The passing of the greatest ever punk drummer Paco sent shockwaves throughout the punk scene. Anyone who had ever spoken to the man or seen him drum he left a big impression with and it was something that was a big part of our lives. His drumming in conflict ever since I heard them I always thought this is something special and the first time I saw them live in 84 at the Ambulance Station it was really something. Conflict were and always will be a massive part of me and that man's drumming was really incredible. Today was the first of 2 gigs at the 100 club arranged by Colin Jerwood for his longterm friend.

Of course things didn't start on time they never do at these events there was an hour delay getting in but once it got running it all caught up. Lost Cherrees were first up they were superb. A band I'd first heard on the Mortathate Who, What, Why, When, Where compilation in 84.so was quite fitting to see these as part of this event. A great set even if some songs had to be dropped due to the time delay but they gave it all in the time they had and opened what was set to be an emotional day.

Liberty I'd seen supporting Conflict loads of times including the first time I saw them which was at the deptford Crypt in 1985. A place where Paco was every week and always came over and chatted to us and was always funny, friendly and just a top bloke. someone you just enjoyed being in the company of. A fantastic set by Liberty including a couple of new songs and the classics such as Diluted Rebellion and Suffer no more. A really passionate set by them today.

Potential Threat were next I wasn't sure which day they'd play but was well happy they did today as they were another band I really associated with that time I was first regularly seeing conflict in the mid 80s. Excellent set by them. really dirty raw punk guitar sound and their angry but catchy songs. Pauline sounded ace, she did forget the odd word but being such an emotional event and not done many gigs since reforming it was hardly important. Was ace to hear these brilliant classic punk songs again this year awod was brilliant but this was better.
The Restarts were next a band I first saw for the tribute gig for Stig from Icons of Filth. They really are one of the best punk bands on the current seen always whipping the crowd into a frenzy and playing angry fast punk rock tight as fuck and with fantastic songs. A quality set today from them.

Hagar The Womb were next they'd swapped places with Icons of Filth who were to follow. Always a fun band to watch and of course dedicating their set to Paco who they said was co producer on one of their eps which kick started it with a song from it Idolization. A great set from them including the usual crazieness of mitch who at one point went into the crowd giving it all and Karen was extra crazy tonight yelling out the words. Always get a good warmth seeing this band live and have a good dance surrounded by such lovely people. A special set from them tonight it really was.
Icons of filth next and with Stig's son Calvin on vocals doing a fine Job not only for his dad but tonight for Paco. Calvin said it was difficult at times singing his dad's words but tonight the event was to remember paco and he said his dad would definiitely had been part of it too if he was alive today. it got an massive round of applause and really touched me emotionally as I knew how much Paco meant to Stig and the other way round, Neither of them should be gone but a gathering like this and band performances like this remembering such great people really is something. Icons of filth played a blinding set with the crowd building up and going pretty wild. The Drummer's son Ben came on and did a couple of songs as did the singer from the phucks all sounded superb. so glad these were a part of it tonight. for the final and one of their best songs Enough Is Enough Colin Jerwood came on and sang it with Calvin as they did in Cardiff last year, certainly one of the highlights of the evening.

Conflict were next and really what a fantastic set it was. Colin really fired up to pay tribute to paco. He'd organised such an amazing event and done the man proud and really it was like a celebration of Paco's life because every band on this bill had a connection with him and he meant a great deal to those watching. I could really feel his presence and character in the room as I heard these classic songs belted out The serenade is dead followed by Mighty & Superior were the highlights for me 2 songs that mean a hell of a lot and really define paco's drum sound which of course Spike did his best to replicate tonight doing a fine fine job. He came to the front of the stage at one point giving his tribute to Paco raising a beer and getting a hug from Colin before he retuturned to the drum stall. Jeannie Ford who I usually see giving it all when SLUG play(sadly JJ was ill so they couldn't play tonight) did a superb job doing vocals on There's No Power Without Control. A few others were up there for backing vocals and vocals on songs Luke from Liberty did a bit and by the end loads were up there for Whichever Way You Want It including my old pal Craig who did a fantastic job djing tonight! thank fucki he never played any techno mind! this is the best I can do to sum up this day in words and I hope i did it some justice as it was a lot more than this really it was. So many good friends at the gig tonight including those who I regard as my closest gig buddies Luke, Kirsty, Conor and Nick and those who go way back like Craig who I mentioned and Steve Crooks and most of all John Logan who I hadn't seen since the early 90s. How these things bring all these people together is a wonderful feeling and as was the wonderful music and emotion just a sad thing we are without the man himself but really what a fucking night! RIP Paco

