Tabula Fire – The Dorset Rock Band Bringing Loud, Raw Energy to Every Gig

Five years in and still burning bright—Tabula Fire are the kind of Dorset rock band that make you want to grab a pint, push to the front, and belt out the chorus with a stranger. Blending heavy alt-rock, punk, ska, and a healthy dose of unpredictable energy, this Dorset-based four-piece knows how to light up a venue—without a click track in sight.

Born from Lockdown and Gig-Starved Madness

It all kicked off post-pandemic, when everyone was dreaming of crowds and stages instead of Zoom calls and banana bread. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Liam Patton called up his long-time bandmate Adam Goddard (bass and vocals), drummer Ben Gray, and classical shredder George Minhinick (lead guitar) for a jam. It clicked. Hard.

A few rehearsals later and it was clear: this was more than a lockdown hobby. It was the birth of Tabula Fire—a band with serious chops and an even stronger bond.

A Band Built on Decades of Gigs (and Glastonbury Mayhem)

Liam and Adam go way back, gigging together since 2009 in bands like Boxing Clever and Weapons of Brass Destruction. George brought the finesse, trained at the London Guitar Institute but happy to tear it up after a few beers. And when Andy Bartlett stepped in on drums for a last-minute show in 2022, learning a two-hour set in a week, it was game over—he became the full-time heartbeat of the band.

The Sound of a Dorset Rock Band: Dirty, Diverse, and Designed to Hit You in the Chest

Tabula Fire don’t do background music. Their sets are loud, fast, and full of songs you didn’t know you needed to hear live—until you do. “We aim for that triple whammy,” Liam says. “A song you loved, haven’t heard in years, and have never heard covered before.” Think Bulls on Parade, Every Me and Every You, The Joker and the Thief, with a finale of Times Like These to leave the place absolutely shaking.

No click tracks. No digital trickery. Just amps, sweat, and full throttle energy.

Dorset Gigs, Dancefloor Chaos & Collarbone Casualties

Weymouth’s late-night scene has been a stronghold for the band, with Finn’s Bar standing out as a favourite. “They’ve backed us since day one,” says Liam. Two New Year’s Eve gigs there made it into his top 20 performances ever. Why? Packed crowds, rowdy singalongs, and a community that genuinely gives a damn about live music.

Other memories? A dancefloor turned ice rink at a farmer’s wedding, a broken collarbone (not theirs), and a double-booked night in Dorchester where two bands showed up and the venue just… rolled with it. “Credit to the guy—he paid us both. Unsurprisingly, he didn’t last long in the game.”

The Quay Fest Set That Changed Everything

One gig stands out above the rest: Tabula Fire’s set at Weymouth Quay Fest. “We were on mid-afternoon, and the place just filled up while we played. Every time I called for energy, the crowd gave it back. That was the moment I looked out and saw my future wife watching from the town bridge. She didn’t even realise it was a free event.” Golden.

What’s Next?

The band’s taking a short breather this spring—Adam’s just become a dad (congrats!). But they’re back in action for the August Bank Holiday with a show at the Crown Inn in Bridport. Also on the cards: a stripped-back acoustic set, a refreshed logo (graphic designers, get in touch!), and more gigs across South Dorset.

Get Involved

Want to hear the fire for yourself? Head to www.tabulafire.com, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook for footage, updates, and the occasional gear meltdown. Whether it’s Bowie or Rage, ska or alt-rock, Tabula Fire bring it loud, live, and 100% their way.