Cock Sparrer – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London – 6th April 2024

Cock Sparrer – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London – 6<sup>th</sup> April 2024

I’d hazard a guess that there’s not many bands that can headline a venue the size of the Shepherd’s Bush Empire where you’d find band members in the neighbouring pubs before the show happy to chat and have selfies taken with their fans. Then again Cock Sparrer are not just any ole headline band, and as frontman Colin McFaull is quick to point out towards the end of their headline set here tonight “without you the fans we really wouldn’t be doing what we are doing right now”, so they appreciate our support, a hell of a lot. Especially as this, the first gig in support of the release of their latest album ‘Hand On Heart’, has also just happened to coincide with the latest round of rail strikes here in the UK.

For yours truly this means around 7 hours in total on a coach travelling up and back from south Wales for the gig, but that’s nothing compared to the time and money invested in today by those who have travelled from not only other parts of the UK but also Europe and the US, all eager to once again see everyone’s favourite Oi! streetpunk band performing live, and with this aim in common when we all do finally get together we are just like one big happy family.

Having been lucky enough to secure tickets for one of the fiftieth anniversary shows the band put together at The Roundhouse a couple of years back, I’ll admit that I really enjoyed the format of that gig with the band playing two sets instead of having a support act, and here tonight that is repeated, albeit here the first set is a mash up of deep cuts and new tracks and the second being the regular “hits(?)” package. What is really odd though is when the band (once again complete with the Cockettes – James Bragg on guitar and backing vocals and Jet Baker on keyboards and backing vocals) do take to the stage a little after 8pm tonight it’s almost like they are the support band as the crowd is not only initially quite sparse (keep this in mind for what is to follow) down the front but oddly a little subdued when the intro tape of ‘Last Orders’ blasts out of the PA segueing neatly into ‘Sunday Stripper’, a track I don’t think I’ve heard the band play live since the back to back Kentish Town Forum shows all the way back in March 2010. It’s the new songs I’ve been really looking forward to hearing live for the first time though and ‘With My Hand On My Heart’ quickly follows along with ‘Mind Your Own Business’ the opening 1-2 from the ‘Hand On Heart’ album and these two start to warm those of us down the front up very nicely indeed. Of the older tunes included ‘Roads To Freedom’ from the ‘Guilty As Charged’ album gets its live debut, whilst (possibly the only Oi! song to ever be written about Potsdam) ‘Bats Out’ from ‘Two Monkeys’ makes a welcome return after featuring in the Roundhouse set, and then there’s ‘Shock Troops’ deep cut ‘Secret Army’ and ‘Contender’ from 2018’s ‘Forever’ to prove there’s much more to those records than what is about to follow in the next hour. As for the rest of ‘Hand On Heart’ (which is out to buy right now folks, something Colin and guitarist Daryl Smith remind us many times over tonight – and why not) we also get ‘I Belong To You’, ‘Take It On The Chin’ (written with the mighty Spunk Volcano no less) and ‘Here We Stand’ before we return to ‘Guilty As Charged’ for first set closer ‘We Know How To Live’, a song that bassist Steve Burgess apparently wrote as the band’s answer to the Minder theme tune. Well, you live and learn, eh?

As the band heads off for some cheese sandwiches and a small Jack Daniels between sets we are left to partake of our own ablutions and libations, only we would do if we could actually get anywhere near the toilets and bars, as the stalls are now totally rammed. Dangerously so in the case of the stairs leading to the toilets, thankfully though in spite of the skinhead tough guy image egos really are checked in at the door when you go see Cock Sparrer and even when a mate of mine accidentally spills a bloke’s pint bashing into him it’s all okay and hands are shaken with nothing further to be said.

With this in mind, trying to return to our original vantage spot in time for set two is never going to be on the cards, but we are close enough to experience the energy surge as the ‘Overture’ intro tape goes up and the cooling alcoholic rain that falls during the nee-naw, nee-naw guitar intro of ‘Riot Squad’ is actually quite refreshing. Let’s just be thankful it’s not warm, especially given the toilet situation.

Set mainstays ‘Watch Your Back’ and ‘Working’ follow and these raise the temperature even higher, whilst it’s during a frantic ‘Teenage Heart’ that my fifty-something heart decides to play silly buggers with me, and this Droog does indeed have to run, all the way to the medical room for some much-needed fresh air. I have to say the stewards and medical team at the Empire were both superb in responding to my heart issues, and thankfully as I now know what I’m dealing with I only need to take a brief (7-song) sabbatical from the Sparrer party fully raging just a few feet away. My only hope is that the American lady who was entering the room as I was leaving was okay too as she didn’t seem in a good place at all.  

