After catching Punk Rock Factory’s unforgettable performance at Rock City last year, our designer Natalie was so impressed that she didn’t hesitate to grab a ticket for their intimate gig at Rough Trade, and an unforgettable experience...
After seeing Punk Rock Factory live for the first time last year at a sold out Rock City, I quickly became a huge fan of their incredible cover hits. Right after their show, they announced on social media that fans could now pre-order their new album, All Hands on Deck. For a '90s kid like myself, this album is pure nostalgia, featuring classic tracks like Gangsta’s Paradise (originally by Coolio) and Larger Than Life (by Backstreet Boys). But of course, Punk Rock Factory doesn’t stick to the originals—each track gets a fresh punk rock twist that I absolutely love!
Not long after, Rough Trade revealed that Punk Rock Factory would be performing an acoustic set at their Nottingham store, offering a fun, family-friendly experience. They even planned to stick around afterwards for an album signing, making it a must-see event for fans.
I made my way down to Rough Trade, eager for what was to come. Once inside, I grabbed a drink and picked up my CD of Punk Rock Factory's highly anticipated new album, All Hands on Deck. I found a spot, excitedly settling in as the crowd began to gather, eagerly awaiting the lads to take the stage. As we waited, their new album played softly in the background, and I have to say, I was completely blown away by how impressive it sounded! The tracks, filled with fresh punk rock energy, completely transformed some of the most iconic '90s hits.
It was incredible to hear such nostalgic tunes, which are still a staple in pubs and clubs across Nottingham, re-imagined with Punk Rock Factory’s unique twist. Songs I’ve heard countless times throughout the years took on a whole new life, and I couldn’t help but smile at how well they made those timeless tracks their own. The anticipation in the room was palpable, and I couldn’t wait for the show to start!
That day, the band had two scheduled performances—one at 12pm and another at 6pm. I was told that the earlier show was primarily attended by younger fans, which I found incredibly heartwarming. It’s wonderful to see that they’ve cultivated such a diverse audience and made their performances accessible to younger listeners. Many bands might restrict entry for younger crowds, so the fact that they welcomed them speaks volumes about their inclusivity.
I opted for the 6 o'clock show, which was completely sold out. The energy in the venue was electric, and to my surprise, there were children in attendance at my time slot as well, some even securing spots right in the front row. It was amazing to see such a mix of ages enjoying the music together, creating a truly special atmosphere.
Punk Rock Factory took the stage to the sound of Bye Bye Bye, their own high-energy rendition of the NSYNC classic. Right away, they let us know that this performance would be very different from their usual shows, where they typically bring the house down with electric guitars and pounding drums. Instead, this time, they were going fully acoustic—an unusual experience not just for us but for them as well.
Before diving into their set, they asked if anyone in the audience was attending their first show. Naturally, quite a few hands went up. They reassured newcomers that this was far from their typical concert experience, encouraging them to ask anyone who had attended their Rock City shows for comparison. But honestly, they had nothing to worry about—their acoustic performance was every bit as captivating as their usual high-energy sets.
An unusual experience not just for us but for them as well...
The stripped-down nature of the show made for a more intimate experience, which I personally loved. It allowed the band to connect with the audience on a deeper level, and it was especially great for the younger fans in attendance. The atmosphere felt special, almost like a private jam session, proving that no matter the format, Punk Rock Factory knows how to put on an incredible show.
They were absolutely thrilled to share some incredible news with us—just minutes before taking the stage, they found out that their album had officially reached number six in the charts! The excitement was palpable, and their gratitude was endless. Throughout the evening, they repeatedly thanked the fans for their support, making it clear just how much this achievement meant to them. It was a special moment to witness, and you could feel the joy radiating from the band as they celebrated with us.
The night kicked off with their hugely popular cover of Part of Your World from Disney’s The Little Mermaid, a definite crowd-pleaser for fans of all ages. The acoustic arrangement gave the song a fresh, unique feel, and honestly, it made me wish they’d release a full acoustic album—I have no doubt it would be a hit! They haven’t done one yet, but they absolutely should.
Between songs, the band shared how much Rock City means to them, calling it their “second home,” which was met with huge cheers from the audience. Their second song of the night was Larger Than Life by the Backstreet Boys, and it was fun to see so many parents in the crowd—especially the mums and dads—singing along with just as much enthusiasm as their kids.
When they got to Bye Bye Bye by NSYNC, they shared a funny story about meeting fans at other shows. Apparently, at meet-and-greets, they discovered that kids were often bigger fans of the song than their parents—thanks to its inclusion in Deadpool! The guys had a brilliant sense of humour throughout the night, constantly cracking jokes and keeping the audience laughing. Their mix of music, energy, and fun banter made for an unforgettable show.
Some of the biggest highlights of the night came when lead singer Peej Edwards built up the anticipation in the crowd. At one point, he started singing a long, drawn-out "Whoooo," and instantly, the audience caught on—they knew exactly what was coming next. He stretched out the suspense for as long as possible before finally launching into the SpongeBob SquarePants theme song, sending the entire venue into a frenzy. The crowd absolutely loved it, singing along at the top of their lungs.
Another standout moment was their performance of Bluey, which was such a massive hit that they ended up playing it twice! The energy in the room was incredible, and one fan even asked if they could record it for their daughter at home. The band was more than happy to oblige, making the moment even more special. It was clear that their setlist wasn’t just about playing great music—it was about creating unforgettable, interactive experiences for their fans.
As they prepared for their final song of the set, the band once again took a moment to express their heartfelt gratitude. They couldn’t believe how lucky they were to have such incredible fans and made sure to let everyone know just how much they appreciated the support.
At one point, they smiled and pointed to the front row, where a tiny newborn, bundled up with ear defenders, was taking in their very first concert. “This fan has literally just been born!” they joked, earning cheers and laughter from the crowd. It was a truly heartwarming moment and a perfect reminder of how their music brings people together—fans of all ages, from the very newest to the lifelong supporters.
After the gig, fans were invited to queue up for a meet-and-greet with the band. Unlike some artists who rush through these moments—Punk Rock Factory took their time with everyone. They chatted with each fan, signed everything that was handed to them, posed for photos, and truly made the experience feel personal. They weren’t just going through the motions; they were fully present, making sure every fan left with a special memory. I overheard one fan ask the band, “Why Disney songs?” Their answer was pretty interesting. They explained that when The Lion King was re-released, they decided to cover Can You Feel the Love Tonight— originally by Elton John. The response was incredible, and the cover became a huge hit. That success sparked an idea, and from that moment on, they realised that Disney songs were the perfect fit for their style. Since then, they’ve built a massive following, with fans loving their unique punk-rock take on classic favourites.
When it was finally my turn in the queue, I couldn’t help but feel a little shy, but the band instantly put me at ease with their warmth and friendliness. They were incredibly kind, taking the time to sign my CD and pose for a photo without ever making me feel rushed. It was clear that they genuinely cared about their fans and wanted to make each interaction special.
And yes, boys—just as I promised, my review of the album is a solid 5 out of 5! It’s an absolute masterpiece, and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone reading this. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and give it a listen—you won’t be disappointed!
Punk Rock Factory performed at Rough Trade (twice) on 17th February 2025. They are returning to Nottingham in February 2026 for another epic show at Rock City. Tickets are already selling fast, and it’s almost a full house—so don’t miss out.
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