The Kris Barras Band UK tour came to a triumphant end in Islington, and with new album Halo Effect achieving a Top 5 position in the UK Album Charts, there was an extra reason to celebrate. Kris Barras has also come out swinging for The Booking Hall in Dover with a show on 28 June 2024 to support the under-threat venue.
At an earlier stop on the UK Tour, the Kris Barras Band made an arena rock statement in Wolverhampton, and the Islington show was just as impressive. Once Kris and his band took the stage, in an explosion of heavy riffs, intense lights and off-the-scale charisma, we were treated to a non-stop ninety minutes of hard rock showcasing the strength of his catalogue so far. 
The albums have got progressively heavier and the virtuoso playing and anthemic hooks and dazzling stage presence have increased too. The packed and enthusiastic crowd were engaged throughout as Barras took us through a roller coaster of emotions, especially in the acoustic section, accompanied by Josiah J Manning on keys. An arena-sized gig observed in close up, what a treat.
There were perfectly placed support acts with likeable Las Vegas-based Nocturnal Affair opening up proceedings before South of Salem showed why they are getting so many accolades this year. A stunning display of horror goth visuals blending with an acute ear for melody and a hard hook showed that maybe the devil does still have a load of good tunes. 
The Booking Hall
The Booking Hall announced it was under threat of permanent closure, as the freehold was due to be sold for residential development opportunity, a fate that befalls many small music venues in the UK.
The venue’s founder, Stuart Cameron, and the Music Venue Trust have joined forces in a bid to crowdfund their way into the headlines by purchasing the freehold and saving the venue from permanent closure.
“Grassroots music venues need our support more than ever,” Kris says. “I was really sad to hear the news of The Booking Hall in Dover being under threat of closure. We had a blast doing a sweaty, sell-out show there last year on the My Parade Tour.
“So we’ve decided to play a special one-off show there and help shine a light on the whole situation. I don’t want to see this place go under, and I hope you don’t either. So come along and support an awesome grassroots music venue.”
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The Crowdfunder is over one-third of the way to achieving its target of £25,000. The money is required to be able to bring The Booking Hall under the wing of Music Venue Properties, a charitable Community Benefit Society set up by Music Venue Trust.
The Booking Hall was granted first refusal to purchase the building, and the venue’s team has been working tirelessly to find a sustainable and financially feasible way to purchase it.
Kris Barras Band – The Booking Hall – tickets are available from here.
Kris Barras Band then head to the Netherlands for two dates with Wolfgang Van Halen’s Mammoth WVH, performing in Nifmegen on June 30th and Weert on July 1st, with various festivals planned for the summer.
A special headline show at Chepstow Castle is on August 15, 2024, with support from Stone Broken, The Hot Damn!, and Dan Byrne.
