Well, am pleased we will be ending the year with a gig at the 12 Bar – ‘London Calling’ a night promoted by a dear friend ‘Barnet’ – who i think has done wonders to putting on a ‘kool’ stamp on the venue and all its shenanigans.
I know this because i always go to Barnets punk nights at the 12 bar when i can – and when we were asked to play at The Gaff’s launch weekend – wasn’t offered money but was only too pleased to say yes – cos 12 bar has given me alot of good memeories, and even when my memeories have been bad – the people there have made the moments bearable.
Not so at The Gaff Club – got treated like absolutely SHITE from the word go. Probably shouldnt say any more than that for now – but in retrospect – i realised actually whats kool and what has my loyalty at the 12 Bar is mainly down to Barnet and the nights he’s put on, the atmosphere , and the length of time he has been bringin decent gigs in that venue – truly they have benefited positively – and i gotta say – luv all the crew there -
But don’t necessarily immediately think you’ll get the same greeting at The Gaff Club – just because 12 Bar have taken this venue on.
It will take time and a lot of lovin sweat to bring that venue and its workers up to the same standard of atmosphere – u cant just live off a name - the people within the name are wot counts.
As for me, what happened there unfortunately will have a long painful stain on my brain – but enough of bollox – let’s party where we’re the happiest
Rebellion Festvals do it in style again. They are promoting the legendary Cocksparrer at the well aclaimed Melkweg in Amsterdam in November next year. Another excuse for punks united around the world to get thier arses to pastures green (hehe) to show em who we are what we like and that we are still together.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Cocksparrer the let me fill you in:
Cock Sparrer Will Always And Forever Be..Colin McFaull – Vocals, Steve Burgess – Bass Guitar, Steve Bruce – Drums, Mickey Beaufoy – lead guitarist Daryl Smith-Guitarist and Will Murray – Road Manager..
This is how there career is described on Wikipedia and i think all it does is inspire and demand an up to date interview of their thoughts,experience and drive in the punk movement
‘Cock Sparrer was founded by Colin McFaull, Mick Beaufoy, Steve “Burge” Burgess and Steve Bruce – who had known each other since the age of 11. Playing in nightclubs in and around London, they developed the style that was later to be known as streetpunk or Oi!. In 1976, the band met with Malcolm McLaren, who allegedly offered to sign the band alongside to his newest discovery, the Sex Pistols. According to the members of Cock Sparrer, the deal never happened because Mclaren refused to buy them a round of beers. Another explanation is that they refused to cut their hair as McLaren wanted.
In 1977, Garrie Lammin (Burge’s cousin) joined in as second guitarist and the band secured a deal with Decca Records, who were hoping to cash in on the now blooming punk movement. The first Cock Sparrer single was “Runnin’ Riot”, released in May 1977. It did not sell well, nor did the following singles, and Decca dropped the band in 1978. The band members had already recorded an album’s worth of material, which remained officially unreleased until 2006. Cock Sparrer disbanded in 1980, but in 1981, old Cock Sparrer songs were included on several Oi! compilation albums, and interest in the band began to rise again. They reformed in 1982 and signed to Carrere Records, which released the “England Belongs to Me” single followed by Cock Sparrer’s debut albumShock Troops. It was released in fall 1983 and included the songs “Where Are They Now“, “I Got Your Number”‘ and “Riot Squad.” In 1984, Beaufoy left the band and was replaced by Shug O’Neill, who was later replaced by Chris Skepis. The album Running Riot in ‘84 was released in October 1984.
The band performed several reunion concerts in 1992 (with Daryl Smith as the new second guitarist), and in 1994 they released a new album, Guilty as Charged. In 1997, they released the album Two Monkeys. Since then, Cock Sparrer has occasionally toured and has performed sporadically at punk festivals including the Wasted/Rebellion festival. In April 2008 they headlined Rebellion Vienna [2] and also headlined Rebellion Blackpool in August 2008.[3]‘
I saw this band properly in Vienna – a festival put on by Rebellion – it was a truly memorable anthemic night and specially every time ‘Because your Young’ and ‘England Belongs To Me’ is played i go mad singing along filled with power and excitement. To achieve this in songwriting is a very credible acheivement . To affect the multitude crowd from the ones down the front to the ones on the fringes at the back – all arms up singing with passion – what more could you ask for as a band and an admiring on looker
I missed the gig in Wolverhampton, but i was well pissed off i did, didnt hear anyone coming back to say they had a naff time haha.