Relocating to the balcony just in time for ‘Because You’re Young’ (oh the irony eh) the first thing  I note is that guitarist Mick Beaufoy is now sitting down whilst playing (apparently he’s not been too well either) and behind the kit Steve Bruce whilst still hammering away like a piston engine has rather sensibly slowed the tempo down a touch for the finale of ‘England Belongs To Me’ and ‘We’re Coming Back’ to not only reflect the fact that the band aren’t exactly spring chickens anymore…but also that they have another double set show to play in Glasgow in a just a few days’ time.

 I said at the top of this review that there are not many bands like Cock Sparrer, and that’s why with ‘Hand On Heart’ in the shops and a series of live shows booked throughout the year to help promote the record we should truly value the time we have with the band more now than ever. That’s because hand on my (dodgy) heart punk rock music doesn’t get much better than this.  Long may it continue.

Author: Johnny Hayward

Buy the new album ‘Hand On Heart’ Here

Cock Sparrer – ‘Hand On Heart’ (Captain Oi!/Cherry Red Records)

Cock Sparrer – ‘Hand On Heart’ (Captain Oi!/Cherry Red Records)

A very wise man (and record producer) once told me that he thought “some of the best songs ever written start with a chorus.” I argued back that in rock that’s not usually the done thing, you build to the hook, but he then went on to list a whole host of Atlantic Soul, Tamla Motown and Stax tunes just to prove his theory, and it’s something that’s obviously stuck with me to this day.

Whether producer James Bragg had the same conversation during the recording of the long awaited eighth studio album from London Oi!/streetpunk legends Cock Sparrer (Bragg returning to duty following his sterling work on the band’s ‘Forever’ opus), I’ll probably never know, but it’s exactly how ‘Hand On Heart’ begins. BOSH! Straight into the chorus of ‘With My Hand On My Heart’ and this 2 and half minute belter is an instant classic.

What quickly becomes obvious though is whatever chats were had, this time around the Sparrer boys are doing things a little bit different. Yes ‘Hand On Heart’ is quintessentially the band we all know and love, but this time around they are (just like Desperate Measures have done with their recent album) pushing the punk rock envelope just a little bit more. Take the distorted guitar and thumping drum introduction that segues into the fantastic ‘Mind Your Own Business’ for example, is the hook here the gang vocal chorus or the guitar riff? I’ll let you decide, but for me it’s one of the many highlights that ‘Hand On Heart’ has to offer, and yeah this could finally be the sound the band has always looked for from a studio record.

‘I Belong To You’ is up next, and this is a song that if you could cut it open would positively bleed Cock Sparrer, as would ‘No Way Out’ which follows at the album’s mid-point, the latter reminding me of the band circa the ‘Here We Stand’ era (a record which is now 17 years old, jeez). This is feelgood music to shine your cherry reds to getting ready for a Friday night on the town… classic Cock Sparrer.

Talking of which, the lyrically brilliant ‘Rags to Riches’ is all about just that; dressing to impress and having a sense of self pride whatever the world can throw at you. Something that the chugging ‘Take It On The Chin’ (a track that had previously featured the ‘Garry Bushell presents: Oi! 40 Years Untamed’ LP) echoes and it’s at this point I have to say that its tremendous to hear Colin McFaull in such fine voice, delivering some of his most impassioned work to date.

That punk rock envelope I mentioned earlier gets well and truly ripped to shreds by the time we reach the opening bars of ‘One Way Ticket’. Is this the band writing for a yet to be filmed Bond movie theme? Whatever it is, it’s epic, and the early-70s Slade-mid section is absolute bloody genius, as is the “Where are they?” vocal hook that drives home the pounding ‘Nowhere To Be Found’, a song that could easily have come from (Sparrer guitarist Daryl Smith’s other band) Argy Bargy’s superb ‘Hopes Dreams Lies & Schemes’ album.

Oh, and then there’s my real highlight of ‘Hand On Heart’, the beautiful, (yeah you read that right) ‘My Forgotten Dream’. The string section arranged by Simon Dobson (who’s worked with everyone from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to Bring Me The Horizon) is like a ray of spring sunshine cutting through the clouds on this most wonderful of Cock Sparrer moments, and even the hardest of heart listening to this is going to melt just a little bit, trust me on this one.

Which leaves us just enough time for the album’s final track ‘Here We Stand’, a boisterous call to arms kind of affair, cut from the same cloth as ‘One By One’ from ‘Forever’, and if this really does go on to prove to be the band’s final hurrah, what a way to end it all eh?

There’s no one out there that writes Oi!/streetpunk anthems quite like Cock Sparrer, and that’s a fact. That they have taken their magic songwriting formula and augmented it with new ideas and techniques fifty-two years after the band first got together shows their continued commitment to be the band other band’s look up to when it comes to punk rock music.

‘Hand On Heart’ is released on 5th April 2024 via Captain Oi!/Cherry Red Records on a multitude of formats to suit everyone’s needs and you can catch the band live at two exclusive album release shows at  O2 Shepherds Bush Empire – Saturday 6th April 2024 and O2 Academy Glasgow – Saturday 13th April 2024.

