Here are reviews Buzzcocks May 08, SLF MAr 08, Twice seeing the Sex Pistols Nov 07, from The Jam May 2007, TV Smith Apr 2007, Vibrators Mar 07, SLF Dec 06, UK Subs Dec 06, Conflict Nov 2006, SLF Oct 2006, Babyshambles Oct 2006, Boys Oct 2006, Lurkers Sep 2006, UK Subs May 2006, ANWL Feb 2006, Wasted London 2006, Wasted May 2005, Ari-Up March 2005, Wasted Dec 2005, Subs May 2004, P&TTTB Apr 2004, SLF Mar 2004, SLF Oct 2003, HITS 2003 at Morecambe, Strummer at Portsmouth 2002, Subs at Bournemouth 2002, Pistols at the Palace, HITS 2002 at Blackpool, HITs 2001 at Morecambe, SLF at Portsmouth and Sham twice in Brighton.
Buzzcocks - The Brook Southampton 1st May 2008
It was strange not seeing a support band supporting the Buzzcocks, but like Stiff Little Fingers last month, the Brook didn't put on a support band to warm things up. This meant that we had to wait until 9.30 before seeing the Buzzers.
Anyway the Buzzcocks came on and did a really good set of more older stuff... yes not much came from their last few cd's. The crowd took a little while to get going, and there were three idiots down the near front who were annoying everyone.. they got chucked out early on.The sound was much better than in Portsmouth when I saw them last about 4 months ago, and of course the Buzzcocks are the best in the business at playing pop/punk songs. Yes they have got some really good tunes and the band ceratinly give the impression of enjoying playing. Sometimes I think Steve Diggle goes too far with his heavy metal guitar stances... but when he went off before the encores, he was rubbing a can of beer across his guitar, and obviously enjoying himself.
Here is the set list for the evening, they started off with a couple of real oldies Boredom and Fast Cars and then did the following I don't Mind, Autonomy, Get on our own, What ever happened to?, Oh Shit, Moving away from the Pulsebest, You say you don't love me, Sound of a gun, Noise Annoys, Breakdownm Love you more, What do I get, Promises, Harmony in my Head, I believe. Diggle and Shelley then went off, and left the drummer and Tony Baber doing a 5 minute drum/bass instrumental. Then they went off, and everyone came back on for an encore, of Girl from the Chainstore, Orgasm Addict and Have you fallen in love. Then they went off, and that was it, a very enjoyable gig.
If you haven't seen the Buzzcocks before then you won't be dissapointed when you see them..
SLF - The Brook, Southampton 10th March 2008
The day Jake Burns came to tea, well almost... !!!!
SLF visited the Brook in Southampton for the first time ever, which is only 3 miles from my house. The 500 capacity Brook was a sell out. Suprisingly there wasn't a support band, which was a shame as I always like seeing a support band. I think a support band warms up the gig for the main band, and you never know you may see someone really good. I remember seeing the Cure supporting Siouxsie back in the late 70's, before the Cure became big.
Go for it rings out at 9.20, everyone of course sings along, and then SLF appear on stage, and it was good to see Aly back in the band.
The band run through a catalogue of really good, and different songs. I've now seen SLF something like 12/13 times or more, and each time I have heard a totally different set, which is just what I want to hear, and no I don't want to hear a greatest hit set. Here was a run down of what they played in no particular order Silver Lining, Doesn't Make it all right, Harp, Love of the Common People, Is this what you've fought the war for, Barbed Wire Love, Fly the Flag, Tin Soldiers, Strummerville, At the Edge and Wasted Life. I know I've missed out a few as well.
SLF came back for two encores, the first one was Suspect Device, and the second was a very long, or it seemed to me version of Johnny Was, and to finish it off, a great rendition of Alternative Ulster. SLF played for about 1 hr 25 mins, and yeah I enjoyred the gig, Algy gives it lots, jumping about andhaving a good time, and Jakes rasping voice is still one of the best in the business.
Jake of course talked in between most of the songs, he's 50 now you know, explaining as normal why he wrote or choose the song. The crowd were up for it, and yours truly, despite getting older (i'm only 47) was down the front, jumping up and down as usual.
It was a shame that Bits of Kids wasn't included in the set, as that song is very relevant to todays life, but mind you its been one played on the last couple tours that I've seen, so perhaps it was time to give it a rest. Another song I would love to see played live is one of my favourites Piccadilly Circus, maybe next time eh.... perhaps it can replace Wasted Life or Johnny Was.. as they nearly always get played.
Sex Pistols - Brixton Academy - Wednesday 14th Nov 2007
This was my second time of seeing the Pistols on this tour, the first time I was upstairs in the circle, but not this time I was downstairs right near the front.
First up were the Cribs who had lots of energy, a trio of young lads who could play their instruments really well, but lapsed into too many guitar solos for my taste, still they put on a good show with their indie type of music, and livened the place up. NME seem to be hyping them up at the mo.
Next up was Goldie on the turntables� he certainly wound lots of people up, by just being there� and playing drum and bass for ages� yes the anticipation for the Pistols was hugh, and he took the brunt of it.
The Pistols came on at 21:30, with the singalong tune of There will always be an England playing� and It was straight into Pretty Vacant, and that old dance routine of pogo, pogo and more pogoing. The sound down at the front certainly wasn�t as good as I heard upstairs last week, probably because I was too close to one of the speakers, but that was more than made up by the fact that the band were so much closer. I could see every little grimace, stare, and gesture from Rotten of which there were tonnes� yes Rotten was certainly playing the crowd, and didn�t we love it. Being down the front was a million times better than being upstairs. You could feel and see the passion in the Pistols performance.
Anyway the songs came and went, each one a classic, each one well received, and each one I sang along and pogoed to.. we had nearly the same set list as when I saw them on Friday night. Pretty Vacant, Seventeen, No feelings, New York, Did you no Wrong, Liar, Holidays in the Sun, Submission, Stepping Stone, No Fun, Problems, God Save The Queen and EMI. Then the Pistols went off, and came back on to play Bodies, and again another brilliant version of Anarchy. Anarchy for me is the best Pistols song there is, then it was off again.
Everyone began making their way to the exit, and thinking that was it, as the house lights came up, and the music came on, but no they came back for one more song, Roadrunner, which John dedicated to Denton Connell, the name which was on the flag displayed above the band, see Johns website as to who Denton is. The words to Roadrunner were changed, but for me this was the worse song of the night, then they were gone.
I had some really good memories of this gig, with Jonesey donning his union jack hankerchief, the band sounding tight, and Rotten just being himself, and looking like he was really enjoying himself. Its a shame that only Rotten has something to say, but he does that well enough.
Perhaps the funnest bit for me was as John was walking off at the very end, he spotted Johnathon Ross in the corner, and shouted out to him.. 'Shy are we Johnathon', of course everyone looked over and saw Johnathon Ross cowering in the corner looking all shy. Classic!!!!
Sex Pistols - Brixton Academy - Friday 9th Nov 2007
I remember reading in Sounds way back in 1976 that a band called the Sex Pistols were doing an Anarchy tour with a few other bands... how I wanted to go, but being sixteen at the time, and the Pistols playing now where near me I couldn't go.
I grew up with the spirit of the times and of the Sex Pistols inside me, take no bollocks from anyone, say what you mean. go and do the things you want to do.. etc etc... only the people who lived through those times will know what I mean, and yes those traits are still with me.
Anyway I waited till 1996 before I got to see the Pistols for the first time, and have seen them since.
Now 2007 is here and what would the Pistols be like.. at least we have the four original members still there.. not many bands can say that after 32 years. So what do I really expect from the Pistols.. yes punk as a movement died out in the late seventies, and yes it did change various attitudes and things in society, but in the big scheme of life, nothing much changed. I still have the same old feelings inside me that I had when the Pistols first started, and those songs still mean a very lot to me. So here I was outside the Acadamy in Brixton waiting to go inside. Once inside I looked at the merchandise stall, 20 - 25 quid for a t-shirt, do me a favour, they are cheaper on the web...anyway I got my GSTQ t-shirt over 10 years and its still going strong, so I don't need another one.
I only managed to get a circle ticket for tonight, so went upto the circle, you can sit where ever you can find a seat, with the stewards saying they will be no standing tonight... anyway I sit through the support band from just around the corner called the Thirst, nothing new or exciting there.
15 minutes before the Pistols came on there was a big chat of Pistols, Pistols!!! excellent stuff..
The sound of 'There will always be an England' comes out of the speakers at 21:30, and on come the Pistols, to a massive reception, everyone except for the front row is standing up in the circle.. everyone sings along to There will always be an England, and then its staright into Pretty Vacant.. I manage to move right down to the second row of the circle and have a brilliant view, all the classics come along one after another, theres no Hawkwinds Silver Machine tonight or any other songs like that. The songs come and go, Stepping Stone sounds brilliant with Steve, Glen and Paul producing a really good tight sound, John introduces No Fun, as No Fanny tonight unless we're lucky. No Fun was perhaps the song that didn't work for me on the night, but everything else did. We had Seventeen, No Feelings, New York, Did You Know Wrong, LIAR (dedicated to Malcolm), Holidays, Submission, Stepping Stone, No Fun, Problems and just before they played God Save the Queen, the back drop of the queen on lots of postage stamps was let down, then it was into God Save the Queen, the whole place errupted. Then they go off, well they are all over 50...and come back for the first encore to do EMI, and an absolutely brilliant version of Anarchy which had the whole place going. I thought that was going to be it, in some ways it would of been just right to end with Anarchy, and that brilliant version, but they came on one last time to finish off with Bodies, and then they were off. They played for all of 1hr and 10 minutes.
Looking back on the gig, the highlights for me was the sound, with Liar, Stepping Stone and Anarchy being played really well, the band seemed so tight, Johnny as always is a great front man, the best there is especially the way he was today, and he was certainly enjoying it. The crowd were up for it as well, especially singing an imprmoptu version of I do love to be beside the seaside.
I certainly didn't think they would be as good as they were, of course its not going to be the same as when they started 32 years ago, so all those people hoping to see the spitting snarling Johnny Rotten which the media publiscised all those years ago, (oh ok he did have a few spits), but you know what I mean, are not going to see that. Those songs are all classics and mean a lot to me, and were so much a part of my growing up period, and something I can always relate to. I am now looking forward to Wednesday, yep I'm going along again, this time I'll be in the stalls down the front.
The Jam - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth 27th May 2007
I saw the Jam five times back in the late 70's early 80's and to me The Jam were one of the best bands that came out of the punk explosion. Weller for me was easily the best song writer to have come out of that era. I remember buying the Gift LP, and reading the words to all the songs before actually playing the LP.
Well here I was driving down to Portsmouth with my mate Ian from part time punk. My thoughts were along the lines of .. would this just be like another tribute band, seeing as the main singer and songwriter wasn't going to be singing the songs, the guy whose every word I hung onto whilst he was in the Jam. I've seen both the Stranglers and Undertones both with their original singers and their new singers, and for me both those bands without Huw Cornwell and Fergual Sharkey didn't cut the mustard. Lately we've had Pursey leaving Sham, and Mensi leaving the Upstarts, both of those bands have continued on without their main singers, although I haven't heard the new singers, how can we have Sham without Pursey and the Upstarts without Mensi...
Anyway as you can tell, I had my reservations..
We arrived at the Wedgewood Rooms in the bucketing rain, with all the tickets sold out ages ago, it seems like everyone wanted to see the new Jam.
First up where a band called the Hewatts, who played a mainly Who set, with the Undertones Teenage Kicks, and the Buzzcocks Ever Fallen in Love being part of the set. The Hewatts finished off with the Whos' Substitute and My Generation.
The Jam came on at 9:30, with Bruce sporting a blue suit, with a great pair of white shoes, and Rick a blue t-shirt, and wheres all his hair gone.. I was down near the front, with a really good view. The Jam launched straight into 'In the City', not bad... then 'The Modern World', bloody hell this sounds good... the new Weller sounded really good, plus he had a Rickenbecker.. not with The Boys sticker on it though. The songs came thick and fast, each one a classic, although I haven't played any Jam songs for a while now, I near enough remembered every word from every song, thats how important the Jam were to me growing up in late 70's Britain. As far as I can remember the Jam played the following Life from a Window, Davie Watts, A Bomb, Tubestation, So Sad about us, To Be Someone, Mr Clean, Strange Town, When You're Young, Eton Rifles, Little Boy Soldiers, Going UnderGround, Pretty Green, Boy about Town, Town called Malice, Ghosts and the Gift. Each song sounded really good, with both Rick and Bruce producing a great rythmn section. I was very suprised at how good the new Weller sounded. It was a shame that Bruce didn't sing any of his songs, but he had Laringitus, and couldnt really do much singing, but he did do a couple of those famous Foxton jumps in to the air... great stuff...mind you the crowd knew all the words to the songs and were singing along. Don't forget Bruce always takes in the Wedgewood Rooms when he played down this way with SLF, and has always been greeted warmly, this time was not any different. The Jam came back for one encore of three/four songs, which of course was greeted with delight.
