.

The tour begins at The Station on SATURDAY MARCH 21st and doesn’t really stop until the Summer.

I want to thank each and every one of you for your support and solidarity, your voices and applause. Without it I’m screaming into the void and raising not a single penny.

It always has been, and always will be, very much appreciated.

And a special mention to all the photographers whose images make this blog what it is. I know I’ll miss someone, so apologies in advance, but thank you to Neil Terry, Kate Clark, Ian Ladlow, Kenny Brown, Pete Yen, Chip Hamer, Lyric Lounge Review, Joe Zux, Pauline Town, Mark Whyatt, Joe Grint, and everyone else whose images come to define our memories.

That’s me for the year.

See you on the other side.

Remember NEW ALBUM February 6th.

See you down the front x

The Inspireography Tour with the mighty Jess Silk came to its climax in London after eight fantastic dates in the very best of company.

There’s something magical about shows with Jess. Not only is she next level as a singer and songwriter, but she performs at LEVELS, and that in turn makes me dig deeper. I’m guessing you already know that, because the fraction of those gigs which hadn’t sold out in advance were packed by walk-up, and I LOVED every single night.

It’s not just the music though, it’s the camaraderie of touring and sharing space and time with ace people like Caroline, Joe Zux, Steve White and the Protest Family, and Connor Wilson; it’s the teasing and the in-gags and the hugs and the memories.

And you can’t beat that.

Sad to finish, but as plans are already underway for next November, I won’t be sulking for long.

Massive THANK YOU to all the venues and promoters, sound and lighting folks, and bar staff who made it possible; and a special THANK YOU to everyone who rocked-up to support us, especially those who helped MASSIVELY by bagging tickets in advance. We so much appreciate the chance to play our big gigs in small rooms and hopefully pass on a little strength, courage, and hope for the road ahead.

Right. I have a new album out in February and a stack of work to do. The year end blog will appear around Christmas time, but until then, love and solidarity to you all x

Photos by Kate Clark, Lyric Lounge Review, Joe Zux, Chip Hamer, and many more. Apologies if I’ve missed your name. Love and respect to all x

Hi Folks,

‘SONGS & VERSES’ the long-promised collection of my lyrics and poetry has landed.

Published by Picket Line Press, it covers two decades of material from 2004’s ‘An Exile In Suburbia’ to last year’s ‘Sledgehammer Songs’ over 300 carefully selected pages.

I cannot thank Chip Hamer enough for making this happen, and Mark Welland for how incredible it looks and feels in your hands. From the colour panels when the album changes, to the way the songs have been edited to read as they should without constantly returning to the chorus as they do in song form.

It’s pretty special.

You can bag a copy here:

https://joesolomusic.bandcamp.com/merch/songs-verses-selected-lyrics-poetry

As always, once the printing costs were covered ‘SONGS & VERSES’ has been raising money for folks struggling, through London strike funds to WSO Central outreach.

Would very much appreciate your support.

Solidarity

Joe

Brand new music this morning for Bandcamp Friday.

‘SONGS FOR OUR TIMES’ is a 6-track EP available to stream/download NOW!

http://joesolomusic.bandcamp.com

It will follow on the other sites on Monday.

Each song covers an aspect of the horrorshow we are witnessing here and abroad, and all funds raised will be split between Pauline Town at WSO Central and Hull Unity Shop.

These songs are outtakes from the new album ‘Punk Rock Prepared Us For This’ due next February, and for lovers of real formats, they will be bonus tracks on the CD version of the main event.

Thanks as always for your incredible support, it is always very much appreciated.

Solidarity

Joe

Absolutely made-up to be heading back out on the road with the fantastic Jess Silk again this November.

Jess is a magnificent songwriter, and her levels of performance are through the roof, with a staggering consistency.

I absolutely LOVED last year’s tour because when you’re a part of a run of really special nights, you are reminded that music can still hit you in all the best ways, even after all these years.

This year, there will be extra collaborations, a few new towns and a few old ones, and some very special guests.

Tickets are available from:

https://jesssilk.co.uk/live 

BUT BE QUICK!!

See you down the front x

May Day Festival Of Solidarity returns to Old School House, Barnsley on Sunday May 4th with doors at 1.30pm and music from 2pm sharp.

We have another stellar line-up for you featuring Mary Moden & The Male Members, Bard Company, Poetry On The Picket Line, Paddy Nash, Efa Supertramp, Steve White & The Protest Family, and a co-set from Jess Silk and Joe Solo to close the night.

