Band The Otherness play free gig to support threatened Dolphin pub

The Otherness played a free gig in support of Mare Street pub The Dolphin yesterday (Thursday)

Let’s save The Dolphin, we had better do, 
It is up to me and it is up to you,
You policeman you ain’t so bright,
Put your gun down and have fun tonight

A version of David Bowie’s Rebel Rebel rang out as rock band The Otherness stirred up some revolutionary spirit at the first in a series of free gigs being held as part of a campaign to save The Dolphin pub.

Members of the Argentinean group, which cites supporters ranging from BBC Radio 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins to punk John Robb and John McClure from Reverend and the Makers, used to live next to the pub and said it felt like a “home” to them.

The late-night hangout currently faces an uncertain future after the police applied for a review of its licence.

Lead singer Martin Cativa said: “We will complain if the Dolphin closes – it is the pub where you can be yourself and hang out late. We could never understand why it was one of the only venues open to have fun and dance later in a ‘city that never sleeps’.”

The Dolphin. Photograph: Ella Jessel

Treated well by the pub’s owners when they were newcomers to London, the Argentineans said they love the borough but have noticed changes in demographics and attitudes.

Band member Gonzalo Cativa said: “I would like Hackney more if it was less snobby. The neighbourhood suddenly became cool but not real, and there is nothing wrong with ordinary people. They wrote the best songs and the best books. It makes no sense to close The Dolphin when it is the core of the real Hackney.”

The pub’s manager Kay Underdown said the series of gigs were intended to “raise awareness and do everything we can to keep the pub running”.

Related:

Not Dolphin friendly: future of pub threatened after police launch review