UK SUBS

2024 marks the U.K. Subs’ 47th anniversary of the band & will see Charlie Harper reach his 80th birthday on 25th May ! This legendary punk band continues to represent the true spirit of punk rock. Inspired by the Damned at the birth of British Punk, the now equally legendary Charlie Harper formed the Subs out of his then R&B outfit The Marauders, circa summer 1977.
Starting out as The Subversives, the name was shortened to The Subs and then changed to U.K. Subs, whilst early line-ups merged their high-speed R&B sound into punk.
October 1977 saw Charlie joined by Nicky Garratt on guitar, and it was the Harper/Garratt song writing partnership that would go on to collaborate on the band's most successful record releases. Through 1977 and 1978 the band played shows all over London including the infamous Roxy punk club, building up a fiercely loyal and sizeable following. Their first ‘recorded’ output was on the ‘Farewell To The Roxy’ LP.
This bought them to the attention of John Peel who was obviously impressed enough to offer to finance their first single. However, City Records ended up releasing their first brilliant single, C.I.D, in September 1978. It became a huge indie number 1 hit. In 1979, they signed to Gem Records and surprised everyone by becoming one of the most consistently and visibly successful punk bands, with seven consecutive UK Top 30 hits between 1979-81 - Stranglehold, Tomorrows Girls, She's Not There, Warhead, Teenage, Party In Paris and Keep On Running. They also scored two UK top ten albums - Brand New Age and Crash Course - establishing themselves throughout the world with a heavy touring schedule that still continues to this day.
Led by the indefatigable 72 years young Charlie Harper - now venerated as the godfather of UK punk - the band has continued to improve through various line-ups and record companies.

Still touring worldwide, they maintain that true spirit of punk rock continuing to inspire each subsequent generation of fans. There has never been any division of fan and band with the Subs, and Charlie’s unrelenting love of his audience and music shines through. This is something that galvanized listeners of Steve Lamacq’s BBC 6music show to vote them as the most respected of Punk ‘icons’, to win the 2010 Punk World Cup.
2016 saw the eagerly anticipated final album ‘Ziezo’ released as they completed their quest to be the first band to release their official albums alphabetically A to Z!. In 2023 the band announced it would be their final year of touring, but not the end of playing live shows & Festivals
With a fabulous line up in place of Charlie, Steve Straughan on guitar, Alvin Gibbs on bass and Stefan Haublein on drums, the U.K. Subs continue to entertain, enlighten and enthuse with blistering recordings as well as their ever-popular enthralling live shows.
Like a vintage wine – the U.K. Subs just get better and better.

Is this a standing or seated event?

This will be a standing only gig. Please contact the venue on 01582 878100 should you have any accessibility needs.

Does the venue have accessible facilities?

The performance space is on the ground floor and is fully accessible to all. Accessible toilets are also located near the space.

Is there parking available at the venue?

Situated in the heart of the cultural quarter, the Hat Factory is a stone’s throw from Luton’s mainline train station and bus interchange. 

If you are planning to drive to the event please find below a list of the closest car parks to our venue:

Midland Road Station Car Park, Station Road, Luton LU2 0HR - £2.90 to £3.90 depending on day and time

The Mall Central Car Park, John St, Luton LU1 2JE - £1.10 after 6pm

The Mall Market Car Park, Melson Street, Luton LU1 2JX - £1.00 after 6pm

Power Court, 26 Power Court, Luton LU1 3L J - £0.80 after 6pm

Library Road Car Park, Library Road, Luton LU1 2NG – Up to £3.50 for 3 hours

Each car park is a 2-5 minute walk from our venue and are open 24 hours.

Is cash accepted as a form of payment?

At The Hat Factory we are a cashless venue. Therefore, we kindly request that all payments made at the box office and cafe be via electronic methods. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.