I don't think Life from a Window worked very well at all, but Tubestation, Eton Rifles and Town Called Malice were the highlights for me.
So what did we both think of the gig driving home, my mate Ian thought I'd be a bit moody, and saying how crap it would be, another bloody tribute band, but no we both agreed that the gig was bloody excellent, best so far of the year for both of us. The sound was really good, the Rythmn section was excellent, The new Weller actually sounded like Weller, the songs were classics, the atmosphere was spot on. We also both decided to get a ticket in December to see them again this time in Southampton, yep thats how good they were... we're going to see them again!!!! This Jam were certainly no tribute band.. go and see them, its well worth it.
TV Smith - 3rd May 2006 - Southampton Firehouse
This was my gig I�ve been to since my son died in a car crash a month back, http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1300572.mostviewed.police_name_car_crash_victims.php , so my emotions have been everywhere for the past month, and I wondered how I�d cope going to a gig.
This was TV Smiths first time in Southampton since 1977 when he played with the Adverts and the Damned at Southampton University, this time he played at the newly named Firehouse. The Firehouse used to be the most notorious lads pub in Southampton back in the late 70�s called the Warrens. The pub was eventually closed down by the Police after Millwall had heard about its reputation and decided to visit the pub before a football match.
TV needed someone to look after his merchandising stall, so myself and Part Time Punk Ian arranged the merchandising stall at the side of the stage, and then sat down to see an acoustic set from half of the Flying Alexanders, who I saw supporting the Subs a while back.
Before the gig, TV had been down to Southampton University to see Russ Bestleys Punk Artwork Exhibition, although I haven�t seen the Exhibition yet, it goes on until the May 26th.
TV came on stage at about 21:30 and played an acoustic set for about an hour and three quarters, and only for a fiver. Now that�s value for money� Of course all the favourites were played including Get British Mistake, Cast of Thousands, Not in my Name, Immortal Rich, No Time to be 21, Bring the Bull Down, Lords Prayer, Gary Gilmores Eyes, Bored Teenagers, One Chord Wonders, Safety in Numbers, Lion and the Lamb, New Church, Good Times are Back, The Ghost of Westminster, Runaway Train Driver, The day we caught the Big Fish, and numerous other songs.
The best bit for me was when TV spoke his Punk Rock poem, and then you knew that Gary Gilmores Eyes was going to be played next, and yes yours truly was down in front of the stage, along with 15 or so people jumping madly up and down to an acoustic version of Gary Gilmores eyes, which was followed immediately by One chord Wonders. Wow those songs still bring back some brilliant memories of the late 70�s, and are classics. Even an acoustic version gets everyone pogoing madly, it just shows the strength of the songs. The atmosphere inside the venue was really good, and seemed to be light hearted, everyone was there to see a Punk legend and to have a good time, and they went away certainly not disappointed. TV came back for two encores and would of played all night if he could, he certainly puts a lot of passion into his set, and enjoys it. That�s what its all about.
I had my initial conceptions about going to see TV, and wondering if I could cope after what happened to my son a few weeks back, but I thoroughly enjoyed the gig, and what a tonic it was for me. I know TV does have quite a few depressing songs in his set, as he himself mentioned, but theres no one better for passion and lyrics.
It seems to me that more and more people are actually taking in and listening to what TV says in his songs, and I think that shows in the merchandise that we managed to sell for him after the gig. Heres to the next gig in Southampton TV�
Vibrators - Joiners, Southampton 23rd March 2007
After suffering from a cold for the last few days, and having not been out, I decided at 8 o'clock that I needed to get out and see a band or two, so I sped down to the Joiners Arms in Southampton to see four bands for 9 quid.
I got there half way through Night of Treasons set, but managed to catch them doing the Upstarts Police Oppresion, Ramones Commando, The Clashs White Riot, Slaughters Cranked up Really High, and they ended up playing Menaces GLC to finish things off. I always enjoy seeing them play those great old covers. It gets me singing along, and sets the evening up nicely.
Next up were Red Letter Day, who I haven't seen for a few years, they have a new bassist, and she certainly knows how to play bass and sing. After seeing a covers band, it was good to see a band playing their own stuff, the only cover they played was Limo Life from the Subs as the final song.
Now the next band up were called The Talks from Hull. They were a great surprise for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed their set. They were young, and played a mixture of punk/reggae. They reminded me so much of the BabyShambles, with their style of fast/slow type of music, but when they slowed their music down, they played some very good reggae beats. They were something different for me, and got a lot of people up dancing. They ended up with the Beats Hands off shes mine. Take a look at their myspace link at http://www.myspace.com/thetalks , you won't be dissapointed, and no I certainly don't think they are another one of those punk/ska bands.
The main band of the evening were the Vibrators, what a shame there were'n't more people to see one of the longest running punk/new wave bands around, but I suppose all the uni students were away on their holidays, so the place wasn't packed. Anyway the Vibrators opened up with Automatic Lover, and powered through their set including Baby Baby Baby, Judy Says, Disco in Moscow, Politician, and Troops of Tomorrow, amongst others They came back for an encore and played the Ramones Sheena is a Punk Rocker, and the Clashs White Riot.
It was good to see a new young band mixed in with the older punk bands, The Talks were able to add their youngfulness and energy to the evening, and also something new. As always the sound down the Joiners was very good.
SLF - The Nexus � Southampton 20th Dec 2006
This was the first time that SLF have played in Southampton for 20 years, and it was good to see them back, with a sell out gig. I remember seeing them for the first time back in Southampton in either 1978 or 1979, and have seen them 9 or 10 times since then. Ever since I first heard that first LP, and saw them live, SLF have always been a band that I�ve really enjoyed both listening to and seeing live. Jake still writes songs about everyday events and there is always a classic song from every new Album.
First up were a young band, called The Exposed. They were a four piece, with the singer also playing bass. Although the sound was bad and you couldn�t really understand many of the lyrics, they put on a good show. It was good to see a young band playing punk tunes with not a cover among them. They have an lp out, and you could see that Green Day was one of their influences.
Next up were a covers band called Stu Dent and the W*nkers, I do enjoy the banter between the band and the crowd, its always entertaining. They played various covers including So What, and ended up with their own song called Student W*nkers.
Then it was the turn of SLF who came on about 10 o�clock and played for about an hour and a half, with two encores. It�s really great seeing Ali back with the band as he certainly livens up the stage show. He�s always jumping up and down, and certainly enjoys it. First song played was Roots, Radicals, Rockers and Reggae, followed by Fade Away, and then the following all got played At the Edge, Back to Front, Strummerville, Silver lining, the newie Liars Den which will be on the new album, expected next year, Guitar and Drum (yeah sod off X factor), Breakout (an excellent first lp song), Doesn�t make it alright, Cant get away with that (spotlight on Ian Macallum), Listen, State of emergency (Jakes first ever song he wrote for SLF), Fly the flag, Wasted life, Is this what we fought the war for and Tin soldiers
The band returned after the Fingers chant went up and played Barbed Wire Love and my favourite Suspect Device, then off they went again, and returned for a 2nd encore of Alternative Ulster. By this time I�d made it to the front row, and you could see that although SLF had played this tune a million times before, they still gave it their all� excellent stuff..
The crowd were up for it, right from the start, it isn�t often you get a band like SLF playing in Southampton, and it showed� One good thing about the night was that Jake didn�t need to have a moan about people chucking beer or anything else on stage, everyone in Southampton just wanted to have a good time, and they did.
UK Subs - Joiners, Southampton Thurs 7th Dec 2006
The Subs have come down South quite a bit over the past few years, and it was good to see them back down at the Joiners. The Joiners is an excellent venue, with a great sound system. The bands do actually sound like they sound on record, sorry CD. Every trip down the Joiners is well worth it.
On the bill tonight were four bands for eight pound, not bad value at all. First up were Sarah Jane Smith a good four piece band, who played I�m sure some a few of the more obscure rock/punk/new model army type covers. I�m unsure whether they played any of their own material. The funniest bit of the night had to be when SJS handed the mike over to one of the punks in the audience who proposed there and then to his girlfriend, of course she accepted!!!
Next up were Night of Treason who played a good set of late 1970�s punk covers including Londons Burning, Police and Thieves, Capital Radio, Police Oppression, Alternative Ulster and Cranked up Really High. I love hearing those old covers live, and certainly get you in the mood.
Next up were Finger Monster who were not my cup of tea, so I retired for a chat/drink in the bar
Then it was time for the Subs who played for about an hour. The Subs certainly didn�t disappoint tonight, and of course started off with CID, followed by all the favourites in no particular order Warhead, Party in Southampton, Emotional Blackmail, Riot, New York State Police, Tomorrows Girls, Squat 96 (a new one eh Charlie, well it is 10 years old now), Stranglehold and also a couple I don�t think I�ve heard them play like Barbies Dead and Disease.
The crowd at the front were lapping it up, and having a great time. Charlie was sporting the blonde look, and seemed to be really enjoying it, even managing the odd or pogo or two.
Conflict � Nexus, Southampton Sun 26th Nov 2006
Conflict are a band that I have never seen before, they were due to play at one of the Wasted festivals one year, but couldn�t make it for whatever reason, so I missed out on seeing them, so this was a chance I wasn�t going to turn down.
The Nexus in Southampton is also a new venue for me, it used to be a nightclub, but now hosts various bands, and has a strange shape to it.
Anyway I got in there early with a mate of mine as we wanted to catch the two support bands, Whole in the Head and Social Parasites. Both bands are local to the South Coast.
First up were Whole in the Head� who are a four piece hard core band, their sound reminded me of Special Duties ramped up 100 times. They just seemed to go for it as loud and as fast as they could. They may have a message to say in their songs, but I couldn�t make out a damn word of any song they sung. So for me it wasn�t a good start.
Next up were Social Parasites, who were a bit more tuneful, but not much, again it was hard on noise, so I went to the bar. (god am I getting old here)
Then Conflict came on at around 9:20 and played for about an hour and 20 minutes. Conflict played a really good entertaining set, with one encore of two or three songs. The sound was bad at the start, and sounded much better towards the end, after the drummer went up to the sound man to get the sound changed.
The crowd took a while to get going, but the mosh pit was full with people pogoing up and down, and enjoying the band.
1977 was my favourite punk time, and I always thought the 1977 bands had a more tuneful edge to punk, than the 1980�s bands. I always thought the 1980�s bands were edging into Heavy Metal terrorrity. Conflict proved me wrong tonight, and although I only knew a one of their songs which they played �Theres no power without control�, I would certainly see them again. What with 7 quid to get in, t shirts only a fiver, and CD�s also a fiver, this is what punk rock always used to be about, and still is with Conflict.
SLF - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth 23rd Oct 2006
This was the first time that I've seen SLF for two years, and what a treat it was. I first saw them back in 1978 or 79, and wasn't it good to see Ali McMordie back with them again... he certainly injected something back to SLF.
First up were Goldblade, this was the first time that I've seen them, and they got the place going, with some good songs, and a good stage performance.. yours truely joined in the vocals on Psycho.. and the only other one that I've heard before is Black Sheep Radical. I enjoyed their set, and they got a good reception from everyone.
SLF didn't arrive on stage till 10:15.. and played for an hour and a half, including two encores .. yes two encores.. I haven't seen that for a while, but the crowd were just lapping it up, and thorougly enjoying it. Although most of the Fingers crowd consist of people around my age... yes I was 17 in 1977, there were quite a few younger kids there, which means that a whole new generation are getting off on SLF.
