LIVE REVIEWS, JULY-DECEMBER 2016.

JESUS FIX. New Cross Inn, 3/7/16. One of my oldest friends, Patrick, has been in a band called Jesus Fix for many years but, up until now, I’ve never seen them play. This is mostly because they usually play in and around Canterbury, but also because on the occasions that they do play in London, he doesn’t tell me. But this time, I find out and I’m not going to miss it. On top of that, I even persuade a couple of others to come along, so I’m definitely doing my best for the cause !
This is actually an All-day Metal / Hardcore event, so I have to say that Jesus Fix don’t really fit-in with the rest of the bands (who I won’t review on the basis that they were so dull they don’t deserve it) but at the same time, this worked in their favour because they really stood-out. Jesus Fix played at a more tempered pace, working on the power in their songs rather than just playing as fast as they could and hoping that would cover for the lack of originality. In the past, people have compared them to early-Hawkwind, but I didn’t really get that from seeing them live. Tom Phobic commented, half-way through their set, that they sounded like The Wipers, and as soon as he said that, I could see what he meant. It’s punk, but from a more thoughtful back-round, trying to develop their ideas rather than just playing to the audience. On this showing, Jesus Fix really have something different to offer. Rock that’s progressive rather than Prog. I don’t know, it’s hard to describe, but I really enjoyed it. I just hope I get a chance to see them again soon… Patrick !!!
This is actually an All-day Metal / Hardcore event, so I have to say that Jesus Fix don’t really fit-in with the rest of the bands (who I won’t review on the basis that they were so dull they don’t deserve it) but at the same time, this worked in their favour because they really stood-out. Jesus Fix played at a more tempered pace, working on the power in their songs rather than just playing as fast as they could and hoping that would cover for the lack of originality. In the past, people have compared them to early-Hawkwind, but I didn’t really get that from seeing them live. Tom Phobic commented, half-way through their set, that they sounded like The Wipers, and as soon as he said that, I could see what he meant. It’s punk, but from a more thoughtful back-round, trying to develop their ideas rather than just playing to the audience. On this showing, Jesus Fix really have something different to offer. Rock that’s progressive rather than Prog. I don’t know, it’s hard to describe, but I really enjoyed it. I just hope I get a chance to see them again soon… Patrick !!!

BRIAN JAMES GANG / BLACK BOMBERS. 100 Club,6/7/16. It’s the 40th Anniversary of The Damned’s first gig, so Brian James returns to the scene of the crime for a celebration. It all starts well, with support coming from the Black Bombers, a Birmingham based band with influences ranging between the Stooges, MC5 and early UK punk rock who play a suitably raucous and rockin’ set of high energy tuneage. They set the mood perfectly, and rumours of various surprise guests just build up the anticipation. However, the Brain James Gang set, to begin with at least, is a bit disappointing. The sound was all out of place, with vocals disappearing at one point only to come back at the loss of the bass or drums. It should have sounded a lot better for an event like this, but whatever was going on, we just couldn’t hear the band properly. I’m not going to linger over this because I’m not sure who was to blame, but something like this should have been done properly so it could be the special event it deserved to be. As it was, it was only the encore that really stood out. Ginger from the Wildhearts came up for vocals, and Rat Scabies reclaimed the drum set for a great version of ‘I Feel Alright’ and a grand finale of ‘New Rose’. These were songs that even the sound couldn’t mess up, and watching the way that Rat and Brian always lock-in together is something incredible. So, I have to say that it wasn’t the greatest gig, but there were certain moments that made it really special.

ROADKILL DOGS / MORONES. The Gunners, 16/7/16. Roadkill Dogs are an Italian band playing a mix of Ramones / Stooges and early GG Allin (when he had tunes.) I didn’t really know much about them before this gig (they had been recommended by a trust- worthy friend) but I think this was their first visit to London. Whatever the case, they certainly made their mark. The band start their set up on the small stage and a few moments later, frontman Stefano makes his entrance whilst grappling to release himself from a straitjacket ! The band continue with a selection of great, catchy punk rock’n’roll tunes, whilst Stefano increasingly throws himself around the stage and the audience in a suitably debauched, deranged but somehow endearing manner. Of course, some people aren’t going to like it, but with an idea of what he’s doing, it makes perfect sense / nonsense to me. He totally loses himself in the show, unintentionally cutting himself on broken glass, pushing the band harder and himself further. Musically, they may not be the best band I’ve ever heard, but their intent is pure and I just can’t fault it. I look forward to seeing them again.
After this, it’s actually The Morones headlining. To be fair, I have to say they’re probably the best Ramones tribute band I’ve seen and they play a good selection of songs, not just sticking to the greatest hits. I also love the fact that the Joey-impersonator has continuous problems with his wig receding backwards, but even with Stefano joining them for a few backing vocals, a tribute band was never going to match a real combo.
Hopefully, Roadkill Dogs will be back soon. Make a note of the name and be sure to be there.
After this, it’s actually The Morones headlining. To be fair, I have to say they’re probably the best Ramones tribute band I’ve seen and they play a good selection of songs, not just sticking to the greatest hits. I also love the fact that the Joey-impersonator has continuous problems with his wig receding backwards, but even with Stefano joining them for a few backing vocals, a tribute band was never going to match a real combo.
Hopefully, Roadkill Dogs will be back soon. Make a note of the name and be sure to be there.

DOA / SHOT. New Cross Inn, 23/7/16. I hadn’t seen DOA for quite a while so it was good to have them playing at a pretty local venue. I arrived quite late, but did manage to see one of the support bands, Shot!, who weren’t bad. A strong mix of UK hardcore and punk, they were pretty powerful and also delivered some great catchy hooks, so it was a good way to start the evening. DOA take to the stage promptly and, while Joey Keithley may be the only original member still in the band, they blast into the set with all the energy and integrity that you’d expect from them. Although they have had several breaks over the years, Joey has always kept himself busy, whether it’s his direct involvement in Canadian politics or running the Sudden Death record label. But it’s DOA that’s always been in his blood and something that he clearly has to do, so there are no half-hearted performances whatever the situation. Here, in front of an enthusiastic audience, he was in his element and the current rhythm section was more than able in the task of keeping up with their frontman. They run through loads of old favourites plus a good selection of more recent material, with ‘Fucked Up Ronnie’ now updated to ‘Fucked Up Donald’ (no prizes for guessing who that’s about !) while Joey announces that ‘there’s only one War worth fighting ‘ before they launch into their frantic cover of The Dils’ ‘Class War’ (following Mission of Burms’s cover just a few months’ ago…) DOA were a band who originally formed in opposition to all the nasty stuff (political and corporate) around them. Now, with all that same shit coming back with a vengeance, DOA are still as vital and valid as they ever have been.

SMASH / DeRELLAS / KNOX. Hope & Anchor, 29/7/16. I never really paid much attention to SMASH when they were around the first time, but several reliable friends swear by them (rather than at them) so I decided to check them out again. Whatever happens, the Hope & Anchor is a fine venue and the Rockaway Beach nights always have a great atmosphere.
The gig starts in style with a short, unannounced acoustic set by Knox. It’s not the most professional or slick performance but that doesn’t matter because this is meant to be fun. Knox has written some great songs over the years so it’s always a treat to hear him playing them. He ends with a fine version of ‘Baby Baby’, convincing everyone to sing along. I hadn’t been expecting this set, so it was a real bonus.
DeRellas are playing in what has become their home-from-home, so they know exactly what to do. When you catch them on the right night, in the right venue with a good audience and a decent PA, they can really blow you away. This was one of those occasions. With their mix of punk, glam and trashy rock’n’roll, there really isn’t much to dislike about them.
Paying more attention tonight, I do enjoy SMASH and I can see why several people have told me that they were unlucky not to have been more successful. They certainly have some good tunes play with energy and play with inventiveness, but they still didn’t grab my attention in the way that I hoped for. By the end of their set, I wasn’t entirely won over but I did have a better appreciation for them. I don’t intend buy their entire back catalogue, but I’m glad they’re out there.
The gig starts in style with a short, unannounced acoustic set by Knox. It’s not the most professional or slick performance but that doesn’t matter because this is meant to be fun. Knox has written some great songs over the years so it’s always a treat to hear him playing them. He ends with a fine version of ‘Baby Baby’, convincing everyone to sing along. I hadn’t been expecting this set, so it was a real bonus.
DeRellas are playing in what has become their home-from-home, so they know exactly what to do. When you catch them on the right night, in the right venue with a good audience and a decent PA, they can really blow you away. This was one of those occasions. With their mix of punk, glam and trashy rock’n’roll, there really isn’t much to dislike about them.
Paying more attention tonight, I do enjoy SMASH and I can see why several people have told me that they were unlucky not to have been more successful. They certainly have some good tunes play with energy and play with inventiveness, but they still didn’t grab my attention in the way that I hoped for. By the end of their set, I wasn’t entirely won over but I did have a better appreciation for them. I don’t intend buy their entire back catalogue, but I’m glad they’re out there.

TSOL / THE DWARVES / MDC / HARDSKIN. Camden Underworld, 3/8/16. The thing about the Rebellion festival is that, either the week before or after, most of the non-UK bands also get to play in London. This can result in some incredible line-ups, such as this one, but also a very hectic schedule and severe lack of sleep for someone like me. But what you gonna do ? Gigs like this don’t come along very often.
Actually, I'll admit that I was lucky with this one as Fat Bob put me on the Hardskin guestlist (I'd promised to bring along the pies for the Aftershow) although the fact that they were playing was actually quite poignant. Their friends in a band called Mischief Brew had originally been scheduled to play and had even gone as far as sending a box of merch to Bob's gaff to cut down on freight costs. But due to the untimely and unexpected death of their frontman, Erik, the band had no option but to cancel their European tour. Hardskin offered to replace them for several dates and sell-off their merch to raise funds for Erik's family.
All this being said, Hardskin's set is as much fun as ever and I doubt that even the bereaved would have wanted anything else. No messing about, just telling it like it is, the ultimate power trio got down to business and knocked one out for the kids. There's a particularly tough looking bouncer at the side of the stage and Bob can't resist putting him in his place. "You think you're hard ? That's Nipper back there on drums ! He's from Glasgow... he'll 'ave ya !" I'm sure he would've done, as well, but the bouncer turned out to be an alright geezer and loved the 'Skin ! Sometimes, bouncers can be a bit shitty, but this one was obviously from the right manor !
Much that Fat Bob may have made a bit of a Fraudian Slip (is that when a French bloke misses a penalty down at The Den ?) when he dedicated ‘Beer & Fags’ to MDC, they didn’t seem to notice and played a rather fine set, mixing old and new material in a pretty convincing fashion. As with many of the more political bands of the early 80’s, much of what they sung about actually seems even more valid now, and this also seems to reinvigorate their musical performance. Dave Dictor may have looked a little odd with his rather floppy Mohawk, but the band were tight, sounded great and seemed more focused than ever. It’s a shame they only had a short time to play this evening, but they certainly made the most of it.
I’ve seen The Dwarves a few times over the years but they’ve always suffered because the first time, at New Cross Venue back in 1993, was so incredible awesome that they’ve never been able to live up to it. Many of the songs are great, they can play really well, but any performance is going to pale in comparison to that incredible ten minute blast of testosterone. So, I enjoy their set but they’re never going to top their past glories and that’s a bit of pity, but it’s their own damn fault for being so good that first time.
Finally, TSOL are headlining. Now, I know a lot of people really like them, but I’ve never really been a fan. I don’t know what it is… I don’t dislike them (well, not the punk stuff, but the later ‘rock’ albums were really turgid) but despite their iconic status, they’ve never really stood out. Perhaps it’s a case of hearing them out of their original context, but I’m just not that impressed. So, I watch most of the set, it isn’t bad, but for me the running order tonight would have been much better if it had been reversed.
Actually, I'll admit that I was lucky with this one as Fat Bob put me on the Hardskin guestlist (I'd promised to bring along the pies for the Aftershow) although the fact that they were playing was actually quite poignant. Their friends in a band called Mischief Brew had originally been scheduled to play and had even gone as far as sending a box of merch to Bob's gaff to cut down on freight costs. But due to the untimely and unexpected death of their frontman, Erik, the band had no option but to cancel their European tour. Hardskin offered to replace them for several dates and sell-off their merch to raise funds for Erik's family.
All this being said, Hardskin's set is as much fun as ever and I doubt that even the bereaved would have wanted anything else. No messing about, just telling it like it is, the ultimate power trio got down to business and knocked one out for the kids. There's a particularly tough looking bouncer at the side of the stage and Bob can't resist putting him in his place. "You think you're hard ? That's Nipper back there on drums ! He's from Glasgow... he'll 'ave ya !" I'm sure he would've done, as well, but the bouncer turned out to be an alright geezer and loved the 'Skin ! Sometimes, bouncers can be a bit shitty, but this one was obviously from the right manor !
Much that Fat Bob may have made a bit of a Fraudian Slip (is that when a French bloke misses a penalty down at The Den ?) when he dedicated ‘Beer & Fags’ to MDC, they didn’t seem to notice and played a rather fine set, mixing old and new material in a pretty convincing fashion. As with many of the more political bands of the early 80’s, much of what they sung about actually seems even more valid now, and this also seems to reinvigorate their musical performance. Dave Dictor may have looked a little odd with his rather floppy Mohawk, but the band were tight, sounded great and seemed more focused than ever. It’s a shame they only had a short time to play this evening, but they certainly made the most of it.
I’ve seen The Dwarves a few times over the years but they’ve always suffered because the first time, at New Cross Venue back in 1993, was so incredible awesome that they’ve never been able to live up to it. Many of the songs are great, they can play really well, but any performance is going to pale in comparison to that incredible ten minute blast of testosterone. So, I enjoy their set but they’re never going to top their past glories and that’s a bit of pity, but it’s their own damn fault for being so good that first time.
Finally, TSOL are headlining. Now, I know a lot of people really like them, but I’ve never really been a fan. I don’t know what it is… I don’t dislike them (well, not the punk stuff, but the later ‘rock’ albums were really turgid) but despite their iconic status, they’ve never really stood out. Perhaps it’s a case of hearing them out of their original context, but I’m just not that impressed. So, I watch most of the set, it isn’t bad, but for me the running order tonight would have been much better if it had been reversed.

