By Rachael Grealish

Fresh off their exhilarating performance supporting Guns N’ Roses at BST Hyde Park, BAD NERVES is set to return to Whitehaven for the Boof’s final bash.

Just two years after their West Cumbrian debut, the band told The Herdwick News exclusively, they are thrilled to return to the place where their Whitehaven story began – performing at the Boof Festival next month.

The Boof Festival is returning to Whitehaven for the last time on August 18 and 19, after 17 years of music events in the area, where, alongside BAD NERVES, Cast, The View and The Lottery Winners will headline. 

Last month the punk rock band – made up of Bobby Nerves, Will Power, Jon Poulton, Sam Thompson, and George Berry – shared the stage with rock icons Guns N’ Roses and The Darkness and explained they are still buzzing with excitement. 

Bobby said: “That show was great. We’re super grateful to be invited to play anywhere, to be honest, let alone at a festival like that with so many huge established bands. ”

This experience has left a lasting impression on the band, and they are eager to bring that newfound energy and knowledge to their upcoming performances as they said: “Big names like Guns n Roses or The Darkness, those guys have been doing this for years, so naturally they’ve gotten really good at it. 

“The BAD NERVES live ethos has always been a punk one – especially influenced by The Ramones live sets -, so our thing has always been go out, play it fast, loads of energy but keep it tight. 

“I think the main thing that stands out with these stadium bands is the crowd interaction and set design, it’s not just playing a bunch of songs in order, it’s crafting a set that’s gonna deliver your songs in the best light and also be entertaining. Those bands nail that.”

After such a huge performance, next up for the Londoners is making their return to Whitehaven – a town they say they feel they have a special connection with and although not native to Whitehaven, the band recognises the significance of their debut performance there just two years ago. 

Bobby said, “Always a pleasure heading back to Whitehaven, it holds a special place in our hearts.”

But as the lads were made aware of it being the last Boof festival this year, they were struck by the news.

“The final one? Oh man, I didn’t know that! That’s a real shame” Bobby expresses, “We always enjoy our shows and make the most of it, because one day it will all be over, you know? And that saying rings true here, so we’re really gonna make the most of every second of this one!”

Although their connection to Whitehaven may be relatively new, BAD NERVES is excited to experience the unique energy of the town once again, as Bobby said: “We love playing live and performing, but when the crowd has as much or more energy than you and they’re singing the words it really gives you an extra lift. 

“It just makes it so much easier sometimes, and it makes you think ‘we must be doing something right’. And we’ve always had that whenever we’ve played in Whitehaven, so it would be great to experience that again at the Boof.”

While BAD NERVES recently released their electrifying 8-track EP, Alive In London, we couldn’t help but wonder about what’s next – to which they did reveal they are working on their next album and more music.

“We’re in the studio now as it goes. I can’t say exactly when our next release will be, but you can expect an album early next year with some singles before then,” Bobby explained. “We’ve been playing a new track from the album (that’s going to be released as our first single, I think) live at our most recent shows. It’s been exciting to add something new to the set.”

Looking ahead, BAD NERVES has ambitious plans in store. They are determined to embark on a UK and EU tour to support their upcoming album, and while they may not hail from Whitehaven, they express a desire to return to the town that holds a special place in their musical journey. 

“Hopefully we can get a show in Whitehaven in there, I’d hate to think the last time we come back here is the Boof this summer,” they said.

As BAD NERVES gears up for their performance at The Boof Festival, the excitement builds in Whitehaven. From supporting Guns N’ Roses to returning to where their Whitehaven adventure began, the band is set to deliver a finale that will leave an indelible mark on both themselves and the enthusiastic crowd.

Talking about BAD NERVES returning to Whitehaven, one of the Boof Festival organisers, Josh Shepherd, said: “We are so happy to welcome back BAD NERVES, they have been one of the best new bands we’ve had play for us, and now they have such a big following in Whitehaven it’s great.

“They remind us so much of Sound of Guns, Whitehaven knows a great band when they see one and will travel the country to see them, the same is happening with the band.”

Josh added that the Boof founder, Danny Maudling, had been in attendance of BAD NERVES’ performance at BST Hyde Park and said it was ‘awesome’.

“BAD NERVES are going to be the perfect headline support as they get the crowd electric for The View,” Josh added.

Catch BAD NERVES at the final Boof Festival, on Saturday, August 19 – tickets can be found HERE.