Harp Bar Reunion
STAGE B
THE ANDROIDS
HENRY CLUNEY
SHOCK TREATMENT
PROTEX
+ Very Special Guests THE OUTCASTS
The Black Box,
Belfast
Saturday 8th September 2012
The ‘ex punks’ were out in force!!
Fat, fifty plus and back on the sacred cobbles where the legendary Harp Bar once stood. Many of the baldy
nappered, wrinkly faces are now virtually unrecognisable as the spiky topped teens with attitude, who in very
dangerous times lived an alternative lifestyle and created a scene that still reverberates over 35 years later.
Hypocritically, the modern day local government establishment who didn't want anything to do with these
undesirable yob's back in the day, now want to erect one of those blue historical location plaques on the spot (or
as close to) where the real Harp Bar once stood.
They may-be doing a spot of bandwagon jumping years too late by finally recognising and dedicating it to the very
deserving recipient Terri Hooley and 'Good Vibrations', which will sweeten the pill for them. But if justice is to be
done, the Belfast punks who were there in those early dark days and beyond will also get a much deserved mention
on that circular piece of tin, along with the self professed old hippie
anarchist.
The Black box was surprisingly crammed with a lot of the old 'Harp' regulars who
were there when it mattered. Also a film crew and a lot of unknown punters who
probably never actually set foot in the place during its heyday? Unless it was
possibly to eat the manky pickled eggs festering in a jar on the bar or to get
their rocks off watching the much less than exotic / erotic lunchtime strippers.
Shock Treatment, The Androids, Henry Cluney, Protex, The Outcasts
and Stage B who all made it a night to remember. Sadly for one band I love
due to techno circumstances well beyond their control it was a night they'll
certainly want to forget. (Not really) a surprise guest 'Brian Young' rounded the
night off in fine style, with a six song acoustic set of Rudi classics, which during
the final number 'Big Time' kicked off a stage invasion instigated by Joe Zero/
Moody from The Androids (my fav reformed band on the bill). I managed to
get their set list pre-gig from the wall in the Oh Yeah centre (as $$ was
rehearsing in the same room) he was also joined by Dowey Sinc, Terri Hooley
and Liam Killan (Sabrejets) on backing vocals. The crowd erupted into a mass
'sing-alonga-youngsy', it was the perfect ending to a great night.
Well done to the organiser William Maxwell, who put in a lot of hard graft
as always to make it happen, thanks from all of us man!
In a review I did of the brilliant 'It Makes You Want Spit Book' launch at the
'Empire' back 2003, I stated that after the event that it felt like a full stop
had been put on the original punk scene and this was a fitting end to the
story, how wrong was I?
Like many others I've spoken to since last Saturday’s gig. I hope this
doesn't become an annual event, this really should be the end of the line.
Lets go out on a high, don't be tempted to spoil the memory by ripping
the arse out of it and dragging the carcass out one more time. Even if
next year is the 35th anniversary of the 'Harp Bar' opening, theres really
no need for a second installment.
There was a few members from some of the new
breed of teenage bands in attendance tonight
checking out their glorious heritage. Many VX
badges and a few VX t-shirts were on display.
We've had our well documented time in the
spotlight, lets move on and give the
youth their moment to shine.
Special thanks to all 40 of the band members, ex
original punks and everyone else connected to the
glory days who signed the 'David Worth' Harp Bar
print on the night. If I missed anyone out at the gig,
then sorry. But I couldn't see a thing as the venue
was so dark. When I get it all spruced up and
framed etc which will take a while, I will post a
message and pic online with details as to what the
next step will be? The entire proceeds raised from
the sale will be going to charity, so any
legitimate and sensible offers will be welcome
for this very rare piece of signed art and social
history. There will be a whole bunch of bonus
'Time to be Proud' CD releases kindly donated
by Mr Maxwell also included.
More info will follow very soon, watch this
space and please support a very worthy
cause.
Cheers
Our work is done, NI Punk RIP.
WORDS & PICS - Joe Donnelly
Belfast 13th September 2012.