THE DICTATORS / THE CAVEMEN. The Borderline, 6/8/16. I was surprised that The Dictators were playing such a small venue, but with so many gigs going on this week, I expect there weren’t many other options. Still, it was a great place to see them, for those of us who were there ! I arrived just in time to see most of the support set from The Cavemen, a New Zealand garage punk combo recently relocated to London. Playing a raw’n’raucous mix of (early) Saints, Dead Boys and New Bomb Turks, they’re a real blast of energy and great to watch, too. This is a band that I need to check out further and I suggest you put them in your notebook as well.
Playing a pretty different set to the last time I saw them, The Dictators crowd onto the small stage but their sound fills the entire venue. While the rest of the band provide the backbone, Handsome Dick Manitoba is the perfect face for the band, handling the vocals with inimitable style and filling the space between songs with humour and accessibility. This is high-energy rock’n’roll just the way it should be played, with plenty of attitude and lots of style. Starting out with recent single ‘Supply & Demand’, they follow with tracks from the ‘DFFD’ and ‘Wild Kingdom’ albums before delving all the way back to their classic debut and delivering versions of ‘Next Big Thing’, Master Race Rock’ and ‘Two Tub Man’ in quick succession. If there were any doubters in the room, this trio of songs would certainly have put them right ! This is a band that know exactly what they’re doing and love doing it. Admittedly, Andy Shernoff may be missing, but Daniel Rey has more than enough talent and pedigree to fill his place, making this band as authentic as it needs to be. It’s one of those gigs where you look around and you can’t spot a single person who isn’t having a great time. The set continues with stompin’ versions of ‘Faster & Louder’ and ‘I Stand Tall’ before eventually coming to an early end (due to the Borderlines silly curfew) with ‘Who Will Save Rock’n’Roll ?’, a question that the Dictators seem to be answering pretty well themselves !
Although often missed-out in retrospectives of the era, The Dictators were an integral part of the New York punk scene, effectively bridging the gap between earlier bands like the MC5 and New York Dolls through to the Ramones and Dead Boys. It may be over 40 years since their first album, but it still sounds great and the band can still kick out the jams whenever they play live. This is something we are lucky to be able to see now, so don’t miss the opportunity !
Playing a pretty different set to the last time I saw them, The Dictators crowd onto the small stage but their sound fills the entire venue. While the rest of the band provide the backbone, Handsome Dick Manitoba is the perfect face for the band, handling the vocals with inimitable style and filling the space between songs with humour and accessibility. This is high-energy rock’n’roll just the way it should be played, with plenty of attitude and lots of style. Starting out with recent single ‘Supply & Demand’, they follow with tracks from the ‘DFFD’ and ‘Wild Kingdom’ albums before delving all the way back to their classic debut and delivering versions of ‘Next Big Thing’, Master Race Rock’ and ‘Two Tub Man’ in quick succession. If there were any doubters in the room, this trio of songs would certainly have put them right ! This is a band that know exactly what they’re doing and love doing it. Admittedly, Andy Shernoff may be missing, but Daniel Rey has more than enough talent and pedigree to fill his place, making this band as authentic as it needs to be. It’s one of those gigs where you look around and you can’t spot a single person who isn’t having a great time. The set continues with stompin’ versions of ‘Faster & Louder’ and ‘I Stand Tall’ before eventually coming to an early end (due to the Borderlines silly curfew) with ‘Who Will Save Rock’n’Roll ?’, a question that the Dictators seem to be answering pretty well themselves !
Although often missed-out in retrospectives of the era, The Dictators were an integral part of the New York punk scene, effectively bridging the gap between earlier bands like the MC5 and New York Dolls through to the Ramones and Dead Boys. It may be over 40 years since their first album, but it still sounds great and the band can still kick out the jams whenever they play live. This is something we are lucky to be able to see now, so don’t miss the opportunity !

ADOLESCENTS / BARSTOOL PREACHERS / LOS PEPES. Camden Underworld, 8/8/16. I was expecting this gig to be busy, but it turned out to be only half-full, probably as many who would normally have been there were still on their way back from Rebellion (which had ended the previous night.) So the entire gig lacked atmosphere to some extent, even though all the bands were sounding good.
Los Pepes play a pretty frantic brand of garage-punk and powerpop. Catchy tunes, big guitar chords and tight rhythms set them up for a fun show. Unfortunately, in this rather sedate situation it doesn’t go the way it should, but just imagine them in a smaller, packed and sweaty room and you know you’d love it.
I had been looking forward to seeing Barstool Preachers live and although they didn’t let things down, it would also have been better to see them at a busier show. They mix ska and punk in a way that The Clash sometimes did, blending the two styles together instead of just playing a punk song with a ska break in the middle. There’s also an almost folkie acoustic element in there as well, although not so prominently. It sounds down-to-earth and genuine, rather than being too formalized, and that’s the real trick to get if you want to do this right.
The Adolescents finally take to the stage and the first thing I have to mention is that they don’t look how you would expect at all. They look as if they should all be in different bands, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s kind of odd. Of course, once they start playing, it all comes together. Material from their recent ‘Manifest Density’ album is mixed with their older songs and it all sounds rather damn good, although inevitably it’s tracks like ‘Kids From The Black Hole’, ‘Wrecking Crew’, ‘Word Attack’ and the legendary ‘Amoeba’ that get the best response The audience are all singing along and, despite the low-attendance, everyone enthusiastically packs down towards the stage to give it a better sense of atmosphere. In the end it all comes together and I doubt any of the band or audience were disappointed. Next time, let’s hope they end up with a better date for everyone.
Los Pepes play a pretty frantic brand of garage-punk and powerpop. Catchy tunes, big guitar chords and tight rhythms set them up for a fun show. Unfortunately, in this rather sedate situation it doesn’t go the way it should, but just imagine them in a smaller, packed and sweaty room and you know you’d love it.
I had been looking forward to seeing Barstool Preachers live and although they didn’t let things down, it would also have been better to see them at a busier show. They mix ska and punk in a way that The Clash sometimes did, blending the two styles together instead of just playing a punk song with a ska break in the middle. There’s also an almost folkie acoustic element in there as well, although not so prominently. It sounds down-to-earth and genuine, rather than being too formalized, and that’s the real trick to get if you want to do this right.
The Adolescents finally take to the stage and the first thing I have to mention is that they don’t look how you would expect at all. They look as if they should all be in different bands, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s kind of odd. Of course, once they start playing, it all comes together. Material from their recent ‘Manifest Density’ album is mixed with their older songs and it all sounds rather damn good, although inevitably it’s tracks like ‘Kids From The Black Hole’, ‘Wrecking Crew’, ‘Word Attack’ and the legendary ‘Amoeba’ that get the best response The audience are all singing along and, despite the low-attendance, everyone enthusiastically packs down towards the stage to give it a better sense of atmosphere. In the end it all comes together and I doubt any of the band or audience were disappointed. Next time, let’s hope they end up with a better date for everyone.

THE DICKIES. Camden Underworld, 12/8/16. At one point, it looked as if this gig wouldn’t happen at all. Whilst catching the ferry across from Holland, frontman Leonard Phillips had been taken ill and by the time they were in the UK, it was bad enough to warrant a trip to the nearest hospital. It turned out that he was suffering from gallstones and immediately taken in for urgent treatment. Without their singer, many a band would have cancelled the rest of their dates, but Leonard himself persuaded them to carry-on. ‘You’ve got to trust the British fans to help us out !’, he declared. On top of anything else, if they quit the tour at this point they were standing to lose a lot of money, having not yet recouped the cost of their fares etc. So, a plan was hatched and announced via facebook that Leonard would not be performing so that anyone disappointed could ask for a refund, but at the same time the gigs would go ahead with various guests helping them out onstage…
As it turned out this worked really well, partly due to the efforts of the guest vocalists but also down to the enthusiasm of the fans who cheered the band along and supported them in their misfortune. It was never going to be the same without Leonard, but this gig also had a special atmosphere all of its’ own.
They arrived onstage with the instrumental ‘Rondo’, before Stan explained the situation to everyone present. It’s the most he’s ever said onstage ! The first vocalist turns out to be their merch-guy, feebly disguised as Leonard but performing a fine vocal impersonation. Andy from The Witchdoktors also lends his talents to the proceedings, as do a few other friends and fans and, although it may not lack perfection in the vocals, the temps more than make up for it with their passion for the songs. Of course, the band themselves are as tight as ever, so this really holds it together. In fact, we even get something new, in the shape of a fine cover of Judas Priests’ ‘Breaking The Law’ ! It sounds great and I could just imagine Leonards’ vocals on this one, so hopefully we’ll hear it live or recorded sometime soon !
The gig ends with most of the participants, including Knox, back onstage to sing along to ‘Banana Splits’, clearly enjoying the fact that the gig has been so much fun. I must admit, it’s not something that I’d want to see on a regular basis (The Dickies without Leonard just wouldn’t be right) but on this occasion it worked for them and just goes to show that a band need not fall foul of adversity. You’ve gotta love those Dickies !
As it turned out this worked really well, partly due to the efforts of the guest vocalists but also down to the enthusiasm of the fans who cheered the band along and supported them in their misfortune. It was never going to be the same without Leonard, but this gig also had a special atmosphere all of its’ own.
They arrived onstage with the instrumental ‘Rondo’, before Stan explained the situation to everyone present. It’s the most he’s ever said onstage ! The first vocalist turns out to be their merch-guy, feebly disguised as Leonard but performing a fine vocal impersonation. Andy from The Witchdoktors also lends his talents to the proceedings, as do a few other friends and fans and, although it may not lack perfection in the vocals, the temps more than make up for it with their passion for the songs. Of course, the band themselves are as tight as ever, so this really holds it together. In fact, we even get something new, in the shape of a fine cover of Judas Priests’ ‘Breaking The Law’ ! It sounds great and I could just imagine Leonards’ vocals on this one, so hopefully we’ll hear it live or recorded sometime soon !
The gig ends with most of the participants, including Knox, back onstage to sing along to ‘Banana Splits’, clearly enjoying the fact that the gig has been so much fun. I must admit, it’s not something that I’d want to see on a regular basis (The Dickies without Leonard just wouldn’t be right) but on this occasion it worked for them and just goes to show that a band need not fall foul of adversity. You’ve gotta love those Dickies !