Hand on heart, punk rock doesn’t get much better than this, so get your copy on pre-order NOW! Here

Facebook

Website

Author: Johnny Hayward

It’s Only A Podcast – Episode 15

It’s Only A Podcast – Episode 15

Full steam ahead they said as the good ship RPM Online Podcast sails into treasure-filled waters. This Episode is positively overflowing with new tracks as well as an exclusive Live cover from Ravagers that will never be on streaming services or CD and is limited to 100 copies of White Vinyl. Spaghetty Town Records have kindly let us play the Ravager’s cover of ‘Goin Downtown’ by the Lords Of The New Church. That’s only one of the reasons why you should check the Podcast out.

Sweden’s First Boy On The Moon Kick off this Episode with the opening track of their new album ‘Dreamer’. Hot on the heels comes a new track off the Final Cock Sparrer Album ‘Hand On Heart’ out on April 5th. ‘I Belong To You’ is classic Sparrer and an album that sees the band get better and better.

Now co-host Hotshot likes nothing more than fantasising about Sex Pistol and Radio broadcasting inspiration and role model Steve Jones so we’ve dug deep for a sparkling live rendition of his classic ‘Silly Thing’.

Gareth ‘Hotshot’ Hooper

Hotshot wanted to change the mood by introducing a track from Garbage who penciled in a re-release of the album ‘Bleed Like Me’ with his favourite track off the album. How about Japan’s finest glam punks Angel Face with a brand new track off their Slovenly Records self-titled album. A new track from Bullets And Octane, and Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard before Hotshot plays Suede with a track off their latest album ‘Autofiction’.

Ravagers are a glam punk n roll band outta The USA and they have a brand new LP released through Spaghetty Town Records as pointed out in the intro above. 100 copies pressed no streaming and no downloading. This will be a must-own record and rare as rocking horse shit. We’ve got an exclusive don’t miss it.

Desperate Measures have been playing support to Cheetah Chromes Dead Boys around the UK and currently in Europe and getting great reviews so having heard the new Desperate Measures album it’s only fair we play ‘Sublime Destruction’ the title track of their soon-to-be-released Cadiz records album. Staying with Cheetahs how about a new track off The Streetwalkin Cheetahs and a wonderful track ‘Call The Dogs’ being released on Poland’s awesome Heavy Medication Records. While we’re playing the label’s newest releases we also have one from Jonesy the potty-mouthed Canadians 10″ release on HMR but not before Californians Crymwav pop by with ‘Mars Fever’ and Mala Vista get aired with a single off their soon to be released album coming out on Spaghetty Town and Beluga Records in Europe.

Marc Valentine is set to release his second album on Wicked Cool Records in the next few months, so, no time like the present to play a track off it, and having had the privilege to hear the album I can tell you it was tough which one to play seeing as the whole record is fantastic power popping Rock n Roll. Gareth drops in one of his favourite songs from Powerkeg before a fine track from The Mysterines who we reviewed recently when they played support on the Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes tour of the UK.

If you’re still with us then stick around for a banger from The Empty Page who announced this week that they have a new album coming out on their own label if this is anything to go by it promises to be excellent and the first Empty Page track we’ll be playing. With just a couple of tracks to play Sweet Tooth blast away any fatigue with their banger ‘So Gone’ from their epic Lövely Records release ‘Split Image’. This leaves River City Rebels to wipe the floor with us as they blow the fuckin doors off the show with ‘Unless Your White’ out on Screaming Crow Records.

That boys and girls is one hell of a playlist from top to bottom we doubt you’ll hear a running order with as much quality as that. Keep it RPM Online Podcast – It’s A Revolution!

Cock Sparrer ‘Hand On Heart’ & Live shows

Cock Sparrer ‘Hand On Heart’ & Live shows

COCK SPARRER

‘Hand On Heart’

the new studio album 5 April 2024

Legendary punk band Cock Sparrer announce their eighth studio album Hand On Heart, alongside shows in London and Glasgow

Widely considered to be one of the most influential street punk bands in history, Cock Sparrer have been a constant on the circuit since 1972. They can name an enviable list of punk rock royalty who have covered their songs, from the likes of Rancid, Against Me! and The Interrupters to The Aggrolites, Bouncing Souls, Agnostic Front, Grade 2 and Dropkick Murphys.  

Back with their latest (and most likely last) studio album, Hand On Heart is their strongest statement yet. Their first since 2017’s Forever, it’s an album full of their trademark anthemic sound; hooks, singalong melodies and strong mob chorus’ are present in abundance and key tracks like With My Hand On My Heart, Rags To Riches, I Belong To You and Here We Stand stands out as some of their finest material to date. That’s not to say there aren’t a few surprises for old and new fans alike. On My Forgotten Dream, string arranger Simon Dobson (Bring Me The Horizon, Mike Oldfield) has added something truly unique that will excite fans.