STAGE B
THE ANDROIDS
HENRY CLUNEY
SHOCK TREATMENT
PROTEX
+ Very Special Guests THE OUTCASTS
The Black Box,
Belfast
Saturday 8th September 2012
The ‘ex punks’ were out in force!!
Fat, fifty plus and back on the sacred cobbles where the legendary Harp Bar once stood. Many of the baldy
nappered, wrinkly faces are now virtually unrecognisable as the spiky topped teens with attitude, who in very
dangerous times lived an alternative lifestyle and created a scene that still reverberates over 35 years later.
Hypocritically, the modern day local government establishment who didn't want anything to do with these
undesirable yob's back in the day, now want to erect one of those blue historical location plaques on the spot (or
as close to) where the real Harp Bar once stood.
They may-be doing a spot of bandwagon jumping years too late by finally recognising and dedicating it to the very
deserving recipient Terri Hooley and 'Good Vibrations', which will sweeten the pill for them. But if justice is to be
done, the Belfast punks who were there in those early dark days and beyond will also get a much deserved mention
on that circular piece of tin, along with the self professed old hippie
anarchist.
The Black box was surprisingly crammed with a lot of the old 'Harp' regulars who
were there when it mattered. Also a film crew and a lot of unknown punters who
probably never actually set foot in the place during its heyday? Unless it was
possibly to eat the manky pickled eggs festering in a jar on the bar or to get
their rocks off watching the much less than exotic / erotic lunchtime strippers.
Shock Treatment, The Androids, Henry Cluney, Protex, The Outcasts
and Stage B who all made it a night to remember. Sadly for one band I love
due to techno circumstances well beyond their control it was a night they'll
certainly want to forget. (Not really) a surprise guest 'Brian Young' rounded the
night off in fine style, with a six song acoustic set of Rudi classics, which during
the final number 'Big Time' kicked off a stage invasion instigated by Joe Zero/
Moody from The Androids (my fav reformed band on the bill). I managed to
get their set list pre-gig from the wall in the Oh Yeah centre (as $$ was
rehearsing in the same room) he was also joined by Dowey Sinc, Terri Hooley
and Liam Killan (Sabrejets) on backing vocals. The crowd erupted into a mass
'sing-alonga-youngsy', it was the perfect ending to a great night.
Well done to the organiser William Maxwell, who put in a lot of hard graft
as always to make it happen, thanks from all of us man!
In a review I did of the brilliant 'It Makes You Want Spit Book' launch at the
'Empire' back 2003, I stated that after the event that it felt like a full stop
had been put on the original punk scene and this was a fitting end to the
story, how wrong was I?
Like many others I've spoken to since last Saturday’s gig. I hope this
doesn't become an annual event, this really should be the end of the line.
Lets go out on a high, don't be tempted to spoil the memory by ripping
the arse out of it and dragging the carcass out one more time. Even if
next year is the 35th anniversary of the 'Harp Bar' opening, theres really
no need for a second installment.
There was a few members from some of the new
breed of teenage bands in attendance tonight
checking out their glorious heritage. Many VX
badges and a few VX t-shirts were on display.
We've had our well documented time in the
spotlight, lets move on and give the
youth their moment to shine.
Special thanks to all 40 of the band members, ex
original punks and everyone else connected to the
glory days who signed the 'David Worth' Harp Bar
print on the night. If I missed anyone out at the gig,
then sorry. But I couldn't see a thing as the venue
was so dark. When I get it all spruced up and
framed etc which will take a while, I will post a
message and pic online with details as to what the
next step will be? The entire proceeds raised from
the sale will be going to charity, so any
legitimate and sensible offers will be welcome
for this very rare piece of signed art and social
history. There will be a whole bunch of bonus
'Time to be Proud' CD releases kindly donated
by Mr Maxwell also included.
More info will follow very soon, watch this
space and please support a very worthy
cause.
Cheers
Our work is done, NI Punk RIP.
WORDS & PICS - Joe Donnelly
Belfast 13th September 2012.
