Something of another departure for us but that’s the intention. We take ‘roots’ in its widest sense and we’re keen to be challenging everything we do at every opportunity. The reason we’re doing all this is because we got tired of a diet of tribute bands and so we’re looking for alternative, interesting and challenging artists. Attila is all that and more. He’s been ‘Making Poetry History’ for over 25 years and he is in turns insightful, hilarious, confrontational and completely original.

Originally inspired by the punk ethic and in particular The Clash, Attila was championed by John Peel and recorded for Cherry Red records (who were responsible for some astonishing releases in the late seventies and early eighties). He’s been on tour ever since, for 27 years and regularly contributes to the Guardian, Time Out, the NME, the Independent. As well as performance poetry Attila has a punk band (Barnstormer), and he has a show on Radio Four. He’s released fourteen albums, numerous books of poetry, and he’s driving all the way from Brighton for the Crewe gig. If you’re interested in hearing what he’s like then point your mouse at www.attilathestockbroker.com/sounds/attila-radio4.mp3 and download a half hour Radio Four documentary on the man himself.

There are all kinds of downloads to be accessed on his website – just remember it’s not the punk band we’ve booked! If you’re canny, you’ll find legendary stuff like ‘The Russians are running the DHSS’ and ‘The Gospel According to Rupert Murdoch’ and ‘Libyan Students From Hell’ but the best starting point is the Radio Four link above.

Admitted, this isn’t what we’ve put on before but Attila is a hell of a performer with a longer history and more releases than anyone else we’ve booked. On top of that, we’re never going to be labelled predictable or complacent (which is what the live scene in Crewe has been for far too long). So, it WILL be challenging and we’re happy that way. Creweroots welcomes Attila the Stockbroker with open arms!