The band will be the first to admit that the studio budget in the past has usually been spent down the pub, but with Hand On Heart they acquired the production services of James Bragg (BC Camplight, Martin Barre) who worked alongside guitarist Daryl Smith. Also on board was Grammy award winning 2022 UK Mastering Engineer of the year, Kevin Tuffy to do the final mastering.

Cock Sparrer is still the same four guys who started playing punk music 52 years ago – Colin McFaull (vocals), Mick Beaufoy (guitar), Steve Burgess (bass) and Steve Bruce (drums); alongside their new guitarist Daryl Smith, who has been in the band for a mere 31 years! They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2022 with two sold out shows at Camden’s Roundhouse, and 2024 includes a year of headline festival shows booked to celebrate the launch of the album. The shows include the world’s premier Punk Festival Rebellion, Mighty Sounds in Czech Republic and Hellfest in France where they’ll play alongside Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age. However, it’s their club shows that show the strength of loyalty and love that their fans have, and to celebrate they’re playing two UK launch shows in London and Glasgow:

O2 Shepherds Bush Empire – Saturday 6th April 2024

O2 Academy Glasgow – Saturday 13th April 2024

Hand On Heart is available on 180gsm black vinyl, limited edition colour vinyl with unique artwork, picture disc vinyl, hardback book CD edition and strictly limited-edition cassette.

Cock Sparrer – 50th Birthday Bash – London, Roundhouse – 10th September 2022

Cock Sparrer – 50th Birthday Bash – London, Roundhouse – 10th September 2022

Fifty years of Cock Sparrer. Who would have thought that possible back in 1972? Perhaps not the five teenagers who helped form the band in East London, and most certainly not Sparrer’s newest member (of 30 some years), guitarist Daryl Smith, who just happened to be born the very same year.

It only feels like yesterday that I was holding my copy of ’40 Years’ the Captain Oi! released compilation of hits and deep cuts that got put out for their, err…. fortieth Anniversary, and therein also probably lies the “eureka” moment regarding tonight’s event. The concept of the evening being a well thought out affair, with Sparrer basically supporting themselves with a set of “rarely” or in some cases “never before” played songs taken from across their expansive back catalogue, with the guys also promising a few surprises along the way.

Originally intended as a one-off date, tonight’s show sold out so quickly that the band also added a second night on the Friday due to the fact that almost 70% of the original night’s tickets were sold to fans outside the UK, and the band didn’t want to see any of their UK ‘family’ missing out. Talk about giving the fans what they want, eh?

So, arriving in Camden just after what would have been full-time on any normal Saturday afternoon for a few pre-gig drinkies with some old London based mates the thing that immediately strikes me is just how many different accents are audible within our chosen boozer. There are people from all four corners of the UK and from what I can pick out from the constant excited chatter, most of the rest of the world is here too. The band’s legions of fans having assembled to raise a glass at one very special birthday party, and in turn celebrate the music of the undisputed champions of streetpunk, Cock Sparrer.

Although in saying this, I’ve always felt a little uneasy about labelling Cock Sparrer as just simply streetpunk, simply because, as their first set would soon prove, they are a band that really does transcend genres, and if you want proof of that just Google some of the tracks, I’m about to mention…you might just be in for a surprise…pretty much like all of us were tonight.

Getting into the Roundhouse with ample time to get a great vantage point (and by that, I mean one that’s close enough to the front for me not to require a week off work on the sick recovering) the lights soon dim and up goes the intro tape, which for the first set is the band’s cover of ‘Back Home’, a song which immediately hits the mark with the terrace hardened faction of the band’s fan base. What follows next though is probably the biggest curveball I’ve ever seen the band throw, as tonight it’s left to frontman Colin McFaull to step out alone and sing the often requested ‘Out On An Island’, the closing track from their seminal Shock Troops’ album, and I swear you could hear a pin drop if it wasn’t for the Roundhouse choir of skins, punks and just about every other demographic you can think of who join in come the chorus. Something that continues throughout both sets tonight.

Flanked by video screens that immediately spring into life as the band join their singer on stage, the story of Sparrer is retold by all five band members along with Will Murray, their legendary road manager (and sixth member) from their second single for Decca, their cover of the Rolling Stones’ ‘We Love You’ (a song drummer Steve Bruce swore he would never play live again), through to one of the finest songs the band have ever written in the shape of ‘One By One’ from their 2017 studio album ‘Forever’.  We get deep cuts such as ‘I Need A Witness’, ‘Bats Out’ and the rather wonderful ‘Battersea Bardot’ all given a well-deserved run out, complete with the added help of the Cockettes (namely James Bragg on guitar and backing vocals and Jet Baker on keyboards and backing vocals).

