Rebellion 2025 – Day 3

Rebellion Day 3

The history of punk is littered with books and stories and encompasses so many strands. One major strand is the anarcho punk piece. 

Members of System, Zounds, The Mob and the Famous Imposters are all reflected in a panel on the Literary stage. A group of friends playing music all merged together while Crass were bringing out records and starting to tour around the early 80’s. This was a phenomenon that lasted a short period of time but its influence remains 4 decades later. 4 men were just chatting away as old friends, telling tales of early band years, accidental record releases and tour busses and it all went by in a flash. 

Wonk Unit played an acoustic set with no set list and a challenge not to play any songs from their set last night. Some dicusssions took place between songs which added to the banter of the band and they got through it all in their usual irreverent zany style.

Paranoid Visions are the “hate of the city” and the “last punk group left” if you are to believe the singer Deko as he prowls around the stage with less menace than previous years. Songs from right across their history as they pound through the set. They have established a very solid and steady line up for most of the past decade and it shows. Less chaotic on stage as there is a tightness to everything. They could play these songs with their eyes closed but it’s important that they keep them open.

Steve Lake from Zounds even has time to have some crisps between songs. Maybe that’s the anarchist in him. By the Zounds of things this could be one of the last times the band will be on stage. I guess 4 decades is a long time. Zounds were part of an anarchist punk scene that didn’t have a musical style. People played what they wanted and when they wanted. Zounds style is slow and tuneful, not quite post punk and not quite folk or pop. I closed my eyes and the sound was captured perfectly today. Pity the songs are still as relevant in message but happy they have stood the test of time sonically.

Bar stool preachers are my guilty please. An acoustic set sung by most of the crowd, it was emotional. In recent years I’ve been tuned in to the band while life was setting up personal road blocks. These helped me through them. Live, they are incredible. A bundle of joy and excitement. And an example of the real power of music to create a community.

The Mob were a three piece driven by a bass sound and menace. They started their own all the madmen record label and played for a few years. Every now and then they resurface and I think this could be my last time so I need to see them it never disappoints as an early soundtrack to my world is revisited. It’s heavy but not abusive as other punk bands may have turned out. Sometimes it feels gloomy but the bands existence offer hope and the work they have been involved in since. 

New band in the scene the Charlemagnes were in the introducing stage. I think I saw them with moving targets in London 6 years ago, they aren’t too new but had never played rebellion before. Garage tuneful punk rock with a very good pedigree. It was nice to see Naked Raygun on a sticker as the band were due to play the festival this weekend. Chris had the sticker proudly placed on his bass. They finish with a great cover of the Leatherface classic ‘Not Superstitious’

That got me smiling even before I went to see Neville Staple and you can’t but he moved by this music. Thousand of people skanking away in great form while remembering peace love and unity is what it’s all about. 

I thought I’d stumbled into the wrong room when the passion killers were on stage sound checking. Maeve had their hair completely restyled for the night with nice punk rock hairline. It would have been nice to see Boff with a Mohican. Maybe next time.? As for the band, they were so tight for songs written by teenagers in the 80’s. It was a really good blast from the past but also a reminder of the present. Every Passion Killers song carried a message and as the band members are around their 7th decade on the earth this torch needs to be carried by others. If it is we are all with you. 

I get to sit down and watch the Lovely Eggs. For a two piece they certainly pack a punch not unlike a mix of some of the other duos over the weekend. The meffs, Yur Mum and the Courettes all played with a guitar and drums and a wall of sound. The lovely eggs are no different. Guitars cranked up really high and rocking right throughout with a certain psychedelic quirkiness lying underneath. 

And the day finishes for me with images of the Passion Killers wearing jerseys in solidarity with Palestine. I avoid bands that broke the cultural boycott as there is so much to see. As I walk back to my accommodation I chat to the seagulls about how Rebellion is nostalgic but it also helps pave a way for the future. They think I’m mad and don’t talk back but I finish the day with a smile on my face. I guess you needed to be here.