So … book early to avoid being bitten by the credit crunch and get arses and boots to Amsterdam for a gig of difference – come on you know you are dying for something to pluck u up and lift you out of your daily grind …
i was going to finish by sayin come and let your hair down .. and was amused at the thought of how a skinhead would do this . :chuckle:
Also check out one of my favourate sites for indepth info of the band :
It was a kool night out – venue was way expensive for drinks och ouch ouch – kick me in the credit crunch why dont u !! heard quite a few people saying they got short changed from the bar too. anyhow – the people and the music was kool.
got there in time for radio stars, followed by the yobs 999 penetration uk subs the damned
uk subs and the damned were my favs of the night – a real powerful buzz and energy coming off charlie – got on a natural high – all in all a wicked line up and great night of catchin up with fun luvin punks <3
Here is a vidof the headlining act The Damned – withtheir finale song ..
With deep personal sadness I must announce that my dear friend and client Bettie Page passed away at 6:41pm PST this evening in a Los Angeles hospital. She died peacefully but had never regained consciousness after suffering a heart attack nine days ago.
She captured the imagination of a generation of men and women with her free spirit and unabashed sensuality. She is the embodiment of beauty.’
Statement by Mark Roesler, business agent for Bettie Page
Its hard to take that there are people in Zibabwe dying becaus they have no clean water to drink
its even worse to hear the extent of the hell. there is no media with the outside world and the people have no clue of what we are witnessing, and with power cuts on top the people are left with much to worry about.
Areas of poverty appear to be growing everywhere and darkness is coming over our lands.
is it time for us all to try and find a way – a new way of tackling all this …
Few months ago i watched something about this and find myself thinking about the kids in this situation often at random times of my british day – its greatly disturbing and far cry from the glue sniffin of the punk days ..
SHAM 69 and THE DUEL
Friday 7 Nov 08.
Hobbits, Weston Super Mare, UK.
Show Review By: Rick Graham – Clevedon, U.K.
FOR PUNKGLOBE.COM :
The Duel
On arrival all seemed quiet, just a few people drinking at the bar. This was 9pm. The Duel came on stage soon after. They seemed nervous due to a small crowd. Tara Rez the lead singer shuffled to the front of the stage and announced the first song, “Victory.” They tear into it then quickly followed by “Future Revolution.”
Audience are warming to them , then a hiccup. The sound seemed to go out of sync. This is quickly sorted though and the band play on. They are more confident and play a ripping set. Tara has warmed up making use of the stage space. She interacts more with us in the crowd, which has grown in size.The band play tight, hard and loud. Blistering guitar sound, rasping yet smooth vocals and all the punk poses and gestures. Highlight for me was a great cover of “Pet Semetary” by the Ramones. They really punked it up, louder and faster. Not an easy task but it worked. Only too soon they are finished but we want more. An awesome set by a great punk rock band of the future.
Sham 69
Next up, Sham69. The audience has doubled and the beer was flowing well. Can’t remember what they opened with but the people are dancing from the word go. We thought it might not be so good with no Jimmy Pursey. No need, the new singer is awesome. loud, confident and in your face. The band too are tight. Halfway through the set the singer says we need some exercise and they fly into Hurry up Harry. The crowd has gone nuts, arms and legs being flung in all directions. A really rough mosh pit. The band play hard and the mic is in the crowd for all to sing the chorus. Bodies seem to fly in all directions to this very English, football terrace type band. They play all the classic Sham songs then are gone. Back for the encore they launch into Borstal Breakout. This was in the day one of the most popular songs. It still is. Its very loud, fast and aggressive. The Weston Skins of yesterday loved it. Anyone was allowed to join the group on stage and have their five minutes. All in all a great night out to two great bands. At a typical English holiday resort. And, at £9 a ticket you can’t beat it.