It’s this phenomenal sounding Sparrer line up that takes me back to my comment at the top about not wanting to pigeonhole the band, as these tracks as diverse as they all are, all have one thing in common and that is the top-quality songwriting that has been prevalent throughout the band’s entire career. Something that is once again hammered home during the 30-minute beer break between sets, where the audience is treated to a variety of different cover versions of Sparrer tunes albeit delivered in styles you would never have thought possible.  

However, doing the seemingly impossible is something the band have always excelled at, and as bassist Steve Burgess so rightly says during one of his talking head segments tonight; “for a band who never made Top of the Pops back in the day we certainly seem to have topped a lot of bills all around the world this past 30 years or so.”

And as their 2nd set of the night that showcases the band’s “greatest hits” illustrates, whilst record sales might mean absolutely nothing to the band, when it comes to writing top class anthems that touch your very soul, they really are world leaders. Be it a Poundshop Slade or a punk rock Chas & Dave (terms Daryl Smith uses as complements when describing their sound earlier in the show) the simple fact is there must be at least three or maybe even four generations of fans here tonight standing shoulder to shoulder screaming along to the likes of ‘Riot Squad’ and Runnin’ Riot’, and that alone speaks volumes. Plus, let’s not forget the very high percentage of (suicide) girls in attendance here too, something I know the band themselves are very proud of. We are their family, and tonight we’re all here to celebrate the magic of Cock Sparrer.

Granted I could have done without the pic of guitarist Mickey Beaufoy in white budgie smugglers that was flashed up on the video screens during ‘Because You’re Young’, but this retina-burning image was more than made up for by a pic of Colin with an 80s perm that has me roaring with laugher. This pictorial homage to days gone by perfectly illustrates that whilst they treat their songwriting and gigs very seriously indeed, the lads are certainly not afraid to stop and have a giggle at themselves.

Closing things out as only Sparrer can with ‘England Belongs to Me’ and ‘We’re Coming Back’ the latter complete with a KISS style ticker tape finale. I just hope that Colin’s earlier comment (prior to them playing new track ‘Take It On The Chin’) that maybe next year we’ll get an all-new Sparrer studio album, comes to fruition, as by the sounds of that tune there’s still plenty of tunes left in the ole boys yet. Until then though I think it’s safe to say we’ll have one hell of a live album to look forward to, as tonight was being multi-cam recorded, and I for one can’t wait to relive the magic of this most special of occasions all over again.

Exceptional stuff!

http://www.cocksparrer.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/cocksparreruk/

REBELLION FESTIVALS – STAGES AND TIMES FOR BOTH REBELLION AND R-FEST!

REBELLION FESTIVALS – STAGES AND TIMES FOR BOTH REBELLION AND R-FEST!

REBELLION FESTIVALS ANNOUNCE STAGES AND TIMES FOR BOTH REBELLION AND R-FEST!

TIME TO START PLANNING YOUR SCHEDULES!

R-FEST – A NEW OUTDOOR FESTIVAL IN FRONT OF BLACKPOOL TOWER AUGUST 4-7, 2022, IN ADDITION TO REBELLION AT THE WINTER GARDENS

It’s the news Rebellion Festival regulars have been waiting for! Now is the time to start planning and scheduling as stages and times for both Rebellion Festival in The Winter Gardens and the new R-Fest outdoor festival, situated in front of Blackpool Tower on the promenade directly down from the Winter Gardens, have been announced.

With so many bands playing across the multiple stages at The Winter Gardens, and now the R-Fest outdoor stage, there is inevitably going to be clashes of some people’s favourite bands, so meticulous planning is essential for those who want to see all of their preferences!

Full line-up, times and stages for both Rebellion and R-Fest here: https://www.rebellionfestivals.com/line-up

Rebellion Festival is the largest punk and alternative festival in the world and is returning this year to full-strength for the first time since 2019 due to the pandemic, with a robust line-up of punk legends that includes Sham 69, Bad Religion, Circle Jerks, Cock Sparrer and Stiff Little Fingers among many, many more.

R-FEST will be located slap bang in front of Blackpool Tower on the promenade, directly down from the Winter Gardens. The organisers are building an arena with the sea on one side and the town on the other, with a capacity for 15,000 punters and space for bars, food, and band merchandise.

The full line-up for R-Fest is.

THURSDAY 4th AUGUST: Levellers, Hawkwind, Misty in Roots, Dreadzone, Ferocious Dog, Beans on Toast, Millie Manders and the Shut Up

FRIDAY 5th AUGUST: The Stranglers, The Undertones, The Skids, From the Jam, Toyah, Jilted John, The Vapors

SATURDAY 6th AUGUST: Gary Numan, Peter Hook & the Light, Pop Will Eat Itself, Spear of Destiny, The Wedding Present, Primitives, Pete Bentham & the Dinner Ladies

SUNDAY 7th AUGUST: Squeeze, Billy Bragg, Tom Robinson Band, Hollie Cook, Buzzcocks, Altered Images, I, Doris

Tickets available here: https://rebellion.keekmerch.com/

Head to www.rebellionfestivals.com/r-fest for all info and tickets.  