SLF started off with Roots, Radics, Rockers and Reggae with a good sound, and followed it up with the following which are not in any particular order.. and I know that I've missed out quite a few songs, but trying to remember a whole set whilst pogoing away takes some doing... Strummerville, Doesn't make it alright, Guitar and Drum (my favourite track from that CD), At the Edge, Gotta Gettaway, Can't get away with that, with of course Ian Macallam taking over the vocals, Listen, a newie called something like Liars Club, Barbed Wire Love, Fly the Flag, Back to Front, Breakout, Silver Lining, State of Emergency, and they finished the set with Tin Soldiers. I'm sure stand up and shout was also played, anyway Ali seemed to be totally enjoying it, and seemed to have a great stage presence about him, and of course all those early songs which he was part off sounded great.
They came back for the first encore of Wasted Live and Suspect Device after lots of Fingers, Fingers chant and then finished off with a second encore of Alternative Ulster after further chants of Fingers, Fingers rang round the Wedgewood Rooms. This was a totally different set than the last two times that I have seen them, and was I pleased that they played some songs I haven't heard for ages like Breakout and State of Emergency. This was for me the best that I have seen SLF play in the last 5/6 years, and yes they played lots of songs from those early LP's... great stuff.
What I like about SLF is that they are still writing very good new songs, about things which matter, and seem to change their set every time they go on the road.
Although Portsmouth was the last gig on this tour, catch them next time round and you won't be dissappointed.
Babyshambles 04 Oct 2006 - Southampton Guildhall, Southampton
I was looking forward to seeing the Babyshambles after all the hype and paper talk about Pete Doherty... and plus I never did catch the Libertines when they supported the Pistols in 1996.
There were a couple of support bands who weren't my cup of tea.. very poppy, and the sound wasn't too good.
The Babyshambles came on at 9:30, and I was about 12 or so rows back from the front on the left hand side.. and they started with Janie Jones, yes the Clash version, well as you can guess, I ended up about 6 rows from the front pogoing up and down.. and singing all the words.. My mate and me were probably the only people in the place except for the band who knew the words... ok they didn't play it that well... but it didn't matter.. after that the songs came thick and fast.. and the first 4 or 5 songs sounded really good, and Doherty had the crowd eating out of his hand.. everything he did was greeted with big cheers, and lots of things were thrown on stage, which he picked up and either looked at, put on or laughed about... the average age of the crowd seemed to be 18-20, with everyone jumping up and down.
Most of the Down in Albion CD was played, with the highlights being Albion, Pipedown and Fuck Forever which had the first 20 or so rows jumping up and down.. that was a sight... there seemed to be lots of lulls in the set, with Doherty at one stage chucking his microphone into the crowd.. and then another time swinging the microphone around that it hit the drummers cymbal.. and nearly hit the drummer.. he must of lit up 5 or 6 fags during his set. What did make me laugh was during the slow bits in the songs, a lot of the audience would stop jumping up and down, and end up chatting amongst themselves until the band speeded up, and then they would jump up and down again...
Amongst the songs that I recognised were Up the Morning, Albion, Loyalty Song, La Belle et la bete, Fuck Forever, Peipedown, Killanagiro, In love with a feeling, What Katy did next (which I thought sounded pretty bad), There is a light and sticks and stones.
The Shambles set was entertaining mainly cos Doherty makes it that way.. but it was a shame that after playing for an hr and 20 mins, they went off, and didn't return for an encore.. probably because they played all their songs, and didnt have anything else to play.. I would love to have heard fuck forever as encore instead of being played earlier on... the gig at the end seemed to just peter out... and it should of ended on a high..
The Boys - Barfly London Oct 2006
As most people know John Peel played the Boys endlessly on his show in 1977.. and yes I listened most nights.. and even have some of the tape recordings from that time with the Boys featuring on them a lot... As soon as that First Album came out I was down the record shop with my money in my hand buying it...yes to me that LP was one of the LP�s of 1977. The Boys have also got so much Punk history involved with the band, from the London SS to the Ramones.
Years later... the Boys are back playing London.. 30 years after they last played there.. no I never saw them play first time around.. but was glad to have seen them play twice before in Morecambe and Blackpool.
This gig for me was one that I had waited for for a long time.. the Boys playing on their home turf, and not at a festival where they could play their own set, and have their own crowd in..
For me Friday night was excellent, and heres what happened.
I saw a couple numbers from the support band... they reminded me of a younger Green Day..
I was already down the front when the Boys came on... and from the first song TCP onwards I was totally enjoying it.. they played Terminal Love quite early on, one of my favourites, and I think I was the only person pogoing jumping up and down.. still I didnt care.. it was one of my favourites.. I stayed down the front all the gig and comtinued jumping up and down like an idiot, and ok, there were a few restful/slower numbers being played from the later album which maybe aren't my favourites, but it was good to see a set which was taken from all the albums/cds.. and was very varied.. those first album songs went down really well... living in the city, first time, box number, sick on you, soda pressing etc etc.. brilliant.. I was in heaven, those songs meant so much to me in 1977... and still do now.
The band seemed very tight with a good sound being produced.. making the songs nearly as good as the recorded versions.. everyone seemed to be enjoying it.. and what pleased me was the varied amount of different type of people there... this wasn�t your mohacian punk caricature type gig.
The band came back on for an encore of five songs� which included Cop Cars and Sick on you� more first lp songs� great stuff� and then Casino Steel ended the gig with a solo of Goodnight Irene
I shook hands at the end of the gig with each of the Boys as they came off stage, and said how much I enjoyed the gig, and how good the gig had been.. I also said please dont leave it another 30 years before they play London again.. I think they were all too exhausted to laugh.!!!
Here is the set list.. TCP Rue Morgue See Ya later Terminal Love Weekend USI Cast Of Thousands Kamikaze Heroine Do The Contract Box Number Brickfield Nights Worm Song Soda Pressing I Don't Care First Time Living In The City
Encores: Jimmy Brown Gabrielle Cop Cars Sick On You Goodnight Irene
Lurkers 03 Sep 2006 - Joiners Arms, Southampton
I decided at around 5ish to go and see the Lurkers play at the Joiners Arms in Southampton.. I got there at 1/4 8 just when the first support band were starting their set.. The Deadend Dolls were a three piece band, with the two singers alternating singing the songs. They played a varied set with the opening couple songs suffering due to the sound not being quite right. After the sound was adjusted they sounded much better, with the bassist although not having a strong voice sounding much the better of the singers.. Next up were a local band called Night of Treason who I have seen before, and they played a set of old punk classics.. New Rose, White Riot, Cranked up really up, Capital Radio, Safe European Home and a few other classics.. I always like singing along to those great songs, and they set the evening up for the main band.. but before the Lurkers came on, there was another support band, a very young band.. I think they were called zero consent, which featured a trumpet and a saxaphone... I thought we were going to have a bit of ska punk here, but it wasnt too be.. mmm I'd better not comment any more on their noise.. sorry sound.. but the young 17 year old girls in the crowd seemed to love them. Not for me though...
The Lurkers came on at about 10 oclock and started off with Freak Show, then Wolverine, and included the following songs 'Take me back to Babylon', 'One Day', 'Rubber Room', 'Pills' (great one live that is, had me pogoing all over the place), 'I dont need to tell her', 'Go ahead Punk', 'Then I kissed her', 'New guitar in town' (my favourite), 'Aint got a clue', 'Jenny', 'Shadow', and they finished off with a two song encore which include The Ramones 'The KKK took my baby away' and 'Thirteen'. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed Arturos set.. it was nice to hear those great songs being played live..and of course Arturo has a bit of banter with the crowd in between the set. The sound was once again superb at the Joiners, except for the first two songs by the opening band. What a shame there wasn't more people there, but I enjoyed myself pogoing away at the front. For me it was money very well spent.
Wed 24th May 2006 - UK Subs - Joiners Arms, Southampton.
The UK Subs were in town again, six months ago they played the Talking Heads in Southampton, this time it was the Joiners Arms in Southampton. The Joiners is a really excellent venue with a brilliant sound system.
I decided to go quite late on, and arrived just before the first band came on.. 8 quid for four bands.. what brilliant value.. you can't grumble at that. The posters said this was a night of old school punk..
First up were a band called Night of Treason who hailed from Gosport and Hythe, they played a covers set which included songs from the Ramones, Clash (English Civil War, White Man), Pistols, Damned, Slaughter (Cranked up really High). They went down really well, and the songs sounded excellent.
Next up were H8Ball, mmm.. I really didnt know what to make of them, it was good that they were young, and they didn't sound like any of the old school punk bands, in fact they seemed to have a lot of influences in their sound, from hardcore punk to Bauhaus. I listened to their all of their set, and it was nice to hear something a little bit different.
Next up were Stu-dent and the Wankers... again they played a covers set, starting with a Ruts song, with a bit of Anti Knowwhere League and the Exploiteds Dead Cities in there, and they finished off with their own Student Wankers song.
It was 1/4 11 by the time the Subs came on, this must of been the 15th time or so that I have seen the Subs. Charlies still in good form, starting off with CID, and included the following in no order.. New York State Police, Emotional Blackmail, Teenage, Stranglehold, Party in Paris, Party in Paris, Cardboard City, Warhead, Riot, Limo Life, I couldnt be you, Endangered Spieces. They ended up with a song I've never heard before... about New York (nope its not New York state police either)... I dont know if its a new song from their forthcoming new CD.
The Subs as always give good value for money, but I still wish they would play a few newer songs from their later CD's. I still think the Universal CD was the best they have done for ages.
Anti Nowhere League - 13th Feb 2006 - Joiners Arms, Southampton.
Tonight I went to see Hung up, Stu Dent and the Wankers and the Anti Nowhere League down at the Joiners Arms in Southampton.
The Joiners has become the music venue on the South Coast and hosts different bands, and types of music every night of the week. Nearly every band who has made it big have played at this venue on the way up, like Oasis, Green Day, Coldplay, Libertines, Undertones, Franz Ferdinand.. etc etc.. anyway you get the picture. Most of the new young bands who are part of the new punkish/indie scene have also played this venue including the latest crop like 'The Others, Paddingtons, Art Brut, and The Rakes.
I didnt decide to go to the gig until 19:30 tonight, and phoned the venue to find that there were 50 tickets left, so down I went.
First band up were a young band called Hung Up, they must of been all aged between 14 or 17 or seemed to be. They were a five piece and played their own stuff. They mixed a selection of punkish type tunes with a bit of hardcore, and sounded ok. There were quite a few people pogoing/moshing to them, including two blokes who spent the whole set seemingly beating the shit out of each other.. and yes they seemed like mates, who just liked hitting/jumping on each other falling over.. wierd... but it was a great sideshow.
Next up were Stu Dent and the Wankers a local band who I have seen supporting the Subs, Peter And the Test Tube Babies and someone else, anyway they went down a storm playing all old punky classics like Dead Cities from the Exploited, H Eyes ( I think) from the Ruts, and ended up playing Shams 'If the Kids are United'. They also played their own classic song ' Student Wankers'. Again lots of people were moshing away, and yes those two blokes were at it again beating the shit out of each other.. John the guitarist got a plastic glass chucked at him, by a girl who was stood next to me.. I think she thought it was a very punk thing to do, anyway John said his bit.. how was he to know it wasnt a real glass beer glass. She thought it was all very funny..perhaps she was trying to emulate Sid Vicious. Silly girl..
The ANWL came on at around 1/4 10, and played what Animal described as a Greatest Hits list. They started off with 'We are the league', and then included in no particular order ;Animal', Women, Cant stand Rock and Roll, We will not Remember You, Streets of London, I hate People, Lets Break the Law, So what, For you, Cant Stand Rock n Roll, Fucked up and Wasted, Fuck around the Clock. I'm sure they also played Kings and Queens which is the title song off their new CD. Everyone seemed to be loving it, and the hits came one after the other. The front six rows were awash with people moshing, jumping up and down and stage diving, yes I've never seen anyone stage dive in a small venue like this before, but loads of people were doing it. The League came back on for one encore of Snowman, and then that was it. Animal looked absolutly knackered out at the end, and I'm sure his voice was suffering a bit.
Anyway I thoroughly enjoyed the gig. The Joiners is an excellent place, the sound system now its just been upgraded is brilliant. Its a small venue with a very lively crowd. This is the second time the ANWL have played the Joiners in the last six months, and I'm sure that they will make another stop down here in the not too distant future.
If you want to check out the Joiners for future gigs, take a look at http://www.joinerslive.co.uk cos in the nxt month or so, they have got Discharge, Glen Matlock and The Subs.
Wasted Dec 2005 - Astoria London
Well I've just come back from London Wasted and had a really good time... heres what happened...
