Back in February 2023, The Dollyrots and Don’t Panic came to the UK for a co-headline tour and this week they were back again. So on a hot Monday evening I headed to the bodega for a night of pop punk. Opening up for the night was Danny Gruff. An indie, pop and rock singer songwriter from Wales. He chatted to the crowd and shared stories about his cats, one of which was shown on the screen behind him. He’s definitely someone to look out for. Give him a listen and a follow. Then it was time for Don’t Panic. The band took to the stage and it was straight into Dark Horse, Regret Is A Terrible Roomate and Woe I. Ted chats to the crowd and I notice he pronounces Nottingham correctly rather than extenuating the ‘ham’ as lots of American artists do. The band bring Kelly from The Dollyrots out to join them for their cover of Time After Time, that was released a few months ago.
I caught up with Ted Felicetti from Don’t Panic ahead of the show at The Bodega for a quick chay
Hey, how are you doing?
I’m great thanks
How would you describe Don’t Panic to people that don’t know you or maybe just know you as the guy whose brother is in Bowling for Soup?
I try and keep that a secret haha. I’d say musically if you were trying to describe our band to someone in a quick and easy way, I always say we are a Pop Punk Foo Fighters. We’re a rock and roll band at heart, that grew up listening to a lot of punk rock music. But, our style ranges from Bayside to Lit, to No Use for a Name. We like to be pretty free flowing with our sound. As long as you like rock and roll, we’re your guys
Are you looking forward to getting back to Nottingham? Is this the 3rd time now? Ive seen you once solo & acoustic and once with the whole band.
This is my (Ted) 3rd time going to Nottingham personally. We actually didn’t play there on the acoustic with Jaret and Rob, but probably close by, The first time was with The Dollyrots in 2023, and once last year on our tour co-headlining with Thomas Nicholas last year (we played the Red Room at Rescue Rooms.) I always LOVE playing in Nottingham. We try to stop at ‘Ye olde trip to Jerusalem’ or somewhere else cool for a pint and meal before the show every year with our buddies in Lacey and it’s always a good time with a lot of friends. We also get a good mix of fans from all over the UK since it’s pretty centrally located.
Do you have any particular good memories from Nottingham?
A few for sure. Our first time there we stopped at Robin Hood’s castle and I had my first scotch egg, which I LOVED. But, the best story was later that night we went out for some drinks and our bassist Keith got kicked out of the bar we were at. He was not feeling well and puked into a trash can. He ruined his shirt and had to buy a hoodie so he would have something to wear. Then the staff hunted him down through the bar and kicked him out because they thought he was too drunk haha.
I know last time you were keen to sample English cuisine and several late night kebabs were eaten, is that a plan for this time?
Oh yes absolutely. We have become big fans of the late night kebabs. We also plan on spending more time at your fine dining establishment “Wetherspoons.” Our driver Olly also loves to treat us to Greggs sausage rolls every morning.
I’m loving the cover of “Time After Time’ with Kelly, will we get to hear it on the tour?
Why thank you so much! She really killed it on that one and we were excited to have her come lend her voice. As far as hearing it live… I guess you’re gonna have to come to the show and find out!
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