Cock Sparrer/Spunk Volcano & The Eruptions – Bristol, The Fleece – 24th September 2021

Cock Sparrer/Spunk Volcano & The Eruptions – Bristol, The Fleece – 24th September 2021

Whilst the rest of the UK seems to be going batshit crazy, the Fleece really is the place to be tonight if you want to feel any degree of post-lockdown normality. There’s even one of those much hated 10pm curfews in place and arriving early for a pre-gig catch up with some old mates it’s almost like the last 18 months haven’t happened at all. Especially as the “sold out” flashes had been up on tonight’s gig posters long before anyone had ever heard of Covid-19. That’s right folks Cock Sparrer are finally back in Bristol for what was originally going to be their 2020 Not The Albert Hall Tour of smaller venues and boy does it feel good to be back inside a packed out and sweaty club. That’s not to say that the Fleece hasn’t had to make some changes to deal with the ever evolving post-lockdown situation though.

 

The most immediately obvious of these changes is perhaps the venue’s turbocharged air-con system, which is cranked up high enough to make the early evening air positively ice-box. So much so that Spunk Volcano has even ditched his trademark on stage action pants for tonight’s show. Then again, this is probably the least of the band’s concerns as having a guitarist walk out just prior to going out on tour and then having to quickly rework your set as a four piece (with the aforementioned Mr Volcano now also taking up second guitarist role as well as being singer) must have been a much more serious matter for them to deal with.

 

Not that you’d really notice the line-up change though, as the likes of ‘Death Or Glory’, ‘Cellotape’ and ‘Crossfire’ all blast out of the PA at maximum volume and velocity much to the joy of those eager enough to get in early doors. The Eruptions’ excellent lockdown released album ‘Barry Milner Is Thick’ gets an early look in too via the awesome ‘Only Got Eyes for You, and I can’t help thinking the misfits might never have sounded better.

 

Whether its cruising in his ‘XR3’ or standing on ‘Platform 3’ the ability of Spunk Volcano to turn everyday situations into memorable rock anthems is what really draws people in, and be it a metal or punk audience the band are playing to if you can’t relate to the likes of ‘I Can’t Stop Thinking About You’ then you’ve obviously led a very sheltered life indeed. By almost direct contrast though tonight’s closing track ‘DNA Failure’ stubs a finger in the chest of the crazy world outside the Fleece and screams “fuck you” in its face, seemingly much to the delight of everyone around me.

 

It’s all over way too quickly, but with an eleven date tour booked for early 2022, if the Eruptions can just slot in a Welsh/Bristol date into their already busy itinerary that would make the ideal early Spunkmas pressie for yours truly and many others here tonight.

 

Cock Sparrer will also be looking forward to a busy 2022 as they look to celebrate their 50th anniversary, with their recently announced one off “two set” show at London’s Roundhouse close to selling out at the time of writing. It’s their 49th anniversary we’re all finally celebrating tonight though, and as the ‘Overture’ intro segues seamlessly into ‘Riot Squad’ and the inevitable mosh pit follows swiftly kicking any social distancing well into touch, for the next 90 minutes at least we are back to the “old normal”, something I openly admit I’d had my own reservations about. However, once we’re into ‘Watch Your Back’ and the frenzied boogie of ‘Working’ it is impossible not to be a part of it all.

 

Throwing in a few setlist curveballs is always something Sparrer enjoy doing, largely to keep it fresh for everyone, and tonight we get a searing ‘Sussed’ from the ‘Here We Stand’ album to put everyone’s memories to the test. Meanwhile, three tracks from their 2017 released ‘Forever’ album sees ‘One By One’ emerging to stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of ‘Argy Bargy’ and ‘Take Em All’ as a real fan favourite. For yours truly I’ll never tire of hearing the likes of ‘AU’ and ‘Tough Guys’ or in fact (Colin McFaull’s very own favourite Sparrer song) ‘Because You’re Young’.  These songs all proving without a doubt that the band has always been more than just their seminal ‘Shock Troops’ record in the songwriting department. Although granted it’s the likes of ‘Take ‘Em All’ and ‘Where Are They Now? that really get the Doc Martins moving on the dancefloor and the previously mentioned ice-cold air con is seriously struggling to keep up by the time the band has ripped through the three song encore of ‘Suicide Girls’, ‘England Belongs To Me’ and We’re Coming Back’.

