Rebellion 2017 – Day 4

And so it drifts to a close, we may want it to go for ever but most bodies can't take the pace. There is a world out there to return to, families and friends to be cherished and minds to change. Again Rebellion has been a cracker, my years of animosity towards this festival were … Continue reading Rebellion 2017 – Day 4

Rebellion 2017 – Day 3

Rebellion 2017 Day 3 My introduction to los Fastidios came a few years ago. They had just finished an Irish tour that I missed out on. Their background is in oi music. They proudly proclaim football as an interest but also are anti fascist and animal rights exponents. Sure what's not to like. Sing along … Continue reading Rebellion 2017 – Day 3

Rebellion 2017 – Day 2

Before every trip to Blackpool I sit down, pore through the lineup and pick out the must see and the nice to see. I have a problem today. 34 bands are on the list. That may not have been an issue for 18 year old self but it is a problem. It will sort itself … Continue reading Rebellion 2017 – Day 2

Rebellion 2017 – Day 1

Rebellion 2017 day 1 And so we return. A little greyer, mostly a little bigger but no less enthusiastic. Blackpool 2017 for this first weekend of August is less kiss me quick and donkey rides and more punk rock nostalgia as the home of the 80s political conferences is taken over by the punks. 7 … Continue reading Rebellion 2017 – Day 1

Rebellion 2017 Bratakus,

BRATAKUS   It's not even four o,clock and I already have a new favourite band. Girls and boys looking for contemporary punk role models need look no further They are two-piece, so lazy comparisons with House of f Freaks and even Carter the USM are inevitable, yet that shouldn't take away from how original and … Continue reading Rebellion 2017 Bratakus,

A week of punk

"Punk rock saved my life", Derrick Johnston proclaimed one Monday night in the hut to an audience one could quite comfortably count with two hands and we knew exactly what he meant. My saving wasn't on the form of punk but it certainly shaped my life. So many decisions I make on a daily basis … Continue reading A week of punk

May fest 2017

Hope Collective are delighted to be involved with Mayfest 2017. Mayfest is a celebration of Workers Clulture and is running nightly in Liberty Hall from May 1 to May 12. Our event is on Tuesday May 2 with an event compered by Actor Bryan Murray. Joining Bryan will be Fran QUigle (booker of McGonagles in … Continue reading May fest 2017

Banter – Feb 21

On Tuesday February 21, myself, Michael and a number of those who’ve contributed to the book - plus some surprise guests - will join Jim Carroll at Banter to talk about the book, the notion of favourite gigs and read their selections as well. Audience contributions welcome too. Guests speaking include.... Ellie & Louise McNamara … Continue reading Banter – Feb 21

A thought for the year

Since when Since when Has financial cost usurped human dignity? Has the market dictates what we do for our people? Is it ok to ignore human suffering? Has our walk through life blinded us to the streets? So let's Talk Belong Communication is vital to our sense of belonging If you see a business you … Continue reading A thought for the year

Well, did I do it?

It was during my Christmas break in 2015 that I set myself a challenge - Read 52 Books in a year.  1 a week - should be easy? It all started with Steven Gerrard - a christmas present The road to wigan pier followed closely.  George Orwells tale of how we can show a brighter future … Continue reading Well, did I do it?