Cocksparrer – The Boys – Penetration – UK Subs – The Exposed – at Hmv Forum – London, England

Where were you 18 years ago? That was the last time the mighty Cock Sparrer played in London. All things considered, this makes them pretty well past due. Rebellion Festivals to the rescue. This past weekend, the geniuses behind the world's biggest Punk festival staged the return of the kings of Oi to the Forum in Kentish Town, London. Supported by bands big enough to headline in their own right, it was the best night most of us could ever hope for.

As the clock ticked towards time for doors to open, the streets were full of eager punks and skins, and the pub next door was crammed to overflowing. The show opened with youngsters The Exposed. One fan on the floor excitedly told me they're from his hometown of Portsmouth. This band has a lot of enthusiasm, and play a mix of Punk and new ska. they powered through their 30 minutes of fame, then yielded the stage to the legendary UK Subs.

Charlie Harper may be one of the oldest (and nicest!) men still in Punk rock, but you can't prove it by his performances. the UK Subs are consistently one of the strongest bands on stage, even after all these years, and last night was no different. Time was short, but they still managed a quick tour of hits, including CID, Warhead, and Stranglehold. They were also awarded the distinction of being the first opener called back fro an encore, playing an additional two songs after their set was supposed to end.

The UK Subs were followed by Penetration, who reformed semi-recently in 2001. Their debut single "Don't Dictate" is firmly ensconced in the lists of legendary Punk songs, and Pauline Murray has lost none of her power over the years. Perhaps less well known than Siouxsie and the Banshees, Penetration rocks a similar unrelenting style with female vocals. Their set went over well, and it seemed too soon when they left the stage to The Boys.

There are a couple groups sharing the name, but obviously these were British Punk rockers The Boys. Fronted by Honest John Plain, and a favorite of German band Die Toten Hosen, The Boys are perhaps best known for the album "Alternative Chartbusters" for which they toured with the Ramones at the end of the '70s. They were back in force with this show, playing a selection of songs from throughout their discography. They too were called back for an encore by an enthusiastic crowd, finishing out about an hour long set before it was finally time.

I can only let you imagine the roar of sound as a nearly sold out Forum welcomed home the greatest Oi band (and arguably greatest rock band) ever recorded. Cock Sparrer hit the stage in force, obviously glad to be back in London, and the crowd was just as glad to see them. Even those of us not native to the great city (and there were a lot of us in attendance) were glad to be part of the historic occasion. Cock Sparrer played all the old favourites, as well as a few new songs off the "Here We Stand" album, which probably no longer qualifies as new, but is still the latest release by the band.

After an hour and a half of frenetic rock and roll, and a three song encore, the band said goodnight, and the streets were flooded with fans boozily singing refrains from "We're Coming Back"... which indeed they did.

 

 

Show Review by: -Jo Problems-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter

Photos by: -Dod M.-
Big Wheel Overseas Correspondent

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 
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Media Blitz – Vultures United – Gross Negligence – Viktimz – Break – at Riff Haus Studios – Fullerton CA – March 26, 2010

Media Blitz have been playing in some form or another for several years without releasing anything more than a few demo CD's, so the fact that they actually have finally released a record definitely warranted a release party. Riff Haus was not sold out but there were probably seventy to one hundred people at the show and the all ages crowd was pretty energetic with circle pits going on through most of the night. Unfortunately Vultures United may have been a bit sophisticated for the tastes of some of the younger kids at the show, but they played a brutal set of Hardcore Punk which was equally influenced by the Bronx and Black Flag. They were also celebrating the release of a new record which promises to be pretty awesome.

Viktimz were another highlight of the show and since it was their last gig a lot of their friends were representing for them. Their set was pretty diverse, with some songs sounding fast and snotty like JFA and some songs being more slow and chaotic with more of a Flipper type feel. They did a few covers, including "Pipeline," Flipper's "Ha Ha Ha," and a ridiculous rendition of Led Zepplin's "Immigrant Song."

Media Blitz filled the room with balloons and gave out party hats. It fit in well with the light hearted image of the band and they intro'd their set with a Van Halen guitar solo. Former Media Blitz bassist, Riley Dahlsen ran off stage and did a dive into the audience and from that point it was on. Singalongs, circle pits, pit stomping, and stage dives were pretty much non stop. The songs from the new record,  like "Never Grow Up" and "Feeding Time" stuck out as the band's best material.

Media Blitz ended their set with covers of the Beastie Boys and Bad Brains. It was a proper send off for the band's West Coast tour that they set off for the following day.