I caught an early train upto London with my mate Bone (part Time Punk Ian), and yes we got there early, which gave us enough time to wander past the 100 club, and look at the guitars, drum machines and Synths downstairs in Virgin Records.
We got into the Astoria around 12:15, just about got to the front of the stage, and there were the frist band called The Grit, who put on a really good show, they were a four piece punkish/rockabilly band with a double bass. They certainly knew how to entertain, and were always jumping about and moving around on stage. Their best song was a song called Surrender which sounded a bit Clashy, but they were a good band to start things off with.
Next up were Menace, now I hadn't seen the last line up of Menace, although I saw the one before that, which I though were brilliant. Anyway Menace have a new lead singer called Jasper, who before this gig had only rehearsed once with the band. That probably explains why he had to keep looking down at the words on stage. Anyway you've got to give him time to settle down in the band. Like the Grit the sound let both bands down, with the instruments turned up too high so you weren't able to hear the singer very well. Menace played amogst other, C & A, Punk Rocker, Insane Society, GLC, and finished up with Last Years Youth.
Next up were the Strapps, with both Dave Reeves and Jock putting on a bit of weight since Morecambe. They played a set consisting of New Age, House of the Rising Sun, Brixton, Ex Directory. They were certainly much better than at Morecambe last year.
999 came on next, and got the crowd going. They have a great catalogue of very good songs to choose from. They played Emergency, Feeling alright with the Crew, Homicide, Nasty Nasty and finished up with I'm alive.
This was my first time of seeing the Pork Dukes, I'd wanted to see them for ages, and missed out on them up at Morecambe last time. They put a great lot of fun into their set which was very enjoyable. If you haven't seen the Pork Dukes yet, they are well worth it, full of fun, and dont seem to take things too seriously.
TV Smith was next up, Although I'd only just seen him three weeks ealier in Winchester he was excellent. He played New Church, punk rock poem, Gary Gilmore eyes, Bored Teenagers, and ended up with One Chord Wonders. Each one a classic.
I missed part of the Subs set as I went out to get some food, but I came back in to see them play New York State Police, Endangered Spices, Stranglehold, Party in Paris, Riot and a few others. Charlie was joined on stage by Jock Macdonald of the Strapps at one stage for one song. I find I enjoy the Subs better at smaller venues, and with such a back catalogue of tunes to play, I do wish they would vary the set a bit. I suppose that must of been the 14th or 15th time that I've seen the Subs. Come on Charlie get rid of Warhead and Party in Paris, and swap the set around a bit.
The Upstarts were on next, and were the hilight of the day. They played amongst others Safe heaven, 2 million voices, Women in Disguise, Never Ad Nothing, Liddle Towers, and ended with the Anti Nazi song England. Mensi is a really good front man, and for one song was joined on stage with Max splodge and a few others.
Now it was the turn of the Saints who to be honest got heckled by a few morons. Their set was probably the worst set of the day, which did include Perfect day, No time and I'm stranded.
The last set that I saw was the Dickies , which included Paranoid, Silent night and lots of others. Of course the inflatable doll, and puppet made a stage entrance.
Shame I missed the Rezillos but I had to go and catch a train.
Of course the beer was really expensive in here.. its London.. 3.30 for a can.. I spent most of my time in between sets nipping in and out of the place, visiting different pubs, knocking a pint down in 10 minutes and then back for the next band, and of course getting searched every time on the way in.
It was also good to see a mixture of different types of punks, rather than the 1980's black leather jacket, mohican look.
So there ends another Wasted festival, yes I enjoyed it, the atmosphere as normal was good, there were some good bands on show, shame the Weirdos didn't make it, maybe next year..
Wasted May 2005 - Morecambe
Just come back from Wasted at Morecambe 2005, after three days of chips, pizzas, beer and some very very good bands.
This year Morecambe had the usual venues, the Market Arena which is like a massive big shed. The Dome, which has a brilliant sound to it, but is very dark inside. The Carlton, a 15 mins walk down the road, which gives out a good pub atmosphere and a decent sound, and the Platform where all the acoustic performances took place.
We (with my mate Ian from Part Time Punk (http://www.geocities.com/iancanty/ ) arrived in Morecambe on Friday at around 2 oclockish, earlier than normal, (although we still took 5hrs on the drive up), as we didn't have to contend with roadworks and holiday traffic on the M6, (can we keep Wasted to a weekend in May please, its easier to get a B & B, and there is no holiday traffic).
Anyway we checked into our bed and breakfast, got our wristbands, and headed straight off to see the first band of the weekend 'The Lambrusco Kids' from Brazil down at the Carlton. I wanted to see how the punk bands in Brazil look and whether the sound of punk is different down in Brazil. (You can see all my photos of the whole weekend at Morecambe at http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/1439028 ). Obviously I didn't know any of the songs but they put on a good show, and played fast punk music.
Next we walked back upto the Platform to see the Sewars, who comprise of Rob and Ant. The Sewars have a legendary song called 'Even Babies love the Ramones', which was dedicated to my mate Ian from Part Time Punk. Great Stuff, and those hats and costumes. Next on were Skylar who come from Southampton, we saw their first song, an excellent one with a reggae rythmn to it, and headed off back to the Carlton again.
We got down to the Carlton just as the DeRitas from the USA were going on stage. They played a good set which included the following songs 'Born without a punk rock name', 'Punkrocknonstop', 'One last Pogo'.'Turkish Prison', 'Whore Stories', 77 Forever', 'Ant Farm', amongst others. I thought they were really good, and had a good set of punky 1977 type songs. The set ended with Mark (lead singer with the DeRitas) doing a mooner to the crowd. If you ever get the chance to see them its well worth it.
I then stayed on at the Carlton to see The Krays from New York, who I thought were really good. It was intreseting to see what the latest bands from NYC are doing. Then it was a walk upto the Market to see Channel 3, who played a good set. My stomach was dying for some food, so I managed to down some good old fashioned English chips before going over to the Dome to see the Briefs. The Briefs were a great surprise to me, as they looked and played a really good set. They ended up with a good version of the Boys 'First Time'.
I then wanted a sit down, so went into the Platform to see Wayne Barret and JP out of the Sluaghter and the Dogs playing accoustically. They included 'Waiting for the Man', 'The Passenger', 'You're a Bore' and 'Where have all the Boot Boys gone'. I then wandered over to the Market where I just managed to catch the last song of the Anti Nowhere League set, 'Streets of London' .
I stayed on in the Market to see a bit of the UK Subs, no they didn't start with CID. They included 'Emotinal Blackmail' and 'I Live in a car', before I headed off to the Dome, as I didnt want to miss out on seeing Sham 69 . I had a quiet beer before seeing Sham, and saw a bit of the Crack which included a few members of CockSparrer getting up on stage to see 'England Belongs to me'. Sham were the band I had been looking forward to all day, I've seen them 5 times over the last few years, and this time I thought they were spot on. Jimmy Pursey was on top form, and was certainly enjoying it. They played Student Head, Medic, Tell us the Truth, Ulster, USA, I dont Wanna, Hersham Boys, Angels, What have we Got, Borstal Breakout and If the Kids are United amongst others. As I said Jimmy was on top form, and everyone seemd to be enjoying it. Jimmy is still one of the best performers to have come out of the punk era and can hold an audiences attention without any problem at all.
The beer, the drive up to Morecambe, and 12 hours of solidly watching bands took its toll, and I headed back for the B & B happy.
Saturday saw us sitting outside the Platform pub at midday in the sunshine trying to sell a few of my mate Ians, Part Time Punk fanzines. We sold a few and then headed in to see Los Fastidios from Italy. They were a skin type band from ITaly who played fast skin music, the lead singer had a anti facist slogan on his tshirt, and wanted all punks, skins and scooter kids (don't forget theres millions of those over in Italy) to unit against the facists. Great stuff I thought they were good, although I couldnt understand a word, as they sang in Italian.
I then walked down to the Carlton to see some Ska Punk. I stayed in the Carlton for a couple hours and watched Zen Baseball Bat amd the Supatones play ska punk. I enjoyed both bands, it was nice to hear a couple of different bands. Up next at the Carlton were Self Abuse who are from Bournemouth and I enjoyed their set whilst watching the cup final on the big screen every now and then. We then headed upto the Market to see one of my favourite bands, and they didn't dissapoint. Yep, sod the cup final when 999 were on. They played a really good set and got everyone going. They included Homicide, Emergency, Boys in the Gang, Lie Lie Lie, Nasty Nasty and so many other songs. I stayed on in the Market to see a bit of the Subhumans, before heading off for something to eat.
We got back into the Market to see Toyah, now Toyah was always a pop star rather than a punk singer, but the crowd gave her a really good reception. She came on stage in a tutu, with black knee length boots on, and I expected her to get splattered with beer or water, but that never happened. In fact she went down really well, and everyone was jumping up and down to her. She included of course her main song, 'Its a Mystery'. I did leave before seeing the end of Toyah, and made my way to see Nicky Cash in the Platform who went down a storm, it was just Nicky Cash with his guitar.
I then went back into the Market to see the Angelic Upstarts who were really good. They included 'Women in Disguise, 2 million voices', I'm an Upstart, Teenage Warning, and ended up with England. I then went back into the Market and saw the Opressed, a skin band from Wales, I saw a few of their songs, now I don;t know if it was coincidence or not but as soon as the lead singer of the Opressed started going on about them being an anti facist band then some silly skin lobbed a pint towards the singer. Luckily it got nowhere near the band. I decided to leave I then went back into the Platform to see Steve Drewitt of the Newtown Neurotics, who went down well.
I then went back into the Market to see the Undertones, who I was really looking forward to. The songs just flowed out one after the other, and I thoroughly enjoyed their set full of classic pop/punk songs. They included 'There goes Norman', 'Teenage Kicks', 'Jimmy Jimmy', 'My perfect Cousin' and all the other classics, as well as some from their new CD. To be honest the Undertones do not miss Fergal as a front man, and are still great fun.
Next up in the Market were the Stranglers, who I haven't seen since 1981, so I was intrested to see how they now sound without Hugh Cornwall. Like the Undertones they played most of their hits including 'Something better change', No More Heros', 'Duchess', 'Get a Grip' and 'Always the Sun'. I think the Stranglers unlike the Undertones do miss the growling sound of Hughs voice, which was very distinctive on the songs. After 14 hours of watching bands, and after quite a few beers, it was time for bed, and a few zzzzz's.
Sunday started at midday with a trip down to the Carlton to see the Bleach Boys, although they have been around for years, I have never seen them before. I thoroughly enjoyed their set, full of 1977 type punk. One of their songs had the immortal line of Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah, you f***ing c**t. Excellent stuff, full of laughs and a good set. I then walked back upto the Market to see the Carpettes, who played 'Small Wonder' and 'Radio Wonderball' amongst others. I then had a break and met some friends who lived in Morecambe. A couple pints later I went back into the Market to see the Strapps, a band I last saw supporting the Damned in 1981. They played 'X Directory', 'Brixton', 'Pox Kid', 'House of the Rising Sun', and a few others, but it was a shame to see that there weren't more people in the Market.
I stayed in the Market to see TV Smith who I thought was absolutly brilliant. This for me was the best gig of the weekend. TV sang lots of the old Adverts favourites including 'Safety in Numbers', 'Bored Teenagers', 'Gary Gilmores Eyes', 'New Church' and ended up with 'One Chord Wonders'. What a finish, He was called back on for an encore. TV sounds so brilliant with a backing band, of course he played a few acoustic songs with his acoustic guitar. TV was joined on stage for a song with the lead singer out of the Midnight Creeps, for a duet. TV Smith is someone who can hold everyones concentration with a mixture of new and old songs. Pure Brilliant!!!
Now no-one could of followed that set, but next up were Chelsea who I really like, and have seen them numerous times, but I thought that Gene October went over the top with his opening speach to everyone, and everytime the end of a song came, I could see Tony Barber (buzzcocks) and James Stevenson try and start the next song before Gene had chance to say anything. I thought Gene was over the top, and it did spoil my enjoyment of Chelsea. But having said that everyone else seemed to be having a good time, and Chelsea came back for an encore, where they finished off with the Clashs 'I fought the Law' . Chelsea also played 'Twelve Men', 'Evacuate', and 'Urban Kids'.
