Review - Ferocious Dog + Man the Lifeboats at Waterfront 10th October 2026

Photography and words by BeckyKat Kaptures

This is a gig I've been looking forward to for so long. My friend, Bec, introduced them to me several years ago and after hearing "Victims" I was hooked. Ferocious Dog are folk punk, they have strong political themes, many driven by personal experiences. The themes are important and intense at times but they also have such a great energy and dancing vibes.

This is their farewell tour so last chance to see them. 

Supporting is Man the Lifeboats, alternative folk. A great choice to join Ferocious Dog, covering topics of life in modern Britain, British history, politics and drinking songs. Perfect energy to begin the evening. 

Man the Lifeboats were a dynamic duo this evening and they really got the crowd going. Mostly guitar and accordion but also some mandolin playing. They have important political messages delivered in energetic and fun way. 

Covered some great songs including a song about beer - "Carry Me Home" and a really powerful track to end on "Born Drunk". 

Perfect way to start the evening. 

Then on to our headliners, just wow! The energy and drive was incredible from the offset. And the 3^rd track (last song to photograph) was "Victims", now people of Norwich you've seen a photographer attempt to sing, dance and shoot at the same time. Bec and myself clocked each other from photo pit to pit both ecstatic. 

"Crime n Punishment" involved some great mandolin playing by Sam and Ken, vocalist, hopping about like a kangaroo. 

"Kleptocracy" really got everyone moving. Throughout the performance the band were incredibly dynamic and energetic owning the stage and entertaining the crowd. 

We were reminded of the importance of supporting one another and reaching out for help if you need it. As at every show, The Samaritans were there collecting. Ken was also supporting the Norwich Hunt Sabs, a cause very close to my heart, and they had signed a t-shirt to support them. This led into an emotive "Broken Solider". 

Mid set they treated us to a swap of lead vocalists with Kyle, guitarist, taking centre stage for a few tracks including "Darker Side of Town".

And for something I've never seen, during "Sus Laws"  they all swapped instruments and played well, very impressive. The crowd was delighted. 

For the awesome "Hell Hounds" Ken encouraged a circle pit with good etiquette and the room erupted in movement. 

We had a highly emotive final track with "Slow Motion Suicide", I had goosebumps. 

Ending, as is tradition, with a high energy dance number of "Nellie the Elephant", with Ken directing the crowd in this beautiful dance. 

Now that is a night none of us will soon forget. 

Follow here:

Ferocious Dog - Facebook - Instagram

Man the Lifeboats - Facebook - Instagram