TV Smith was a founding member, singer, and songwriter for the Adverts, who formed in late 1976 and became one of the leading bands in the first wave of British punk rock. TV plays his epic solo shows without a setlist, so every performance contains a unique selection of songs chosen on the night.
The Professionals were on the stage before the main band Stiff Little Fingers and were warming the crowd up nicely. As I looked around, I could see a sea of older punk rockers watching and bobbing along to the punk rock riffs and catchy lyrics. With a band having such a legendary punk rock star it was inevitable one Sex Pistol song was going to be covered. They played Join the Professionals, Lonely Boy and 1-2-3. We also got a special listen to their new EP Twenty 20 Vision written by Paul Cook.
Watching these guys play was awesome it warms my heart to know that they are still following and doing what makes them happy, that’s the whole reason for music and life. Formed by former Sex Pistols Paul Cook and Steve Jones, The Professionals are now Tom Spencer, Paul Cook, Toshi and Chris McCormack, and they’ve released their first album in 35 years. If you love punk rock to its core please check these lads out because they will make you smile and you’re find yourself tapping along.
Stiff Little Fingers joined the stage and had the biggest welcome I have heard in a while when reviewing, which was pretty neat. They are often described as ‘Irish Clash’ and were a result of Northern Irelands Punk Scene of the late 1970’s. Formed by Jake Burns, Henry Cluney, Brian Fallon(former) and Ali McMordie, they encapsulated the image and form of Punk.
Current members are Jake Burns, Ali McMordie, Steve Grantley and Ian McCallum played in the Bristol O2 throwing us back to the 1970’s / 80’s in the epicentre of the punk rock era. They played songs from their 1980 Nobody’s Hero album songs such as; Gotta Gettaway, Nobody’s Hero, Tin Soldiers and Doesn’t Make It All Right. Also, from their 1980’s album Hanx! songs such as; Alternative Ulster, Suspect Device, At the Edge and Wasted Life and more from 9 plus albums that span over 40 years.
The original bread and butter Irish punk rock that we received today was truly special and felt like I had cracked open a time capsule. These legends are the staple in any new punk rock teens Spotify Playlist because they were in the forefront of the action and still go strong 40 years later today. To sum it up, the evening was a display of original, classic punk unhindered by pretentiousness or superficial obnoxiousness that has overcome the music industry over the years and I enjoyed it.