Fibbers championed as one of Britain’s top independent music venues

Only 18 music hotspots around the country have been chosen to take part in Independent Venue Week – and Fibbers in York is among them.

Backed by PRS for Music and BBC Introducing, the week runs till February 2, 2014, and celebrates “some of the most relevant, important and historic venues around the country”.

Fibbers on Stonebow certainly fits the bill. Since opening in 1992 it has hosted almost every band that matters – 12,000 have played here.

The line up

To celebrate its part in Independent Venue Week, Fibbers is hosting a special night of music this Sunday, February 2 featuring two of York’s hottest bands, A Joker’s Rage and Blind Eye.

One of the fastest growing bands in the north of England, A Joker’s Rage is fronted by clown-in-chief Zakk Taylor. They combine a winning mix of powerhouse rock, memorable tunes and “a delivery not unlike being trampled by a herd of dinosaurs with their haemorrhoids on fire”, says Fibbers’ Tim Hornsby.

“One minute the crowd’s moshing, the next they’re headbanging. Give it five minutes and they’re bouncing up and down.

“It’s a party, it’s celebration of great music, it’s a proper rock show – and, let’s be honest, when did you last see one of those when you weren’t a mile from the stage and paying 50 quid for the privilege?”

Blind Eye mix Chilli Peppers, Alter Bridge and Biffy. “Touring in 2014 is definitely on the horizon in a van that front man Harley Daniels is threatening to live in as well,” says Tim. “Probably not a good move as they tend to set things on fire, amps and a practice room being recent casualties.”

• Full details on the Fibbers website