Along with a grin stretching from ear to ear the overriding thought I’m left with leaving the Fleece tonight is the songs that Sparrer didn’t play. You know the ones that you hear people around you shouting for at all Sparrer gigs, songs like ‘Sunday Stripper’, ‘Chip On My Shoulder’ ‘Bird Trouble’ and ‘Bats Out’ (granted that one was me), songs that would make the “two set” Roundhouse show seem even more essential than your usual Sparrer gig. There’s only a year to wait to find out if they will get played again folks, and trust me that time will fly by.

 

Hit the ticket link below to make sure you don’t miss out on this once in a band’s lifetime event. You can thank me later.

 

Roundhouse Tickets Here

Author: Johnny Hayward

 

 

 

 

 

Rebellion Festival – Celebrating 25 Years since Holidays In The Sun…

Rebellion Festival – Celebrating 25 Years since Holidays In The Sun…

REBELLION FESTIVAL AND BLACKPOOL WINTER GARDENS PRESENT:

 

HITS 25 – Celebrating 25 Years since Holidays In The Sun…

 

TICKETS FOR SATURDAY 7th AUGUST 2021 ON SALE NOW!

Despite Rebellion Festival being postponed again this year due to the ongoing restrictions with the Covid pandemic, one point that became clear to the dedicated organisers early on was that, festival or no festival, punks from all over the country were still going to head to Blackpool. Previously due to take place August 5th – 8th at the famous Winter Gardens, one of the things that makes Rebellion Festival different to many other music festivals is the undeniable fact that the audience, bands, promoters and everyone involved are all one big family. Long established as the world’s largest punk festival, the fact that so many regular attendees were still prepared to come to Blackpool and support the city that has always welcomed them, and spend time with their extended punk family, without the festival even being on, meant that if it was possible to host at least some kind of gig for the people heading down, Rebellion would.

So, when news came that covid restrictions were going to be lifted on July 19th, Team Rebellion went into overdrive and have successfully pulled together in record time ‘Hits 25 – Celebrating 25 years since Holidays In The Sun’, the event from which Rebellion Festival was originally born.

To be held in the Empress Ballroom and an acoustic stage in the Pavilion on Saturday August 7th, Cock Sparrer, Cockney Rejects, UK Subs, GBH, The Barstool Preachers, Dirt Box Disco, Maid Of Ace, Gimp Fist, Fire Exit, Death Trails, Mille Manders and the Shutup are all confirmed to perform, whilst the acoustic stage in the Pavilion will see TV Smith, Atilla The Stockbroker, Carol Hodge and more provide a more relaxed soundtrack.

It’s testament to the goodwill that the bands and audience have for the festival and with thanks to the Winter Gardens and Blackpool Council that they’ve been able to bring together such a strong line-up in such short time, for the incredible value of only £21.50 on the door, or online in advance with booking fee.

Rebellion Festival tickets have nothing to do with this gig. Rebellion 2020 and 2021 tickets remain rolled over to 2022. It’s only a one stage main gig, so capacity is limited and therefore there obviously won’t be as many tickets available as usual.

The Winter Gardens, however, will have FREE ENTRY for Thursday / Friday and Sunday, giving everyone a place to meet up and hang out on those days.

Tickets are available from: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1F005AE5C06D6E89

HITS25 is an All-Ages show with under 14s getting in free of charge. Everyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Rebellion Festival 2022 is already well underway, and the promoters are rebooking many of the headline bands from the cancelled 2020/21 events and have also booked three bands that were not due to play either of those years. English rock legends The Stranglers and first-wave Los Angeles punks The Dickies are now confirmed to return to the festival in 2022 and are joined by Brighton folk-rock maestros The Levellers, who play the festival for the very first time.  The Levellers are still one of the most popular independent bands in the UK, and headlined Glastonbury Festival in 1994, where they performed to a record-breaking crowd of 300,000 people! Their anthemic, uplifting set is sure to be a highlight of Rebellion Festival in 2022.

These join returning and rebooked artists such as Circle Jerks, Bad Religion, The Undertones, Tom Robinson and Stiff Little Fingers, Ruts DC, Sham 69 and many more.

Rebellion Festival in 2022 will also see the welcome return of an outdoor stage, the council have agreed for the festival to have the area of the promenade right in front of Blackpool Tower (Tower Headland, on the ‘comedy carpet’). This is an amazing space for an outdoor stage. A straight walk down from the Winter Gardens. Rebellion can double the capacity with this area and have some fantastic plans to make both sites amazing.

For those who don’t have tickets rolling over from 2020/21, tickets for Rebellion 2022 will be available from August 5th.

Head to www.rebellionfestivals.com for more information.