Despite there being a few options gig wise tonight The Business at New Cross Inn was something I couldn't miss. With them originally coming from South East London and me being brought up in SE17 which isn't far from New Cross and where I first got into The Business all those years ago it was a bit special.

Black Marias kicked the night off. I'd seen this lot a couple of times before and the last gig they were due to play they cancelled so was good to see them here. An enjoyable set of catchy classic oi! based songs and a cover of Monkey Man in there too. Really enjoyed these and a good crowd reaction too. tonight was pretty busy which was good to see.

Next up was Baptist Killing Spree. Now not exactly fitting in with the other music on offer tonight but it's good to mix things up a bit these played faster more crustier hardcore but there was a bit of an oi! feel in there somewhere I guess. I quite liked them but didn't grab me fully. was good they played a song slagging off fascists and dedicated it to those who got one of their gigs pulled. Some girl at the back seemed a bit annoyed about this so yelled something and between the rest of the songs wanting them to "fuck off". There was a suicidal tendencies songs in the set too which to be honest was the best thing they did!

So the Business next. I was expecting it with it being quite full to be a hectic one tonight but far from it. The first few songs didn't get many bodies moving to which Micky pointed out that he's glad we're all behaving ourselves but eventually things got going which was good to see. Not too over the top as sometimes it can get at oi! gigs just a nice atmosphere with skins and punks down the front. Micky was in great form tonight and asked where the punk rockers are which I yelled out to. I guess that's me anyway! He then went on to say things were not always like they are now where punks and skins could be at the same gigs and get on and it was horrible in the 80s. Being on the receiving end of this getting beaten up by a skin at a business gig infact in 87 I can very much relate to this! He dedicated Loud Proud & Punk to everyone whatever sexuality or race or punk or skin. fantastic song. This was followed by the biggest surprise of the set a cover of Do They Owe Us A Living by Crass. I heard this on their live album but never thought I'd see them play it. sounded so good too. A few more classics such as Real Enemy which was the first song I heard by 'em in the early 80s and Suburban Rebels. The set flew by too quick being just under an hour but was a great one. Their first single Harry May closed the set fantasic song.

So in order for people to get their trains etc East End Baddoes came on after the Business which inevitably meant less people would see them as they had to leave! With them being the main support I would've thought it'd make sense putting them on before and having one of the other bands last but still I stayed and had a great time. Kicking off with their track on the old oi! comp ep The Way It's Got To Be they played a blinder of a set a real treat for those who stayed. There was a bit of a scrap during one of their songs but those down the front were determined to carry on enjoying the set so stayed focused on that. there was a song about Gary Glitter in the set and a few which got a few singing along to. Am looking forward to more of these when they support cockney rejects in a couple of fridays time.

The original idea of Punk Rock was DIY ethos and ethics caveated with a unique brand of thinking outside of the box vision with a brazen mix of ‘we can do anything’ attitude. No more so was the case than Thursday 10th July when over 100 + punk rock followers donned their sea legs and boarded the Pride of Exmouth on what was the first and I certainly hope not the last Devon maritime themed Punk Rock seaborne extravaganza. The vision came from Exeter’s Punk mecca the Cavern club and young Exeter punk rock Svengali Nick Heron who’s can do drive ensured this event was sold out from an early stage (he even donned a snazzy sailor suit that would have made Captain Sensible green with envy for the evening).