Our compere is Bearded Tit, and as always we have speakers from across the trade union movement and community campaigning groups including John Dunn from Orgreave Truth & Justice Campaign, Sarah Woolley from the BFAWU, Heather Wood and Betty Cook from Women Against Pit Closures, John Stewart RMT legend, and Pauline Town for WSO.

Tickets are £10 or £15 solidarity price from:

https://wegottickets.com/event/645394

And BE EARLY as you all know it gets good from the off.

Recharge your batteries in the best of company on Sunday 4th May.

See you down the front x

2024 was far and away the most fun, and most successful year I’ve had as a musician, and I wanted to reflect a little while saying THANK YOU to everyone who helped me along the way.

It was book-ended by two album releases and two incredible tours. First came ‘Sledgehammer Songs’…

….my first release on vinyl, and my first to actually chart! I think that surprised us all, and to be honest, I didn’t even know it had until Pete Yen told me, so little importance do I attach to stuff like that, but it was kinda nice anyway. There were three singles from it, and three accompanying videos. Firstly, ‘A Better Way’ which featured the mighty Commoners Choir….

….put together by Lodge Productions and paving the way for the second, ‘The Last Miner’ filmed my Michael Lee Toas during the Hatfield Brigade recording session at the NUM HQ in Barnsley late 2023….

…..and last but by no means least, ‘Tie ‘Em To A Brick’ featuring the incredible Carol Hodge, and my favourite track on the album. Again the work of Lodge Productions…..

The ‘Sledgehammer Tour’ kicked off at The Station in late March, and ended there at the end of July. In between was an exhausting but exhilarating four months of sold out shows, insane singalongs, and WSO fundraising, which almost didn’t squeeze on the poster….

….and to each and everyone who booked me, looked after me, turned out night after night and sang me home, or just helped spread the word to shift those tickets, THANK YOU. The album and tour eventually raised north of £12,000 which was split between Pauline Town at WSO Central, Hull Unity Shop, and Medical Aid For Palestinians. I loved every second…..

….but special mentions for Ernest and Linda for inviting me over to play Derry and Belfast….

….and Rob, Chris, and the incredible team at Solidarity Park Festival who invited me back to Catalunya for three fantastic gigs in Malgrat, Granollers, and Barcelona, where I spent a few very happy days with my comrade-in-crayons Kevin Pearson, whose hand-made print for the album artwork had produced its first ‘WOW’ and whose work with me on the ‘No Pasaran’ children’s book we were now able to deliver to schools in the land Jack Atkinson and the Hull volunteers had fought, and died, to free from fascism…

The first half of the year was also marked with 40th Anniversary marches to remember the Miner’s Strike of 1984-85, and I was privileged enough to sing first in Durham, where I had the great honour of being the token bloke performing at the Women Against Pit Closures March…

….and then be on left pole duties as well as singing at the Hatfield Main event the following weekend….

….we raised the banner once more for Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign in June, which was, sadly, the last time we marched alongside our friend and Comrade, Tweedy, who we lost a couple of days later. Singing ‘The Last Miner’ at his funeral was the toughest performance of the year.

And it was in Tweedy’s name we sang when, a month later, The Brigade joined me on stage at Durham Miner’s Gala, where not even the relentless rain could dampen our enthusiasm….

…..and a massive THANK YOU to all at Durham Miner’s Association for allowing me to become a tiny thread in the rich fabric of such an important and iconic event.

Of course, it wasn’t all albums and tours. There was the annual Three Shall Overcome hike from Scarborough to Robin Hood’s Bay along the Cleveland Way alongside Steve White and Kev Titterton….

There were Lithium Joe gigs….

….there was the small matter of May Day Festival Of Solidarity to get over the line….

…..there were picket lines…

….and ‘The Tour That Wasn’t A Tour’ but which ended up with more dates than the tours themselves….

….there were incredible days like Wigan Diggers Festival….

…..there was getting to sing ‘London Calling’ alongside the incredible Ian Prowse….

….or joining The Men They Couldn’t Hang for a couple of dates on their 40th Anniversary Tour….

….yes, it was pretty special.

By the autumn, the 10th Anniversary edition of ‘No Pasaran’ was ready for release, and it was signalled by two Lodge Productions videos. The first was a serious upgrade for the title track….

….and the second, for the brand new recording of ‘Blood Runs Red’ featuring my long-term musical collaborator, the amazing Rebekah Findlay….

….Rebekah also designed the picture disc vinyl, embellishing Kevin Pearson‘s superlative work with the upgraded sleeve. I am so happy we have marked a decade of my most popular album with something this special.