 

Twitter: @rebellionfest 

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/RebellionPunkMuskFestival

Pirates Press global auction – amazing items up for grabs

Pirates Press global auction – amazing items up for grabs

 

View the auction items Here

 

AHOY PIRATE FAMILY NEAR AND FAR!!! Pirates Press need your help!
THIS AUCTION CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR A LOT OF KIDS – GETTING THEM MORE ACCESS TO ART AND MUSIC IN LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS!
ALL AUCTIONS ARE OPEN TO ANYONE, ACROSS THE GLOBE.
Auctions take place online and end at 6 PM PST on Saturday, Oct. 19th!
All of the auction items will be available for people to check out at ROCK THE SHIP, both at Starline Ballroom (Thurs/Fri) and at the USS Hornet (Sat).
Without further delay, listed below the AMAZING packages you can bid on.
You can view the auction page HERE!!
All proceeds will go directly to arts and music programs in the Oakland Unified School District.
Happy bidding you incredible and wonderfully generous people.
Here are just a fraction of the amazing items on offer –

Cockroach Clan – Songs About Blunt Knives and Deep Love (Fysisk Format)

Cockroach Clan – Songs About Blunt Knives and Deep Love (Fysisk Format)

One of Norway’s most legendary bands, (that you might be forgiven for never having heard of them, Right? Right) anyway Norway has a good history of knocking out some fantastic bands and a lot of them have been mentioned here on RPM.  Backstreet Girls, Turbonegro, Gluecifer, Good Bad the Zugly, Razorbats, and of course Mayhem.

Well, these punk/hardcore veterans are fronted by Billy Cockroach, one of the first vocalists of Mayhem he performed on the 1987 album “Deathcrush” under the moniker of Messiah and they offer us well-aged vintage punk rock full of cheerful aggression and infectious tunes. throwing in Mayhem is a bit of a red herring because its nothing like Deathcrush this is polished positively glistening in the production stakes compared to that Black Metal demo.

‘Songs about Blunt Knives and Deep Love’, has only taken 22 bloody long years to reach our ears kinda puts Axel to shame with his Chinese Democracy. They’re being heralded as one of Norway’s most legendary bands, it basically consists of new recordings of old hits as well as a handful of new tracks and a cover of Mountain Goat’s “Going to Georgia”. It started out as an idea from producer Hugo Alvarstein (The Good the Bad and the Zugly, Raga Rockers, etc…) Who suggested the band go rehearse their best songs from the 1990s then call him up and he’d take em into his studio and get them recorded and give the songs the justice they deserve. To be fair he’s clearly a man of his word and has recorded one hell of an album..

The band started out as far back as 1994, building a loyal fan base and a reputation of being a riotous live band along the way. Compared to the bands two previous offerings this one is the dog’s bollocks and one that should rightly exalt them to the top table of punk rock.

Having honed the tunes by sharing the stage with acts like The Toy Dolls, Discharge, UK Subs, The Exploited, Cock Sparrer, Anti-Nowhere League, Vice Squad and GBH through the years, now it’s about time they put their hat in the ring with a bunch of songs that justified their boast of being up there with the best of them.

The album begins with a cover, ‘Going To Georgia’ and it drops its music bombs right square in the middle of the speakers with it’s spoken/sung verses holding up rather well over a musical backdrop that just crackles along with a joy and sound of a band just killing it doing something they love for the love. ‘You Have A Bun’ is a breath of fresh air as it has plenty of bounce and whilst the vocals are aggressive (often quite shouty) what did you think he was going to sound like? Ian Gillan? that’s the thing its aggressive as fuck but it sounds content and dare I say it – Happy at the same time, oh and the production is great and really lifts the songs.

‘Fantasyland’ has a little bit of Thin Lizzy in those dueling guitars on the intro.  I did a little momentary gasp on the intro of the piraty ‘Three Wishes’ as I thought we were getting some h ho ho shanty music but worry not me hearties it was only a false intro. Still, it’s quite piraty its the good end of piraty.

‘On An Island’ is just a banger with its head down its one foot in the Motorhead camp and the other, say, Argy Bargy – Imagine that? To be fair the middle part of the album isn’t fucking about and gets stuck in like The Adicts on a good day.  ‘Facts On The Wall’ is Ramones rapid with a dumb yet happy melody and ripping solo this is shaping up to be an excellent record.  ‘Necktie Party’ has a bit of a Crass vibe about it. These boys and these songs would go down a storm at somewhere like Rebellion Festival.

A lot of the pace and tempo of the songs remind me of a Norweigan Sham 69 and none more so that ‘Do It Again’ which is one of the highlights of the record on the breakdown it’s like vintage high jinx Damned who always threw in some cool off the wall melodies in fact there are plenty of influences I am feeling here more than ripping off a band they dance to their own tunes and just let their influences just bleed through..

With twelve songs on offer, I would highly recommend you at least give these cats the benefit of doubt and check em out and once you do that I’m sure you’ll be convinced.  Great album I’m glad has seen the light of day and hope it’s given the band the energy and drive to do it all again except to say next time don’t leave it so fucking long. – Buy it!

 

 

website
Facebook