Well it was another of OMD'S SAS 3 dayers and as usual everything conspired to put a stick in the SAS spokes. With The City Invasion all dayer at the Soundhouse in Bolton on Saturday, many people who had pledged support for the SAS cause suddenly decided they were now going to Bolton to witness bands they had probably seen many times before. Added to that 3CR had a gig in Ashton which would pinch a few on Sunday.
Well I know all the grief OMD had setting this thing up and with some last minute hiccups with gear and bands not being able to make it most people would have buckled under the pressure, not so with OMD he just got on with the job.
The SAS tour in my opinion is what real punk is all about. Grass-roots, gutter-punk in the true ethos. No prima donnas here, unlike at the big festivals. All the bands here are treated equally and they generally support each other too. Over the 3 days 30 bands played that had travelled from many parts of the country and the standard of these bands was as good as it gets. After last years SAS 3 dayer I didn't think it was possible to get as good a line-up as the year before but I was proved wrong. If you weren't here you missed a treat. I watched every single band over the 3 days, sometimes I admit I was a bit the worse for drink but in my opinion it doesn't get much better than this. Out of every band that played there was only one I didn't like. Fuck me, one band in 30, you'd be hard pushed to find that anywhere. With punk, ska and hardcore bands all playing over the 3 days all tastes had been catered for. The high points for me were both sets played by The Red Eyes, Dangers Close who headlined on Saturday night and the band who were top of my list to see, Gimp Fist who were excellent. I doubt i'll see a better gig this year.
Everybody who was there had a good time and they didn't have to take out a mortgage to attend. This is real value for money and whilst SAS is about the underdog, it certainly doesn't lack in quality.
A mention must also be made for the sound which had in previous visits to the Thatched House this year been very dodgy but for all 3 days of this SAS spectacular it was top notch.
This will take some beating but there is already a 3 dayer planned for January next year. This will also be at The Thatched House in Stockport and I have no doubt in my mind it will be as good as ever.
In my opinion the REAL punks were the ones that turned up to support the SAS cause, a cause that has always supported lesser known and new bands. OMD is like a non-league football manager swimming in the sea of the premiership. Other promoters might have the budget of Roman Abramovich but in my opinion he delivers a much better show on a non-league budget.

And the revieweth starts…

The wait had added to my worries but believe me, as per usual, it had been worth it. I really do think Sounds of Swami are getting better with every viewing and this was their fourth gig for me and, honestly and truthfully, the best yet. Really too good for an opening slot but all bands who play the SAS have to do their bit and these guys did it without complaint. For a young bunch their attitude is very much appreciated and the hard, edgy sound they dish out is truly enjoyable. The stage performance is committed and totally convincing and one of the pleasures of watching the SOS lads is that they are clearly having a good time and happy in each others company. They are one of those bands you hope never give up their musical talents and throughout their lives will always be involved with the scene as playing artists, preferably in the same format as I see them tonight. Brilliant! Best songs – hey all good but the most notable one is the one I can never remember the name of so make up your own mind. What better way to start the 3 days. Cheers lads and the calendar and Rolex watch is in the post!
The crowd swelled a little more and The Guilty Pleasures hit the stage and were received mighty finely by the heads in the gaff so far. I have always enjoyed this band and during numerous line-up changes and through times of misdirection I feel they have still to fulfil their true potential. Now they play as a 3-piece and it hasn’t affected the sound one bit, in fact they are now a more fully functioning outfit and seem a lot more focussed. James is a great frontman and guitarist Johan has come on leaps and bounds and instead of creating an image now seems happy to be himself and get on with the job. With a solid drummer at the back it looks as though the GP’s are finally coming together but they need to get some new stuff recorded and set about doing some serious gigging in all areas. News of them being kicked off tomorrow nights City Invasion along with the aftershow party didn’t depress me one bit as the street scene is the GP’s hunting ground and the place they should set about thriving in before reaching out to compete on the big stage. A very good set and one on which to build. As always ‘Stand Up And Stop The Fighting’ was most notable along with a few newer tracks which have a fair buzz about them. Expected and given – good stuff!