On tonight’s seafaring menu were three helpings of local and further afield Punk Rock nastiness that all went down like that big boat that hit the iceberg...

First on the deck and with a bite like pissed off cobra were Swansea’s ‘SSSSNAKES’.These boys took the lead and set the benchmark for the night; as an opening act all the while the crowd were still trying to get their head around we were on a boat the Ssssnakes led from the front. With frontman Jamie Morrison acting the snake - he lurched, hissed, writhed, coiled and struck like the punk rock predator he is; this was early Buzzcocks, Teenage Fanclub on speed with a Swansea skatepunk twist, the crowd initially were agape as Morrison threw himself at them hard and fast all the while the band kept it tight aggressive and wanton throughout the set, a great start to the night and as the sun slowly begun to set on the fantastic orange fire - sky backdrop; I thought 'this cruise was a fucking great idea'

Next up were the BIRDSKULLS hailing from Brighton, Exeter and Bournemouth it would seem these lads were thoroughly at home on the water. The lads were unassuming calm and confident throwing out a Nirvana teenage angst love sick blues punk sound that picked the crowd up from the start; young serious and talented they stood their ground and delivered a strong credible performance that straight off the back of the opening act was no mean feat.

Exeter’s THE CUT- UPS took the headline tonight and fully deserved it was, they almost looked Clash cool as the Cavern veterans took to the deck and brought the night to raucous ending. They gave us a mix of aggressive powered pop punk with poignant English sentiment. By this time the evening’s rum ration had kicked in as the ship headed into the setting sun and back to Exmouth; like desperate swabbies we craved more as The Cut – Ups finished up and brought an end to this unique punk package. Massive thanks go to the Cavern Team in Exeter who championed Nick’s vision, the staff on the Pride of Exmouth who were fantastic and especially Captain Nick who is hoping a repeat performance next The final few words go to SSSSNAKES frontman Jamie Morrison who I managed to catch up with on the top deck as we poured ashore. Jamie’s been doing Punk since he was 11yo; ‘Punk is still about DIY ethics’ doing your own thing and doing it your way’. That’s what the Ssssnakes are about!!!

All tonight’s bands delivered in spades and tonight was not only refreshing but loudly reassuring that Punk in the sometimes sleepy hollow that at times is the South West is far from sleeping – it’s kicking!

Last night at the grosvenor was ace. I knew it'd start late but got there early as usual so when it did get going it was non stop top music. Disorder not quite as drunk as usual played a great set. Rhino Song being included sounded ace. The Vile who always seemed to cancel before so was chuffed they played last night they were a joy to see. Best time seeing them infact. Their ace version of Belsen Was A Gas was included. I love that. Billy Club were the tightest band of the night given it a rockier punk feel. Superb stuff throughout. glad more people came in as the set went on got quite mad in the end down the front. Next were Sick on The Bus and fucking hell did the place go mental. Was rammed for them with people falling all over the stage and invading it to yell into the mic. You could tell how much the band were loving in amongst the bedlam! fantastic. FUK were next. I love this band really dont see enough of them. Music is heavy ferocious punk rock but somehow with some catchy riffs and powerful angry vocals refreshing when newer stuff sounds this ace. Varukers are one of my all time favourite punk bands. Last night they played a stunning set. maybe the place wasn't as rammed as it was for sick on the bus as they came on around 1:30am! but the front was still pretty chaotic as they lashed out some classic uk 82 punk rock mixed with some filthy dbeat. another religion another war especially good. A very drunk Robak got happy birthday sung to him whilst he was presented with an inflatable cock! even when the band were happy to be finished the crowd insisted they stayed and done more. A proper encore then and treated to a couple more songs with the finale of March Of The SAS which included more jumping on the stage and yelling into the mic absolutely fantastic well worth being up that late for!

