From one-off gigs in the local pubs to a two-and-a-half day blowout at Northampton’s Roadmender venue and featuring some of the scene’s biggest names, Bedlam Breakout has risen in stature to become a highlight on the psychobilly calendar. A not-for-profit endeavour that’s truly made for fans by fans, Bedlam is large enough to attract the biggest names, but small enough to retain a friendly, family vibe, and it’s certain to provide an unforgettable experience for all who attend. With a solid bill that transcends genres, this year’s event is looking to be the best yet so we caught up with Tobe Wright, one of several friends who all conspire to make Bedlam happen.
Bedlam is back for another weekend of fun this March. I wonder how far in advance you start putting things together?
Usually 12 months advance!
Although Bedlam is based here in Northampton you attract bands from all around the world. Are you still able to attract international acts like before Covid?
Of course, we constantly have bands from around the globe asking to play here!
Can you tell us about the international bands who will be appearing this year?
Batmobile (from Holland) are of course one of the top bands from the scene and will be headlining Saturday. Raygun Cowboys from Canada are flying in for an exclusive one-off show, following a small tour and playing the punk festival Rebellion recently (it’s their second time at Bedlam though!) and they play some wild rock n roll..with a brass section too! Gun Saloon Especial hail from the Indian Ocean (on one of the French ruled islands) and play in an old school psychobilly style. Klingonz, although originally based in Ireland, now reside in Finland and play some of the maddest punky psychobilly on the scene! Rockin’ Batz are a fairly new band from Germany and again bring a modern twist to the old school psychobilly sound. And we have a debut UK gig from The Memphis Morticians flying in from the USA to give us a flavour of the East Coast psychobilly sound … these guy’s are supposed to be fantastic live judging by what some close friends have told us.
Also, Bedlam attracts fans from all over the globe. Are you aware of anyone travelling a vast distance for this year’s Bedlam?
We always have a good turnout from the German, Dutch, Scandinavian and French fans, but I know we have a few coming over from the USA and I think I heard some from Australia this time as well…
There are three strong headliners this year. Can you tell us a bit about each?
The Blue Cats on Friday night (which has unofficially become the rockabilly night) are one of the pioneers of the neo-rockabilly scene and still produce new material and top class performances around the world…a great UK treasure!. Batmobile are of course one of THE best psychobilly/neo sounding bands out there and are very unique in the fact that it is still the original three members after all these years later and are fairly prolific in producing new material which just gets better each release…superb guys and always give 110% on stage with their wild stage shows. Restless are of course known around the world for their neo rockabilly style (again pioneers of this side step from trad rockabilly) but were regular favourites at the Klubfoot and similar psychobilly gigs around the globe that has kept thousands of psychobilly fans following them, as well as the fact they are constantly on the rockabilly circuit playing to the more traditional rockin’ crowds. This makes them quite unique as not many bands have the ability to crossover both scenes, sadly!
I know you mentioned the three headliners in your question, but I think it’d be remiss if I don’t mention stalwarts like the Long Tall Texans (mainstays on the psychobilly scene), Klingonz (with their bonkers stage show with Klownarchy!!) and, of course, the welcome return to the scene of The Stingrays…who have reintroduced a great interest with their garage trash sound…it is great seeing these guys back on stage more regularly now as opposed to odd gig here and there, and they are apparently making new material too!
Are there any bands making their Bedlam debut this year?
Always! That’s one of Bedlam’s reasons for existing! Gamma Rayz (ex Skitzo), The Bitter Pills (featuring ex Jack Rabbit Slim guitarist) The Hitmen, Helltown Sinners, The Cain Pit, Killer Saucers From Hell (local Northampton band), Dead Hombres, Joe Bombast (local one man band of GoGo Loco fame), Gadgets (two-piece local band), The Bitter Lemons (female fronted rockin’ trash from Birmingham area), The Del Roswells (surf trash from Liverpool area, if I remember correctly) as well as Rockin’ Batz (from Germany) and the previously mentioned The Memphis Morticians (USA) and Gun Saloon Especial (French Islanders).
Can you tell us about some of the other musical highlights over the weekend?
Thee Scarecrows always give great shows with two drummers and lots of audience participation! The Surfin’ Wombats who celebrate their 40th year on the psychobilly scene. The Dead Shout are a newish UK band that are creating something of a stir at the moment. Deathcaps and Planet Strange are also UK based bands that are flying the flag and starting to bring in new fans to the scene, too. Whilst Henry and the Bleeders always perform great sets.
Psychobilly has a strong visual element; not only the dress style but bands like Thee Scarecrows aka really put on a good show. If people want to see a spectacle at this year’s Bedlam, what bands should they check out?
All are hand picked for their sound and stage shows..but if it is spectacles you’re after then Thee Scarecrows and their hay headed lunacy are a must see. Klingonz perform all dressed as Klownz and include a sword swallowing unicycling madman! But you should just come and watch the lot of ‘em!
Are there any younger bands on the scene who have the potential to headline Bedlam one day?
Again, our aim is to keep the interest in the scene going and these new and younger bands will hopefully one day replace the oldies! We do also have the The Zipheads playing, while not new to the scene, they have now gained a reputation playing to non-psychobilly crowds which can only help the music as a whole (and played main support to Hayseed Dixie on their recent tour). Bands like The Cain Pit from Norwich have their own unique sound and style and it isn’t psychobilly… it’s just great damned rockin’ music that also play on other circuits but have been noticed by fans of psychobilly.
Bedlam isn’t just about punky psychobilly but a wide range of high energy rock n’ roll. What various styles will be on offer this year?
From the neo-rockabilly of Restless and The Blue Cats to the garage trash of The Stingrays to the Killer Saucers From Hell and The Bitter Lemons. There’s surf trash, old school psychobilly alongside modern psychobilly sounds. There’s such an array of styles on display to be honest.
Are there any bands who haven’t played Bedlam who you’d really like to book in the future?
Lot’s…but we’ll keep those under wraps for now!
In addition to Friday evening and two full days on Saturday and Sunday, there are also bands playing at The Bear pub after The Roadmender closes. Can you tell us about that: what bands will be playing and how is The Bear connected to Bedlam?
It’s so close to the main venue and all facilities and hotels that it just works out. It started when one of our friends used to run it years ago and loved the music. Of the bands playing there, Friday we have Dead Hombres who perform punky rock n’ roll and also Joe Bomblast (GoGo Loco’s singer/guitarist), a one-man show. Saturday we have replaced The advertised X–Ray Cat Trio with a fairly new band from Sheffield called Galloping Dick (as in Turpin!) and then closing Sunday night and the festival is the surf trash band The Del Roswells and a local father and son rockin’ duo called The Gadgets
In addition to the music there are also various vendors at Bedlam. What will be available this year?
There’s the Bedlam vinyl, CD and festival merchandise stall, and others selling t-shirts jewellery, shoes, coats, dresses, handbags and freaky stuff in general! Plus, many of the bands are sure to bring merch along.
I’d say that Friday evening would be a good way for the curious to check things out. How would you tempt the uninitiated along?
If you like rockabilly, punk rock, goth or anything alternative and in between…come along…it’s a friendly atmosphere where no one is judged. Bring a good attitude and you will be made to feel very welcome. We are finding younger people showing an interest now as well as people that used to be into alternative scenes as well and, of course, old psychobilly fans rediscovering the music and bands they used to love. Psychobilly is something non political, fun and a bit bonkers…what’s not good about that in this day and age?!
Bedlam hits the Roadmender on 13th, 14th & 15th March 2026. Tickets available here.