I stayed in the Market to see the Avengers, and what a pity they didn't get an encore because I thought they were very excellent. They played 'White Nigger' and 'Car Crash' amongst others. I then walked into the Dome just to see the Lurkers finishing their set with 'Shadow'. I stayed in the Dome, and saw most of Peter and the Test Tube Babies set, which included 'Moped Lads', 'The Jinx', 'Spirit of Keith Moon' and 'Up your Bum'. Peters an excellent frontman and I also enjoy the Test Tube sets, but I wanted to see Penetration, so went back into the Market and saw Penetration who obviously don't play out and out fast punk music, but who were entertaining. They included 'Danger Signs' and 'Out in the Open' in their set.
Next up in the Market and the last band of the evening were the Rezillos, who I have never seen before. They put on a brilliant stage performance, and were joined on stage by Max Spoldge. They played 'Top of the Pops', 'Desenation Venus', The Rezillos ended Morecambe this year, and what a way to go out.
I saw so many good bands this year, with TV Smith being the highlight. If I had to choose a top five, it would be TV Smith, 999, Sham, Avengers and the Rezillos. I know they are all part of the late 70's scene, but thats the music which I really enjoy. What a shame that no-one has really come along after that period which has blown me away. Most of the early 80's bands were a crossover of punk and a bit of heavy metal, and make heavy listening, and don't really do anything for me. Again I saw no trouble, and everyone seemed to be enjoying all the bands.
The only downside to the weekend was having to get beer with tokens, yes you had to queue up first to buy some tokens, then you had to queue up to get your beer, all very continental, and meant that you had to keep going out to get some tokens and back in again.
Roll on next year!!!!
Tuesday 1st March 2005 � Villa Nightclub Bournemouth
Well I last night I went to see Ari-up down in Bournemouth at a night club.
Entrance was a tenner.. we got down there at around 8 expecting to see the support bad shortly, as you know I like to get my monies worth and see the support band(s). As this was a nightclub, they opened nightclub hours so they didn�t open till � 9. The first support band didn�t come on till 9.30 and played for � hour. I hate it when bands don�t say who they are, and I had no idea who this band where. They were a mish mash of lots of things. Heavy metal, reggae and electronic world pop. The guitarist played heavy metal solos all the way through each song.. I don�t think he knew what a chord was, this spoilt the reggae feel of the songs, as the singer and bassist seem to be able to hold a reggae tune together.
The next band on where the Lillettes, an all girl five piece with two guitarists. They played straight forward punk tunes, and looked the part. I certainly enjoyed their set, with their catchy tunes. Their main girl guitarist seemed to lead the band with her excellent guitar playing in the style of Steve Jones. They were on for a good 3/4 hr.
As I said this was a night club so we had to wait until 11:30 till Ari-up got up on stage to play her set� but it was certainly worth waiting for, what a pity there were only about 250 in the place to see this punk rock legend.
Ari played all of the �Cut� Cd in her 1hr and 40 minute set� yep 1 hr and 40 minutes of pure magic. Ari mixed up her set with punky and reggae songs. I know the Slits songs can be hard listening at times, but the time passed so fast, and it seemed everyone was having a great time. The highlight of Ari�s set was the 15 minute version of Police and Thieves, the first half was played in a reggae beat, whilst the second half of the song was played in a punky beat. Ari dedicated the song to Joe Strummer who she said was like an uncle to her.
Ari likes lot of audience participation in her set, and when someone shouted out the name of a song they wanted her to do, that was her next song. Ari got two pissed girls up on stage to sing Typical Girls with her, as they wanted her to sing that song, and my mate went up on stage to sing with her.
Well that was one gig that I thoroughly enjoyed, and was skanking through the whole set. If you get the chance to see Ari on her tour, this was the first night of her English tour, then its certainly worth it. Name me a better way to spend a dreary Tuesday night in England than watching Ari sing FM, Shoplifting, Newtown, Typical Girls and Love and Romance.
Wasted - Astoria, London Dec 2004
What a bill this one was... all 1977 punk bands... my dream come true...!!!
It was an early start to the day as Part Time Punk Ian picked me up at 1/4 9 in the morning.. yeah there was a bit of travelling involved, curtesy of British Rail. and we got to the Astoria around midday only to find the place not yet open.. they said come back in 20 minutes so we walked across the road to Denmark St, and found Max Splodge and Co parking in a disabled drivers parking bay.... of course Denmark St was where Steve, Paul and Glen of the Pistols lived and where the Pistols recorded the Goodman Demos. We then took in Wardour Street and walked past where the Marquee Club used to be.. enough of the remernising it was time to get back to the Astoria for some music..
We got back to the Astoria, and went in... 3 pounds and 20 pence for a big can of carling black label...bloody hell I know its london but thats taking the piss...!!!!
Anyway first band up where ATV.. this was the first time that I've seen ATV since 1978... the sound was good... and the songs flowed... Action Time Vision, Splitting in Two, Love lies Limp...Total Switch Off, Life, Good Times, Viva La Rock N Roll, You Bastard....excellent stuff Mark.. it was great to be right at the front... shame it was the graveyard shift.. as Mark so well put it...but a bloody good set to start the day off with...
Next up were Splodge who we missed.. yes we went out to get a beer at a reasonable price.. then it was the Vibrators... they played Whips and Furs, Automatic Lover, Troops of Tomorrow and loads of other songs... which I can't remember..
Then it was the turn of Chelsea..and Ten Pole Tudor did the introductions.... now I loved that first Chelsea LP.. and the last time I saw Chelsea was at Morecambe in 2001. Tony Barber from the Buzzcocks joined Gene October and James Steveson for some classic Chelsea hits... Again I was right down the front...they started off with Your Toy with Gene was giving it loads, maybe a bit too much at some points... but they also did Twelve Men, Urban Kids, I'm on Fire, Right To Work, Curfew, High Rise Living, I'm on Fire and the Clashs I fought the law... and yes like a teenager I was jumping up and down..
Then it was the turn of 999.. who never fail to impress.. they were the first band of the day to get loads of people pogoing.. and everyone seemed to be really enjoying their set.. including me...in their set they played Nasty Nasty, Homicide, I'm Alive, Emergency and Fellin Alright with the Crew..
Next up were the Subs.. now this was my 10th or 11th time of seeing the Subs.. the last time I saw them was about 6 months ago in a small pub in Winchester where they played a cracking set. Charlie of course was in great form.. and they started with guess what ... yep CID... it wouldn't be the Subs if they didn't open with that one... and then they played Emotional Rescue, Rockers, Teenage, I live in a car, Riot, Cardboard City, New York State Police, Warhead. They ended with Party in Paris..and I cant remember if they did Stranglehold or Tomorrows Girls...but I bet they did..
We then missed TV Smith as we needed some food.. shame about that... but we needed to eat.. next door to the Astoria was the sandwich place Subway.. and guess what at Subways closing time.. all the uneaten sandwiches were put in a black plastic sack and put out on the pavement ready for the dustbin men.. and you can guess what happend with lots of hungry punks around... yep.. free food was had by all the punks...
Then it was back for the Avengers.. who of course played with the Pistols at Winterland... now this was my first time of seeing the Avengers, and it was there first time they played in London.. they have been doing a few gigs around the UK.. Anyway I've got to say Penny the lead singer still looks a real cracker... Even though I haven't got any of their CD's and didn't know any of the songs... I thought they played a blistering set full of punchy punk numbers... punkier than Blondie, faster than Penetration and more melodic than the New York Relix. Shame they've now gone back to the States as I wouldn't mind seeing them again.. I had to laugh at two younger kids who had been poging madly for the previous bands and obviously had too much beer and were both asleep on each other and on the front barrier all through the Avengers set.. What a good set they missed. Thanks to my mate Part Time Punk Ian for the song titles that they played... We are the One, Car Crash, I want In, The American In Me, Teenage Rebel, Open your Eyes, I Believe In Me, Paint it Black, Second to None, The Good the bad and the Kowalskis
Yet more beer and then it was time for Hazel Oconnor.. I came into her set whilst she was singing the Stranglers Hanging around.. her set also included Breaking Glass Will You and Eight Day.
Next it was the turn of Sham.. this was the band that I really wanted to see, and yet again they didn't dissapoint... they started of with 'What have we got' and the place errupted in mass pogoing.. they also included Ulster, I dont Wanna, Studenthead, If the Kids are United, Hurry Up Harry, Angels with Dirty Faces, Medic, Tell Us the Truth, 14 years, Security Guard, Borstal Breakout, Questions and Answers and Hersham Boys.. the time seemed to go so fast.. always the same when youre really enjoying a band.. Sham didn't come on for an encore which was a shame.. perhaps they went past their alloted time slot.. Sham are one of the best punk bands still playing and they proved it again.. shame they are not down to play Morecambe in May..
We then bumped into Beki Bonadge from Vice Squad, Dave Reeves from the Straps, Nicky Cash from 999 and Penny from the Avengers all for a chat.. Knox was also around..
The last band of the evening were the Damned.. we only caught the first four numbers of their set as we had to catch the last train back to Southampton... but they played Second Time around, I just can't be happy today, Love Song and New Rose... well what a first/last four songs to see.... and then it was off home..
Had to laugh at the following...In London clubs/big pubs these days there always seems to be a toilet attendent who squirts a bit of aftershave on you or passes you the paper towels so you can wipe your hands after you have washed them..and then you normally leave him 20 pence or whatever... anyway why they had them at a punk gig i just don't know.. I bet he never made any money at all.. who at a punk gig wants to be showered with aftershave, and what punk whats to give away 20 pence to a toilet attendant...
Well I for one hope there is another one day of Wasted next year in London, especially if we see the same quality of bands... there wasn't one band that was crap.. or didnt deserve to be on that bill... roll on hopefully next year... and Morecambe in the summer... with hopefully Sham playing...
UK SUBS - Railway, Winchester May 2004
I went to see the UK Subs at the Railway in Winchester last night.. The venue is only a small venue holding upto probably about 300 maximum.. but it seemed packed out.. this must of been my 7th or 8th time that I have seen the Subs and it was probably the most enjoyable Subs gig I've seen.
Got there at 7:30ish as there were 4 bands scheduled to play.. yes I like to see the support bands.. unlike some people who seem to sit in the beer garden all evening.. until the main band come on.
The first band up were a local Southampton band called Stu Dent and the Wankers, they got the crowd pogoing/moshing with various cover versions of H Eyes, Dead Cities, So What etc etc.. they dont' write their own songs, just do cover versions which are normally done quite well..
Next up were a band called the Good Time Charlies.. who have an american feel to them, and play Johnny Thunders type music... more melodic than the thrash of the harder core punk sound. They went down ok..
I missed seeing a band called the Automatics as I was yapping a way to Charlie.. here are a couple things of interest from my conversation with Charlie.. it looks like some studio time has been booked for the Subs to record a new CD this year.. they will be going over to the USA to record it.. obviously to meet up with Nicky Garrett. Crossfire the reggae influenced song on the really good CD Universal had been in Charlies head for the last 10 years.. and hes always wanted to lay it down on CD.. more songs like that would be good Charlie.. Also I did hear a rumour about the Subs not playing any songs off Universal live cos of some contractual reason.. this was rubbish Charlie said.... and the latest song they did live at the moment was off Quientessentials.. I would certainly like to hear some of the songs off the new CD as I think its a really good one..
At 10 oclock up comes the Subs.. this time Charlies joined by Alan Campbell, cant remember whats the girls name is, and a drummer i havent seen before..and its straight into CID.. the place errupts with people pogoing, moshing, falling over and everyone having a good time.. this continued on for the next hour and a bit, and out came all the crowds favourite songs.. including ... Tomorrow Girls, Emotional Rescue, Squat 96, All I wanna know, New York State Police, I Live in a Car, Stranglehold, Tomorrows Girl, You don't Belong, Warhead, Party in Paris, Teenage, Riot, Crash Course and lots more I cant remember.. including a Vibrators song...
Everyone was up for a good time.. the crowd were nearly on top of the band .. in fact I got pushed over mid song, and ended up bumping into Charlie as he was singing.. the Subs did one encore of about 5 songs.. and then that it was it... I thoroughly enjoyed the gig, the crowd were up for it with a mass of people down the front pogoing/moshing away.. as I said beforehand this was one of the most enjoyable times that I've seen the Subs. Roll on three weeks time when they are down my way again.. but maybe with a different line-up..
PETER AND THE TEST TUBE BABIES - Brook, Southampton Apr 2004
Well tonight I went to see Peter and the Test Tube Babies.. and what an excellent show they put on..it was good to see a decent punk band in my home town.. without having to travel too far, and yes it was the first time that ive ever been to the Brook.