The weather was glorious. A rare sight here in the UK, let alone Birmingham; the country’s ’Second City’. I couldn’t help feel that Lit had genuinely stuck to their word and delivered A Place In The Sun!

Reluctant to step inside tonight’s venue for fear of missing out on what may turn out to be one of the UK’s finest summer days, I’m soon provided with ample reason as to why I did drag myself indoors away from the sun!

Tonight’s opening act are Electric River. The Kent based foursome bring the stage to life with their take on the increasingly popular ‘street punk’ genre. There are elements of all of our favourites’ here with clear favour for scene leader’s The Gaslight Anthem. Despite embracing a familiar genre and potentially limiting themselves Electric River are not without their merits. They’re extremely proficient players. Vocalist and bass player; Chris Rogers is a clear talent, punctuating each song with solid bass lines whilst maintaining tune and melody with the band’s lead vocal. Chris’ fellow musicians are of equal measure and the band is truly the sum of its parts. All in all Electric River deliver a strong, catchy opening set! I dare say tonight’s crowd agree!

Next up are Uttoxeter based four piece Blame. Embracing a ‘sound’ or style that’s a little more difficult to pigeonhole, Blame’s opening track Black Lodge erupts with traces of grunge, punk and straight up rock n roll. The band soon seem to have the crowd in the palm of their hand, sealing the deal with their “cover of a cover”, the song ‘Molly’s Lips’ by The Vasolines, only Blame play it “the Nirvana way”. The band’s original material holds up well and in places truly does exceed both the strength and familiarity of their chosen cover. Highlights from tonight’s set include the YouTube hit ‘Outsiders’ and the ferociously hooky ‘After Hours’. With an expanding fan base Blame have the potential to be big hitters! Watch this space!

With what seemed like a arduous wait the night’s headliners finally take to the stage. Lit are here in the UK celebrating the 15 Year Anniversary of their platinum selling Major Label debut; A Place In The Sun. As promised the set kicks off with album opener ‘Four’ and the crowd quite literally go wild! Though it’s difficult to hear vocalist A Jay Popoff above the chants and screams, for a moment we’re transported back to the year of release! Weathered by the effects of 15 passing years, tonight’s ‘mosh’ does tire a tad sooner than it would have in the album’s heyday; that’s to be expected though! Nonetheless, the crowd’s enthusiasm doesn’t let up for a single second; chants, screams and vocal accompaniment remain throughout tonight’s show.

Aware that band intended to play the album in it’s entirely; I’d still half expected them to leave their ginormous hit, ‘My Own Worst Enemy’ aside; reserving it for the evening’s encore. Imagine my surprise when guitarist Jeremy Popoff burst into the opening octaves two songs into the set! Needless to say the crowd absolutely exploded! Vocal chorus swamped the Institute and for another brief moment we’re young again; reminiscing over the bands, movies and more importantly, the friends with which we shared our youth (or maybe that’s just me). Maintaining the album’s original running order Lit continue to bring their ‘A’ game hitting each and every song note for note. The words come flooding back and almost everybody is singing along!

The album set comes to a close with title track ‘A Place In The Sun’ and although the crowd are sad to see it off there’s a comfortable confidence that the show isn’t over! Lit begin their encore set with the underrated rock n roll number ’Too Fast For a U Turn’. Songs like that this remind us that Lit offer much more than a commercial pop hits! The encore set continues to punch along, rolling out welcome hits such as ‘Lipstick and bruises’ , ‘Something to Someone’ and the incredible emotive ‘Happy in the meantime’ (a personal highlight).

Alongside their more commercial hits, Lit treat us to one or two tracks from the criminally underrated recent offering; ‘The View From The Bottom’. The album showcases would be hit after hit including ‘C’mon’, ‘You Tonight’ and ‘Same Shit Different Drink’, all of which are present and accounted for in tonight’s set. Hinting that they wish to come back to the UK later in the year, Lit leave tonight’s crowd suitably impressed.