A few more heads in – ooooh – looking promising and the Redneck Zombies flew into undead action with a cavalcade of corpse awakening songs that would wake the most reticent of crowds. This 3-piece outfit play gigs almost exclusively for the SAS/Fungalpunk Tour (lucky bastard me eh) due to the members other commitments with other bands, namely The Business and Helsinki 7. This maybe the 4th gig I have had the good fortune to put them on and as usual it was a stormer. Frontman Bundie plays the crowd to a tee and his insulting banter is never taken the wrong way partly due to the fact that he has a winning smile and is a bit of a fuckin’ charmer (you won’t bed me you twat ha, ha)! He is a real top bloke too but this shouldn’t detract from his two allies who are great guys and really effective musicians. It is a winning trio and despite constant queries about CD’s and merchandise nothing ever comes of it. There are some brilliant songs in the set and every time I think ‘make mental note of that songs title’ I totally forget within days. A CD would obviously help to rubber stamp these dittys onto the frazzled punk minds and more gigs would be most welcome. Overall a fuckin’ excellent crowd pleasing do and apparently I will be flogging some CD’s for them real soon – get your wallets and purses ready. Also I was given a Redneck Zombies T-shirt and one was given away halfway through the set so things are looking up. My T-shirt will be worn with pride and hopefully the Fungal One and the Zombie crew can get some more shit together real soon.
The Scabs for me are always class and although what the more cynical critiques may call a bog standard band I feel the simplistic brand of argy bargy punk rock this 4-piece dish out is fully justifiable and highly creditable. Steve is a top frontman and an off the stage mate of mine and leads this outfit with fiery, emboldened passion kicking off tonight with hammer in hand, intent on a rip roaring set. It was maintained throughout and his colleagues provided a solid backdrop for him to blaze a mighty vocal trail. Every song for me is as good as the next and I have yet to see The Scabs and come away disappointed. The true cream tonight came in the form ‘Police Brutality’ and the rock hard ‘Bastard’. Not everyone’s flavour but for hardened long-term punkers a definite must.
And so onto The Kirkz (with a Z – see that, a real unadulterated Z – right on the end – not an S but a bold, strong, righteous Z - you can stick your crummy, insignificant little S – I am now a Z man – K I R K………Z – there you go lads). Now despite being distracted here and there with more arriving punters and bands, plus a few chinwags, I did see enough of the Kirkz (oh yes I am really in the Z groove now) to realise this was a thumping performance that set the place alight. They had in truth the best crowd of the night and really played it for all it was worth and frontman Max is a rejuvenated leader that never once strayed into that mystic land of Bell-Endus! I say this with tongue in cheek but this chirpy chap can occasionally be the said ‘Dicketh Dometh’ but lately has learnt a new found delivery and stays remarkably fun and interactive without becoming phallically idiotic! I have been watching these ‘erbert’s for some time now and at this point in time they are really at their best. Highly recommended viewing and these guys need to fly the local nest and drop the musical eggs in other starved areas. On this evidence I can’t think of anywhere they wouldn’t go down well except for the local nursing home for those of a nervous disposition. ‘State of Emergency’ was the pick from the nights bowl of cherries – ta lads!
With a decent turn-out now and several inebriants staggering around (Tim Davies has been worse folks) the next band got up and at em’. One Man Down are a rough edged outfit who come at you with a distinct hardcore edge grinding out some deliciously meaty tunes awash with puke stained venom and bleary eyed hatred. This was their SAS debut and their commitment and company was highly noted and on this very sole performance I can think of no reason not to offer them more. The set was slightly drink affected with a few loose moments but hey – what’s wrong with a few oils you miserable twats. It didn’t ruin it for me and the whole set was a delight. Yes my lads – let’s get you back for some more.
