It’s back to the Winter Gardens in Blackpool for four glorious days that make up Rebellion Festival. This year the line up is focussing more than ever towards the future with some establishing artists notably moving up into prime slots. It is also hosting Loud Women on the RIS stage on the Sunday reinforcing the event’s position on inclusivity and equality. More than just a festival Rebellion is pioneering in how it goes about making a safe space for all. As it turns out 2024 would be a year that punks got to show just why they are so welcome in this seaside town.
Gary and Aggy’s Five Of The Best
Gary: Yur Mum – The Dynamic Duo
You have to hand it to husband and wife duo Fabio and Anelise aka Yur Mum, they sure know how to play. Now well established at Rebellion the pair have rapidly built up an avid following that means their appearance on the mighty Empress Ballroom stage is well deserved. Their full sound fills the venue. Each cleverly written song is executed to perfection with drums, bass and vocals meshing in splendid harmony. Who needs a guitar anyway? Not these two!
Aggy: Handsome Dick Manitoba – Handsome Name Handsome Music
You couldn’t help but fall in love with Handsome Dick Manitoba as they charm the audience with trivia and tales throughout their set. Some people yell at them to ‘get on with it’ but the sincerity of their show is not lost on everyone. They play some of their hits from The Dictators including their 45 year old song ‘Go Girl Crazy!’ which went down a storm with new and old fans alike. It’s not every day a band makes you feel like a part of their show, almost like old friends hanging out together having a jam.
Gary: Maid Of Ace – The Sister Act
Siblings Maid Of Ace are bouncing right now thanks to a prestigious support slot on the recent Green Day stadium tour. The four piece are torch bearers for the punk rock genre at its most familiar but still add a fresh touch thanks to their chirpy writing style and near telepathic understanding on stage. They also have one of the finest drummers around in Abby Elliot who has a style that draws admiration from everyone watching. Today the Hastings gang take it up another level.
Aggy: Toyah – The Living Legend
The iconic Toyah graces the Opera House stage wearing a sparkly dress, hair done to the nines and her most beautiful accessory of all, her smile she had throughout. You can tell her die hard fans are in attendance, hanging on to her every word, people getting shushed if they dared to talk over her. Toyah is the belle of the ball, her voice so strong and powerful as she belts out her hits including fan favourites ‘I Want To Be Free’ and ‘It’s A Mystery’. She also does her own rendition of Black Sabbath’s ‘Paranoid’ and Billy Idol’s ‘Rebel Yell’.
Gary: In Evil Hour (acoustic) – The Unexpected Voice
The acoustic stage is many things, a green house sweat box for one. It’s also a place where musicians can’t hide. So In Evil Hour’s abrasive shouty style would be a touch out of place you’d think. Well you’d be wrong. The band’s stripped back arrangements are masterful but the big, no massive, surprise is Alice Hour’s voice. She can’t just sing a bit, she’s a revelation with crystal clear notes, subtle fry and a wonderful tone. The acoustic stage has just unearthed a rare gem.
Aggy: Bad Manners – The Ultimate Replacements
Bad Manners step in at the last minute as the Dead Boys could no longer play and they fill that gap in the bill tremendously! This isn’t the first time we have seen them at Rebellion so we know we are in for a night of fun and frolics. Ska punk really brings out the energy within a crowd and we feel like Bad Manners are the pearl of the Ska world. We love that you can get on your dancing shoes and really let loose during their set. This is a band everyone needs to experience at least once. For us they are only getting better!
Gary: Lady Rage – The New Stars
From two years ago when they made their debut at The Winter Gardens Lady Rage are almost unrecognisable. They were a decent outfit even then but now they are showing why they merit being on the biggest stage here. Simply put they’ve clicked. Siren Sycho has the delivery and image, always had. But now the music works with her unique vox. Guitarist Nika is special too taking the craft of guitar playing and nailing it. This is a statement of intent you can’t ignore.
