First up was Eddie and the Hot Rods, and to be honest I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I never did any prior listening for this band and was just going to go with the flow. But when they first came on, all I could notice was a spectacular jacket from the lead singer, Eddie. The only way I can describe this jacket (which shows my age) is that it reminded me of something that the band My Chemical Romance would wear. It caught my eye, very punk. The crowd was very distinctly older people, people who have probably seen these bands multiple times. When Eddie and the Hod Rods started to play there was a wave of applause and cheers. The song “Gloria” came on it was very popular, really got the crowd jumping and ready for SLF to come on. Nearer the end of the set, they introduced another member of the band that came on with a harmonica which was really cool and different from what I've ever seen before.
It has come to my knowledge, after going to this gig with my dad, that Stiff Little Fingers always come to Scotland around the same week in march every year. It was nice to see that all his pals would take the evening off to go and support this band that they have loved for over 20 years. Saying that, the turnout was incredible, especially for a Wednesday night. Before Stiff Little Fingers came on there was a bit of technical issues, there always is. But nonetheless, the fans at the front were already belting the song that they knew was to be played first on set.
It was a very dark gig to watch as the stage did not have much light, but that added to the essence of the type of gig we were at. I wouldn't be surprised if there were mosh pits going on in the middle of the crowd, but being 5ft 4 and being surrounded by others made it hard to see! There were so many leather jackets and mow-hawks which made the whole scene feel more punk rock.
In the middle of their set, the lead singer ‘Jake Burns’ took some time to say a little speech about mental health and how the statistics are rising in male suicides. It was very touching to see a lead singer using his social stance to speak up about mental health and to encourage one another to speak and communicate. Stiff Little fingers’ songs are very political as they come from Belfast during the hard times in Northern Ireland, and they make reference to politicians such as Margaret Thatcher and Donald Trump which can help make their fans feel more in touch with the band if they share the same political views.
“Gotta Gettaway” was one song that stood out as it was the last song before the Encore, everyone was getting buzzed for the final songs and were stomping their feet and head banging. When “Alternative Ulster” came on as their final song, everyone let loose and sang their hearts out. It was one I knew the words too and as I sang along, I felt part of the punk group.
Stiff Little Fingers was a great band to see live, there was a crazy amount of energy throughout the concert for a smaller venue like The Lemon Tree. So if you’re into your punk rock bands, be sure to keep a weekend free in March!
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