"If you won't pick a side, in a genocide, don't pretend you fight for the power!"
First single release from Rebellion favourites Bar Stool Preachers‘ next album, ‘Pick A Side’ was written about a true story.. A certain UK band got all huffy at their show in Madrid when one of the audience threw a Palestinian flag onto the stage. The band stormed off, then later posted a tweet saying they were “annoyed at being asked to pick sides for something we ain’t got any real idea about.”
‘Pick A Side’ was written by BSP keyboarist Alex Hay to express his disappointment with a band he had liked. It’s a no-holds-barred, say-it-straight questioning of the fence-sitters and cowards who are too scared to stand up against bigots, bullies and fucking genocidal governments.
“It needs to be sufficiently obnoxious for people to pay attention” says frontman T.J. McFaull. “The ‘na-na-na-na-nahs’ in the chorus are incredibly juvenile, but it grabs your attention to hear the message.”
Bar Stool Preachers don’t just talk the talk – now independent of any record label, they are donating every penny raised from the sale of the ‘Pick A Side’ single to Medical Aid for Palestinians. “We decided to take the control back and release our next album independently. As a result – for the first time in years – we can choose where the money goes.”
The bratty band who provoked the single have since backtracked, coming out in support of a ceasefire in Palestine, but there have been others.. “Bands will let you down, shame I liked your sound. Does your mother know you’re a coward?!” As well as the excellent lyrics in ‘Pick A Side’, BSP have come up with a brilliant, bouncing, banger of a tune – you’ll be singing along to this one at their upcoming live shows – see dates below!
Check out the superb video, filmed in Brighton, which was shot and edited in just 3.5 days by Paul Smith (Zombieteeth) who creates all of the band’s artwork:
Buy the single download from Bar Stool Preachers HERE, and you can also donate directly to Medical Aid For Palestinians – HERE
Bar Stool Preachers‘ fourth album ‘Party Eternal‘ is coming in October 2026… Keep an eye on their socials for pre-sale information and exclusives from Feb 26th!
Main Photo Credit: PAUL SMITH (Zombieteeth)
Fri FEB 27 – The Prospect Building, Bristol, UK
Sat FEB 28 – O2 Academy Birmingham, UK
Sun MAR 1 – O2 Academy Brixton, London, UK
Tue MAR 3 – Rock City, Nottingham, UK
Thu MAR 5 – Manchester Academy, Manchester, UK
Fri MAR 6 – O2 Academy, Leeds, UK
Sat MAR 7 – Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow, UK
Fri APR 3 – Independent, Sunderland, UK
Sun APR 5 – The Waterloo Music Bar, Blackpool, UK
Fri APR 24 – Parish, Huddersfield, UK
Sat APR 25 -Edinburgh Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, UK
Thu-Sun AUG 6-9 -Rebellion Festival, Winter Gardens, Blackpool, UK
Sun AUG 23 – Escot Park, Exeter, UK
Sat AUG 29 – Grand Hall, Scarborough Spa, Scarborough, UK
Thu SEP 3 -Beal Farm, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 2PB, UK
Follow Bar Stool Preachers on Their Socials:
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Usually found jumping around down the front at gigs, I also relish taking photos and videos, singing, speaking with fellow music fans, and asking musicians the questions nobody else does. Writing about my favourite bands and connecting with people who love music too keeps me more-or-less sane! I’ve worked for over 25 years at a video production company, mainly filming live music events, therefore I have an additional backstage perspective on the scene.
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