Aggy: Dirt Box Disco – The Fancy Dress Kings
Once you see Dirt Box Disco you will be hooked for life. They play an array of songs, some silly, some a bit more heartfelt, that is something people love about them. Even when they are playing a sweltering venue you will find them in their mohawk balaclava, wigs, hats and whatever other fancy things they decide to throw on their backs. This time the bass player is in a magnificent cape! The fans belt out the lyrics throughout and crowd surfed with many going over the barrier. A highlight is always ‘ My Life Is Shit’. It always feels so special to sing that with a smile plastered across your face.
Gary: Millie Manders And The Shutup – The Headline Performance
With many of the heritage bands now well into their twilight years you have to consider who will be taking the top spots once they are gone. There are a few acts that have recently put their hands up to be counted and among them are crowd favourites Millie Manders And The Shutup. Today they perform to headline standard with an astonishing set that you daren’t take your eyes off. This is four people operating as one. It’s beautiful. It’s the sound the future makes.
Aggy: The Red Stains – Plastic Fantastic
The Red Stains are making their Rebellion debut as a part of the ‘The Loud Women’ takeover on the RIS stage on Sunday. Self described as ‘plastic fantastic disco-punk’ who ‘embrace the kitsch and the tacky as a power to disrupt the male-dominated music industry’. Front woman Talie Emslie looks like a punk rock princess in her mini blue prom style dress, pink hair, immaculate make-up and tiara. Her vocals on the other hand pack a serious punch! Feisty, ferocious at times and full of blistering attitude. This four piece stands for women, gender non conforming and queer rights. They also sing about issues such as access to public services and standing up for the rights of the people. Their message is as important to them as the music and they meld both together beautifully.
The One We Both Agree On
Bar Stool Preachers
Gary: Performing twice over the weekend Bar Stool Preachers prove to be something of an irresistible force. While their fully electric show is kick ass and huge fun it’s their Opera House acoustic set that emphasises why they are such a great talent. To be able to adapt your music and bring in a string section and a trio of backing singers and carry it off with such aplomb is frankly astounding. It shows skill at the highest level. Cheeky chappies they may be, but Bar Stool Preachers are also a world class act.
Aggy: Bar Stool Preachers without a doubt stole the show this weekend. We laughed, cried and sang our hearts out. It’s not every day you go through so many emotions during a live performance. This is no exaggeration, we feel the ground moving in the Empress Ballroom with the sheer amount of people in their dancing and throwing themselves around to their set. TJ is a born showman and has the audience eating out of the palms of his hands with his charismatic banter and impeccable talent. It truly feels like watching history take place seeing the Bar Stool Preachers completely own the stage. They have earned their spot as one of our favourite live performers at Rebellion. With their new EP ‘Below The Static’ due to be released September 13th, we can’t wait to catch some future shows!
Daily Round Up
Thursday
AVoid bring their grunge sound to the Opera House and fill the room with wonderful music. They look right at home on the massive stage. Molly Vulpyne’s vocal style lends itself naturally to an acoustic set. She shines as a solo act. You can’t ignore Chaos 8 with front gal Beki Straughan’s legendary lively performance. Today they put in a massive shift performing to a good sized crowd. South Koreans 18fevers once again delight everyone watching. Imagine Motorhead crossed with The Distillers and you’ll understand why they are such a fast rising talent. Pete Bentham & The Dinner Ladies bring their eye-catching camp stage show with them. It’s all curly wigs, rubber washing up gloves, high kicks and jazz hands while the sound of the saxophone filled the air. It’s such a joyous and fun affair. I We catch the Heavy Metal Kids in the Opera House playing hits such as ‘Delirious’ and ‘She’s No Angel’. Is that Steve Oi from the Rebellion photo team playing bass for The Guillotines? It is, and they prove to be an enjoyable watch with four of the band singing in unison at times giving them an extra edge. Spunk Volcano & The Eruptions are a fan favourite for Rebellion. We like that they don’t always play the same set. It means some fan favourites may not make the cut but keeping it fresh is what it’s all about. Duos are in abundance this weekend with The Meffs showing plenty of class before crowd surfing together. Emily Flea has become a much loved feature of rebellion and always puts on an engaging acoustic show. Half Naked Headline are outstanding on the Arena stage. Subhumans are no strangers to this festival. We especially love their passion behind their lyrics, these guys will keep fighting the good fight until they drop. UK Subs always go down a treat at Rebellion with the legendary Charlie Harper taking the wheel. Their set is nothing but back to back hits which didn’t fail to appease their army of adoring fans. Sham 69 are still going strong after all this time and end the night in The Empress Ballroom with a bang. Another packed out show, if you aren’t building up a sweat boogying a long you certainly are with the sheer amount of bodies in attendance. This year is a sell out and it’s times like during The Casualties where you can barely fit into the venue, it really shows! A highly anticipated performance, the crowd go absolutely crazy.