The Red Eyes are a band I have been anticipating for a long time and after giving my mates Jase and Jordan a sneak preview they were so impressed they got the entire CD collection. Thus to help the gig it was arranged that this fine Scottish outfit could kip over at Jase’s house and play another set tomorrow on the Saturday – nice touch and a wise decision all round. This was a fuckin’ masterclass of clinical excellence with all songs executed in an impressive professional manner with ‘Norah Louise Kuzmah’ and ‘Wake Up Call’ truly memorable. The cover of ‘Tomorrows Girls’ was nailed with ease and highlighted to any doubters what a good outfit we were all witnessing. No need for fuckin’ about or any distracting gimmickry – this was a musical feast to gorge on and I swallowed the lot. The last time I saw frontman Alan he was playing for a band called Hanx back in 1996 at Blackpool – a SLF covers band. I hate covers bands but these were not half bad but nothing compared to this piece of quality. A crackin’ ending to a crackin’ night of faultless punk and the SAS had kicked off (again) in fine style.
Don’t forget most of these bands are picked personally by me after various investigatory procedures as regards attitude and talent and here it all paid dividends. People say I am mad because I don’t use ‘top bands’ to headline. Fuck em’ all – who needs em’ when the underdog is chomping so sharply. 1 day and 7 bands down – 2 days and 24 bands to go – fuckin’ ell. Off to the Chippy with Slit Boy Dean and home to share a few butties. Dean duely left and I went to bed shattered but happy with proceedings so far. See ya tomorrow.

Another early start and after a few chats at the gaff and a cup of much welcome tea (cheers Paul) the first bands arrived. That is except for the opening act who go by the name of The Fortunate. A shuffle of the early timetable and a few more natters and as Stompin’ Ground were almost ready to take to the stage The Fortunate arrived. Explanations regarding a weekend of bad luck were received, believed and put to one side as I rushed the band into quick action. It transpired at this point that their singer wasn’t coming so they were just doing an instrumental set. Having come all the way from Birminham, with no singer, I really couldn’t fault the attitude and duly they got up and got on with what was a fair old effort. The high point was when Matt from Stompin’ Ground decided to take charge of vocal duties during a great rendition of The Clash epic ‘White Riot’. It sounded excellent and helped relieve any nerves the band were suffering from. The crowd were really welcoming and applauded the band for each and every effort and well deserved it was. They will be back and next timed armed to the teeth.
A quick tactical switch and The Bullet Kings were up and at it delivering 11 top notch tunes and really shaking up the days proceedings. These 3 big bastards don’t hang about and it ain’t all brutality. There are some cute touches in the melting pot and some really melodic tunes. ‘Terror Holiday’, ‘London Town’, ‘Riot’, ‘Words’, ‘My Country’ and ‘Skrew The World’ are just a taster of the quality ditty’s rattled out and how the crowd loved it. From the young to the old in two bands and again another SAS ethos. All ages, all styles – as long as the punk strain runs true you will be asked to do more. Best yet perhaps and still plenty of gas in the tank to keep the whipper-snappers on their toes.
Stompin’ Ground next and with a very good effort at pulling the punters in they knocked out their best set to date by far. Unbelievable the improvement shown here as this fledgling band has come on in leaps and bounds. Hard workers, never too arrogant to take advice and with a youthful determination this 3-piece should really take self pride in the strides they have taken to reach this situation so early in the bands career. Several punters remarked upon how they were amazed at the transformation shown. Brilliant and if, like some promoters, I would have disregarded this band on a few hearings then they might well have become despondent, disillusioned and wrapped it up. Here we were all given hard evidence as to why it is worth supporting the underdog and this set was a pure fuckin’ joy. For their commitment rewards will come and hopefully from many other peddlers of punk rock. Incredibly satisfying and keep on the up-turn and who knows what I will witness next time.
Steady skankers The Fractions followed and again, as usual, a great ska set was dished out in convincing style. This band seems to grow and grow and in true Spit and Sawdust fashion had no qualms about playing so early in the day despite headlining last year. That’s how the tour operates and these lot put in the usual effort with a string of entertaining numbers. ‘We Were Kings’ the best of the lot for me.