 

-Ditch-
Big Wheel Asst. Editor

Photos:
Dead Man Photography

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
 

 

Cock Sparrer – Agnostic Front – Street Dogs – The Rabble – Deadline – at The Hmv Forum – London, England

1st up was the Rabble from New Zealand, and the Deadline didn’t manage to catch much of there sets as I was wondering around the venue, which has a big standing area downstairs and a seated balcony upstairs. Steve Bruce (drummer from Cocksparrer) was at the merchandise stall signing his book. And I got mine signed but unfortunately he could hear me and I now have a book signed to Dob instead of Dod.


Then it was Street dogs, hailing from Boston they reminded me little of the Drop Kick Murphy’s, Punk/irish melodies. Lead singer Mike McColgan had in fact been in the Drop Kicks (In 1998, left them to pursue a life-long dream of becoming a firefighter for the Boston Fire Department) which I didn’t know when I was writing this. Mike was jumping all over the stage on top of the speakers and into the crowd for a highly entertaining show.

Agnostic front followed and there hardcore super paced Punk show really has the crowd jumping about wildly.

Then we have a small break before Cocksparrer hit the stage for the 1st time in their home town for 18 years, the venue is full downstairs but not so full upstairs.

When the big Cocksparrer banner behind the drums appears a roar goes up as the band all are here to see is on the stage.

“Riot squad” and “watch your back” is over in flash.

They play many of the best known songs highlights for me are “Argy Bargy” and “Take me all” which has the entire crowd singing along. On the encore “Sunday stripper” and a lady comes out of the crowd and performs a strip to the bands amazement. On the final song “we’re coming back” Colin climbs off the stage and walks along the front of the crowd singing to the crowd.

90 minutes have passed in a flash, I was taken my photos and singing along I couldn’t believe the show was over already but I had it all to do again the next day.

 

 -Dod M.-
Big Wheel Overseas Correspondent

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

 

 

 

Fat Mike of NOFX pisses off alot of people

Fat Mike of NOFX "I Peed in Your Tequila"

The lead singer from the band NOFX is under fire for giving out free shots of Patron during a recent show -- shots that appeared to have been watered down ... with the Punk rocker's urine.
See the full story at TMZ >>> There is also a great report on this HERE >>>
Must see to believe video below

UK Subs – Total Chaos – at The Beirkeller – Bristol, UK

First up was Total Chaos on their Chaos over Europe 20th Anniversary tour. Coming from Cailfornia they were well received by the crowd. Starting off with “Babylon” Gomer Pyle” and a few others, Sean Smash played the guitar like a rockstar, with loads of solos and had warmed the crowd up nicely for the UK subs.


Then enter the Punk rock world cup winners, there was  a radio show where people would put up who they thought was the best punk band and after each round of discussions and votes bands would be eliminated and the Uk Subs were voted the best punk band.

So Charlie and company took to the stage and put on their usually show, with Jamie playing away on the drums, Jet dancing around with his guitar and Charlie singing away. It is the start of the tour so the guys are just getting warmed up, they sing “Stranglehold” “CID” and “she,s not there” to name a few.

 

 -Dod M.-
Big Wheel Overseas Correspondent

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

 

 

 

Common Enemy – Living The Dream?

If you're into bands like D.R.I, Gorilla Biscuits, and Cro-Mags, Common Enemy is a band that will suit your Hardcore Punk desires! Pennsylvania natives Common Enemy cultivate the attitude, energy, and music that only Hardcore Punk Rock can fulfill. Released through DRP Records, Overdose On Records, and Horror Business Records, Common Enemy's most recent album "Living The Dream?" is an explosive experience from beginning to end, leaving the listener no time to catch up and take a breather.

Common Enemy's "Living The Dream?" is an album that contains songs about partying, skateboarding, angst, and destroying everything in your path. These are totally relateable songs that the typical Punk and troublemaker can associate with, right? Amongst some of the songs in the album, the influence of Thrash is evident, and the similarities between Common Enemy and bands like D.R.I can be noticed. However, the majority of the album stands by its Hardcore Punk sound, which is convenient for us because the band does an impressive job delivering the music.

"Living The Dream?" will strike a yearn inside you to seek out more from this band, and even find bands who maintain Common Enemy's aggressive sound. The band's album will kick your ass into shape, and with it, demonstrate that not all "New Hardcore" is doomed and restricted to metalcore vocals singing about love and relationships. Common Enemy will tear your music player apart, become a new favorite on your list of bands, and show you that Hardcore Punk still exists with as much vivacity as the next old school band.

Band's Myspace: www.myspace.com/commonenemy

Overdose On Records: www.myspace.com/overdoseonrecords

Horror Business Records: www.myspace.com/horrorbizrecords

DRP Records: www.drprecords.com

 

-Stephanie M.-
Big Wheel Online Magazine
 

 

                                           Go HERE to see all the latest record reviews

 

 

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