PENETRATION. 100 Club, 19/8/16. Returning to London for the first time since the launch of the excellent ‘Resolution’ album last year, the 100 Club is predictably packed. Unfortunately, there do seem to be some sound-problems during the first part of the set (unusual for the 100 Club) but Penetration play a great set regardless. We don’t have the added treat of former Buzzcock John Maher on drums this time, but whoever it is does a great job and propels the songs ever forward. The whole band seem to be relishing the fact that they’re no longer just playing the older material (as great as It is) but also have a whole new selection of tracks that are just as enjoyable as the classics from their first time around. Consequently, the set is heavy with the new songs, particularly at the beginning, but you can see that no-one’s complaining, even those who haven’t heard the new album before now. Pauline’s voice is as strong, possibly even stronger, than it has ever been, making her presence onstage so much larger than her physical stature would suggest, while the rest of the band are as tight and powerful as the music demands. The gig was sweaty and crowded, just the kind of conditions that you wouldn’t want to put up with on your way to work, but at a gig like this, it was perfect. When they announced they were going to make a new album, over three decades since the last one, people were asking, how can they follow the original albums ? Now the question has to be, how can they follow this one ?

HONEST JOHN PLAIN / BLACK BOMBERS. Hope & Anchor, 26/8/16. Another fine Rockaway Beach night at the Hope & Anchor… This really is one of the best nights out you can have in London these days. Always a good atmosphere, a great selection of beers and an excellent choice of music (both live and DJ’d.) The Black Bombers are a hi-energy rock’n’roll band from Birmingham, playing a mix of Detroit-inspired garage-punk and hard-nosed rock that recalls the likes of (early) Motorhead, MC5 and Pink Fairies. Perfect for the confines of a venue like this ! Old Boy Honest John Plain takes the stage promptly after this, eager to play as he always is. With a mix of his own songs and some from The Boys back catalogue, he really can’t go wrong and has a steady band behind him to keep it all moving. The only disappointment is that I would have loved to have heard a bunch of songs from the recent ‘Mattless Boys’ album, but you can’t get everything, I suppose. The real treat in the tail comes when Duncan Reid joins them onstage for the encore. They run through a few more Boys classics and at times look as if they’re enjoying themselves even more than the audience. You can’t mess with that. A fine evening all round !

THE PARKINSONS / KNOX / OH GUNQUIT. Clerkenwell Park, 28/8/16. A festival of sorts, in the confines of Spa Fields Park and decidedly non- corporate. For a start, it’s free admission, you can come and go as you please and whilst there are food and drink options on site, you’re just as welcome to wander out and return with regular purchases from the nearby chip shop or off license. Additionally, instead of the usual over-priced festival stalls, they have a jumble sale, with various folks selling their unwanted goodies at very reasonable costs. The people who put this together did it in completely the right spirit and despite a brief shower of rain it was one of the best festivals I’ve ever been to !
Musically, there were bands playing all afternoon, either on the main-stage or on the smaller, mainly acoustic stage located behind the other events. The first band I saw were Oh Gunquit ! the garage band with just that bit extra (in the form of trumpets and hula-hoops, to be precise.) They’re a really fun band, perfect for an event like this, but you’ve also got to remember that they can really play well and have some excellent tunes to make the most of it. I’ve seen them a few times now and enjoyed them every time. This afternoon, they proved to be the perfect introduction to the rest of the day.
I have to say, although there were plenty of other bands and acts, it turned out to be something of a social event more than anything else. Lots of familiar, friendly faces and plenty of sunshine (apart from the short shower) so everyone’s chatting, everyone’s drinking, everyone’s having a great time. But later on, we wander over to find the acoustic stage (it’s hidden way behind the main-stage so it isn’t easy to locate) because Knox is going to be playing a set. It’s a peculiar little set-up and most of the audience is crowded up close to the ‘stage’ (it’s on ground-level) due to the proximity of flower-beds (mostly full of prickly-weeds.) But in the event, as much of the whole afternoon, it works really well. Knox runs through a selection of his songs and is then joined by a whole band of various friends who back him for louder versions of older Vibrators songs including a wonderful rendition of ‘Baby, Baby’. The sound wasn’t great, the musicians weren’t well-rehearsed, but somehow the atmosphere made it perfect. Great song, great people, cool day.
Musically, there were bands playing all afternoon, either on the main-stage or on the smaller, mainly acoustic stage located behind the other events. The first band I saw were Oh Gunquit ! the garage band with just that bit extra (in the form of trumpets and hula-hoops, to be precise.) They’re a really fun band, perfect for an event like this, but you’ve also got to remember that they can really play well and have some excellent tunes to make the most of it. I’ve seen them a few times now and enjoyed them every time. This afternoon, they proved to be the perfect introduction to the rest of the day.
I have to say, although there were plenty of other bands and acts, it turned out to be something of a social event more than anything else. Lots of familiar, friendly faces and plenty of sunshine (apart from the short shower) so everyone’s chatting, everyone’s drinking, everyone’s having a great time. But later on, we wander over to find the acoustic stage (it’s hidden way behind the main-stage so it isn’t easy to locate) because Knox is going to be playing a set. It’s a peculiar little set-up and most of the audience is crowded up close to the ‘stage’ (it’s on ground-level) due to the proximity of flower-beds (mostly full of prickly-weeds.) But in the event, as much of the whole afternoon, it works really well. Knox runs through a selection of his songs and is then joined by a whole band of various friends who back him for louder versions of older Vibrators songs including a wonderful rendition of ‘Baby, Baby’. The sound wasn’t great, the musicians weren’t well-rehearsed, but somehow the atmosphere made it perfect. Great song, great people, cool day.

And then we’re back to the main-stage to see The Parkinsons. Now, I have to say, while I’ve always enjoyed seeing this band, I’ve never been totally bowled over by them in the way that some people attest. But today, they were awesome ! Musically, they were the tightest I’ve ever seen, the audience were really up for it, and both Afonso and Victor took the place apart. With Afonso stripped to the waist (the only thing he does by half) and Victor barely reining-in the ensuing chaos, they ploughed through their set at break-neck velocity, living up to their reputation and finally opening my eyes to their talents. Towards the end of the set, a young lady is invited onstage to take over guitar duties while Victor joins Afonso for the final rabble rousing. Was this awesome ? Yes it was. There was no better way to end the afternoon and I just hope that future events at Spa Fields put-in the effort to live up to this one.

CHORDS UK. 100 Club, 2/9/16. Chords UK are fronted by original Chords’ songwriter Chris Pope and while it doesn’t feature any other former members (hence the distinction in the name) the new songs are very much in the same spirit as the original material and more than warrant the connection being made. This gig was the launch night for the bands’ first album, ‘Take On Life’, so it was no surprise that the bulk of the set featured the new songs. But that being said, the new material went down really well and when the older favourites were played, it soon became clear how well the old and new worked together. ‘Take On Life’ is exactly how you would imagine a Chords album to be if they recorded one now, having moved on thirty years since their first and obviously developing their style and approach since then. But there’s still a genuine continuity to the songs and I’m sure that no Chords fan will be disappointed with the results. With original vocalist Billy Hassett residing in Japan these days, it seems unlikely that the band will ever get a chance to do more than occasional reunion shows, so this album is a practical way for Chris to return to his musical roots and see how they may have developed had the opportunity ever been presented. This was a really enjoyable gig, and the band are clearly into what they are doing. Do your best to see them soon, not just for nostalgia’s sake but because the new material really stands up in its’ own right.

THE PHOBICS / DTA / DOGSHITE / MEINHOF / DAMIDGE / ALTERNATIVE CARPARK / RDF. Party in the Park (New Cross) 3/9/16. There used to be free festivals in Fordham Park every year but this is the first time it’s been revived for quite a while. Mostly featuring local bands and artists, various stages are spread around the park, along with plenty of food and drink options. As it turns out, we spend most of our time around the Reknaw stage as it seems to have the more interesting bands, although I did take a few strolls over to other stages just to see what was going on. Unfortunately, I didn’t hear anything else worth reporting, so I’ll just stick with this. Anyway, events kicked-off with The Phobics, which was a great way to start the day but also quite bewildering when you considered the bands that played above them (in fact, the following band, DTA, actually announced before they started that they couldn’t believe they were playing after the Phobics, so it wasn’t just my opinion.) Anyway, regardless, The Phobics storm through their set because that’s what they do. It’s a shame that Sean has had to leave the band, but it’s also great to see Paul back in the fold and they certainly haven’t lost any of their dynamic due to the switch. It’s strange seeing them in the bright sunlight of an early afternoon but the sound is surprisingly good and an enthusiastic crowd really get into it. (As it turned out, it rained later in the day, so maybe it wasn’t such a bad time to play, after al) It’d tempting to say it was all downhill from there, but there were a few sets that proved to be worth seeing. The afore-mentioned DTA were a decent mix of punky styles and Dogshite, despite the awful name, were surprisingly entertaining. Meinhof were a three-piece D-beat style hardcore band who were incredibly tight and powerful, fronted by a female singer/guitarist, who created a truly fearsome wall of sound. Probably not the ideal setting for such a band, but I’d definitely be keen to see them again. After this, Damidge sound comparatively timid, but still play a pretty enjoyable set even though it sometimes seemed as if they were made-up of people from completely different bands.
From this point, things started meandering towards the end. A band called Alternative Carpark (they sounded as bad as the name suggested) caused a lot of people to wander off and then it started raining, which meant even more people departed. I had to hang around for a while as I was going to another gig in the evening and didn’t have enough time to go anywhere else before then, but the headline appearance by RDF finally broke my patience. Fucking hippy reggae, really horrible. That was it, I had to leave as quickly as possible…
From this point, things started meandering towards the end. A band called Alternative Carpark (they sounded as bad as the name suggested) caused a lot of people to wander off and then it started raining, which meant even more people departed. I had to hang around for a while as I was going to another gig in the evening and didn’t have enough time to go anywhere else before then, but the headline appearance by RDF finally broke my patience. Fucking hippy reggae, really horrible. That was it, I had to leave as quickly as possible…

ANTHRAX / LAMO. The Bow Bells, 3/3/16. After wasting some time around Deptford, I caught the DLR up to Bow and walked along to the pub expecting a good crowd. Unfortunately, that wasn’t to be the case. There are several punk-related gigs happening around London this evening and it seems that many of those who would have been interested in this gig have gone elsewhere. Which means there’s a rather small audience but everyone gets into the spirit of it and it’s actually a great gig after all. Lamo, it turns out, had actually played at Fordham Park earlier in the afternoon and it’s a shame that I missed them as they turn out to be rather interesting. Someone told me they were actually brother and sister, although I can’t recall who told me and I’m not sure if it’s true. Anyway, the boy plays drums and the girl plays guitar through a bank of various effects. Musically, it owes as much to free jazz or the likes of Chrome as it does to hardcore, but the results certainly have a furious intent and a rather overwhelming presence. There’s a lot going on and, while it isn’t the easiest sound to listen to, they do have a sense of humour and create something that really draws you in.
Anthrax are playing their first gig with a new guitarist and they’ve only had limited rehearsal before this gig, so they’re a bit more restrained than usual. That being said, they’re still a very powerful and insistent band. Their strengths lay in the fact that while they play a more aggressive style of punk, their roots were clearly in the early days of the genre and so combined more melodic elements alongside the hardcore approach. It continues with their recent material, which remains very direct and upfront, but also very catchy. This probably wasn’t the best gig they’ve ever played, combining the low attendance and the new members’ lack of experience, but I think everyone who was there still enjoyed it very much. I’m glad I was there to see both bands and look forward to seeing them again.
Anthrax are playing their first gig with a new guitarist and they’ve only had limited rehearsal before this gig, so they’re a bit more restrained than usual. That being said, they’re still a very powerful and insistent band. Their strengths lay in the fact that while they play a more aggressive style of punk, their roots were clearly in the early days of the genre and so combined more melodic elements alongside the hardcore approach. It continues with their recent material, which remains very direct and upfront, but also very catchy. This probably wasn’t the best gig they’ve ever played, combining the low attendance and the new members’ lack of experience, but I think everyone who was there still enjoyed it very much. I’m glad I was there to see both bands and look forward to seeing them again.

