"It wasn't until the gig was underway and people were ringing and telling us what they were about."
Management at The Drysalters Pub on Elland Road, Beeston issued an apology after allowing a controversial band to perform on their premises.
The band that sparked outrage across Leeds and beyond was named as Combat BC, a band whose promotional material was thought to feature Nazi-inspired imagery.
The band's song titles include the likes of 'Anti-Antifa’, ‘Fightback’, 'Do or Die' and ‘New World Order’ and band member have been reported to speak out criticising left-wing, anti-Nazi group Antifa, “woke culture”, and other anti-right wing movements.
Before performing, outrage sparked online about the controversial band, which led to police involvement.
The pub is known to host a variety of music acts over the years. / Image: The Drysalters New
Following their performance, The Drysalters issued the following apology:
"I will start with a sincere apology to all. We didn't start this with the intention of upsetting anyone. We had a call early in the year asking to book the pub, we were told they were skinheads. When they arrived yesterday we were still none the wiser. It wasn't until the gig was underway and people were ringing and telling us what they were about."
"We were naive about the bands I had never heard of them.. but I had never heard of the other bands we have had either. We as people are not racist in anyway. So I can say we are very sorry for the upset that it has caused . It will never happen again. There is not much else I can say apart from how really sorry we are."
The apology has since received over 450 comments at the time of writing, many of which appear to be calling out the pub for being "none the wiser" despite what they believe were clear signs of that the band was a problematic choice.
E J Golden said: "Your staff could clearly do with training on hate crimes and racism in pub venues if they literally cannot see a problem with neo nazis dressed in the gear singing racist lyrics. How many racist incidents are they likely to handle well if they defend nazis on social media? I say that as someone [who] worked with pub security in Bradford during match season."
Whilst another comment read: "I have seen photos from inside your pub yesterday - open nazi filth on display - but you were "non the wiser", "didn't know" etc etc!"
According to reports, a previous post from the pub suggested that those who were voicing their concerns about the pub were criticised for not supporting the pub, which has faced closure twice in as many years.
The pub advertises itself as a "football friendly family run pub". / Image: The Drysalters
The Yorkshire Evening Post reported that the original post stated: "For everyone who is complaining about what music is taking place tonight, the police have been and nothing untoward has been mentioned. So as for Save the Salters, those who are moaning, where have you been?”
However, it is believed this has been updated or removed as it is no longer shown on the pub's Facebook page, where the apology was issued.
Feature Image- Google Maps
Audio
Inside the Leeds factory that makes and supplies classic jukeboxes
This Leeds-based family-owned business is famed for supplying pubs, clubs and even ordinary people's homes with classic jukeboxes.
Started up in 1978, Sound Leisure really is a local business like no other, creating and distributing classic jukeboxes to over 40 countries.
This music-machine-making company notes that 75% of the jukeboxes they manufacture and sell throughout the year are bought for everyday homes.
The remaining 25% of orders are for the all-expected hospitality venues like bars, clubs and hotels, with the jukeboxes sometimes bought for company headquarters and retail outlets too.
Although there are other jukebox manufacturers, especially across the pond in the US, Sound Leisure is the only factory in the world that creates jukeboxes to play out across all formats: CD, vinyl and digital.
This jukebox business even runs the world's only 'Custom Shop', which is a design service that offers any music lovers the chance to personalise their pristine player.
So whether you're after a themed jukebox, customisable nameplate or even a bespoke design, this jukebox company's website states: "If you can dream it, we can build it".
One of Sound Leisure's prized products is the music machine inspired Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-themed jukebox which any fan of The Beatles would dream of being its lucky owner.
And there really isn't anything they can't do, as alongside creating classic jukeboxes, the same team even make pinball machines, football tables, LED signs and more.
With CD and vinyl jukeboxes from £5,000 and digital jukeboxes quoted from upwards of £12,000, we're going to need a fair few rainy days to save up our money.
However, you can still marvel at these magnificent music machines without having to dip into your savings, with guided tours starting from just £15.
If you're up for learning a little bit more about music technology or simply after admiring these classic jukeboxes in all their glory, you can find out more about the factory and book your guided tour ticket HERE.
An independent one-day festival run by local businesses is returning to Leeds this summer
Clementine Hall
Bramley’s independent festival is back after a sell-out first year.
Three local businesses, no corporate sponsor, one big day.
That's the motto of Mill Fest - an indie festival returning to Swinnow Grange Mills in Bramley after a sell-out debut that brought more than 600 people through the gates.
Mill Fest began as a shared idea between three Bramley businesses who fancied putting on a proper day out for the area, and we're so glad they did.
Last August it turned Swinnow Grange Mills into a full day of live music, street food, flash tattoos, market stalls and cold pints in the sun. We can't think of a better way to spend the day to be honest.
Images: Supplied
This year Mill Fest is back and taking place on Sunday 2 August, and the plan is simple - keep what made it work and build on it.
There will be a full day of live music, the return of the flash tattoo day, more independent traders, street food and local beer. This time the team is keen to bring in more businesses and faces from around the area, and the full lineup and programme will be announced over the coming weeks.
Images: Supplied
Owen Wilson from Against the Grain Bar said: “We started this because we wanted to put something on for Bramley, run by the people who actually work here. Last year went better than any of us expected. The place was full, the sun came out, and it felt like the whole area showed up. We can’t wait to do it again.”
Danae Miller from Grays Salon said: "The aim for this year is the same day people loved, just a bit bigger. We’d love to get more local businesses and artists involved, and to see even more familiar faces down at the mill. If we get the weather, it’ll be another one to remember.”
The Hoot -
25th July 2022 