In need of a second wind the pace became altogether slower yet more unhinged as Matt Woods took to the stage and played his unique brand of one man deviancy to a grinning crowd. The start was excellent, the middle part entertaining and the latter end a bit of a patchwork. The John Cooper Clarke look-alike who assisted on a couple of numbers with a mouth twanging device (what the fuck are they called - Jews Harp or something) was a great inclusion and a couple of one-liners shook the funny bone of the most dour punter. ‘Burn Old People’ is always my fave and the only flaw was down to myself in letting Matt go on for too long and finally stutter to a standstill. He had the audience in the crack of his arse but the unrehearsed act let them roll down his trouser leg and escape. Sorry Matt and next time we’ll have you sharpened up and ready to roll. Still a great comical interlude and of course he’s coming back for more.
With a happy pile of punters (although the crowd was pretty wank compared to what I expected) the planned break was boycotted due to the earlier shenanigans and late start. Sense of Urgency suffered the tea-time break and played to, perhaps the worst crowd of the weekend, a fact with which I was disgusted because these fine troopers deserved much better. Don’t get me wrong there were a few in, and those that were gave excellent feedback. Fuckin’ hell even Carl from The Bullet Kings and AFS enjoyed it and he ain’t easy to please at all. I thought this lot were truly excellent and are becoming one of my favourite skank-edged bands. Why they don’t get more gigs with the Manchester brigade is beyond me but they are one of the best out there. The fontmans jigging around and cock-sure approach is backed by some fine players and the songs are just growing on me quicker than a sexual rash. Pissed or sober you get a value, quick set from SOU and I loved this one. Pity they were so wrecked from the night before and had to fuck off but everyone isn’t a glutton for punishment like me.
So to AFS. This band I have been following since their early performances and in truth – I am a fan. The approach is simplistic and the emphasis is on short, sharp punchy tunes with a few more cultured tunes thrown in for good measure and variety. The Arthritic Foot Soldiers were bang on again and this terse, ten song treat oozed no-nonsense quality with some old faves on show as well as 3 new offerings. The crème de la crème of today’s showing were the amusing ‘God Squad’, the ambiguous ‘Nobodies’ and the very classy ‘Dead Man Walking’. Closing with 3 new tracks displayed confidence and belief – 2 expected ingredients I have come to know only too well.
With RSI I continue this review and if you are still reading then have a fungal thumbs up, an arthritic thumb yes, but a thumb nonetheless.
Flat Back Four are a band I luckily came across, gave a gig to and have proved themselves a real asset to all the gigs they have played for me since. In fact the 9 times I have seen them I am sure have all been on one of my gigs bar one. That I think speaks volumes for this lot and the amount of gigs this lot put in and are always willing to help out at is admirable. Top blokes with top tunes – how easy can a promoters life be and with the frontman and bassist having recently discovered the pleasures of the bronze they are always going to get more gig offers from me. These are a real thoroughbred band who you can guarantee will always last the course and pull out some fantastic moments along the way. The songs are quite varied, constantly asking questions both of the audience and the players. ‘Burn The Flag’ opened tonight but for me the real cutlets from the fattened sow were ‘Share The Wealth’ – great fuckin’ principal and says a lot more than you realise, ‘If I Die Tonight’ – a clever piece with sombre tones, ‘Jeff’s Rock Night’ – an intro piece ya bastards but still quality, ‘Thatto Heath’ – sing-a-long time and always a winner, and the remarkable ‘Psalm 23’ – the most requested compilation piece which says it all. There’s not much else to say and if any band deserves a piece of the success pie then give these a double portion.
The Revenge Of The Psychotronic Man burst in and just as the set was kickin’ in, Tim ‘Punk4Life’ Davies drained of colour and set about having an epileptic seizure. Selfish, selfish bastard and if it wasn’t for the £100 I stole out of his wallet whilst he was fitting I would have been mighty miffed. Seriously though, seeing Tim fit was quite awful and as myself and Wilf placed him out of the way the gig carried on. I nipped upstairs to explain to landlord Banjo that the prostrate Tim he may discover downstairs was indeed fitting and not smashed out of his skull on bronze. Hard to believe I know but entirely true. Banjo, completely unmoved and with a deviant flicker of a smile across his mouth, acknowledged the situation and set about eating his tea and dreaming of alcohol. What a guy!
