A Night of Punk Rock Royalty in Belfast

With a lineup boasting three of punk rock's most iconic names, Stiff Little Fingers, The Skids, and The Damned, this Belfast gig promised a night of pure punk rock nostalgia. The atmosphere was electric, with anticipation building as the crowd eagerly awaited the evening's musical onslaught.

Problem Matters: A Fresh Voice of Punk

Before the main acts took the stage, Belfast-based punk band Problem Matters opened the night. A four-piece all-female band, they injected a youthful energy and raw aggression into the performance. From the outset, Problem Matters displayed a true punk attitude, radiating angst and a fearless, take-no-prisoners spirit. Their music was raw and powerful, reminiscent of the early days of punk rock.

What truly set Problem Matters apart was the band's remarkable dynamism. Each member contributed equally to the visual, vocal, and musical aspects of the performance. The seamless swapping of instruments and vocalists, even involving the drummer, created a unique and captivating experience. Their music resonated with a powerful feminist message, defying expectations and challenging societal norms. While their vocal delivery, characterized by screaming and shouting, sometimes obscured the clarity of their lyrics, their performance was a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of punk rock.

The Skids: A Legacy of Power and Passion

The Skids, led by the charismatic Richard Jobson, were a powerhouse performance, igniting the crowd with a setlist filled with classics and fan favorites. Jobson's energy was contagious, his vocals still powerful, despite the passage of time. From the opening bars of “Charade”, the crowd was fully engaged, swept up in the Skids' trademark guitar-driven sound.

The band's performance was a masterclass in energy and raw passion. They effortlessly transitioned from the high-octane energy of “Of One Skin” to the anthemic power of “The Saints Are Coming”. Despite some minor vocal inconsistencies, Jobson’s charisma and the band's tight musicianship, particularly the skilled guitar work, made for a compelling performance. Jobson's engaging banter with the audience further enhanced the performance, showcasing his appreciation for their enduring support.

The setlist included a powerful rendition of “Working for the Yankee Dollar”, a song that still resonates today with its anti-war message. Jobson's playful interaction with the crowd during their performance of “T.V. Stars” was a highlight, demonstrating the band's ability to connect with their audience. The performance was a poignant tribute to Stuart Adamson, the late guitarist who played a pivotal role in shaping the Skids' unique sound. The crowd roared along to the Skids’ biggest hit, “Into the Valley,” ending the set with a powerful reminder of their enduring legacy.

The Damned: A Masterclass in Punk Rock Longevity

The Damned, with their signature mix of punk rock energy and gothic sensibilities, took the stage with a raw intensity that defied their years. Captain Sensible, Rat Scabies, and Paul Gray commanded the stage, instantly captivating the audience with their opening song, “Ignite”. Dave Vanian, the band's enigmatic frontman, delivered a performance that was as captivating as it was energetic.

The Damned's performance was a testament to the enduring power of punk rock. From the classic “Wait for the Blackout” to the newer tracks like “Stranger on the Town”, the band showcased their versatility and unwavering dedication to their craft. The Damned's ability to seamlessly blend their older classics with newer material was impressive, demonstrating their continued evolution as a band. Highlights included the crowd-pleasing “History of the World,” a captivating performance of the 1980’s hit “Eloise”, and a powerful rendition of the hypnotic “Shadow of Love.” The band's energy was contagious, as evidenced by the enthusiastic response to the final songs of the set, “Neat, Neat, Neat,” “New Rose,” and “Smash It Up.” It was a performance that left the crowd in awe of their longevity and enduring energy.

Stiff Little Fingers: A Belfast Triumph

Stiff Little Fingers, the Belfast punk legends, closed the night with a performance that was as powerful as it was nostalgic. The crowd, fueled by the energy of the previous performances, was ready to celebrate the band's legacy. The band's distinctive sound, characterized by Jake Burns' gritty vocals and their powerful, politically charged lyrics, echoed through the venue.

The band delivered a setlist filled with fan favorites, including “Suspect Device,” “State of Emergency,” “Hate Has No Home Here,” and “At the Edge.” Burns' voice, although showing the wear and tear of years of passionate performance, still resonated with its signature rawness and power. The band's performance was a testament to the enduring impact of their music and the importance of their messages of resistance and social justice.

The band's performance of “Love of the Common People,” a unique rendition of the Paul Young classic, showed their ability to reinterpret classic songs in their own distinctive style. The song was a reminder of the band's willingness to experiment and push boundaries. Burns’ heartfelt performance of “Last Train from the Wasteland,” a song that reflects his optimistic outlook on Northern Ireland, was a powerful moment of connection with the audience. The band’s setlist included an emotional tribute to Joe Strummer with a powerful performance of “Strummerville”, demonstrating the enduring influence of the Clash on the band’s music.

The night culminated with a raucous rendition of “Alternative Ulster”, a song that has become an anthem for Belfast. The song, with its powerful message of defiance and resilience, resonated deeply with the audience, serving as a fitting end to a night of unforgettable punk rock.

This Belfast gig was a celebration of the enduring power of punk music. The three bands, each representing a different era of punk rock, showcased the genre's versatility, its ability to evolve and inspire. The night was a reminder that punk rock, with its message of defiance and its raw, uncompromising sound, remains as powerful and relevant as ever.

A Night of Punk Rock Legacy

From the raw energy of Problem Matters to the powerful performances of The Skids, The Damned, and Stiff Little Fingers, this Belfast gig was a night of punk rock nostalgia and a celebration of the genre's enduring legacy. The night served as a reminder of the power of music to connect people, to inspire change, and to celebrate the spirit of rebellion. It was a night that will be remembered for years to come.