Friday
There’s a good crowd in early for Pussyliquor who don’t disappoint. Pop punk favourites Slackrr ignite the Casbah with huge smiles and raw energy. They are ridiculously hard working and look set to take the world by storm. Vulpynes are yet another two piece making plenty of waves and they sound incredible today. Fire Exit may be old but they channel their inner teenagers in a typically buoyant set. They light up the stage with their new release dedicated to Alex from The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. The song simply titled ‘Alex’ is being heard for the first time by many and it’s an instant hit with the crowd. Riskee And The Ridicule are going from strength to strength. They are another next generation act that could one day headline here. If you want to hear a real voice, real passion and an unreal talent then go and see Sally Pepper play. Her acoustic show reminds you of some of the great unplugged artists like Billy Bragg. A two piece hailing from New York, The War Lovers with Jamie Pickslide on guitars and Thao Crash on drums admit to being fairly new behind their instruments. That doesn’t stop them however delivering their high intensity street punk and oi show like a pair of pros. Belfast punk rockers The Defects play a blinding set on the Casbah stage with tracks such as ‘Defective Breakdown’, also the title of their first album from 1982 still driving the crowd crazy. Booze & Glory bring much more to the table than just Oi and are all the better for it. Today they are in fine form. Animal of Anti Nowhere League made a point of hanging outside with the fans most of the weekend, it was almost unusual to see him up on the stage! Their performance is highly anticipated and does everything you’d expect. Aoife Destructions front woman has probably one of the most fabulous dresses of the weekend and a powerful voice to boot. Celebrating their 50th anniversary The Stranglers are a part of the litany of older gen bands showing they can still draw in one hell of a crowd even late into the night. Filling in for an absent Pama International this is a great opportunity for Public Serpents who themselves missed out yesterday thanks to flight delays. They are a mind bending mix of ska, punk and happiness topped of the with an impishly agile trumpet player. What better way to end the day.
Saturday
The Nilz blow away any Saturday cobwebs that might have been lurking. Meanwhile on the Casbah stage it’s time for Pizzatramp to amuse and delight in equal measures. They are rare in that they could play the same set every single show and still never get dull. Australia’s Jess Ravens is another acoustic high point. She is just so consistent you know you’re going to see a top show. Hard core punks Dummy Toys have the dynamics to progress beyond that traditional audience. They temper the blunt force with slick musicianship and silky skills. It’s fitting that the late Marcus Howells of Foreign Legion is paid tribute by way of a very special performance (A Tribute To Marcus Howells) on the Arena stage. He would have loved it. We catch Dakka Skanks acoustic set and the vocals are very reminiscent of Amy Winehouse. The Countess Of Fife acoustic show feels like a step back in time. The vibe is retro but timeless. You can get lost in Fay Fife’s (also of the Rezillos) voice. It’s a unique addition to the line up and very well received. We love that all kinds of bands play Rebellion and the physcobilly King Kurt are a good example of that. They have the audience swinging to the beat. We love Gimp Fist’s at times melodic and always punchy guitars along with easy to sing a long sound. Vanity Rose & The Band are one of the picks of the RIS stage this year. Vanity Rose herself has a cracking rock vocal while also playing a mean guitar. If you wanted to select one band to represent how Rebellion supports diversity then it wold have to be Daffodildos. They are colourful, enigmatic and have a hat full of memorable tunes. Their wide ranging audience speaks volumes about their own appeal and the festival itself. There’s no Headstone Horrors due to singer Nat ending up in hospital pre-show. We wish her a