What I did see of ROPM sounded mighty fine and it just seems we may see them getting back to the levels they fell from nearly a year ago. We shall see.
Just Panic next and a great performance that was again marred by an equipment mishap (guitar string gone twang) but other than that this wasn’t half bad. The songs from the latest CD sounded mighty fine and if the set would have had a bit more fluidity then we would have had a real crackerjack. Still good though and several comments were made as regards the efficiency and craftsmanship of this outfit. It’ll do for me.
2 bands to go and it was about halfway through the last band that my attention span started dwindling. Fatigue had set in and with the prospect of a week of work, tennis and long walks ahead the thought of finishing the 3 days, getting home for a cup of cha and then to bed for a good snooze became ever more distracting. What better way to be kept awake than by the last two bands the first of which was the veritable stimulant I regard as The Shadowcops. A slighty altered set tonight but a power punching parade of rampant riffs and mesmerising technical skill nonetheless. Every tune was a barnstormer and bomb-blasted the on-lookers eardrums with earth trembling uproars of the highest order. ‘Fulgura Frango ( I break lightning) ’, ‘Calling Out The Elders’, ‘Putsch’, ‘Green Light’, ‘Recurrent Blockades’, ‘Folie a Deux (a shared madness of two persons) ’ and ‘My, My, My, My Personal Ennui’ raped the soundscape and again I stood back and admired a band that was pumping all pistons to the hilt. A style seldom seen on the streetpunk scene but one much welcome. Even though I adore this band the next slot will be lower down the order – hard for me but true to the tour – will they take it – tune in next year to find out?
And finally we come to the closing act of this 3 day blitz and what better way to close the curtain on this theatre of passion than with the unpolished, unpretentious and down to earth noise of the 2 Sick Monkeys. What a great duo these two ‘erberts are! With the twitchy Pete up front blasting his bass to pieces and interacting quite magnificently with the crowd and the subdued Fred at the back being as ever unassuming and holding the set together. This was truly fuckin’ excellent and all the principals of punk are thrown into this mix and come out with a winning flavour. Unorthodox but entirely committed, this brace of punky fuckers really do shift out a noise most 4-piece bands would be more than happy with. The songs are electric and truly come in to their own in the live arena due to the fact Pete is a master bassman constantly grimacing with effort and belief and the drummer is an accomplished artiste in his own right. I couldn’t have wished for a more truer full stop to this weekends SAS statement and the pleasure on the remaining punters faces at the end was memorable. ‘Too Many Secrets’ is my favourite and the crowd involving chants of ‘Fuck Off’ reflected the charming and enticing nature of frontman Pete – a real charismatic dude who keeps it as real as you want it and that my friends will do for me.
Chit chats, removal of the backdrops and a stroll to the chippy (which was full so that’s me starving then) and Tim was taken home. I went home with my family – ears buzzing, legs aching, clemmed (Northern slang for hungry) and unprepared for the next days work.
Another SAS jaunt done and dusted and put down, by me anyhow, as a fuckin’ success. ‘Why’ you may ask and my response is ‘Why the hell not’? The 3 days were up against some stiff competition and still went ahead! Because despite the competition this was where the best punk bands played and it was done with fantastic talent and in front of a promoter who took time to watch them all and who thoroughly believes in the punk ethos! Because this weekend it was another two-fingered salute to the doubters, the lethargic and the parasites! Because punk is for the street urchin who likes it real and unassuming and no matter what some may think and do this is the main principal of the tour. Because overall the SAS says something and isn’t a run of the mill adventure going through the motions. Because some of us are not happy to watch scenesters and seekers of the safety net ruin something so precious. Because it susses the false and supports the true. Because its fuckin’ SAS – Spit And Sawdust – 100% unaffected – SAS – Sincerely A Struggle – that’s how it is – SAS – Stubborn And Stupid – but not misdirected!

Thank you and full fuckin’ stop!

Review written by OMD April 2008 Keep the faith or kill yourself being a fraud.

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