His regular music nights at the Shay pub in Halifax are taking off, with people coming from far and wide to hear cult bands such as the UK Subs and 999.

And tomorrow night it's punk heaven with iconic rockers Sham 69 – now minus outspoken frontman Jimmy Pursey – playing in the town for the first time.

Barry, 47, who took over at the Shay two years ago, said: "It's like the ultimate dream. I am having the bands I used to watch playing in my living room."

Barry, who has been in the licensed trade for 17 years and used to run pubs in Burnley and Huddersfield before moving to Halifax, said bands from the US, Japan and Australia had played at the pub. "The UK Subs will be playing here for the third time in November," he said.

"The pub's reputation is now huge, to the point that bands get in touch with us for gigs."

He now wants to apply for planning permission to develop a beer garden for the summer as the events' popularity grows. He and wife Lisa have had customers from as far away as Birmingham and Glasgow.

Several support bands will be playing tomorrow before Sham 69 take to the stage at about 10.30pm.

l Punk teens win Halifax Battle of the Bands – see Page 27.