If you're not sure whether you fancy coming along to a gig, check out this review from RPM magazine October 2007
Havana A Go Go @ Adam & Eve
The Adam has been a bit hit and miss with its gigs on a Friday nights over the past few months, last week saw a Coldplay tribute band that by all accounts would have had you slitting your wrists! This week however is totally different, probably the best Ramones tribute band going, and they're from round here, they've been going a few years now, and a lot of you have probably seen them or at least heard their name. What you get at one of their gigs is probably all of the best songs the band ever did, From the 1-2-3-4 intro of opener Blitzkrieg Bop through to the closing Rock n Roll Radio, each one performed in a typical Ramones style, loud and fast, with hardly a gap between each of the 32 songs they play in their set, I won't even try to list em' all but have a look at disc 1 of the Ramones anthology CD and you'll get some idea! As usual they performed brilliantly, only stopping for breath when drummer Mick Laffoley had problems with an unruly cymbal, Dean Collins on vocals was on form tonight too, he looks absolutely nothing like the late Joey, but he don't half sound like him, guitar duties were admirably handled by Keith Owen who played brilliantly, not the hardest music to play, but to keep up the relentless pace of the songs takes some doing, we tried to get him to play I Hate School by his old band The Suburban Studs, but to no avail! Last but not least you have Mick McKearney on bass whose backing singing was absolutely spot on. The band are always playing gigs in the area so look out for them in the gig guides out there, and get yourself along to one of em' you don't know what you're missing. Twang - RPM Magazine.The above clip is Havana A Go Go performing 'Pinhead'
Background: February 2004, Patrick Kavanaghs, Moseley, Birmingham. Havana A Go Go play to a stunned audience and that was just family and friends. The pace and energy of this gig persuaded the fine management of the coolest pub in Birmingham, The Rainbow in Digbeth to put on two shows in April and May that year, they both sold out. Gigs at Epic Skatepark and the Roadhouse with the mighty Cracked Actors confirmed Havana A Go Go as truly carrying the torch for the Ramones. More gigs in seedy but perfect venues followed with other great bands which led to Kerrang Radio DJ, promoter and believer, Chris Gee recognising our true worth and putting us on the bill with the titanic Goldblade and The Undertones. This proved to be the last gig of our original guitarist Jim. Weeks of searching bought us back to our own doorstep and an old friend and comrade, Keith Owen of The Suburban Studs. Keith quickly proved that he is both a fantastic guitarist and a true Ramone. One warm up gig for Keith in Gloucester lead us to a support slot at the Academy in the UK gig in Birmingham with The Stranglers, S.L.F. Buzzcocks, The Beat, GBH and Goldblade to name just a few! Since then there have many other highlights, too many to mention here. Of particular note were gigs in Brighton, Coventry (supporting Slaughter and the Dogs at the Jailhouse), a fantastic punk all dayer at the Rainbow in Digbeth with Goldblade, a second support with the Undertones at the Academy 2, a great night in Stratford at Coxs Yard, a superb night at epic skatepark and a truly awesome showing at the inaugural Strummer Camp in Manchester. Saturday 29th July saw go down a storm at the Cavern in Liverpool as part of the Ramones convention. But the New York connection doesnt stop there. We recently hooked up with the Ramones artistic director Arturo Vega in New York. He was more than pleased with our outlook and approach and gave his blessing to our website and merchandise. Havana A Go Go never give less than 100% professionalism, dedication, energy and enthusiasm when playing, particularly when faced with like minded people. This is what Chris Gee, Kerrang DJ and promoter had to say of our last performance at Patrick Kavanagh:"Just thought I'd pop a quick note to say what a brilliant night Friday was at Patrick Kavanagh - the place was heaving with Ramones fans young and old and everyone had a great big smile on the face! Its a rare feat to be able to play music and create such a great uplifting party atmospehere with such effortless ease - If Havana A Go Go have been trying to reach a standard with the Ramones catalogue where the only competitor has been excellence itself - I think you may have just reached it! Top night - top tunes - theres no need for wigs here!!!"
Check our website for the great feedback we have received. www.havanaagogo.co.uk We are now in the process of booking gigs other than those mentioned on this web site so please keep checking back for more information. If you are a true Ramones head, this is one experience you don't want to miss!Havana A Go Go are Following a legacy with the performance, energy and pace of what was.....the Ramones!GABBA GABBA HEY!
(Other music on the site is by the Ramones, not Havana A Go Go)