SSHH. The Box (Soho) 5/9/16. The Box is a rather exclusive nightclub at the bottom end of Berwick Street. It doesn’t even have a sign on the door, one of those type of places. Normally, I wouldn’t even be allowed in there and, quite frankly, wouldn’t want to be there, but on this occasion a band called ‘SSHH’ are playing and my old friend John has managed to get his hands on some free tickets. The band feature Zak Starkey (current drummer for The Who and son of Ringo) plus his partner Sshh Liguz and this is the launch party for their album ‘Issues’. For a debut, it’s odd that they only play covers (everything from the Sex Pistols to Grace Jones) but the main reason we’re there is because, with Zak playing guitar in this project, the live band feature the original Pistols’ rhythm section of Glen Matlock and Paul Cook, so it ought to be interesting. As is traditional, we go to the bar while waiting for the band. I ask for a couple of pints, only to be told that they only serve bottles. Okay, two bottles. They emerge on the bar, not even regular sized bottles but those little half-size bottles that you see in supermarkets. And it comes to £12.00 ! Okay, I doubt if I’ll ever be back here again, so I’ll put up with it. But a little while later, we’re told that as this is a private event, the drinks are actually being sold at half the usual price ! That’s probably why the place remains ‘exclusive’…
A pulsing rhythm borrowed from Alex Harvey’s ‘Faith Healer’ heralds the bands appearance onstage before it disappointingly segues into ‘Private Life’. Zak seems to be a pretty solid guitar player, while Sshh is a competent vocalist. But it isn’t until the band play some of the better numbers in the set (’Down in The Street’, ‘Problems’, ‘One Way or Another’) that we really get to see and hear the best from Glen and Paul. Being able to watch them close-up, you can really see how they lock-in together and provide the powerbase that lifts the band from being just another covers act. Midway through the set, there’s a big commotion on the other side of the room, with everyone suddenly ignoring the band in favour of reaching over with their phone-camera’s. It turns out that Ringo has arrived to watch his son’s band. We’re in a good spot, so John and I decide not to join the melee and continue to watch the band, but I think I may have observed the top of Ringo’s head at one point. That was enough for me.
The band end the set with a version of ‘All The Young Dudes’, complete with backing vocals by Paul Cooks’ daughter Hollie, and then we leave to return to the real world. As a one-off, it was an enjoyable gig and an interesting venue to see. But I won’t be rushing back.
A pulsing rhythm borrowed from Alex Harvey’s ‘Faith Healer’ heralds the bands appearance onstage before it disappointingly segues into ‘Private Life’. Zak seems to be a pretty solid guitar player, while Sshh is a competent vocalist. But it isn’t until the band play some of the better numbers in the set (’Down in The Street’, ‘Problems’, ‘One Way or Another’) that we really get to see and hear the best from Glen and Paul. Being able to watch them close-up, you can really see how they lock-in together and provide the powerbase that lifts the band from being just another covers act. Midway through the set, there’s a big commotion on the other side of the room, with everyone suddenly ignoring the band in favour of reaching over with their phone-camera’s. It turns out that Ringo has arrived to watch his son’s band. We’re in a good spot, so John and I decide not to join the melee and continue to watch the band, but I think I may have observed the top of Ringo’s head at one point. That was enough for me.
The band end the set with a version of ‘All The Young Dudes’, complete with backing vocals by Paul Cooks’ daughter Hollie, and then we leave to return to the real world. As a one-off, it was an enjoyable gig and an interesting venue to see. But I won’t be rushing back.

THE CRAVATS / THE PROLES / GEOFF DEANNE. Rose & Crown (Walthamstow) 9/9/16. A series of events was set-up in Walthamstow to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Punk, with the area’s main connection being the location of the legendary and highly inspirational Small Wonder label and shop. Just that fact alone was enough to warrant the events. Small Wonder may never have received the plaudits that other independent labels of the era have been given, but in many ways it was the best and most open-minded label of the time. Who else would have released debut singles from the likes of Crass, Bauhaus, The Cure, Cockney Rejects and Punishment of Luxury ? Pete Stennett, the labels’ proprietor, was someone who clearly loved music and wanted to support it.
As the original shop is now otherwise occupied, an exhibition had recreated the original premises in a vacant shop just along the road, which proved to be a perfect thing to see before continuing to the pub-venue, right opposite the original site.
The place is crowded and there’s a great atmosphere even before the music starts. First onstage are The Proles, who released the ‘Soft Ground’ single on Small Wonder. I have to say, they weren’t one of my favourite bands on the label, but as a live act they’re actually pretty good. Probably a bit more new wave or indie than punk, but it was good to see them.
Before The Cravats headline, there’s a special guest appearance from former Leyton Buzzards frontman Geoff Deane who performs an acoustic version of ‘Saturday Night Beneath The Plastic Palm Trees’. Okay, so it wasn’t one of the songs they released on Small Wonder, but it was great fun to hear it and had almost everyone in the room singing along.
Finally, The Cravats, probably the band who had the most releases on Small Wonder. The place is packed so it’s difficult to get a good view, but we all get at least a few glimpses of The Shend’s unique stage presence and the sound is good. The songs sound as great as ever, and having been so different to everyone else at the time, they really don’t sound dated. ‘You’re Driving Me’ or ‘Precinct’ could just as easily have been written this year and lyrically certainly remain just as valid. The Cravats were the perfect band to play this event as they really embraced and exemplified the spirit of the label itself. At the end of the night, the only disappointment was that Pete Stennett himself did not attend, because I think a lot of people would have loved to see him back on Hoe Street and I'm sure he would've enjoyed it himself.
As the original shop is now otherwise occupied, an exhibition had recreated the original premises in a vacant shop just along the road, which proved to be a perfect thing to see before continuing to the pub-venue, right opposite the original site.
The place is crowded and there’s a great atmosphere even before the music starts. First onstage are The Proles, who released the ‘Soft Ground’ single on Small Wonder. I have to say, they weren’t one of my favourite bands on the label, but as a live act they’re actually pretty good. Probably a bit more new wave or indie than punk, but it was good to see them.
Before The Cravats headline, there’s a special guest appearance from former Leyton Buzzards frontman Geoff Deane who performs an acoustic version of ‘Saturday Night Beneath The Plastic Palm Trees’. Okay, so it wasn’t one of the songs they released on Small Wonder, but it was great fun to hear it and had almost everyone in the room singing along.
Finally, The Cravats, probably the band who had the most releases on Small Wonder. The place is packed so it’s difficult to get a good view, but we all get at least a few glimpses of The Shend’s unique stage presence and the sound is good. The songs sound as great as ever, and having been so different to everyone else at the time, they really don’t sound dated. ‘You’re Driving Me’ or ‘Precinct’ could just as easily have been written this year and lyrically certainly remain just as valid. The Cravats were the perfect band to play this event as they really embraced and exemplified the spirit of the label itself. At the end of the night, the only disappointment was that Pete Stennett himself did not attend, because I think a lot of people would have loved to see him back on Hoe Street and I'm sure he would've enjoyed it himself.

TEST DEPARTRMENT (REDUX). Amersham Arms, 10/9/16. I haven’t seen Test Dept for years and, if I’m honest, the last time really wasn’t very good. They were playing at a festival in Hackney where the PA kept breaking down. They were also trying to develop a more dance-related sound which didn’t really interest me. I preferred Test Dept being Test Dept, rather than following trends. However, I’d heard good reports of the recent gigs and while it’s not a full reunion, I thought that seeing them in their old South London neighbourhood would be the perfect way to investigate.
Having passed the place so many times over the years, this is actually the first time I’ve ever been to a gig at the Amersham Arms. At first, you just walk into a regular pub, but then there’s a small door at the side that let’s you into a much larger back room. The place is pretty busy but I don’t spot anyone that I know, so I’m glad that Test Dept start pretty early. The material is mostly electronic based, although percussion still plays a big role in the overall sound. Older material is reworked to suit the current set-up and mostly it’s very effective. With various backdrops and projection used across the stage, they recall their older performances while musically taking it all forward. I’m glad to say that I really enjoyed this gig, putting the disappointment of that Hackney event far in the past. Maybe not as visceral as they once were, but they remain just as powerful and interesting.
Having passed the place so many times over the years, this is actually the first time I’ve ever been to a gig at the Amersham Arms. At first, you just walk into a regular pub, but then there’s a small door at the side that let’s you into a much larger back room. The place is pretty busy but I don’t spot anyone that I know, so I’m glad that Test Dept start pretty early. The material is mostly electronic based, although percussion still plays a big role in the overall sound. Older material is reworked to suit the current set-up and mostly it’s very effective. With various backdrops and projection used across the stage, they recall their older performances while musically taking it all forward. I’m glad to say that I really enjoyed this gig, putting the disappointment of that Hackney event far in the past. Maybe not as visceral as they once were, but they remain just as powerful and interesting.

RUTS DC. Camden Underworld, 16/9/16. The gig started early and was pretty-much packed from the start. Serving as the launch for their great new album ‘Music Must Destroy’, it seemed that everyone wanted to be there. Quite rightly so, as the new material is probably the best ever released as ‘Ruts DC’, with the current line-up sounding tighter and more confident than ever before. The new material has a real punch to them and it soon becomes clear that songs like ‘Psychic Attack’, ‘Second Hand Child’ and the title track are quickly going to become just as popular as ‘In a Rut’ or ‘Staring at the Rude Boys’. The room is absolutely sweltering and it’s difficult to even find a space to stand, let alone get a good view, but it’s the sounds that matter and these ones are special. I don’t think Ruts / Ruts DC would ever have considered returning only as a nostalgia act, but with the two albums they’ve released since 2013, they’ve shown beyond any doubt that they are back as a fully-functioning band that still has plenty to say for itself.

CONFLICT / RESTARTS / SHOT. Thames Beach, 17/9/16. For the second year running, a Trespass event took place on the small ‘beach’ area just along from the South Bank Centre. Particularly poignant as this is also the approximate site for the proposed-travesty known as the Garden Bridge, the purpose of these events is to reclaim land that belongs to the people and not to the bureaucracy. It’s arranged for a generator to be in place, a small stage area is set-up and bands play for free. Although necessarily organized on a low-key basis, another good crowd turns-up and, in a display of true autonomy, everyone helps to maintain order and many stay behind at the end to help clear-up the area. The first band to play are Shot, a London-based punk / hardcore band who suffer a bit with sound-problems but still play an enthusiastic set. They are followed by The Restarts who are ideal for an event like this. Loud, purposeful
And confrontational music that sounds even better when played in an unusual setting like this. Finally, as it draws into the evening, the gig is headlined by Conflict. Despite the limitations of the PA, I enjoyed this set so much more than the last time I saw them. With only Colin left from the original line-up, the band managed to sound better than I’ve heard them for a very long time and really seemed to into what they were doing. By the time they start playing, the audience is crowded around the small ‘stage’ area, so it’s almost impossible to even see them unless you’re right there at the front, but it doesn’t really matter because that’s not what this is about. The fact that something like this can go ahead without any unpleasant incidents goes to underline the fact that there’s no reason why free-events like this shouldn’t be happening all over the country. The reason why the ‘authorities’ don’t want them to happen is that they open people’s eyes to real alternatives and they really don’t want that to happen. They want to keep control of everything so every effort is made to dissuade potential perpetrators. But, like I said, there’s no real reason why it shouldn’t happen all over the country…
And confrontational music that sounds even better when played in an unusual setting like this. Finally, as it draws into the evening, the gig is headlined by Conflict. Despite the limitations of the PA, I enjoyed this set so much more than the last time I saw them. With only Colin left from the original line-up, the band managed to sound better than I’ve heard them for a very long time and really seemed to into what they were doing. By the time they start playing, the audience is crowded around the small ‘stage’ area, so it’s almost impossible to even see them unless you’re right there at the front, but it doesn’t really matter because that’s not what this is about. The fact that something like this can go ahead without any unpleasant incidents goes to underline the fact that there’s no reason why free-events like this shouldn’t be happening all over the country. The reason why the ‘authorities’ don’t want them to happen is that they open people’s eyes to real alternatives and they really don’t want that to happen. They want to keep control of everything so every effort is made to dissuade potential perpetrators. But, like I said, there’s no real reason why it shouldn’t happen all over the country…

SPIZZENERGI / TENPOLE TUDOR. 100 Club, 20/9/16. Someone set-up this gig as another ‘40th Anniversary of Punk’ event and whilst I’m already sick of that premise, it does mean a few fine gigs get to happen. Spizz and Tenpole were certainly involved in the early days of Punk but they’re hardly the most obvious choices to celebrate it. Instead, they just get on with doing what they do best, playing their music and enjoying themselves onstage. Eddie Tenpole plays alone, just himself and an acoustic guitar, but as much as I’d love to see the whole band again, this is all he needs to entertain an audience. With plenty of stories and anecdotes to share between the songs, you can’t help but enjoy his set and the amount of people singing along to ‘Wunderbar’ and ‘Swords of a Thousand Men’ attests to just-how catchy they were in the first place. Like a cross between Eddie Cochran and Spike Milligan, Tenpole remains a true eccentric treasure.
Spizzenergi aren’t far-off, either (although in his case, it would probably be a cross between David Bowie and Spike Milligan…) The current line-up is the best that Spizz has had for a long time and seem to have just the right approach for his music, maintaining plenty of energy but also appreciating the more intricate ingredients. New songs like ‘City of Eyes’ are beginning to creep into the set to show how well the band are working together and even though it’s the old favourites like ‘Soldier Soldier’ and ‘Where’s Captain Kirk’ that get the biggest applause, it’s really good to see new material coming through that can stand-up steadily alongside the older tracks. Spizz is a natural performer and the more that he can get to do, the better the results. With his current band, I can only expect more great things.
Spizzenergi aren’t far-off, either (although in his case, it would probably be a cross between David Bowie and Spike Milligan…) The current line-up is the best that Spizz has had for a long time and seem to have just the right approach for his music, maintaining plenty of energy but also appreciating the more intricate ingredients. New songs like ‘City of Eyes’ are beginning to creep into the set to show how well the band are working together and even though it’s the old favourites like ‘Soldier Soldier’ and ‘Where’s Captain Kirk’ that get the biggest applause, it’s really good to see new material coming through that can stand-up steadily alongside the older tracks. Spizz is a natural performer and the more that he can get to do, the better the results. With his current band, I can only expect more great things.

