The Membranes and the choir Just when you think that it's all been done, that punk/DIY/independent music can be placed into a nice, neat category alongside comes a 'happening' that is inspiring, creative, funny and life-affirming. I don't want to say too much about the Membranes and the choir...because if you missed it, well, you … Continue reading Rebellion 2017 The Membranes and the Choir of Choirs
Some things in life are difficult to think about, you'd prefer they weren't there, that you could turn your head away. But life isn't simple, it isn't right, it certainly isn't fair. It might seem like an odd thing to have at a festival, but it says so much about the punk community that space … Continue reading Rebellion 2017 The Sophie Lancaster Conversation: Dead for Being Different
Interrobang A plush theatre in the North West of England. A new band, an audience of punks in a room full of history. There is a sense of excitement. I certainly don't know what to expect, except that Dunstan from Chumbawamba is involved. Naturally, being creatures of habit, we look at the stage......then from behind … Continue reading Rebellion 2017 Interrobang
Youth Man They were promoted, quite rightly, from new band stage last year. Youth Man are a Birmingham three-piece who play fast and furious rock with a mighty girl guitarist who trades vocals with a male vocalist who played bass and wore a Smiths t-shirt...how cool is that! An absolute highlight of the festival for … Continue reading Rebellion 2017 Youth Man
Matilda's Scoundrels Celtic punk is alive and well and full of energy.....that makes me realise just long ago I first saw the Pogues opening for the Shillelagh Sisters in Camden's Irish Centre. I am old, and that's OK.....as the t-shirt says: 'I'm Old But I Got to See All The Good Bands' well almost most … Continue reading Rebellion 2017 Matilda’s Scoundrels
Brain's All Gone Sometimes you come across a band that stop you in your tracks and make you go: "how come I didn't know about them before?' That's what I felt watching Brian's All Gone a rockin' female three piece. I think they are from Poland...but I could be wrong. They had great changes in … Continue reading Rebellion 2017 Brain’s All Gone
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
Poly-esters Another new band to me, a female 4 piece, who reminded me of the Runaways, and that is high praise indeed. They are a hard rocking group with the magic 1960s Motown/soul oooh ooh oohs. The front woman has a gravelly voice and the classic skinhead style. These are Not just women who can … Continue reading Rebellion 2017 Poly-esters
Kenneths Kenneths were new to me but they had a great backdrop...their name in blocks, that also made for a great patch. They are a young 3 piece, with a female drummer/co-vocalist and a singer with the classic low slung guitar. The bass player would have fit right in with early Corrosion of Conformity. So … Continue reading Rebellion 2017 Kenneths
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