The year ended with a tour alongside Jess Silk, who I believe is the finest political songwriter of her generation, and who I absolutely LOVED sharing stages with throughout November and December.

Those shows were far and away the most fun I have had in 37 years of playing live, and I think it probably showed….

It was the perfect way to end a brilliant year.

So THANK YOU to everyone who made that possible, from Kevin, Rebekah, Carol, Daniel Lucas, Commoners Choir, Matt Hill, Naomi and Paul, Mark and Kirsty, and Bar, Gaz and Liss for making ‘Sledgehammer Songs’ into what it is; Nevz for looking after all the merch so patiently under pressure; to Mick Lanaghan and the Hatfield Brigade for having my back always; to everyone who continues to book me, promote the shows, share and like my posts and generally help keep things moving; to everyone who turns out to support the shows and sings me home, or runs raffles for the causes, or just props me up with fluids or crisps; and to the often forgotten heroes whose images I have shared above, and whose work comes to define the memories we hold so dear, and whose names are almost always left off the thanks yous….Neil Terry, James McElhoney, Paul and Lindsay Rutland, Milo, various Longbottoms, Mark Whyatt, Tim Hoy, and so many more; to Jess and Caroline for making the last few weeks so ace; and to the memories of those we lost this year, Tweedy, John Charles Beeching, Stephen Doyle, and so many more….we keep on keeping on in your memory.

Here’s to 2025.

I can’t wait to get stuck in.

I’m on tour with the incredible Jess Silk throughout November and early December, and it would be mighty fine to see you.

We are four dates in and each sold out, so if you want to catch us, please bag a ticket from:

https://jesssilk.co.uk/live

You basically get an hour of each of us plus a couple of collaborations, and the first four dates have been an absolute BLAST.

After the tour I’ll be holing-up for the winter recording my side of the next album. That’s not due until early 2026 though, so don’t start saving just yet!

In the meantime, I can’t stress enough about bagging tickets. There are only 9 left each for Otley and London, 2 for Loughborough, while Newstead and Chesterfield sold out before we even started! Get on it!

See you down the front x

Photos by Mark Whyatt, Kate Clark, and Emma Jane Smith.

On Friday 4th October, the 10th Anniversary edition of my best-known album ‘No Pasaran’ goes live for pre-order on Bandcamp; and for the first time ever, it is available on vinyl too.

My comrade-in-crayons Kevin Pearson has delivered new sleeve art in the theme of ‘Sledgehammer Songs’, and my incredible musical partner Rebekah Findlay has designed a beautiful picture disc image drawing inspiration from the song lyrics.

The album is strictly limited to 250 vinyl copies and 200 CDs, so you’ll have to be quick.

There are lyric-inspired t-shirts too, featuring the album’s three main characters- Jack Atkinson, Tommy James, and Penny Phelps.

Plus, the usual mugs and tote bags in album sleeve and lyric designs.

Also very excited to be launching the ‘No Pasaran’ children’s book telling the story of Jack Atkinson and the International Brigades in three different languages as an educational resource for younger minds. Again illustrated by Kevin, I’m really proud of it and I hope you’ll bag a copy if you have young rebels of tomorrow in your life.

Everything goes live to pre-order around 7.30am on Friday, with the music dropping on all streaming services from Monday 4th November.

There will also be two brand new videos dropping, too. On Monday, a new film to accompany the title track will be released; and on 14th October ‘Blood Runs Red’ will follow, the latter a full new version which we’re very excited about.

So keep a look out! And be quick! There will not be a re-press!

Thanks everyone x

My new album ‘Sledgehammer Songs’ will be released to Bandcamp in full from midnight tonight.

I am so looking forward to this music finally being out there in the world.

After a very hectic pre-order day on February 1st I completely sold out of CDs and almost half the vinyl went too!

Thankfully, CDs are restocked now and tomorrow brings not just the music, but a stack of associated merch including t-shirts, tote bags, mugs, and a hoodie….

‘Sledgehammer Songs’ will follow on the other streaming platforms on Monday. You can find me on all of them, but none do anywhere near as much to support artists as Bandcamp, so I will always prioritise them ahead of the rest.

And the first leg of my tour supporting the album begins on March 30th and doesn’t really let up. You can find ticket info at linktr.ee/joesolomusic and it would be FANTASTIC to see you down the front.

So the headlines:

ALBUM TOMORROW- please buy red/black splatter vinyl or CD.

TOUR IMMINENT- please buy tickets and fill venues.

MERCH TOMORROW- please feel free to accessorise accordingly.

Thanks everyone x