speedy recovery. Sadistic Slobs are welcome stand ins. Spain’s Clockwork Psycho bring some more psychobilly heaven to the event. They are a band picked from the cream of last year’s RIS acts and are once again sublime. Wonk Unit prove to be so popular they’ll need a bigger stage next time around. Oorya’s show is very flamboyant in appearance and eclectic in sound. Benefits’ roaring and screamo vocals are like a kick in the face but in a good way. Once handpicked to support The Foo Fighters on tour, we knew we have to catch Loose Articles. The quartet offer up a fun, colourful and quirky set. As expected GBH bring the intensity with their show! Hard, heavy, fast and powerful, they give the fans exactly what they wanted. Deaf Devils are mad as hatters, have Charlie Harper on for a song, pass their drum kit into the audience, immolate a set list which makes the security quite cross and are gone. Lene Lovich is as adorably potty as ever. While Cock Sparrer are blowing away everyone on Empress a certain Rubella Ballet are pulling an impressive crowd too. Ones to watch for the future.
Sunday
It’s Loud Women day on RIS and if you need to know what it’s all about by seeing one act then Arch Femmesis are the ones you need to see. They are an electronica duo with the iconic Zera Tonin on the mic. Tonin has the presence of someone destined for greatness, and the voice to back it up. It’s not everyday the drummer is also the front man. Blyth Power’s acoustic set also features a violinist which is a perfect addition to their set. Manchester’s The Empty Page are quality in every department. Describing themselves as music for anxious punks, their set is full of energy. They are musicians that musicians appreciate. Rumkicks have 18fevers bass player standing in. They bring fun times to the Empress. Choking Susan are back after a break of a few years. How we’ve missed them and the stage antics of Colleen Caffeine. Another act returning after an extended break are The Duel. Tara Rez’ vocal is still fresh and on point. Youngsters The Dollheads are well worth watching. They put a few bands to shame with their level of professionalism. Angry shouty Irishman Meryl Streek is a pointer to how this festival is likely to move forward in coming years. He is the sound that new young punks are making. It’s the sound of welcome change. 8 Kalakas deceive us by having only seven band members. They also rip it up with a kind of thrash metal meets Mexican folk. Imagine Sepultura with a brass section. Bonkers but fun. Some artists transfer well away from their normal stomping grounds. Rockers Syteria are a case in point as they entertain a good crowd in the Opera House. One band guaranteed to have people bouncing off the walls is Svetlanas. Olga Svetlanas is a one woman whirlwind on stage while this year it’s the Casbah’s brickwork taking a pummelling. Featuring a fresh lineup Cockney Rejects play a tight set with bundles of energy. Fans may miss Vinny and Mick but that doesn’t stop them embracing the new members. Stiff Little Fingers end the festival on Empress. They have their show down to a T. And you can’t fault their showmanship. As expected they closed the show with ‘Alternative Ulster’ which sends the crowd into a frenzy. Conflict complete with Dragster’s Fi Friel are immense. It’s left to bright new hopes Snayx to shut up shop for this year playing a super late set on Pavilion After Dark.
It’s been a memorable Rebellion Festival for many reasons. There was the Loud Women stage which cemented the event’s commitment to gender equality. Something they already did better than anyone else. We had a lock in on the Saturday courtesy of a march by some right wingers. Hearteningly with punks seen clearing up broken glass afterwards all they succeeded in doing was uniting people even more. And there was the sense that we’re seeing a changing of the guard beginning too. It can only be a matter of time, and not much of it, before we see new younger headline acts stepping in as those much beloved heritage acts stop playing. The good news is that the future is in the very best of hands.
Review by Gary Trueman And Aggy Gillon
Photos By Gary Trueman