SOUTH EAST DUB COLLECTIVE / TOM PHOBIC. The Duke (Deptford) 24/9/16. I have to admit, this was a bit disappointing. The band went onstage more than an hour later than had been intended and then decided to over-run their time, which would’ve been fine if they were any good, but the SE Dub Collective, despite the name, mostly playing a very pop-friendly style of reggae which wasn’t much fun at all. In fact, it only attained any sense of fun when my friend Dee pointed-out that one of the girls onstage didn’t actually seem to be doing anything. It then became fascinating to try and figure out why she was there, aimlessly swaying from side to side as the rest of the band (there were about 12 of them) did their various bits. She wasn’t playing an instrument, she wasn’t even doing any backing vocals ? Maybe she just didn’t want to feel left out ?
As the band ran so late, by the time Tom started his DJ set a lot of people had already left and there wasn’t much time left before Tom himself would be following them. But he played a great selection of music and it was fun while it lasted. Strangely, I did enjoy the evening, but I really could’ve done without that band getting in the way.
As the band ran so late, by the time Tom started his DJ set a lot of people had already left and there wasn’t much time left before Tom himself would be following them. But he played a great selection of music and it was fun while it lasted. Strangely, I did enjoy the evening, but I really could’ve done without that band getting in the way.

CYANIDE PILLS / ATOMIC SUPLEX. Nambucca, 29/9/16. I don’t really like Nambucca. It’s an awkward place to get to and the way the club is laid-out isn’t great, especially when there’s a busy crowd. However, this was a line-up I didn’t want to miss. I’ve been wanting to see Atomic Suplex for some time. Featuring former Spiv, Dan May, they play a fine, frantic version of garage punk that relies more on its’ sheer vitality rather than musicianship. Not to say that they can’t play, just that it isn’t the most important thing about them. This is more about raw energy and entertainment, which they provide in bucket-loads !
Cyanide Pills latest album, ‘Slice’n’Dice’, is quite possibly their best to date, so I really didn’t want to miss this gig. From the off-set, they’re at their best, playing a tight mix of Hi-energy rock’n’roll, glam and Punk that’s both infectious and in your face. The only problem is that one particular ‘fan’ (I’m not sure if the band even knew who he was) seemed intent on making a nuisance of himself. Spilling people’s drinks, pushing people around when they were just watching the band and, towards the end of the set, even jumping onstage and disconnecting a guitar lead in the process. Yeah, I know, if people want to go wild and enjoy themselves, there’s nothing wrong with that, but it becomes a problem when someone is just acting like an arsehole. People like that don’t deserve bands like this. At the end of the night, I enjoyed Cyanide Pills but it would’ve been even better if we didn’t have to keep an eye on this creep to make sure he wasn’t going to barge into you next.
Cyanide Pills latest album, ‘Slice’n’Dice’, is quite possibly their best to date, so I really didn’t want to miss this gig. From the off-set, they’re at their best, playing a tight mix of Hi-energy rock’n’roll, glam and Punk that’s both infectious and in your face. The only problem is that one particular ‘fan’ (I’m not sure if the band even knew who he was) seemed intent on making a nuisance of himself. Spilling people’s drinks, pushing people around when they were just watching the band and, towards the end of the set, even jumping onstage and disconnecting a guitar lead in the process. Yeah, I know, if people want to go wild and enjoy themselves, there’s nothing wrong with that, but it becomes a problem when someone is just acting like an arsehole. People like that don’t deserve bands like this. At the end of the night, I enjoyed Cyanide Pills but it would’ve been even better if we didn’t have to keep an eye on this creep to make sure he wasn’t going to barge into you next.

STEVE IGNORANT + PARANOID VISIONS. 100 Club, 30/9/16. I had thought that the first collaboration between Steve and Paranoid Visions was just going to be a one-off, but it obviously proved to be a successful project for them because a second album, ‘Now & Then’ has recently emerged and, if anything, it may even be better than the first. Onstage, they also seem to be more confident than when they last played London (the smaller size of the 100 Club is probably a better venue for them rather than The Dome, as well.) Sharing the vocals between Steve, Deko and Aoife works really effectively, each bringing their own individual styles to the proceedings but also combining really well. The emphasis is on tracks from the latest album, but there’s still room for some from the first and even a few covers. ‘West One’ is very emotive, and a furious blast through ‘Do They Owe Us A Living’ is equally effective. Although they played a full set, it all seemed to be over far too soon and I would have been happy to hear the whole thing over again. But I think this collaboration has worked out really well and I doubt it will be the last time that we’ll see or hear from them.

KUNT & THE GANG. New Cross Inn, 2/10/16. On an entirely different level, Kunt & The Gang was playing an afternoon set at New Cross Inn as part of his farewell tour (Yes, it’s only one man, despite the plurality of the name.) I must admit, I hadn’t previously paid much attention as I’d been put-off by the name, expecting it to be another bunch of idiot drunk-punks trying to be funny, but down to the persuasive charms of Moyni-Phobic, I checked out youtube and came to realise just how wrong I had been. Put it this way… could you imagine Derek & Clive doing karaoke ? Or Jerry Sadowitz performing at a Variety Show ? I’m sure you get the idea. Basically, Kunt (that’s his real name) takes offensiveness to such an extreme that it just becomes laughable and, let’s face it, extremists deserve to be laughed at. I’m not trying to make any big sociological point, but this is funny for the sake of funny. Taking songs like ‘Painter Man’ and changing it into ‘Paper Boy’, or adapting Gary Numans’ ‘Cars’ into ‘Bras’ has genius in its’ crudity. You had to be there to really understand what I’m on about, but all I can say is that I doubt that I’ve ever laughed so much on a Sunday afternoon and that can’t be a bad thing…

SPIZZOLOGY / GARY LAMMIN. Underdog Gallery, 7/10/16. The annual Punk Rock’n’Roll Art Show returns to the Underdog Gallery and it’s another fine opening evening. It’s not really a gig, but there are short sets performed by Spizz & Luca plus a spoken-word piece from Gary Lammin. The former run through several Spizz classics, while Gary recites a vitriolic piece based around ‘Society is Rapidly Changing’. But mostly, this is about the Art and the people that make it, most of whom are in attendance and generally more than happy to chat with their fans. So it makes for a great soiree and I can only hope that it continues to build its’ reputation as an interesting and worthy event.

THE PHOBICS / BLUE CARPET BAND / JUNKO FUSE. The Pelton Arms (Greenwich) 8/10/16. I believe this was the first time that The Pelton had made its’ stage available to punk rock and despite their initial reserves, it works out to be a really good evening. It’s a really cool pub, a bit away from the beaten track perhaps, but well-worth the effort of attending. I hadn’t seen Junko Fuse before but they prove to be a good start to the gig. Veering from basic punk with raw vocals and catchy tunes through to a spirited version of Bikini Kills’ ‘Rebel Girl’ (I can’t say I’ve ever heard a bloke singing that before ?) they certainly have a lot of promise and I’ll be intrigued to see how they get along. I had come across Blue Carpet Band but in a very distracted situation, so this would be the first time I watched them properly. The thing that strikes me is that frontman Djamel is what really pulls them all together. Without him, the rest of the band look as if they’re all from different bands, but Djamel has such a strong presence that he draws your attention to them as a single entity. Musically, their roots probably lay back in the Fifties and Sixties, but there are also clear references to classic CBGB’s era punk (Stiv Bators, Heartbreakers etc) which puts it all in it’s very own context. I wouldn’t say that they’re a great band just yet, but they certainly have the potential to get there.
Finally, The Phobics, and with this being Tom’s local (literally yards from his house) you know they’re going to have to be on top form. They don’t disappoint. With a home crowd behind them and songs like ‘Down & Out In Deptford’ with which to rouse the rabble, they can’t go wrong. And even if Tom had to duck to avoid Moyni’s bass guitar on several occasions (it is a rather small stage) it didn’t matter. They rocked and that’s all you need to know.
Finally, The Phobics, and with this being Tom’s local (literally yards from his house) you know they’re going to have to be on top form. They don’t disappoint. With a home crowd behind them and songs like ‘Down & Out In Deptford’ with which to rouse the rabble, they can’t go wrong. And even if Tom had to duck to avoid Moyni’s bass guitar on several occasions (it is a rather small stage) it didn’t matter. They rocked and that’s all you need to know.