I arrived early at the Brook in Southampton, the place only holds three hundred people but wasn't full tonight, it has a strange upstairs bar and gallery where the older punks can sit down and watch the band from above. The first two support bands were local Southampton bands, and to be honest didn't do much for me.
Peter and the Test Tube Babies came on at around 10:10 and immediately the crowd went into the old classic song .. you fat bastard..yes it looks like Peters put on a bit of weight after the last time i saw him at Morecambe last year.. Peter wasn't wearing his normal flower shirts which he seems to have made his own.... but had on a GBH t-shirt..
From then on it was great fun coupled with an excellent set which included all the old Test Tube classics.. The set included Run like Hell, Up your Bum, Elvis is Dead, Wild Kids, The Jinx, Wild Kids, Never Made it, Spirit of Keith Moon, Blown out again, Shit British Tour. The crowd were up for it and pogoed all night.. with Peter of course giving his 5 pennys worth of comments.. The sound was excellent, and the Test Tubes came back on to do an encore of 5 songs. I nearly forgot The Test Tubes were joined on stage by two members of Stu Dent and the Wankers.. (a local band), one playing bass and the other Rooster singing along with Peter to my favourite Test Tube song .. Banned from the Pubs.
I came away from the gig knowing that I'd thoroughly enjoyed the gig.. its not many times you can say that these days..Peter may be a fat git.. but he can certainly put on a great show
SLF - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth - Mar 2004
Went to see SLF play at Portsmouth Wedgewood rooms last night.. the gig was a sell out..
The support band called Neck came on frist and played what I would call Irish jog music, they were a six piece which included a flutest/pipe player, and a banjo/pipes player. They were something a bit different and seemed to go down ok.. The singer reminded me of Joe Strummer .. always on the move, and that black quiff type hairdo.. or perhaps was it the fact that the last time I had been to the Wedgewood rooms was to see Joe Strummer play one of his last ever gigs.. certainly those Strummer memories came flooding back.
SLF came on at about 10 oclock accompanied of course by Go For It. This must of been the 8th or 9th time I have seen SLF, and each time I hear a different set, this one seemed to have more of the new CD was played .. I doubt whether many of the people at the gig had the new CD as there wasn't many people singing along.. but the new CD is a return to the old fingers sound, and a goodie.Jake was wearing his Strummerville shirt, whilst Bruce Foxton looks thinner every time I see him..
It seems like the set was the same as the Glasgow gig..I cant remember the exact track listing.. but all these songs were played.. Tin Soldiers, Roots, Nobodys Hero, Walking Dynamite, Fade Away, Strummerville, Each Dollar another Bullet, Is this what we fought the war for, Listen, Doesnt make it alright,Cant get away with that, Back to front, Barbed Wire love, Fly the flag, At the Edge, Wasted live.. then fingers came back on for two encores.. the first one consisted of Alternative Ulster and the second finished off with the long version of Johnny Was..
I must of missed out a few songs..but anyway the first 6/7 rows were pogoing madly from the start, whilst it took the others a lot longer to really get into and enjoy SLF.. by the time Johnny Was was played nearly the entire crowd were up for it.
Yep SLF are still playing great music.. and maybe the crowd werent up for it as much asthe last time I saw them in October at Salisbury, but to me Jake still has that great rasping voice, and the band seem as tight as ever
SLF at Salisbury City Hall- Oct 2003
Well i've just got back from seeing SLF in Salisbury. It is the first time they have ever played there, so I expected a gig full of old SLF favourites and well known songs to please the new recruits.
What we got was a bit of everything. It was nice to see a different set from the last two tours.. ok the old favourites are still there Alternative Ulster (my favourite), Suspect Device and Wasted Life, but there are also some songs that they havent played live for a long time, and also some new songs off that excellent new CD.
Go For It rang out from the speakers, which for all those who have been to SLF gigs before will know that SLF were due to come on stage. They came on stage dressed in the new Strummerville shirts, and immediately went into Strummerville..(cant wait for that signed CD to arrive Shirley) ending off with a bit of Clash city rockers.. and Jake doing the Strummer pose.
The songs came thick and fast after that and included the following, in a sort of order.. Fade Away, Is this what we Fought the War For, Nobodys Hero, Walking Dynamite, (yes this ones dedicated to Sonny Liston), Each Dollar a Bullet, Bits of Kids, Guitar and Drum, Doesn't Make It Alright, Tin Soldiers, Barbed Wire Love (excellent version with everyone waving their hands in the air.. is this SLF's only love song?), Fly the Flag, Cant get Away with That, Roots Radics, Rockers and Reggae, Wasted Life. Then came the first encore of At the Edge I think and Alternative Ulster, followed by a second encore of Suspect Device, and then that was it after playing for 1 and a half hours.. Jake quite often in between songs explains the background behind the next song.. which i like..
I've probably missed out a couple of songs, but as you can see from the list, it was a mixture of all sorts of songs, dating from the first LP to the present day. The crowd were up from this one right from the start, and made it a really enjoyable gig. Everyone seemed as if they just wanted to enjoy the gig. The new songs stand up so well alongside the very old songs.. a couple of the new songs could of come off that second or third album very easily!!!!
Yes i certainly enjoyed the gig, SLF are always a good live band!! 'I recommend you catch them if you can.
HITS 2003 at Morecambe - June 2003
Well it was billed as the last ever HITS (Holidays in the Sun) Punk festival, where Punks, Skins and herberts congragated from all over the world, and yes i bumped into people from America, France and Israel. The best parts of the weekend for me.. were undoubtly The Boys and T.V. Smith. Both off them put on an absolutly brilliant performance each.
The good surprise of the weekend must of been the Angry Samoans who had some brilliant song titles and songs... just what was needed..on an otherwise uneventful Sunday.
There were four venues on Friday and Saturday night, going down to three venues for Sunday.
So what a line-up to look forward to, especially on Friday and Saturday.. Vice Squad, Subs, Ari-Up, The Boys and the Damned on Friday night and 999, TV Smith Sluaghter and Cocksparrer on Saturday night. Of course there were other bands I missed out on or only saw part of their show.. I would liked to have seen the new Menace line-up but chose to see the Damned instead.
Right so here we go with Friday first. I took in a bit of both Hardcore and Glueball on Friday early evening before settling down in the Market to watch Vice Squad. Vice Squad put on a good show and included Stand Strong, Stand Proud, Motor heads Ace of Spades, Last Rockers along with lots of others..Then it was the turn of the UK Subs.. I saw the Subs in January, and to be honest were dissappointed with them as they didnt include any songs off their new cd which I think is a cracker.. This time around they included Spoils off War and Fragile off the new CD, along with of course CID for starters, New York State Police, Warhead, Telephone Numbers(real crap version), Cardboard City, Stranglehold and Emotional Blackmail. I thought the Subs set was good and restored my faith in them as a band who can get people going, and who have something still to say. Then it was time for Ari -Up of the Slits, she put on a good performance singing a few of the old Slits songs, along with a few reggae songs.. good stuff.. anyone see that girl dressed in a pink nurses uniform on stage.,... mmm nice.. Ari-Up included the following songs in her set ........FM, Man Next Door, Shoplifting, Love and Romance, Newtown.
Next up were the Boys who were just brilliant... I saw them two years back at the HITs, and felt there was something missing.. but this set had everything... a great list of songs.. and lots of them off the first classic LP, a good sound, and a good crowd who wanted to dance/pogo along. The Boys set included 'Terminal Love', 'Brickfield Nights', 'I Dont Care', the classic 'First Time', and they ended up with the encore of 'Cop Cars' and 'Sick on You'. This was worth the entrance fee itself.. pure brilliant.!!! I've just got hold of the Boys set list so here it is.. TCP, Rue Morge, See ya Later, Terminal Love, Weekend, USI, Cast of Thousands, Kamakazie, Independant Girl, Box Number, Brickfield Nights, Worm Song, Soda Pressing, I dont Care, First Time, Living in the City, Encore, Cop Cars, Sick on You. I had to laugh at some of the t-shirts some of the Boys fans were wearing which said 'We're only here for the BOYS'.
I then went off to see a bit of Demob before coming back to the Market to end the evening with the Damned. The Damned played a good set taking in Democracy off their new CD, and of course did Love Song, New Rose, Neat Neat Neat, Eloise and plenty of other classics.
I arrived a bit late on Satudary so missed the first few bands.. but caught the tail end of Midnight Creeps who put on a good show.. the next band I caught were the Expelled who although the sound wasnt that good got the crowd going, and I enjoyed them. I then took in Discipline (skinhead band fromn Holland) who did Hooligans Heaven, Nice Boys finish Last, Death or Glory and Young and Reckless.For a skin band they had some good tunes. Next up were 999 who I must say I have a soft spot for ever since Nicky Cash sold me a 999 t-shirt. Of course they ended with I'm alive, but also included Nasty Nasty, Boys in the Gang, Little Red Riding Hood, Homicide, Feelin alright with the Crew, Titanic, Me and my Desire and Emergency. I then went down to see the Pork Dukes, who had cancelled owing to one of the members being ill.
Next it was into the Platform for a word with Knox and Gaye Advert, then it was T.V. Smith. What can I say.. TV's set was brilliant... TV had a backing band , so only played 3/4 accoustic numbers in the middle of his set.. This set along with the Boys was the highlight of the weekend for me..TV finished off with One Chord Wonders, and included, Gary Gilmores Eyes, Safety in Numbers, Bombsite Boys, No Time to be 21. TV please keep the backing band.. the sound was excellent, and those songs sound so good today as they ever did, and even better with a band behind him. I left feeling I had seen a set which reminded so much of what it must of been like in 1977 to have seen the Adverts. One band I missed first time round.
I then saw a bit of Special Duties..before I went over to see Slaughter and the Dogs. Slaughter played Waiting for my man, Cranked up really high, Quick Joey Small, Youre a Bore, I'm Mad, Boston Babies.. I think they ended with Cranked up Really High.. but no Bootboys..that I can remember .. oh well I really enjoyed their set, and they certainly know how to get everyone going.
Then it was the turn of Cocksparrer to finish off the night. I'd really been looking forward to their set after they did a brilliant set two years ago. The place was packed out. This time they included Running Riot, Chip on my Shoulder, Whats it like to be Old, Working, White Riot, Riot Squad. They ended with England belongs to me and one other.. Everyone had a good time, and it was great to see Sparrer back again.
Sunday... I saw quite a few bands who were forgetable up until the NY Relix came on in the Market. They put on a good show.. they are a like Vice Squad sounding band, and had a girl as a lead singer, and another one on bass guitar. They played a lot from their Shes got a gun CD, which included Paranoia, Open Your Eyes, Shes got a Gun, and Third World. They were good and brightened up the Sunday for me.
The Werent were the next band I saw, the lead singer came on with a wash basket full off clothes over his head.. excellent stuff, they went down a storm.. and put the fun back into punk.
I then saw Section 5 more out of curiosity than anything else.. as I've never seen them before, and hadn't heard anything by them before.. I saw half a dozen songs left for some food, and came back to catch Argy Bargy. Argy Bargy included Shams Brostal Breakout. Then I left to see a bit of the Angry Samoans who were funny, witty, and a good laugh.. well we certainly got that with song titles like you stupid jerk, get off the air, you stupid asshole...etc etc.
As Shane Mcgowan hadnt turned up.. he was still on the Ferry over from Ireland.. I went to see the Business. Now I've seen the Business four times before and just felt that I needed to see something different from their set, so I left and found all of 10 people in the Platform watching Sidekick. I enjoyed Sidekick... but it was funny pogoing around whilst the cleaners were sweeping up the floor, whilst the band were on stage playing..
By the way Shane Mcgowan did turn up and he played three songs..
Anyway that just about covered the weekend that I had..seeing once again some excellent bands..but the highlights for me were the Boys and TV Smith..both from the original 1976/1977 era. If you missed them you missed two classic sets. Hopefully both bands will be around next year to appear at the new HITS called Wasted.
UK SUBS at Bournemouth - Dec 2002
Just got back from seeing the UK Subs down at Bournemouth.
First up were I believe a local band called Spit Roast, they were a four piece with the drummer being the only male in the band.. they looked good to look at.. but their music and singing left a bit to be desired... I didn't think much of them at all.. second up were a three piece who again.. I didn't enjoy.. and didn't even get to know their name.. probably just as well.
