VAMPIRES OF BIRMINGHAM: Rockin at Dracula's Garage

 Birmingham is England's second biggest city yet it still somehow suffers from some weird, unexplainable inferiority complex when compared to, say, the big oomph of London and even much smaller, yet perhaps trendier towns such as Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool or even Brighton.

In his liner notes to "Un-Scene", an excellent compilation showcasing the cream of the crop of the city's post-punk and underground scene from 1978 to 1982, curator Dave Twist writes that acting flashy isn't like "Brutalist Birmingham" at all and, of course, he should know; With that being said, the Second City has always maintained a strong musical and, more generally, artistic presence, spawning a long list of big name talent and hugely influential artists (do the names Black Sabbath, the Move, Idle Race, ELO, Dave Kusworth, Nikki Sudden, even Duran Duran say anything to ya?) not to mention a cosy and passionate underground RnR community that, in spite of the truly "brutalist" changing times, proudly survives to this very day, especially in such strong-holds such as Moseley Village, where I live, and King's Heath.
Many of my mates who've been there all along will swear that "Brum ain't nowhere near the same as it once was"; Having moved there only in 2015, I can believe that whilst, at the same time, still marvelling and revelling in the wealth of opportunities and situations the city still does, in my humble estimation, offer when it comes to music and arts in general.
One such event that, in recent years, has come to capture my attention and interest is, undoubtedly, a monthly RnR, Sunday matinee extravaganza called "Dracula's Garage", hosted and created by local musician and mogul David Checkley along with his wife and partner in arts (and crime) Lyse.
Daring back to 2017 and originally held at the Red Lion in Shirley, the event has played host to a number killer propositions the likes of the Germans (the Damned/Godfathers) Lucifer Star Machine, Steppin' Razors and Suburban Studs among others, not to mention Dave and Lyse's own band, the very esteemed and fondly remembered DC Spectres (yes that band has since dissolved yet, fear not : you can still very much find the dynamic duo in action in their new brainchild, the Boo Tikis!).
Fast-forward to a mere few years as a bomb drops all across the entire world, something that went on to alter not only the music scene but life as a whole and society's very fabric, we're talking the dreaded "Gov.t Flu", the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Unsurprisingly, the Red Lion shut its door in the wake of the resulting, all-consuming lockdown, which cut the legs right off from under many of the smaller, independently run business as well as driven a potentially fatal stake in the heart of the International music scene altogether (de-facto forcing live gigs, therefore work and livelihood for both musicians, promoters and clubs  alike to a very cruel halt).
Fear not, tho, as even such a major threat failed to deter the determination of our heroic twosome : with, as they say, a little help from their friends.
Enter Rob Bruce, owner of Birmingham's famed "Rich Bitch" rehearsal facilities and Studios, who, once the dust had begun to settle and security measures gradually resumed an acceptable level of normalcy, stepped in offering Dave & Lyse a slot, every 3rd Sunday of the month, at his club, tiny, cosey and groovy (not to mention beautifully christened) "Tower Of Song" music venue in King's Norton.
Since then, the monthly event known as "Dracula's Garage" has hosted a wide spectrum of outfits ranging from bonafide cult bands such as '77 Punk legends Menace and Cheltenham Horror-Punk pioneers the Screaming Dead, as well as a whole slew of both estabilished and up-and-coming acts including the likes of Continental Lovers, Diablo Furs, Janus Stark, Year Zero, The Dregs, Turning Black Like Lizards and the Head Hunters.
Serving-up a fine programme mainly oriented towards styles from Punk, Garage, Psychobilly and generally Alternative RnR and occupying a very working-class-friendly 3-to-7pm Sunday matinee slot, Drac's Garage has since become a second home and a haven for RnR addicts the likes of yours truly who, for the price of a mere fiver on the door, get to enjoy two great live bands as well as class DJ'ing throughout provided by the founding duo, all in a very friendly and inclusive environment that has seen friendships cementing, new ones being born and, generally, kindred spirits bonding together in a common love for music and good vibes alike.
The stage sound is typically spot-on allowing for optimal, up-close enjoyment of the music being presented and one gets to buy merch and records directly from the artists who routinely mingle with punters after their sets; There's a handy and very well-stocked bar of course, too, pumping fine beer, ales and cider for the thirsty, assembled mob.
If it sounds like heaven-on-earth, that's because it is, at least for a few hours, every third Sunday of the month!
I, for one, have experienced times that I'll never forget at Dracula's Garage, within the hallowed confines of Tower Of Song.
Says creator David Checkley:

"It has always been designed to be DIY and non-profit, all money goes to the bands and there is a full back line provided too.
It was also meant to be a co-operative - gig swaps/networking, but not all participants have returned the favour,as it were... You can only try.... But what it has created it a great group getting together,creating new friendships and enjoying live music, so we can't complain".

No Dave, we cannot complain, indeed, and thanks for the great work, whilst we're at it.
Last nite's installment saw a lethal combination of Stourbridge's own Garage-Punkers The Mighty Interceptors (think The Standells-meet-the-Heartbreakers and you're halfway there) and local rising stars the Dead Marshes providing high-octane entertainment on Father's Day Sunday, for the visible enjoyment of the usual cast of characters assembled and newcomers alike.
For me, the beauty of Dracula's Garage resides in its ability to make any and all customere immediately feel welcome and accepted, always presenting first-rate musical entertainment with a clever yet spontaneous direction, as well as professionally treating and assisting the bands featured onstage.
What has undoubtedly started as a labour of love has, defacto, spawned a time-honoured and esteemed tradition for the communal fruition of fine, live music and, brothers and sisters, we can only applaud, not to mention heartily support, initiatives of this kind, all the more considering the increasingly dark times the country, heck, the rest of the world alike, are going through.
Hopefully we'll see you there next time : rest assured, you're in for a rockin, good time in the company of like-minded souls.
There's two Sunday traditions in my life every month : Moseley Record Fair on the first, Dracula's Garage the third.
My most sincere thanks for all the good times both organisations have provided me with over the years.
One needs certainties in life and it's good to know that these dudes are out there, brightening up the often wearisome grind just that little bit and adding that certain spark to life that money just can't buy.
Long live Rock N Roll and long live Dracula's Garage.