The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican

Event information

Founded in Barnsley Rock City in 2006 by their outspoken and energetic ringleader, Scott Doonican, The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican are on a mission! Far from being your typical folk ensemble, this cult-like collective of like-minded knit-wear enthusiasts are determined to follow in their spiritual father’s immortal footsteps and keep his legacy alive. Scott and his brothers-from-other-mothers, Alan, Mo-Jo and Dave, have quite the talent for Bar-Stewardizing other famous people’s songs with new satirical comedy lyrics, on folk instruments, and to complete their outrageously understated image, the Doonicans have become instantly recognisable for their immaculate hair and their stylish choice of sexy knitwear, and instantly memorable for their lairy, no-holds-barred, anarchic live shows.

A group that is both perpetually on the move, ever-evolving and joyously independent, they have played close to 1300 side-splitting shows to date, and have brought smiles and belly-laughs to audiences across the UK; from Barnsley to Barnstaple, from Glastonbury to Glasgow. They continue to wow audiences with a fine selection of their greatest hits, including the likes of “Jump Ararnd”, “The Lady In Greggs”, "How Deep Is Your Glove?", "Paint 'em Back", "Goat Yoga", and “If I Could Punch A Face… It’d Be Justin Bieber’s”.
They have written and recorded eleven studio albums, independently released over 40 live recordings, successfully crowd-funded nine separate independent vinyl releases, played on top of mountains, wowed-festival goers across the length and breadth of the UK, had six different beers brewed and named in their honour by four different breweries (one of which, 'Doonicans' is an award winning part of the brewery's core range of ales), they have sold-out six consecutive shows on a Mississippi paddle-steamer on the Norfolk Broads in less than 20 seconds, hosted their own sell-out music and comedy festivals, written & performed in their own musical, are featured in the Experience Barnsley Museum Music Archives, hold the bar-takings record for at least ten theatres, have been the recipients of six different individual awards as voted for by the public in the Barnsley Music Awards, played the Avalon Stage at Glastonbury Festival, and to 20,000 people at Fairport's Cropredy Convention (twice!), and even scaled the dizzy heights of a #1 and a #2 single and a #2 album on the iTunes Comedy Charts (plus a National chart position in the Top 100)! That's not too shabby for a daft little unsigned comedy folk band from Barnsley, who manage themselves, eh?

The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican can't wait to bring their shindig (and their new line-up) to the Shire Hall, and they promise that they WILL rock you… but gently!

"The greatest thing to come out of Barnsley, since the A61 to Sheffield"
Jarvis Cocker, Pulp

"Always enjoy the boys from The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican. When the North goes independent I am suggesting ' Too Good To Be Jus' is our national anthem. Great fun"
Jason Manford, comedian

"The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican are very, very funny... parodists extraordinaire. One of the hardest working and best live acts on the planet. Bringing light to dark corners and joy to babes and toothless mumblers alike. Lovely stuff."
Mike Harding, comedian, folk-musician, author & broadcaster

"An act that you will wanna go and see over and over again. Absolutely hilarious"
Dave Pegg, Fairport Convention

" The 8th wonder of the world is actually in Yorkshire... a wonderful Yorkshire genius collective known as The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican. To see them is to know true magnificence"
Kate Rusby, Multi-Award Winning Folk-Musician