CHUCK MOSLEY / MAGIC EIGHT BALL, The Lady Luck, Canterbury, 14/10/16. Many years ago,
when I was living in Canterbury, The Lady Luck (then under a different name) was a traditional, rather conservative pub that anyone under the age of 60 probably wouldn’t have even considered visiting. Somewhere along the way, along with the name change, the clientele has reduced its’ average age by about 40 years and the place is a regular venue for bands of an alternative ilk. Thinking of all the difficulties we had when trying to arrange gigs in Canterbury, there is some irony in this.
Anyway, Chuck Mosley is ending his current tour in Canterbury, which is an appropriate coincidence as it was just down the road in Folkestone where I first met the old chap. Fortunately for me, my old friend Phil (practically a neighbour these days) has decided to drive down and offers me a lift. It’s strange to be driving down to Canterbury for a gig, after years of going in the opposite direction, but it’s going to be cool.
It takes us virtually the same amount of time to drive the first ten miles as it does the rest of the journey, but such are the outskirts of London on a Friday evening. Once in Canterbury, Phil already has a location where he can park (some sort of Squirrel Conspiracy, no doubt) before we walk up to the venue. We meet up with Chuck and catch-up on how the rest of his week as been going. Tomorrow, they’re on their way to Paris before heading back to the States, so he still has work to do, but the tour has generally gone rather well despite the lack of press coverage and both he and Doug are really happy with what they’ve done. We hang out for a while before heading outside (it’s a really nice warm evening) and wait for some other old friends, Kerry, Karen and Lee, to arrive. It’s the first time they’ve seen Chuck since Cement were last in the UK, so there’s a lot to catch-up on.
I think they were actually three bands playing these evening, but I only get to watch Magic Eight Ball, who are rather intriguing. They play a catchy brand of rock and powerpop with plenty of little twists to keep you on your toes. There’s a sense of humor in their music which is sadly missing in so many bands these days. I would definitely recommend that they’re worth investigating.
Chuck and Doug are eventually ready to play, but the small confines of the venue are far from ideal and the PA offers little more than an acoustic set. Chuck is a surprisingly nervous performer at the best of times, so finding himself merely inches away from the front row is hardly going to help. That being said, at first it goes really well, allowing for direct conversation with the audience which sets a really intimate atmosphere. But after a while, some ingrates decide they’re more important that the gig itself and begin talking loudly amongst themselves. Some way into the set, Chuck stops mid-song and stares at the… ‘Carry one’, he tells them. ‘I was just wondering what you were talking about.’ Most people would’ve taken this as a hint, but by the end of the song, they continue with their inane chatter as if nothing had happened. I’m standing right in front of them and can see that more than a few people are getting pissed-off, so I turn around and ask if they could please try and be a bit quieter. But even being polite doesn’t work and now the idiot boyfriend decides to have a go at me. ‘We’ve paid to come in here and no-one else is complaining’, he declares. Fortunately, this is the final straw for a few other people as well, and they turn around to tell him that their not happy either. Finally, they get the hint and move away from the stage. And yet, to paraphrase Mr Burns, if I had killed them, I would’ve been the one getting in trouble…
The set continues and those who are paying attention have a really good time. It’s shorter than the London show and again the adaptations of the older Faith No More songs get the best response but even the mostly unfamiliar newer tracks get healthy applause. The thing is, Chuck is still remembered and much-respected by Faith No More fans and it’s always been a pity that he never managed to establish himself as a performer in his own right after he left that band. But when you see him at a gig like this, you know that you’re still seeing a unique talent and I really hope that he’s able to build on the interest this tour has generated and finally consolidate his own fan-base in the UK. Come back soon !
when I was living in Canterbury, The Lady Luck (then under a different name) was a traditional, rather conservative pub that anyone under the age of 60 probably wouldn’t have even considered visiting. Somewhere along the way, along with the name change, the clientele has reduced its’ average age by about 40 years and the place is a regular venue for bands of an alternative ilk. Thinking of all the difficulties we had when trying to arrange gigs in Canterbury, there is some irony in this.
Anyway, Chuck Mosley is ending his current tour in Canterbury, which is an appropriate coincidence as it was just down the road in Folkestone where I first met the old chap. Fortunately for me, my old friend Phil (practically a neighbour these days) has decided to drive down and offers me a lift. It’s strange to be driving down to Canterbury for a gig, after years of going in the opposite direction, but it’s going to be cool.
It takes us virtually the same amount of time to drive the first ten miles as it does the rest of the journey, but such are the outskirts of London on a Friday evening. Once in Canterbury, Phil already has a location where he can park (some sort of Squirrel Conspiracy, no doubt) before we walk up to the venue. We meet up with Chuck and catch-up on how the rest of his week as been going. Tomorrow, they’re on their way to Paris before heading back to the States, so he still has work to do, but the tour has generally gone rather well despite the lack of press coverage and both he and Doug are really happy with what they’ve done. We hang out for a while before heading outside (it’s a really nice warm evening) and wait for some other old friends, Kerry, Karen and Lee, to arrive. It’s the first time they’ve seen Chuck since Cement were last in the UK, so there’s a lot to catch-up on.
I think they were actually three bands playing these evening, but I only get to watch Magic Eight Ball, who are rather intriguing. They play a catchy brand of rock and powerpop with plenty of little twists to keep you on your toes. There’s a sense of humor in their music which is sadly missing in so many bands these days. I would definitely recommend that they’re worth investigating.
Chuck and Doug are eventually ready to play, but the small confines of the venue are far from ideal and the PA offers little more than an acoustic set. Chuck is a surprisingly nervous performer at the best of times, so finding himself merely inches away from the front row is hardly going to help. That being said, at first it goes really well, allowing for direct conversation with the audience which sets a really intimate atmosphere. But after a while, some ingrates decide they’re more important that the gig itself and begin talking loudly amongst themselves. Some way into the set, Chuck stops mid-song and stares at the… ‘Carry one’, he tells them. ‘I was just wondering what you were talking about.’ Most people would’ve taken this as a hint, but by the end of the song, they continue with their inane chatter as if nothing had happened. I’m standing right in front of them and can see that more than a few people are getting pissed-off, so I turn around and ask if they could please try and be a bit quieter. But even being polite doesn’t work and now the idiot boyfriend decides to have a go at me. ‘We’ve paid to come in here and no-one else is complaining’, he declares. Fortunately, this is the final straw for a few other people as well, and they turn around to tell him that their not happy either. Finally, they get the hint and move away from the stage. And yet, to paraphrase Mr Burns, if I had killed them, I would’ve been the one getting in trouble…
The set continues and those who are paying attention have a really good time. It’s shorter than the London show and again the adaptations of the older Faith No More songs get the best response but even the mostly unfamiliar newer tracks get healthy applause. The thing is, Chuck is still remembered and much-respected by Faith No More fans and it’s always been a pity that he never managed to establish himself as a performer in his own right after he left that band. But when you see him at a gig like this, you know that you’re still seeing a unique talent and I really hope that he’s able to build on the interest this tour has generated and finally consolidate his own fan-base in the UK. Come back soon !

JOHNNY MOPED / THE LURKERS. Hersham Undercover, 15/10/16. While it is technically possible to get to and from Hersham by train it would be cutting things fine if the gig ran late, so my friend Steve offers to drive down. Myself and Jake join him and it should have been an easy drive but there are horrific delays around the North Circular and it takes more than two hours, meaning we arrive half-way through The Lurkers set. Which is a shame because they’re sounding good, but by the time we grab some much-needed drinks we only see a couple more songs before they’re finished. Damn that traffic !
However, the mighty Mopeds soon take their place and this is what we’re really there to see. Playing another mix of old and new songs they’re really on great form tonight, with Johnny seeming more and more confident with the new material as it continues to go down just as well as the older stuff. But that shouldn’t be surprising, as songs like ‘Real Cool Baby’ and ‘Rock’n’Roll Rookie’ are classic Moped ditties. Francesca’s involvement on keyboards and backing vocals has really added an extra dimension that boosts the set, culminating in a great duet with Johnny that you could see they both really enjoyed. At the end of the set, they’re called back by a roar of applause, but as the band get ready for the encore, only one thing held them up… Johnny was late back from the dressing room ! Some things never change, eh ? Quite simply, one of the best bands you can see at the moment. Be sure not to miss them.
However, the mighty Mopeds soon take their place and this is what we’re really there to see. Playing another mix of old and new songs they’re really on great form tonight, with Johnny seeming more and more confident with the new material as it continues to go down just as well as the older stuff. But that shouldn’t be surprising, as songs like ‘Real Cool Baby’ and ‘Rock’n’Roll Rookie’ are classic Moped ditties. Francesca’s involvement on keyboards and backing vocals has really added an extra dimension that boosts the set, culminating in a great duet with Johnny that you could see they both really enjoyed. At the end of the set, they’re called back by a roar of applause, but as the band get ready for the encore, only one thing held them up… Johnny was late back from the dressing room ! Some things never change, eh ? Quite simply, one of the best bands you can see at the moment. Be sure not to miss them.

THE DeRELLAS / THE PHOBICS. Hope & Anchor, 28/10/16. A day or two early it may be, but this is the official Rockaway Beach Halloween Party, so a lot of people make the effort to dress up and really create an atmosphere even before the music starts. The Phobics crowd onstage, with Tom in suitable gruesome attire (the threat that they were all going to come dressed as Moyni never materialized… just too scary !) They blast through their set as if their lives depended on it and it goes down with appropriate enthusiasm from the audience. I think a new song crept into the set tonight (at least, it was something I didn’t recognize) so that was a bit of a bonus. As I’ve said before, it was a shame that Sean had to depart but the return of Paul to their ranks has been the perfect solution. They’re sounding better than ever and, even as the first band, they tore the roof off the place.
The DeRellas actually had a tough act to follow, but they also know what they’re doing and effortlessly manage to maintain the energy-levels with their own selection of catchy glam-punk tuneage. And this is practically their home-turf, after all. I have to admit, by this point I can’t really remember many of the specifics, but they kept the party atmosphere going and by the end of the set everyone, band and audience, looked exhausted. Of course, DJ Jeff kept the music going so it was a perfect way to wind-down at the end of a great evening.
The DeRellas actually had a tough act to follow, but they also know what they’re doing and effortlessly manage to maintain the energy-levels with their own selection of catchy glam-punk tuneage. And this is practically their home-turf, after all. I have to admit, by this point I can’t really remember many of the specifics, but they kept the party atmosphere going and by the end of the set everyone, band and audience, looked exhausted. Of course, DJ Jeff kept the music going so it was a perfect way to wind-down at the end of a great evening.

KILLING JOKE / DEATH VALLEY HIGH. Colchester Arts Centre, 3/11/16. At rather short notice, Killing Joke announced a low-key warm-up date at Colchester Arts Centre. I booked two tickets straight away and then started a search to see who else might want to go. Fortunately, old friend Shane was up for it and was also happy to drive, so this looked as if everything was going to go smoothly. Except that on the evening, the traffic was even worse than my recent trip down to Hersham and it takes us more than 90 minutes just to get from Stratford to the A12. Once at that point, no more problems, but it’s lucky we set-out in plenty of time.
Colchester Arts Centre, in case you’ve never been there, is based in a disused church so it’s an ideal location to witness Killing Joke. It also always has a great sound, so we know we’re in for a great gig.
Support comes from an American band called Death Valley High who go for that Nine Inch Nails / Ministry style of electronics and guitars. Not bad, but neither is it remarkable, I’m afraid.
Starting with the menacing snarl of ‘The Hum’, Killing Joke arrive onstage and immediately claim the place for their own. It’s always strange when you get to see the band as close-up as this, but they seem to enjoy these smaller gigs just as much as the audience do, putting all
the effort and intent into the songs as they always do. ‘Love Like Blood’ comes next, perhaps their most well-known track but never lacking any integrity for its’ popularity. Newer songs like the excellent ‘Autonomous Zone’ and ‘New Cold War’ state their case alongside older tracks, before a truly stunning version of ‘Exorcism’ (Big Paul plays this better than anyone, even though he wasn’t involved in the original recording) precedes similarly blistering renditions of ‘Requiem’ and ‘Change’. ‘European Super State’ and ‘I Am The Virus’ provide proof that recent material remains every bit as vital as the early releases, before the set finally comes to a breathtaking finale with ‘The Wait’ and ‘Psyche’. We all need a breather after that, but after only a brief break, they’re back onstage to encore with ‘Death & Resurrection Show’, ‘Wardance’ and ‘Pandemonium’. Can a gig get any better than this ? Well, others are certainly up there but I doubt that many could ever reach this level of live performance.
Colchester Arts Centre, in case you’ve never been there, is based in a disused church so it’s an ideal location to witness Killing Joke. It also always has a great sound, so we know we’re in for a great gig.
Support comes from an American band called Death Valley High who go for that Nine Inch Nails / Ministry style of electronics and guitars. Not bad, but neither is it remarkable, I’m afraid.
Starting with the menacing snarl of ‘The Hum’, Killing Joke arrive onstage and immediately claim the place for their own. It’s always strange when you get to see the band as close-up as this, but they seem to enjoy these smaller gigs just as much as the audience do, putting all
the effort and intent into the songs as they always do. ‘Love Like Blood’ comes next, perhaps their most well-known track but never lacking any integrity for its’ popularity. Newer songs like the excellent ‘Autonomous Zone’ and ‘New Cold War’ state their case alongside older tracks, before a truly stunning version of ‘Exorcism’ (Big Paul plays this better than anyone, even though he wasn’t involved in the original recording) precedes similarly blistering renditions of ‘Requiem’ and ‘Change’. ‘European Super State’ and ‘I Am The Virus’ provide proof that recent material remains every bit as vital as the early releases, before the set finally comes to a breathtaking finale with ‘The Wait’ and ‘Psyche’. We all need a breather after that, but after only a brief break, they’re back onstage to encore with ‘Death & Resurrection Show’, ‘Wardance’ and ‘Pandemonium’. Can a gig get any better than this ? Well, others are certainly up there but I doubt that many could ever reach this level of live performance.

KILLING JOKE / DEATH VALLEY HIGH. Brixton Academy, 4/11/16. I already had a ticket for this before the Colchester gig was announced, but I was more than happy to attend both. In fact, after the previous night, I couldn’t wait to see them again.
Death Valley High actually come across better this evening, seemingly more confident and prepared for the show. I still won’t say they were particularly original, but they were more entertaining to watch.
Killing Jokes’ set is pretty much, if not exactly, the same as the previous night, opening again with ‘The Hum’ and ‘Love Like Blood’ and they seem just as at home on a larger stage as they are in smaller clubs. They adapt to the environment and make it their own. Billed as ‘The Great Gathering’, this is probably the biggest gig they’ve played in London for a while but the attendance (if not sold-out, then pretty damn close) attests to their continued popularity and reputation as a live act. Jaz may make grander gestures and they also have two female fire-breathers onstage during several songs, but apart from that, there is little that they need to do to differently to nail this gig. The atmosphere is great, the energy is infectious and the music is stunning and unique. By the end of the set, ‘Pandemonium’ is, again, the perfect closing statement. I cannot imagine much that could be better than this. Two gigs in two nights and I enjoyed every minute of them.
Death Valley High actually come across better this evening, seemingly more confident and prepared for the show. I still won’t say they were particularly original, but they were more entertaining to watch.
Killing Jokes’ set is pretty much, if not exactly, the same as the previous night, opening again with ‘The Hum’ and ‘Love Like Blood’ and they seem just as at home on a larger stage as they are in smaller clubs. They adapt to the environment and make it their own. Billed as ‘The Great Gathering’, this is probably the biggest gig they’ve played in London for a while but the attendance (if not sold-out, then pretty damn close) attests to their continued popularity and reputation as a live act. Jaz may make grander gestures and they also have two female fire-breathers onstage during several songs, but apart from that, there is little that they need to do to differently to nail this gig. The atmosphere is great, the energy is infectious and the music is stunning and unique. By the end of the set, ‘Pandemonium’ is, again, the perfect closing statement. I cannot imagine much that could be better than this. Two gigs in two nights and I enjoyed every minute of them.

