Now that we’re in May, we’re closing in fast on Call of the Wild and we’re going to be back for another year! So we’re getting to know as many of the bands set to play the Trailblazer Stage in 2026 that we can pin down. Soho Dukes play the Saturday.
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
The year of our Lord 1870, I think. Certainly around the turn of the last century. We tend towards the era of gas lamps. Electricity is so extraordinarily brash and vulgar.
How long have you been playing together as a band?
The Dukes first gig was back in 2017, but it feels longer because all of us are constantly appalled by each other’s behaviour. We’re busy planning stage shows for our tenth anniversary next year. Expect us to be bursting out of a big cake. Or half a dozen separate cakes. Because we detest each other.
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Where does the name of the band come from?
The band are all veterans of London’s Soho district. Back in the 1980s and ’90s we were always bumping into each other at the same Marquee Club gigs or in the pubs thereabouts. The band name is a tip of the hat to our shared history. It’s quite possible we were all once sick on the same night bus. It’s quite beautiful really.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Magazine reviewers have compared us to so many bands; Heavy Metal Kids, Mott The Hoople, Small Faces, Rolling Stones, Ian Dury. We just do what we do. We’re naturally unique, I guess. And enormously handsome.
What’s your live show like? Why are people going to watch you instead of another band?
If this is any kind of an answer, I’d definitely buy a ticket to watch us. I really would! Unless I could get on the guest list, of course. I’m not stupid.
Have you been to Call of the Wild before? What did you think?
We’ve not had the good fortune, sadly. The trolley buses down our way stop well south of the M25.
Can you put into 10 words or fewer how it felt when you realised you were heading to Call of the Wild?
Bucket list! Honoured and humbled! And these other five words.
What sort of setlist can we expect?
A4 usually. Handwritten always. Occasionally we’ll give Swerve, (our mercurial keyboard player), a set list that’s ordered slightly differently from everyone else’s. Chaos can be beautiful. It keeps you on your toes.
Stage times haven’t been announced yet, so which other band do you most hope you’re not clashing with so you can see them play?
That’s a great question and I wish I could give you a specific answer, but the line-up is so strong! We’re just looking forward to being entertained. That’s not a diplomatic response, that’s the honest truth.
What are you working on at the moment?
There’s a live album in the can, which we’re looking to release imminently. And the songwriting never stops, so there’s always something new on the way. The next studio album is already half-written, hot on the heels of the last, Nighthawks, Acrobats and Everything Under The Moon, and we’re properly chuffed with the way it’s shaping up. Good times!
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
Nothing wild ever happens at a Dukes show. Every single stage move is choreographed to the absolute minutest detail. And if you believe that, you’ve never seen us…
What drink do you throw back to get yourself fired up before going on stage?
If it’s free, we’ll drink it. Honestly. We’ve no shame. None at all.
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Call of the Wild Festival 2026 takes place 28th – 31 May and remaining tickets are on sale here.
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