A Ferocious Dog gig doesn’t feel like a concert - it feels like a reunion.
Hailing from Warsop, Nottinghamshire, this six-piece outfit has developed an unwaveringly devoted fanbase with a blend of Celtic folk melodies and raw, unrelenting punk rock. With a sound as raucous as it is heartfelt, the connection Ferocious Dog have developed with their fanbase has to be seen to be believed. Lovingly referred to as the ‘Hell Hounds’, the band has come to represent a much larger family of outsiders, misfits, and rebels than just the 6 men on stage, all bound together by the force of shared ideals.
Though they have always spoken truth to power, whether through songs of social injustice, or deeply personal stories, it’s their 2024 album Kleptocracy which is perhaps their most biting statement yet, dissecting real-world exploitation and corruption with razor-sharp lyrics and anthemic hooks. Their tour schedule reads like a globe-trotting adventure, from festivals in the Netherlands to shows in Kenya and Dubai, from intimate clubs to festivals like Glastonbury and Beautiful Days. Wherever they go, the Hell Hounds follow, in no small part thanks to the band’s commitment to making a real-world difference.
Frontman Ken Bonsall’s son Lee, an Afghanistan veteran, tragically took his own life in 2012 due to post-traumatic stress disorder, and Ken and the rest of the band have channelled this heartbreaking loss into a profound force for good. The band established the Lee Bonsall Memorial Fund in his memory, using their platform to raise awareness about mental health issues among veterans. It’s this commitment to change which has led the Hell Hounds to see Ferocious Dog as much more than a band, but advocates, allies, and friends.
The Hell Hounds are legendary for their loyalty, travelling the length and breadth of the country and beyond to support the band, and with six albums under their belt, Ferocious Dog are showing no signs of slowing of slowing down. We spoke to frontman Ken Bonsall to talk about the band’s history, their devoted fanbase, and the deeply personal stories behind their music.
Ferocious Dog has grown into quite the Folk-punk powerhouse! What do you think has been the key to the band’s longevity and success?
Definitely the energy of the LIVE SHOWS!
With so many line up changes at Ferocious Dog over the years, the one thing that sets us apart from other bands in our genre is the speed of the music and making a connection with the Hell Hounds to take them on a musical journey.
Do you see an evolution in your sound since the first releases? Do you find yourself taking bigger risks these days?
The evolution of the band over the years has been incredible. To keep at the top of our game over so many years is down to great musicians smashing out powerful and thought provoking songs at the same time as whipping the room up into a frenzy, which keeps them coming back for more.
Let’s delve into the themes on Kleptocracy. I take it you’re not a fan of the system as it currently stands?
Kleptocracy! Our latest studio album doesn’t pull it’s political punches. FD have have never shied away from mixing politics with banging folk/punk infused tunes. Kleptocracy carried on this tradition of pointing out the injustices of past and present corruption in politics and working class struggles against the crown and the establishment.
The Hell Hounds must be one of the most passionate fanbases we’ve ever encountered, rivalled only by the Juggalos. How do you think you’ve been able to develop such dedication in your audiences?
Wherever Ferocious Dog play the Hell Hounds will travel, this kind of support is not only unique but amazing. It’s great to see the Hell Hound Family looking out for each other at our shows and inviting newcomers into the fold.
Can you share some moments when that sense of community really moved you?
What really gets me everytime with the Hell Hounds is the community spirit and seeing total strangers coming together to help each other at shows, ie when you see women who would love to come along to shows by themselves but have concerns,, the Hell Hounds quickly answer to make arrangements to meat up and make sure that they’re never alone and made welcome in the Hell Hound Family. Also the amount of support for charitable causes never ceases to amaze me.
Can you tell us your perspective on veterans mental health in 2025? Have you seen any improvements since the establishment of the Lee Bonsall Memorial Fund?
We have seen improvements in what the charities are providing. We have visited Combat Stress who do amazing work but the government should be taking responsibility and funding these organisations instead of them being charities.
Who have been your favourite artists to play alongside and tour with?
Having had the great fortune to support such great bands over the years like The Levellers, The Wildhearts and Stiff Little Fingers, the chance to support Flogging Molly on their European and UK tour was simply amazing with some great memories made on the road too.
Sherwood is all about fighting to protect smaller venues. Can you name some of your most treasured Spaces to play?
The Owl Sanctuary in Norwich, which sadly is no longer open as a music venue, but that show for Ferocious Dog was our first time playing at this small, but iconic music venue.
What’s coming up in 2025?
2025 is going to be a busy year for Ferocious Dog. We’ve booked into the Electric Bear recording Studio in Mansfield, having recorded The Red Album and the Fake News and Propaganda studio albums there previously. We have a Spring Acoustic Tour booked, this is a change to all of our previous tours, a different way to see Ferocious Dog. Lots of amazing festivals to look forward to finishing off with a full electric Autumn tour.
Finally, what is Ferocious Dog’s ultimate goal?
Ferocious Dog’s goal is to increase our fanbase and to play to more and more Hell Hounds and make great musical memories.