Part nostalgia trip, part destructive rock show, tonight was exactly what I’d hoped for! Come back soon and don’t forget the sunshine!

The last time a Punk line-up of such stature graced a Glaswegian stage was many years ago, Mrs Thatcher was on a roll, Listen and Bloggs sold decent records and Adam Ant and Toyah were in then charts. But Punk Rock visited Glasgow Apollo with vengeance, one nighters like Apocalypse Now or Gathering of the Clans gave us the likes of Chron Gen, Infa Riot, Chelsea, ANWL and The Exploited, they were intense drunken violent Mod and Bouncer infested nights that certainly put play to such episodes occurring in the apparent hallowed Glasgow Apollo again. But as the song says,’ that was then – this is now’, over thirty years and many attempts to relive the bad old days Glasgow gets its long overdue Punk festival and a visit from some highly credible Punk Heavy weights courtesy of the North East calling team, John Conner and his crew.

The gig starts at 1320hrs sharp and in a patriotic stylish touch two of the cities longest serving stalwart and uncompromising punk bands lead the charge. The Red Eyes take point and fire us through a tight set that opens up with This is my Life, the Red Eyes sound reminds me of Slaughter and the Dogs; tight and raw – they fire through Kids, Wasting my Time, You sold Yourself, Dumbing Down my World, Forever, The End of the World finishing up with Norah Louise Kuzma… the quick set leaves us in not doubt the deadline for the bands is tight and to that end the mighty in more ways than one Fire Exit take the stage, Fire Exit are still going strong since 1977; Scotland’s longest surviving Punk Rock band open up with punk party anthem We’re gonna drink, followed by the excellent Townlife; we’re watching a band that enjoys themselves. Fire Exit literally fire through the remainder of the set – As long as we’re alive, Talking about Myself, Going Crazy, Wheelchair Outta Control , Trust, Burn the Churches (apt for the sectarian city in which is the bands playground). Timewall takes us back to when the band were boys in 1979 and when it comes to encores this band don’t mess about; Runaway (yes the Del Shannon one) followed by The Boys - First Time and the first two home-grown city bands have set the bar. A great start! Next up are The Fiend from South Sheilds, I first witnessed the Fiend at the Rebellion aftershow if I had to describe them in one word INTENSE would be it. The band almost never made the gig courtesy of some boy racer almost completely taking the van out, front wing and mirror gone and van scrapped to bits, once you witness this band live you could imagine the fate if the boy racer was caught alone… Your Town will Burn Tonight opens the set and the angry hardcore men from Northern England kick up a storm; Dig Your own Grave, Fires of Hell, Don’t Let them Die, Fuk it!, Judgement day, Lie and Deceive, Death from Within, Stand Alone finishing with the magnificent; Remember Who We Are? And Glasgow will lads, Glasgow will.

Jarrow North East Oi legends Crashed Out swagger on stage like they own the place and for the next 30 minutes they do! Opening with Battle of Orgreave, they smash through Jarrow Song, Town that Died, Just another Gig, One for the Boys, What do you know, Raise your glasses finishing with an ode to Bonnie lassies everywhere Cushy Butterfield, like the bastard children of the Rejects and Upstarts Crashed Out come out fighting and maintain a heavyweight boxers stance throughout the powerful set, you can’t beat a band that sticks to its guns!
SLF legend Henry Cluney steps fourth alone armed only with guitar, there is no denying Glasgow is the second home to SLF; the Barrowland stage reeks of 23 years of Fingers sweat and Henry knows this; he fights through what I can only describe as terrible sound, the last thing you need when solo (sort it out please ABC) unperturbed Mr Cluney plays to his and his crowd’s strengths; Gotta, Alternative, Soldiers, Breakout, Edge, Wasted, Suspect amongst many classics all get an airing, he should have known better when asking for request in Glasgow as straight away Running Bear was called out and of course the man obliged and delivered in style under difficult sound circumstances.

