BIG SPECIAL
West Midlands duo pairing Black Country spoken word with drums and a preacher's howl — post-industrial frustration delivered as sermon.
BIG SPECIAL are a duo from the Black Country in the West Midlands, made up of vocalist Joe Hicklin and drummer Callum Moloney. Hicklin's delivery moves between spoken word, shouting and singing in a broad regional accent, set against drums, occasional keyboards and programmed backing. The lyrics deal with work, class, mental health and life in post-industrial England, often with a bleak humour running underneath.
Their debut album, POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES, was released in 2024 and drew comparisons to other British acts working at the border of punk, hip-hop and poetry. Live, the pair perform as a two-piece, with the drums carrying much of the arrangement.
Festivals BIG SPECIAL is playing
BIG SPECIAL at a glance
What festivals is BIG SPECIAL playing in 2026?
BIG SPECIAL is booked at 1 festival: Shaky Knees 2026.
Is BIG SPECIAL playing Shaky Knees 2026?
Yes — BIG SPECIAL is on the Shaky Knees 2026 lineup, September 18–20, 2026 at Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA. They play Sunday, September 20.
What kind of music does BIG SPECIAL play?
BIG SPECIAL is tagged alternative.
Also on these bills
Porch LightThe StrokesTurnstileFontaines D.C.GeeseDanny ElfmanHot MulliganSnow StrippersBen HowardAlice Phoebe LouGoldFordCartel
More alternative acts
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