Ruts DC

Ruts DC play The Hairy Dog on Thursday 12 November, with Rivalry supporting. Doors open at 19:00.

If you're not familiar with the name, it helps to know where they come from. Ruts DC formed in 1981 around the rhythm section and guitarist of The Ruts, who spent three whirlwind years at the front of the UK punk scene with singles like 'Babylon's Burning', 'Jah War', 'Something That I Said' and 'Staring At The Rude Boys', and albums The Crack, Grin And Bear It and Animal Now. Their debut single 'In A Rut' was championed by John Peel at Radio 1, released on the People Unite label run by reggae band Misty In Roots — the two bands shared a common fight against racism and the National Front. They later played live for Peel, and their 1979 Peel Sessions set came out as a 12-inch in 1986.

Still fronted by original members Segs Jennings and Dave Ruffy, alongside guitarist Leigh Heggarty, the band continues to tour and release new material, including the album Counterculture?. Their 2016 record Music Must Destroy was voted Album of the Year by Vive Le Rock magazine. The night is organised by Live and is 16+ when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are £24.75 including fees — £22.50 face value plus a £2.25 booking fee.