Hope show the sixth

I've had an intersting week. I am finally settling ijn to my new house and the dust is getting a bit clearer. This week was union activity week and we were looking at ways our union can reach out to members. It is hard to find actions that say YOU are the union, get involved … Continue reading Hope show the sixth

Paranoid Visions – Escape from The Austerity Complex (Overground Records)

Paranoid Visions - Escape From the Austerity Complex (Overground Records) Haunting start - I sit here typing this review in to a computer nearly 30 years after seeing Paranoid Visions for the first time.  It's a debut I will never forget.  My journey started at the bus stop with my bro who was the instigator … Continue reading Paranoid Visions – Escape from The Austerity Complex (Overground Records)

behind the SCENES with Green Day – Cometbus *54

The great DIY Vs Major Label debate is generally presented in black and white. There is so much talk about 'selling out' that we sometimes forget that some people live in both worlds simultaneously. Niall Hope got me the latest issue of Cometbus fanzine and it is fascinating. It also gives a great insider prespective … Continue reading behind the SCENES with Green Day – Cometbus *54

10 bands that I loved seeing live:

Dexy's Midnight Runners New Model Army Fugazi Senseless Things Snuff Rollins Band Jane's Addiction Ween Rage Against The Machine That Petrol Emotion The Wild Hearted Outsider

Rebellion top 5’s pt 3

Top 5 ways to improve Rebellion I loved the festival this year, although I'm a recent enough convert over the past 5 years this was my favourite one so far. Lots of good diverse bands and with so much to do. I love that it's on in Blackpool as the tatty slightly decaying seaside town … Continue reading Rebellion top 5’s pt 3

Rebellion top 5’s pt 2

Top 5 t-shirts We did a very scientific search on t-shirts on display - looked at them all and tried to remember which were most popular band by their merch.  And in no particular order we have.... Resistance 77 - wierd that they fell the need to explain their patriotism but even wierder that england … Continue reading Rebellion top 5’s pt 2

Rebellion top 5’s pt 1

Top 5 moments from Rebellion 2012 The anti-fascist sing songs from Los Fastidios, the Filaments and Hard Skin - whilst it may have been less prevalent than in recent years there is still a small number of people who believe themselves to be superior due to the colour of their skin. This year there was … Continue reading Rebellion top 5’s pt 1

Moscow / Dublin / London

Today three items are worth considering, and different as they may appear, they all fall under the category of popular music and the government. Moscow When John Lydon articulated his support in Blackpool on Sunday for three women on trial in Russia he probably didn’t suspect that his sentiments would be echoed by Madonna. He … Continue reading Moscow / Dublin / London

Blackpool Rebellion Day 1

Today it was back to Blackpool for the annual check-up on the medical condition of the venerable old institution that is punk. Punk nostalgia could not have found a more perfect temporary home than 'the Paris of the North West'. There amongst the Ghost Trains, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, the sticks of rock, the … Continue reading Blackpool Rebellion Day 1

Blackpool Rebellion 2012 Day 2

Day 2 Create. Community. One of the most interesting things about punk is its invitation to create. Sure, like any other popular music genre, it is associated with tonnes of consumption: how many Ramones t-shirts have sprung from cotton plants around the world? How many bottles of dye have been sold to embellish punk heads? … Continue reading Blackpool Rebellion 2012 Day 2