LUCY & THE RATS. The Unicorn, 11/11/16. Although I wanted to check-out the headliners this evening, this actually turned out to be a social evening more than anything else. The two support bands were pretty disappointing, so most of the time we all just stuck to our table, chatting, drinking and having a jolly evening. By the time Lucy & The Rats played, we were all in the right frame of mind to enjoy the gig and I’m pretty sure that we all did so. Fronted by Lucy, formerly of Australian punky-pop band The Spazzys but now based in London, the band play a tough version of garage, punk and powerpop, maybe like Suzi y Los Quattro with a bit more snarl, or The Muffs with a sleazier approach. Lots of attitude and more than a few decent tunes, this was just what was needed to end the night. I may have ended up having to run for my last train, but it was all worth the effort.

SINK / THE SPOILERS / WERECATS. The Islington, 12/11/16. Second London gig in a year ? Sink are getting prolific again ! Well, I’m not going to complain about that, especially when I enjoyed their previous gig so much. The excuse this time is supposedly Pauls’ birthday, although whether or not that’s actually true is anyone’s guess. Regardless, there’s also a couple of good support bands, so this was something not to be missed.
I arrive just as Werecats have started their set. I’ve been meaning to see them for a while and this gig lives up to the good reports I’ve been hearing. Definite Ramones influence but also big hints of The Fastbacks and The Loudmouths. Good, catchy melodic punk, it can’t go wrong.
I’m intrigued to see The Spoilers as their a young band from Canterbury (I remember that situation !) They turn out to be pretty good, similar to some of the earlier Fat Wreckords bands with probably more than a chunk of Snuff and rather good with it. Again, well worth checking out.
But this is Sink’s night and they’re on good form once again. In fact the only thing that seems a little more restrained is Paul, who is apparently suffering the results of going for a ‘quiet drink’ with the Werecats the night before… Regardless, they play a fine set and it’s just as enjoyable as the previous one. Again, it’s cool to be reminded how many great songs they had. Having seen them so often when they were originally around, I suppose it became inevitable that we took them for granted to some extent, but hearing them again like this really brings it back. There’s also a nice bonus in the fact that the son or original drummer, the much-missed Kermac, joins the band to sing one of the songs, bringing it all around in an appropriate circle. This was another very enjoyable gig and let’s hope that Sink don’t have to find reasons to play again. They should just be playing because they’re a great band !
I arrive just as Werecats have started their set. I’ve been meaning to see them for a while and this gig lives up to the good reports I’ve been hearing. Definite Ramones influence but also big hints of The Fastbacks and The Loudmouths. Good, catchy melodic punk, it can’t go wrong.
I’m intrigued to see The Spoilers as their a young band from Canterbury (I remember that situation !) They turn out to be pretty good, similar to some of the earlier Fat Wreckords bands with probably more than a chunk of Snuff and rather good with it. Again, well worth checking out.
But this is Sink’s night and they’re on good form once again. In fact the only thing that seems a little more restrained is Paul, who is apparently suffering the results of going for a ‘quiet drink’ with the Werecats the night before… Regardless, they play a fine set and it’s just as enjoyable as the previous one. Again, it’s cool to be reminded how many great songs they had. Having seen them so often when they were originally around, I suppose it became inevitable that we took them for granted to some extent, but hearing them again like this really brings it back. There’s also a nice bonus in the fact that the son or original drummer, the much-missed Kermac, joins the band to sing one of the songs, bringing it all around in an appropriate circle. This was another very enjoyable gig and let’s hope that Sink don’t have to find reasons to play again. They should just be playing because they’re a great band !

MINDFRAME / BUCHA EFFECT / SLOW FACTION. The Birds Nest, 18/11/16. We’re down at the pub early to catch Bucha Effect, especially as they’ll be debuting their latest song, the epic ‘Tom Doesn’t Like Cheese’. Yes, it’s about everybody’s favourite Phobic and, as the chorus factually confirms, he’s half-Italian, he ain’t even vegan, but Tom doesn’t like cheese ! You just can’t argue with wit like that, can you ? Well, they play all their other ditties, including ‘Why Are You So Fat, Roland’ and ‘345 to Peckham’, leaving us smirking, drinking and mumbling for more. Slow Faction are on next and play a great set tonight. Not sure what it is, but sometimes they don’t really grab your attention while other times they sound really good. This was one of those nights, when they just seemed to run-through their set in rapid-fire mode, sounding all the better for it. Finally, Mindframe are a female fronted punk band from South London who prove to be pretty impressive. I don’t think they’ve been together very long but they already seem to forging a sound of their own, combining the raw melodics of early punk with an anarcho-approach and even some Riot Grrl attitude. Their singer Tabi has a lot of character and fronts the band really well. I will definitely be keeping tabs on this lot to see how they develop.

THE UNDERTONES. The Forum, 19/11/16. After a rather busy day, I meet up with Tom, Dee and Moyni to go to The Undertones 40th Anniversary gig at The Forum. Having not bought tickets in advance and not particularly fussed about seeing the support bands, we decide to chance our luck with the touts outside and eventually get ourselves a good deal, at least partly down to Dee’s sweet accent ! Once inside, we find the place is absolutely packed and Moyni’s mission to get to the bar before the band come onstage gets a bit tense, but he makes it and we all make our way down towards the front in time for the first song, a glorious blast of ‘Jimmy Jimmy’. The set continues at rapid pace, with hits like ‘Here Comes The Summer’ and ‘It’s Going to Happen’ coming surprisingly early in the set. But that being said, it’s not until you see a set like this that you realise just how many hit singles and other great songs they had. Tracks like ‘Family Entertainment’, ‘Tearproof’ or ‘Male Model’ never made it off the albums but doubtlessly would’ve claimed the airwaves had they done so. Similarly, relatively recent tracks like ‘Dig Yourself Deep’ or ‘Thrill Me’ are now just as much favourites with the fans as any of the older classics. Perhaps as a show of modesty, or maybe to show that they don’t have to keep it until the very end, ‘Teenage Kicks’ gets played in the middle of the set, still sounding as fresh and enjoyable as ever. But there’s still so much more to come ; ‘You’ve Got My Number’, ‘Julie Ocean’, ‘Get Over You’, ‘My Perfect Cousin’ and even a fine cover of ‘Solid Gold Easy Action’. By this point the audience just won’t them leave, so a final encore gives us a share of ‘Mars Bars’ and, by popular demand, ‘Teenage Kicks’ one more time, dedicated to John Peel. You know, people still try to say it’s a shame that Feargal isn’t still there, but on this occasion, the only real shame in regards to Feargal is that he missed a truly great gig !

THE DAMNED. Brighton Dome, 24/11/16. Catching the train direct from work, I arrive in Brighton just in time to meet John & Kate and several other friends at their favourite pub before heading over to a Punk Art exhibition that was holding its’ opening night that evening. There’s some cool artwork to check out, several more friends to meet and (most importantly) free beers, so this is a great way to get in the mood for the gig itself. Finally, over to the venue and we arrive just in time for the start of the gig. As advertised, the band begin with a run-through all of their classic debut album (for some debatable reason, excepting ‘Stab Yor Back’) before continuing through a broad selection of later material covering the ‘Machine Gun Etiquette’, ‘Black Album’, ‘Strawberries’, and ‘Phantasmagoria eras. Sadly nothing from their last two albums, despite the fact that they both contain some excellent songs. But again, this is about their 40th Anniversary, so let them celebrate it as they will. The band look as if they’re having a great time and they deserve it. They’ve suffered more mishaps and misrepresentation than most along the way, so it’s great that they’ve made it this far and are now as popular as they ever were in their heyday. As with the Royal Albert Hall gig, they bring out a trumpet player to join them for ‘Stranger On The Town’, ‘Grimly Fiendish’ and ‘Alone Again Or’, adding a little spice to the pudding, but for me it’s songs like ‘Nasty’, Ignite’ and ‘Anti-Pope’ that really raise the roof. The Damned have made it to 40 years, against the odds. With a new album on its’ way, let’s see how much further they can take us ?

THE DAMNED / PENETRATION. Brixton Academy, 26/11/16. Originally, I’d decided to go to The Damneds’ Brighton gig rather than this one, but then the addition of Penetration to the bill proved to be highly tempting in itself and the offer of a free ticket was just too much to turn down. So I meet up with Gaye and various others at a suitable pub before heading over in time for Penetrations set. They’re onstage rather early tonight, with the downstairs area still only half-full, but as they start playing more and more people head towards the front to pay attention. As with other recent gigs they start with a selection of songs from the recent album, bravely making their statement of intent and winning over the audience in the process. Quite simply, the new songs sound as great as the older ones and anyone who ever liked the band first time around would have to be a complete contrarian to say otherwise. By the time they start to play older songs like ‘Come Into The Open’, ‘Don’t Dictate’ and ‘Firing Squad’, they’ve already won over the audience and this is just the icing on the cake. I have no doubt that a lot of people went out and ordered their new album the very next day !
There isn’t a long wait before The Damned come onstage and again, they blast through ‘Damned Damned Damned’ with all the headstrong recklessness that it deserves. There’s even a very brief (two second) snippet of ‘Stab Yor Back, and a particularly raucous version of ‘I Feel Alright’ that I’m sure would have pleased The Stooges themselves. There are no major changes to the remainder of the set, but the encore delivers a big surprise in the form of ‘White Rabbit’, which I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen played live before ? They should do it more often, as it sounds great ! ‘Melody Lee’ and ‘Noise Noise Noise’ end the proceedings and while this gig may not have been as epic as the Royal Albert Hall show, it was easily just as much fun.
There isn’t a long wait before The Damned come onstage and again, they blast through ‘Damned Damned Damned’ with all the headstrong recklessness that it deserves. There’s even a very brief (two second) snippet of ‘Stab Yor Back, and a particularly raucous version of ‘I Feel Alright’ that I’m sure would have pleased The Stooges themselves. There are no major changes to the remainder of the set, but the encore delivers a big surprise in the form of ‘White Rabbit’, which I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen played live before ? They should do it more often, as it sounds great ! ‘Melody Lee’ and ‘Noise Noise Noise’ end the proceedings and while this gig may not have been as epic as the Royal Albert Hall show, it was easily just as much fun.

HONEST JOHN PLAIN / ROCK’N’ROLL GYPSIES / THE PHOBICS / STONE HEROES / WERECATS. New Cross Inn, 3/12/16. Another one of the highly worthy ‘Sex Drugs & HIV’ benefit gigs, running through from the afternoon into the evening with a whole host of decent bands. I arrive ridiculously early to catch the set by Werecats which is spirited and enjoyable despite the small audience at this point (it’s only 4.00pm.) Anyway, Tom and Moyni arrive just in time, so the drinking commences and despite a bunch of other bands that are far too early to watch, we all hang out and chat until Stone Heroes play, who are always worth catching. As the name suggests, there’s more than a hint of Penetration in this bands’ influences, especially in the strong female vocals, but that’s certainly not a bad thing. Stone Heroes take those influences and turn them into something of their own, so it’s certainly worth
keeping your eyes and ears open. After this, it’s time for the Phobics and they play a fine set even though many of the audience are still just turning up. The band put everything into it as ever and the audience that are there on-time are enthusiastic so it’s far from disappointing. In fact, this is probably the first point in the event where the bands start to get the attention they deserve. Unfortunately, they are then followed by the Rock’n’Roll Gypsies who are rather dull, despite it being a band put together by Mat Sargent (the man behind the ‘SexDrugs & HIV’ charity events.) They’re a Blues based band and unfortunately out-of-place at this event even despite some fine slide guitar from their guest, Gary Lammin. Elsewhere it would’ve been more appreciated, but between The Phobics and Honest John, it was as if the brakes had put on. Fortunately, Honest John and his band come to the rescue soon enough and play through a selection of both his own and The Boys songs, bringing the pace back to a desirable level and the musical quality back to the level this gig deserves. He has so many great songs at his disposal, this really couldn’t go wrong and for most of the assembled audience, this was clearly the headline act and deservedly so. I was among many who left after this as the appalling RDF were due to headline (!), although, being a bunch of hippies, they may not have turned up. But I certainly wasn’t going to take that risk...
keeping your eyes and ears open. After this, it’s time for the Phobics and they play a fine set even though many of the audience are still just turning up. The band put everything into it as ever and the audience that are there on-time are enthusiastic so it’s far from disappointing. In fact, this is probably the first point in the event where the bands start to get the attention they deserve. Unfortunately, they are then followed by the Rock’n’Roll Gypsies who are rather dull, despite it being a band put together by Mat Sargent (the man behind the ‘SexDrugs & HIV’ charity events.) They’re a Blues based band and unfortunately out-of-place at this event even despite some fine slide guitar from their guest, Gary Lammin. Elsewhere it would’ve been more appreciated, but between The Phobics and Honest John, it was as if the brakes had put on. Fortunately, Honest John and his band come to the rescue soon enough and play through a selection of both his own and The Boys songs, bringing the pace back to a desirable level and the musical quality back to the level this gig deserves. He has so many great songs at his disposal, this really couldn’t go wrong and for most of the assembled audience, this was clearly the headline act and deservedly so. I was among many who left after this as the appalling RDF were due to headline (!), although, being a bunch of hippies, they may not have turned up. But I certainly wasn’t going to take that risk...

