The Defining Ten is where an artist/creative is invited to take us on a musical dot-to-dot journey of the tracks that led them to who they are today. These could be the first song they have a memory of, first purchase, first song they learnt to play, the track that opened doors, the track that closed doors, a track that inspired and led to a new musical direction – so expect a variety of tracks from themselves and other artists. These tracks will be played in turn – either from vinyl, CD or streamed – and discussed with the artist.
On Thursday 29th May we bring Dave Barbarossa to Worthing to discuss his Defining Ten.
Born and bred in Hackney London, Dave Barbarossa was 15 when he first picked up his drumsticks. In the late 70’s and early 80’s he was a founding member of Adam and the Ants and Bow Wow Wow, developing the distinctive tribal drumming style of that era. In the early 1990’s he toured with Fat boy Slim’s Beats International, and later that decade, with Republica.
He has worked with the likes of Gina Birch, Adamski and Chicane, and up to a few years ago, he was Roland Gift’s (Fine Young Cannibals) festival drummer.
In 2012 Barbarossa published his first book; ‘Mud Sharks’, a semi-autobiographical novel which charts the adventures of a misplaced North-London teen who finds solace in the drums and the burgeoning punk scene. More recently, in 2024, Dave published his second novel, ‘Mute’, a fictional tale of a young keyboard player who falls for a former model, while surviving in a once successful band decimated by its megalomaniac of a leader.
In early 2025 he played drums on ‘Chime Oblivion’, an album collaboration with John Dwyer of Osees which was released mid April and is currently working on ‘Barbarossa Beat’; a drum-based solo project. Dave is one half of the two-piece indie-rock band, Third House.
We’re very excited to have Dave joining us at the Cellar Arts Club in Worthing to play and discuss the 10 songs that have defined his creative career, after which there will be a reading from his latest novel “Mute.”
We will have copies of “Mute” available on the night and will be available to buy at a reduced price of £20 if purchased ahead of the event – see the separate listing at
https://musicsaves.co.uk/product/mute-dave-barbarossa/
The event takes place at the Cellar Arts Club, Marine Parade (off Prospect Place) in Worthing.
Please note this is a ticketless event – you will need your order number/ email receipt to gain entry to the show.
Tickets are non refundable unless event is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control
Seating is limited on the night – so please arrive early to ensure you have a seat!
This event plants trees – for each ticket purchased we will plant one tree with onetreeplanted.org #nomusiconadeadplanet
Also check out other Music events in Worthing, Arts events in Worthing, Entertainment events in Worthing.