Next up were a band who were playing their second ever gig.. called Arrogant Youth.. and I thought they played a good set.. and finished off with a version of the Subs Riot.. They were refreshing, and didn't just play thrash punk, they were a bit tuneful. I had to laugh because the three band members ages totalled less than my age.. 13, 14 and 14.
Then on came the Subs, with the bassist from Zero Tolerance, and of course Charlie.. I'm unsure who the other two guys were... anyway it was like a Subs greatest hits gig.. which I felt a bit disappointed with, as I wanted them to play some songs off their new CD Universal which I think is excellent. The newest song they played was Cardboard City(Squat 96) off Quientessentials. The set of course started with CID, and blasted through the following numbers in no particular order, Riot, You don't belong, Emotional Blackmail, Warhead, New York State Police, Stranglehold, Tomorrow's Girls, Telephone Numbers, All I want to Know, Endangered Spieces, I Live in a car, Teenage, until they finished up with Party in Paris. The crowd were up for this gig, and pogoed along from the start, with quite a bit of stage diving, and getting up on stage to help out with the vocals. Yep it was a greatest Hits night, and the Subs played their set well.. and as they haven't played down Bournemouth for years and years, and years, everyone probably wanted to hear the greatest hits.. except maybe for me. This was my sixth time of seeing the Subs, and I just wanted a new song.. was that too much to ask for.?
JOE STRUMMER - Wedgewood Rooms Portmouth Nov 2003
Just got back from seeing joe strummer... it was a really good gig...joe played 14 songs in all, five of them old clash numbers... white man, rudi cant fail, i fought the law, and ended with bankrobber and londons burning.. they also played tony adams, get down moses, coma girl, yalla yalla, the specials message to you rudi, and quite a few new ones.
joe was on for about an hour and a half.... i think most of the crowd wanted old clash numbers.. but it was good to see a real mixture of tunes... from londons burning to the new stuff.
by the way brock joe still has the ignore alien orders sticker on his strat along with a trash city sticker.. yes i even got to shake hands with him after he finished playing rudie cant fail.. mid set...
i know his tour is short.. about 8 dates.. but if you get the chance to see him.. its well worth it.. as he still gives 110%
PISTOLS AT THE PALACE - July 2002
Just got back from the palace.. Crystal Palace.. i got off the train at Crystal Palace just behind Gaye Advert and TV Smith... I was speaking to someone before the pistols came on.. a bloke form the band Chester.. who said that they were going to do Hawkwinds.. silver machine.. i laughed...!!!
Anyway the Pistols came on at 10 to 10... and went straight into Hawkwinds Silver Machine.. i laughed.. everyone pogoed to it.... the pistols played all their hits, beefy jones had put on some more weight.. he was just in a normal pair of blue jeans and a blue t shirt with nothing on it.. he could of been anyone off the street.. rotten had a sorry shirt on.. matlock had his leather jacket on .. and i couldnt see paul cook as he was behind the drums.. i managed to get nearly right down the front.. but hey was it sweaty down there..
The pistols played a newie song.. cant remember what it was called although my mate said that the creation used to play that song.. something like seeing through my eyes.. (cant really remember).. they didnt do no fun for the encore instead that came halfway through the set.. they also did substitute, pretty vacant, seventeen, belson, emi, holidays, bodies, new york etc etc..in fact all of them.. for the encore johnny started singing my way without any music to it.. then the crowd joined in.. then the music joined in..and away it went... mmm i didnt think it sounded too good.. after that they played anarchy... and then i had to go to catch a train... no doubt they played god save the queen last... but i missed it..
So is this now the offical end of good old punk.. the Pistols have played their last gig, the Ramones are no more.. whose left? perhaps its now down to new punk now to find their own sex pistols and ramones.. there seems to be loads of new young punk bands out there..!
Bone, Me and two guys from Chester waiting for the Pistols. The Pistols
HITS 2002 - July 2002 Blackpool Winter Gardens.
Well what did everyone expect after last years Hits in Morecambe, which was the best Punk weekend ever... this year.. no matter who played, could never ever live up to last year..
Anyway this year HITS was held in Blackpool at the Winter Gardens, with three different stages, the sound from the Arena and the Olympia left a lot to be desired.. but the sound from the Ballroom was good. This year featured a more varied selection of punk bands.. from skate punk, to ska punk, which also included hardcore punk, poppy punk, 1977 punk and any other so called type of punk you can imagine.
The drive up to Blackpool from Southampton was a nightmare.. bloody roadworks.. it took us 7 hours.. double what it should of taken... this had a knock on affect also for the bands coming up from the South and London.
As soon as I got into the Winter Gardens I headed for the bar for some much needed refreshment, and then took in the first band of the weekend who were Fast Cars. They were from Manchester and played a really good set.. they reminded me so much of the Undertones.. good poppy punk.. in fact when they played one song I thought they were the Undertones. They even played their single that they released back in 1979.. what a good start to the weekend.. I then took in a bit of Fletcher, and waited around for Menace to come on. After last years show, and their excellent CD this was one band I wanted to see.. but due to the roadworks on the motorway, a couple members of Menace didnt make it.. so they had to cancel... I spoke to Noel the drummer later on and he was really dissapointed that they couldnt play as so many people wanted to see Menace...
Instead I went to see V2.. and on came Ed Banger from the Nosebleeds... and didnt they put on a good show... Ed was dressed in a skirt and make-up and of course sang 'I aint been to Music School'.. along with a few others.. good stuff.
I went into the Ballroom to catch Chron Gen, they started their set with Jet Boy, Jet Girl and included Reality Asylym in their set.. I must admit I got a bit bored with them so left and caught Vice Squad.. not in the arena that they were supposed to be in.. as they must of got caught up in the roadworks.. anyway Bekis still got it..and played a few of their hits, they finished off with Moterheads Ace of Spades..
I then saw Penetration, one of the bands that I was really looking forward to seeing, I suppose I didn't think about it before hand but a lot of Penetrations songs are quite slow.. except of course for Dont Dictate which went down a storm.. I didnt see the whole of Penetrations set as I wanted to see Special Duties.. one of my favourite bands.. it was a shame for the Duties as the sound in the Arena wasn't too good..
I then went back into the Ballroom for the Addicts, and again they were ok... perhaps i expected a bit more, anyway they played Chinese Takeaway, Viva La Revolution and Bad Boy and that was it for Friday night. Off for some chips and a good sleep..
The first band were on at 12:15 lunchtime on Saturday, but the first band I took in were APA, a bit to hardcore for me. Next band I saw were the Undead.. now I really liked this band last year, and I've been looking around for their CD all year.. anyway this year they were just as good, or maybe even better, they are a three piece with a new bassist who just joined them on the last American tour. I thought they were excellent.
Next up were Virus, they weren't for me... sounded a bit like GBH and the Exploited...
I was then lucky enough to catch NY Relix.. I thought they were the Dogs Bollocks... they played an excellent set.. and also had a good look to them with two good looking girls in the band... One of them being the lead singer.
Next band I saw were the Bus Station Loonies.. I enjoyed them, they had a good comedy value.. and didnt take themselves too seriously.. it was good to hear a bit of talking between the songs telling us what the songs were about.. I then caught the US Bombs who put on a good show...they gave it loads.. with lots of people pogoing away..
Next up were 999, another band I really like.. they included Little Red Riding Hood, I'm Alive, The Biggest prize in sport, Homocide, Nasty Nasty, Feelin alright with the Crew and a couple of other goodies.. they put on a good show.. then it was the turn of Peter and the Test Tube Babies.. and yep they played a really good set and got everyone pogoing... they included 'up your bum', 'Banned from the pubs', 'Moped LAds', and a few others.
Then it was the turn of the Subs.. no Nicky Garret or Alvin Gibbs this year.. I thought they sounded and played better.. I love the new Subs CD but I dont think any of it was played which was a shame.. anyway they played a great lots of hits opening with 'CID', and playing 'Stranglehold', 'Telephone Numbers', 'New York State Police', 'Warhead', 'Riot', 'Emotional Blackmail', and lots of others.
I only saw a little bit of the Anti Nowhere League, and then made my way to the Olympia to see Suicidal Tendencies, who put on a really good stage show.. at first I thought I was going to see the first Punk Rap show ever.. but they soon got down to the more punker numbers.. I did pop into see the Exploited for a few numbers.. but got fed up with them, and went back to see the end of Suicidal Tendencies.
Sunday was due to start at 1:10, but everyone had to be searched on entry, there were plenty of rumours flying around on this one, and the bouncers were saying that one of the bands had requested that people be searched.. Due to the searchs on the door, there was no-one around to see the first bands up on stage.
The first band I saw was Molitov Cocktail, I was perhaps the only person standing right on the front barrier in the middle.. I do like to see the bands... anyway the lead singer jumped over the barrier and started singing in the middle of the dance floor.. its the first time that i've had to look backwards to see someone sing..
Although I saw bits of other bands, I didnt really enjoy anything until Argy Bargy came on, they played most of their new CD which is good.. why won't the skins dance or are they too busy posing.. anyway I really enjoyed them..and they did play 'What about me' and 'Saturdays Glory'.
The next band I caught were MDC, who put on a good show, and then it was the turn of the Business. As time has gone on I have come to like the Business more and more.. this wasn't one of their best performances but they included 'Harry May', 'Surburban Rebels', 'Real Enemy' and Finished off with 'Drinking and Driving'... and yes they had the kids on stage again.
Last up as Conflict had pulled out were the Dead Kennedys.. nealy everyone was crammed into the Olympia to see them.. I saw most of their set but left before the encores.. How can they call themselves the Dead Kennedys when they sound nothing like them.. I was dissapointed. They just sounded like a rivival band, with someone who sounds nothing like Jello.
Anyway I enjoyed the weekend.. and again I didnt see any trouble...the best bands for me were Fast Cars, The Undead, NY Relix, Subs, Peter and the Test Tube Babies, Special Duties and 999. What I noticed this year was that there was more variety in the type of punk on offer, and because of that there seemed to be a more younger crowd attending.. I found that the American groups really knew how to put on a show, where as a lot of the English bands seemed more reserved, and don't go for it so much. There was never enough bar staff on the bars... whenever I wanted a drink you either had to queue up for half an hour, or go into the Olympia which never seemed to be too busy.
Ericka (NY Rel-x), Mark (Parps) from the Deritas and the Sham List, Argy Bargy
Bobby Steele (Undead..ex Misfits), My mate Bone, Micky Fitz(Business), NY Rel-x (Ericka and Murat)
SHAM 69 - March 2002 - Brighton Concorde
Well last night I went down to see Sham 69 at the Brighton Concorde for the second time in two months... were they good.. yep you better bloody believe it.. heres what happened..
First up were a band called Aces DJ.. well thats what was said on the handout... their sound reminded me very much of early Joy Divison/Warsaw... and they went down ok... respect is due to the lead singer of Aces Dj.. he was down at the front pogoing along to the Sham set.
Next up were BeerZone.. they also supported Sham last month.. this time I thought they were much better...I think the sound on the whole evening was better...was this beacuse of the CD/DVD recording of the gig..? Who knows.. but Beerzone put on a good set, and got a lot of people singing along.
Then it was the turn of Sham.. at about 10 to 11... would they play the same set as last month... nah.. no way... Sham give good value for money... Right from the off.. you just knew this was going to be a good gig... with everyone leaping around and some old Sham classics being played... Heres the set list they played... in no particular order... i may of missed out a couple of songs..
Tattoo, I dont wanna, Ulster, Hersham Boys, Hurry up Harry, What have we got, No entry, Sept 11th (new song.. dunno what its called), Poor Cow, Give a dog a bone, Blackpool, Tell us the truth, If the Kids are United, You're a better man than me, Questions and Answers, Borstal Breakout (x2), Money and i'm sure they played Angels with Dirty Faces. What a set that was.. lots of old Classics..most of them dating from the late 70's... even the classic I dont wanna was in there... shame we didn't get Red London.. but hey you cant have everything..
Sham came back for one encore of four songs.. which included the new Sept 11th song and finishing with them playing Borstal Breakout for the second time. The crowd wanted more and were chanting & singing along... but they never came back.. shame!!!
In the crowd were Peter from Peter and the Test Tube Babies, Tony Barber currently of the Buzzcocks, & the Paul Cook 'not lookalike' drummer from the Sussex Pistols.. Max Splodges name was on the guest list.. but i never saw him...
The highlights for me was 'I dont wanna'... 'What have we got' & Jimmy singing the new September 11th song full of emotion..!!!, and of course a girl dressed in the smallest shortest silver dress i've ever seen... !!!