FRANK SANAZI & THE IRAQ PACK / SPLIFF RICHARD. 100 Club, 8/12/16. Frank Sanazi’s Xmas Party at the 100 Club is becoming a Yuletide tradition to rival pantomimes, mince-pies and the invasion of Poland. This Summit meeting of the Iraq Pack brought together those old Storm-troupers Frank, Dean Stalin and Saddami Davis Jnr for the first time in ages (sadly, Osama Bing Crosby was unable to make it due to a previous booking in the Arabian Sea) but the show went on without any commando raids or technical hitches. Frank and Dean begin the proceedings (just like their legendary appearance at Nuremburg !) and both the songs and jokes flow freely. But before the show continues, they introduce another special guest, the inimitable Spliff Richard, the dread-locked tennis playing secret cousin of you-know-who, to perform his short-set of reggae-enhanced confessions, spilling the beans on what’s really going on (allegedly.) And then, back to the Pack and Saddami Davis Jnr emerges to bring the swing (quite literally) to the event and Frank, as ever, offers his support. Finally, Frankie is joined by his original love-interest Eva, who evokes the Spirit of ’45 with her desperate rendition of ‘I Will Survive’. Either a Conspiracy Theorists wet-dream or the funniest comedy review you’ll find this side of the Potsdam Conference. Can you dig it ?

CRISIS-1984 / AAA TRACTORS / BUG CENTRAL. Venue 229, 10/12/16. I was supposed to be doing a Crisis/1984 interview this evening, but when I meet up with the band members in a local pub, it just doesn’t come together. Not that there are any difficulties, it’s just that it’s a nice warm evening and it seems more appropriate to hang-out and have a few drinks. Vague plans are made to do the actual interview elsewhere… By the time we return to the venue, I manage to catch a few songs by Bug Central and then a couple by AAA Tractors, both who seem to be pretty decent punk bands, but then I get talking with some friends I hadn’t seen for a while and next thing I know, Crisis/1984 are ready to play. They play their set of Crisis and (very early) Death in June songs really well and it’s just a shame that there wasn’t a bigger audience to see them. While the political statements of some of the Crisis material may seem a bit naïve in retrospect, they still work very well and musically, they sound like no-one else (except those that came later.) ‘Frustration’, with hardly any lyrics, accurately conveys the sentiment of the title and ‘White Youth’ is almost menacing in its’ tempered pace even though the lyrics deliver a positive message. ‘PC 1984’ is a genuine punk rock classic, while ‘All Alone In Her Nirvana’ gives a good indication of how the band could have continued. I have to say, I’m surprised that more people still haven’t caught up with this band, because the original Crisis releases are still highly respected and this is as accurate a recreation of their live sound as you’re ever likely to hear. Catch them while you can.

JOHNNY MOPED / CYANIDE PILLS / DAGGER DEBS. 100 Club, 15/12/16. The annual Damaged Goods Xmas Bash brings a fine line-up together that guarantees excellence. After a few traditional pre-gig beers at Bradleys, we head-in to the 100 Club in plenty of time to see the Dagger Debs. Previously known as Thee Jezebels, they’ve recently had to adapt their name due an indie band with the same moniker, but musically they’re still playing their snarlin’ brand of garage-punk, pub rock and backstreet-glam. There’s nothing clever to it, this is just amped-up rock’n’roll the way it ought to be played. The Cyanide Pills are also on fine form tonight, playing through a shorter set than usual but including all their best songs to keep everyone happy. Like The Heartbreakers on a collision with The Briefs, there just isn’t anything to dislike about this band.
But the main reason we’re down there is Johnny Moped and they play one of the best sets I’ve ever seen them perform. Starting off with ‘VD Boiler’, ‘No-One’ and ‘Panic Button’, they set themselves a high standard right from the start and make sure it never drops. Plenty of new songs, from ‘Real Cool Baby’ and ‘Paint My Aubergine’ through to ‘Super Woofer’ while older ones like ‘Musical Bore’ and ‘Groovy Ruby’ keep everyone on their toes. Johnny is looking rather sharp tonight and with the audience including a lot of new fans singing along with him, you can see he’s having a great time. ‘Darling Let’s Have Another Baby’ is a clear favourite and the last song of the set, ‘Incendiary Device’ ensures that they quickly get called back for an encore, culminating in ‘Hard Lovin’ Man’, ‘Little Queenie’ and ‘I Wanna Die’. Rock’n’Roll never sounded better than this, and Punk Rock never had more attitude. Long live Johnny Moped !
But the main reason we’re down there is Johnny Moped and they play one of the best sets I’ve ever seen them perform. Starting off with ‘VD Boiler’, ‘No-One’ and ‘Panic Button’, they set themselves a high standard right from the start and make sure it never drops. Plenty of new songs, from ‘Real Cool Baby’ and ‘Paint My Aubergine’ through to ‘Super Woofer’ while older ones like ‘Musical Bore’ and ‘Groovy Ruby’ keep everyone on their toes. Johnny is looking rather sharp tonight and with the audience including a lot of new fans singing along with him, you can see he’s having a great time. ‘Darling Let’s Have Another Baby’ is a clear favourite and the last song of the set, ‘Incendiary Device’ ensures that they quickly get called back for an encore, culminating in ‘Hard Lovin’ Man’, ‘Little Queenie’ and ‘I Wanna Die’. Rock’n’Roll never sounded better than this, and Punk Rock never had more attitude. Long live Johnny Moped !

VIBRATORS / STEVE HOOKER. Dublin Castle, 17/12/16. It’s my birthday so I want to go out somewhere and fortunately, The Vibrators are playing at the Dublin Castle. I manage to persuade a few friends to come along and we all get there nice and early, but find the place already packed tighter than a Tories’ wallet. Regardless, we edge our way through the crowd and watch the support from the Steve Hooker Band. He’s a veteran of the UK rockabilly / R’n’B scene and he plays some really raw, rockin’ guitar. His set goes down really well and I’d have no problems in recommending his music to anyone with a taste for authentic rock’n’roll.
That being said, the place is now ridiculously packed and the sweat is dripping from the ceiling. By the time The Vibrators start their set, I think everyone has given-up on the idea of comfort and just submits to the conditions. Fortunately, The Vibrators play an incredible set, the best I’ve ever seen from this line-up. If it was this hot and sweaty in the audience, god knows what it must have been like for them on the tiny stage, but they really put everything into it, most memorably an incredible version of ‘Amphetamine Blue’. Sadly, Knox doesn’t make his expected guest appearance due to a bout of ‘flu, but with the band playing this well, that’s not a great disappointment. By the end of the gig I think we all need showers and a fresh set of clothes, but it had been so much fun, that’s a small price to pay.
That being said, the place is now ridiculously packed and the sweat is dripping from the ceiling. By the time The Vibrators start their set, I think everyone has given-up on the idea of comfort and just submits to the conditions. Fortunately, The Vibrators play an incredible set, the best I’ve ever seen from this line-up. If it was this hot and sweaty in the audience, god knows what it must have been like for them on the tiny stage, but they really put everything into it, most memorably an incredible version of ‘Amphetamine Blue’. Sadly, Knox doesn’t make his expected guest appearance due to a bout of ‘flu, but with the band playing this well, that’s not a great disappointment. By the end of the gig I think we all need showers and a fresh set of clothes, but it had been so much fun, that’s a small price to pay.

BRUNK / RAGE DC / GRAVEDIGGERS. Fiddlers Elbow, 18/12/16, Billed as an ‘Xmas Zombie Gig’ (that surely deserves to become a new tradition ?) I mainly went along to this as my friend Sarah Pink’s band, The Gravediggers, were playing. Being on a Sunday evening, it wasn’t as well attended as it deserved, but it was still good fun for those of us who did make the effort. The Gravediggers are a good punky band fronted by Sarah and featuring plenty of decent tunes and decent lyrics. Rage DC are a more hardcore-based band and while I don’t dislike them, I can’t say I’ve been particularly impressed either, although there’s still plenty of time for that to change. Finally, Brunk are doing for Brass instruments what The Pukes did for ukeleles. Yes, Brass band sounds with punk rock attitude. I’m not sure if it works quite as well as it did for The Pukes, but this was still very entertaining and made for a good end to the party. Even if I did then have to catch the night-bus back to home… feeling like a zombie…

YE NUNS / THE BARON FOUR. The Lexington, 21/12/16. Ye Nuns may only be a limited concept in as much as there are only a certain amount of Monks’ songs for them to play, but goddammit, they do it really well ! These girls are clearly real fans and their authenticity is as close to perfect as you could get. The songs sound right but also keep all the rough edges in the mix, replicating not just the sounds but also the attitude of The Monks. Few would be able to do it as well as this but Ye Nuns achieve it with style.
The Baron Four are a bunch of chaps who you’ve probably seen in other bands along the way. This current combo is a real treat, combining the rawer sounds of the Sixties UK Beat scene with an accomplished garage band approach. Think of (very) early Beatles, early Kinks, maybe some Sonics. They keep it simple and compelling, making the songs the important thing and keeping the rhythms real. They’re a band who want to have their own party onstage and if you don’t want to dance, it’ll be your loss.
The Baron Four are a bunch of chaps who you’ve probably seen in other bands along the way. This current combo is a real treat, combining the rawer sounds of the Sixties UK Beat scene with an accomplished garage band approach. Think of (very) early Beatles, early Kinks, maybe some Sonics. They keep it simple and compelling, making the songs the important thing and keeping the rhythms real. They’re a band who want to have their own party onstage and if you don’t want to dance, it’ll be your loss.

VIVA LAS VEGAS / POLLY PIKPOCKETZ / THE NU VANDALS / LOVE ME TENDERS. The Alley Cat, 23/12/16. With Denmark Street destined for destruction / redevelopment (another good reason to hate Boris) you never know what’s going to be the last gig you’ll see there. This one just looked like it was going to be a good night out, so I caught up with a few likely reprobates and went along. The Love Me Tenders were a good start to the evening, a duo playing raw rock’n’roll and rockabilly with an authentic attitude and more than a few decent songs to keep your attention. The Nu Vandals in contrast are more in line with Sixties r’n’b and Seventies pub rock, which they do very well even if it isn’t the most original sound. Polly Pikpocketz have a great name but sadly don’t live up to it, instead playing some pretty drab hard rock that would probably only appeal to the sort of people who liked The Darkness. Now, all of this wouldn’t have been so bad except that everything is running late, so I only get to see a couple of songs by Viva Las Vegas before I have to run for the last train. They’re sounding really good tonight, as well, and the audience is in the right kind of party mood to appreciate it. So it’s a bit irritating but overall, it had been a good evening so I won’t complain (too much…)

PETER & THE TEST-TUBE BABIES. New Cross Inn, 30/12/16. Last gig of the year and I get talked-in to going to see Peter & The Test-tube Babies. The Test-tubes made some great records early-on and were also a surprisingly good live band, but along the way, it all went wrong and the last time I saw them, they were horrible. So initially I wasn’t so keen to see them now, but a couple of people whose opinions I trust had assured me that the band were actually worth seeing again, so I thought I should investigate. Well, there was certainly an improvement on the last time I saw them and they stuck pretty-much to the older songs that you’d want to hear, so it was rather good. Apart from Peter, I’m not sure how many other original members are still playing, but they did pretty well. The biggest difference was actually Peter himself. Whilst he was never a slim-jim, he now seems to have bloated to a shape resembling Jabba the Hutt ! I think we may now know who ate all the pies ! Anyway, the gig was fun and I had a good night. It wasn’t great, but they played a decent set and that’s fair enough.