GBH have played Glasgow many times and knowing they stepped up to the mark after Watties frightening incident made them all the more welcome. They obliterate through their set with typical GBH savagery, Unique is followed by one of the best Punk Rock intros ever: Race against Time, they know time is short and give us, Knife Edge, State Executioner (dedicated to Jimmy Saville and Lost Prophet’s singer…). Generals, City Baby and City Babies Revenge get spewed out at breakneck and of course Alcohol ( it is Scotland after all) all get smashed; angry eyeballs are thrown at the sound-team ( C’mon ABC sort it out!) but this is GBH and this is Glasgow, a brilliant but short set from Birmingham’s finest. The Business take the stage next, I’ve followed The Business since early days and for some reason I have never caught them in Glasgow, but tonight’s the night and I am not disappointed. The set is pure football, drink and Oi, Fitz looks bemused at the huge; no in fact massive glitter ball that hangs from the roof and the Glaswegian crowd below, Southgate, Handball (for Diego Maradona – a Scottish Icon incidentally) get blasted out but Guinness Boys sets the crowd at the front alight followed by Back in the Day, Suburban Rebels and even the glitter ball gets a mention prior to Smash the Discos, that leaves us with the one and only Harry May in a short but punchy set by the London boys.

I think it’s fair to say Penetration and tonight’s headliners the Damned have seen most of it when it comes to Punk Rock. Pauline Murray is simply Patti Smith cool as they open up with Future Daze, the band are tight and old school numbers are pushed out, Life’s a Gamble, Lovers of Outrage (which reminds me of Poly Styrene for some reason) Movement and Free Money are followed by the classic Don’t Dictate which always delivers. Danger Signs, Nostalgia, Come into the Open follow, finishing with the brilliant Shout above the Noise.
The Angelic Upstarts storm the stage and the Glasgow crowd are fired up and ready, 2000,000 voices sets the scene in what I can only describe as blinding set by one of the country’s best Punk bands. Never ‘ad Nothing, Police Oppression, Last Night Another Soldiers all go down a storm, there is no doubt Mensi has and always will wear his political heart on his sleeve and no more so than Solidarity, this was a brilliant rendition that had the crowd eating out the palm of the Upstarts hands. Leave Me Alone, You’re Nicked and I’m an Upstart catapulted the crowd back in time but the finale The Murder of Liddle Towers gave the Glasgow crowd it tight. The company I was with on the night were NOT big Upstarts fans… they now are, awesome performance from these fine Englishmen!

It’s now well past our bed time and Grandchildren outside have turned up in cars to pick up their Grandparents… Yes we stink of piss but we still have The Damned to watch and we’re not going home until we’ve seen the Captain. The Damned take the stage, by this time my eyesight, bad back, piles, gout and dementia are all brand new and I’m up then front giving it large. Time is short and as usual the band don’t mess around and give us it short and sharp, Love Song, Neat Neat Neat, New Rose, Melody Lee, I feel Alright, Anti Pope, Smash it up amongst other classics are banged out by this time the clock was seriously ticking as the Damned finish up a fantastic day and night to what was now a packed venue. Elated, tired and it was only 10 o’ clock. If confirmation was ever needed that Glasgow need its own Punk Festival then tonight was it. Wattie you and the Exploited were sorely missed get well soon! Let’s hope Scotland Calling is a regular occurrence.

Epilogue: Audio after show party…
For some the night was still young and we headed to Audio in Midlands Street, the former and much missed Rockers bar is now re-opened and re-named. Fire Exit who had been on the go all day threw out another drink fuelled set with much help from the crowd and guest appearance from a 60 year old Captain Sensible who gave us Glad it’s all over. This was a rare treat indeed as were the excellent Mid- Life Crisis who as a mainly cover band gave us classics from DOA and Wire amongst many more. A singalong ensued and slowly my shutters came down…

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