Better than last months gig.. oh yeah... better than Morecambe last year...not quite!!! Have Sham still got it... too right!!
SHAM 69 - March 2002 Brighton Concorde.
Then it was the turn of Sham... I looked at my watch nearly1/4 11.. what a time to start a set.. but hey who cares ..
Heres the set of songs that I can remember, but its in no particular order... I'm Mad, Security Guard (second ever playing of this one live), Studenthead, 14 years, Tell us the Truth, Ulster, What have we got, Hersham Boys, If the kids are United, Hurry up Harry, Didn't want us in the USA, Blackpool, Borstal Breakout, Loudmouth, Trainspotter, Tattoo, A newie about Sept 11th.
There may of been a couple more which they played but I can't remember. It was an excellent mixture of tracks .. right from Ulster/Tell us the Truth all the way through to the newie about Sept 11th. The crowd were up for it from the start.. unlike Jimmy who was very quiet for the first 3/4 songs.. giving those strange stares into the crowd.. after that he seemed to loosen up.. and away we went with one great song after another...
It was good to hear a completely different set to Morecambe.. and it was great to hear some of the old songs like Ulster and Tell us the Truth... Sham came on for one encore which they ended up playing 2/3 songs ending with Tattoo and then that was it...they had played for just over an hour...
It seemed to be an anti-climax as I'm sure that Sham were going to come out again with Dave Treganna and Brian James in the band, to do a couple more classic Sham tracks, but someone I reckon put the lights up early, and that was the end. All in all though it was a good set by Sham.. they have lost none of their sparkle.. and are an excellent live band.
STIFF LITTLE FINGERS / RED LETTER DAY - Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms March 2002
Every year it seems that the sold out signs are up for the arrival of SLF, and this year wasn't any different.
First up were a band who I didnt catch much off including their name... their sound was tight, but more middle of the road than punk.. so not really for me.. next up were Red Letter day, I last saw them as support to the Subs a few years back, since then they have changed their guitarist and bass player.
As they were a local band they got the crowd going... they did a version of the Subs 'limo life', which didnt go down as well as their own songs. For my liking they played on the camp side a bit too much.. still they were good fun to watch.
Next up were what everyone had been waiting for.. Stiff Little Fingers.. Go for it was playing as SLF came on stage.. this year they were again wearing football shirts (looked like Inter Milan to me) with their names and numbers on the back... They went straight into Suspect Device, which certainly got the whole place jumping up and down.. from there on it was non-stop.. with the crowd loving it.. they played all the following being played.. not in this order though.. and I must of missed out quite a few songs, which I have forgotten about. Tin Solider, Fly the Flag, Nobodys Hero, Harp, Johnny Was, Wasted Life, Listen Roots Radics.., At the Edge, Hope Street, Guitar and Drum, Long Way to Paradise, Another Dollar another Bullet, Just Fade Away.. They ended the main set with Alternative Ulster... then theycame back for two encores.. finally ending with Barbed Wire Love. Jake did a bit of talking inbetween some of the songs, and explained some of the reasons behind some of the songs.. i.e. Another Dollar another Bullet about Norad... Harp.. What the Americans call the Irish, and it was Jakes way of getting back at the Americans.. Guitar and Drum.. about the boy bands.. SLF also played another newie.. I cant remember what it was called though.. and yes it was a goodie.. nice and fast.. none of this slow crap.. Jake felt he had to answer the critics who reckoned that they shouldnt be called SLF... as he was the only original person in the current SLF line-up.. saying that he reckoned this was the best Fingers line-up he's been in. Dont forget Bruce Foxton has been with the band now for 10 years.
I certainly loved every minute of SLF show.. there were of course lulls, when the slower songs were played.. but I thought it was excellent stuff... they still play some of the old great songs, and are also writing and playing the new songs.. which sound good as well..
HOLIDAYS IN THE SUN 2001 - Morecambe - July 2001
Well this was it .. the ultimate Punk Festival... no where else in time or history, have we seen so many Punk bands performing together.. and we probably never will again!!!
There were over 100 bands performing over three days in four different venues.. three of those venues were within 500 meters of each other, and the fourth venue was a 15 minute walk down the road.
Punks, skins and 'urberts came from all over the world to attend the festival in 'Punk Town' Morecambe.. There were punks/skins from Holland, Germany, Sweden, America, Japan and loads of other countries, plus of course there were a few Brits.
Everything kicked off at 5 oclock on Friday... I first caught a band called Rotunda in the Platform, then made my way to the Market Arena and caught the best band of the weekend ... Chelsea... yep they were excellent... apparently they were just as good or even better this time, than they were at Punk Aid last year.. right from the off.. Gene was giving it loads...and was on and off the stage, into the crowd.. and back on stage again. Chelsea included 'Urban Kids', 'Rocking Horse', 'Look at the outside', 'Evacuate', 'No Admission', 'I'm on Fire', 'White Riot' (yep the Clash's version), 'I fought the Law' (again the Clashs version), 'Your Toy', they came back for an encore and played 'Right to Work', even Charlie Harper was right down the front singing along to all the songs. Great Stuff!!!!! Next up were the Subs.. with Nicky Garrett and Alvin Gibbs in tow... Nicky Garrett always gives it loads.. believe it or not the Subs did not start off with CID.. instead they started off with 'Living Dead' although they did 'CID' nearer the end and ended up with 'Limo Life'. Of course they played 'Stranglehold' and a few that I didn't know... still they were good. For some reason a lot of people left after the Subs (perhaps they went to see the end of Special Duties, and came back for the end of the Boys)... this was the Boys first gig in England for over 20 years, and as everyone knows the Boys were one of the original punk bands. I couldn't believe the amount of songs that the Boys played.. Chelsea only seemed to play 11/12 songs... but the Boys played nearly 20 songs... and lots of them were from their first album... 'Cop Cars', 'First Time', I don't Care' , Box Number', 'Sick on You'.... in fact the run up to the encores were full of the first lp songs... excellent stuff.. they came back on stage and played 'Boys' as the encore. I then went over to the Dome and caught DOA... I never reliased the lead singers name was Jerry Shithead...I saw him walking about after the show a lot, and catching other bands. DOA put on a good show.. and included 'Fuck You', 'The Enemy', 'General Strike', and the 'Prisoner'. Next up was for me the 2nd best band of the weekend... yep it was Sham...with Jimmy and Dave Parsons..all the old favourites were played.. They started with 'What have I got' and included 'Hurry up Harry', 'Tell us the Truth', 'Borstal Breakout', 'Blackpool', 'Loudmouth', 'Geoffery Thomas', 'Angels with Dirty Faces', plus a few that will no doubt be on their new CD.. due out soon... Sham came back on for the encore and did Borstal Breakout again.. Jimmy was really up for it... and gave out a few sermons on fascism.. Ian Stewart etc etc.. Sham were fully worth the ticket by themselves.. After Sham I went back into the Market Arena to catch one of the aftershow bands.. but decided the beer and tiredness had caught up with me.. so retired back to my b & b.
Saturday started just after midday with a band called Foxy, fronted by a nice looking girlie... next up were the Undead, who played a brilliant set.. I was looking around the stalls for an Undead CD afterwards, but found none... The Undead consisted of two of the ex-Misfits.. you could see the class shining through on their performance. They played a couple of old Misfit songs. I saw a little bit of Beerzone, before going down to the Carlton to see Dog Shit Sandwich.. it was one of those bands that I just fancied seeing.. in fact I didn't like them very much.. so left to have something to eat... I returned to the Market, and found Special Duties on stage.. it appeared that one of the bands didn't turn up so Special Duties agreed to play a second set... was I lucky.. yep..I missed Special Duties the day before as I wanted to see the Boys... Special Duties are an excellent band and one of my favourites. They put on a good show, and played 'Colchester Council', 'Police State', 'Wish it could be 1977', 'Punk Rocker', 'Gary Gilmores eyes' and finishing off with 'Bullshit Crass'. I next went across to the Dome to take a look at the 'Blood, and then went back to the Market to catch 999. 999 were excellent and played 'Emergency'.. etc and ended up with 'I'm Alive'. Then it was across to the Platform to catch T.V Smith and his acoustic performance. Even Steve Arrogant of Special Duties was there at the front listeneing to his set. (The Adverts were the first punk band Steve saw). TV Smith was such a change from all the other bands... T.V played 'My Place', 'Future used to be better', and ended up doing a few Adverts songs... 'Casts of a Thousands' and 'Gary Gilmores Eyes'... Gaye Advert was around watching T.V. Smith. Then it was back to the Market to watch the Partisans... another good set... lots of pogoing down the front. They included 'Polce Story', 'Killing machine', 'Overdose', 'No U Turns', 'Arms Race', '17 years of hell' and 'Blind ambition'. I then saw a bit of the A.N.W.L. before going to see Menace at the Platform. Menace put on a brilliant show, and played a lot of their new CD (a must for anyone who likes 1977 punk). They included 'Last Years Youth', 'Canda, '2 Fingers', 'Surburban Queen', 'I need nothing', and ended with 'GLC'. Next up were the Cockney Rejects. I saw a few numbers of theirs including 'The Greatest Cockney Rip-off..They also played 'Badman', 'I'm not a fool', 'Oi Oi Oi', 'Mans life in the Army', 'Police Car' and 'Join the Rejects'. I decided to go over to the Dome to see the Exploited but I wasn't able to get in, the doors had been locked... and they were letting no-one else in... The local press were there taking some photos, as a couple people at the front were trying to kick the doors down. After not getting in to see the Exploited I went down to the Carlton to catch the Bus Station Looines but got there just as they finished.... so I went back to the Market Arena to see Cocksparrer who played 'Running Riot', Take em all', 'Riot Squad', 'The Sun says', 'England belongs to me' and 'We love you', 'Because youre young', 'Where are they now', 'Sunday stripper'. Cocksparrer were very good...loads more pogoging to finish off the evening. After watching bands since midday I decided to call it a night.. and not watch any aftershow bands.
After a night and mornings rest... my feet were still aching from the previous two days pogoing...the day started at 12:50 with the Rong Uns at the Charlton, they ended up with a good rendition of a SLF song. I stayed on to watch the Filthy Lookers who played in a 1977 style, and included a Lurkers and Slaughters.. 'Where have all the boot boys gone' songs in their set. I popped into see about five minutes of Oxymoron, before going across to the Dome to see Instant Agony, I'd only seen Agony once and that was at last years Hits when they played an excellent set... it was a shame that not many people checked them out as they were good. Agony played 'No Pain', 'Fashion Parade' and 'No Sign of Life'. Next it was over to the Platform to catch the Lurkers for a few songs. They played 'Freakshow', 'Take me back to Babylon', 'Rubber Room'. Arthuro is the only one left of the original Lurkers, then it was onto the Market to catch most of Peter and The Test Tube Babies.. Peter is an excellent front man, and certainly has a laugh, but those Hawaiian shirts!!!!. They played 'Up your bum', 'Transvestite' and ended up with 'Banned from the Pubs'. Then it was the Dickies, musically they are not one of my favourites, but the show they put on was really good...with inflatable willies, gorilla masks and a whole host of props coming on stage... they played 'Giganitor', 'We Dont care', 'Nights in White Satin', 'Give it back', 'You drive me ape', 'Hideous', 'I'm Ok youre ok', they ended with Banana Splits which got the whole crowd pogoing madly. Next it was Slaughter and the Dogs who included 'Where have all the Bootboys Gone', Cranked up really High', 'Boston Babies', 'We don't care', 'I'm Mad' and 'Quick Joey Small' in their set. They ended up with an old Beatles song for their encore. The last main band of the Hits was the Damned, the Captain was on top form, they played 'Smash it Up', 'Neat Neat Neat', 'Love Song', 'Disco Man', 'Just cant be happy today', 'Thanks for the Night', and 'New Rose'.. the Captain was first one back on stage for the encore.. and started singing 'Happy Talk' which resulted in a pint being chucked all over him... he got the message.. and so the Damned came out again, for their last number. The Capt did mention the death of Joey Ramone near the end... a fitting tribute...
As I look back at the weekend... this was easily the ultimate Punk festival, the like of which will never be seen again.. the highlights for me were Chelsea and Sham, both who were brilliant... hearing the Undead for the first time, seeing all those Punk bands just walking around... and talking to a few.. It was a real shame that the Pistols, Clash, Buzzcocks and Ramones weren't/couldn't of been there
