SHAM 69 in Wolverhampton November 24th 2017

CRIMINAL MIND
Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton
Friday 24th November 2017
Admission £20

WHOSE GOT A DIRTY FACE THEN?
In a word breathless! I was expecting a new album promotional hard
sell gig, but was hit by a barrage of non stop oldies at breakneck
speed in what I can only call a pension top up tour (ha ha). A few
cyders around the town got the old heart and adrenalin going, then
down the gig. A venue where the bouncers couldn't find a place to
stamp me due to tattoos, but in a rare case of humour pointed out
that they ain't gonna forget me if I went out for a fag as I have a
bullet hole tattooed on my forehead (snigger).

I got a pint and caught the last 5 songs of CRIMINAL INTENT who to be
honest I hadn't heard? They play tight and fast and like a chant. They look
good and had a good following. These Bristolian's are ship shape and
Bristol fashion and have four albums out. I purchased the first (Debut) and
last ('Life To Defend') and will be catching up on what I've missed.
(criminalmindpunk@hotmail.com).

Anyway to the main event, late on stage due to West Ham playing me thinks.
We were treated to a blitzkrieg of Sham nostalgia Ramones style. Jimmy
looking pinned and more like Iggy than ever. They tore into it 1-2-3-4 "What
ave we got fuck all", 'Borstal Breakout', 'Questions And Answers', 'Rip-Off',
'If The Kids Are United' et all. Jimmy hanging on to his mic for a breather, he
let the 300 plus crowd in the pogo pit do the choruses and they were happy
to oblige. And then in a moment, it was over. As we were calling for an encore.
Back on stage a faux pa... he called us Peaky Blinders! No James were no
more Peaky Blinders than you are Cockneys - were 'Yam Yams', anyway all
is forgiven, As they launch into 'Hersham Boys' (greatest Cockney rip-off).
A respectful nod to the Clash with 'White Riot' and a thunderous finale
'Hurry Up Harry'. I think as I was drunk by then and swaying and suffering white noise. But all told great gig, great venue, great atmosphere, great
band, great memories and a great shot of teenage angst in the veins of an old cunt (me).

WORDS - CYRIL O'BLIVION
PICTURE - PETER DON'T CARE