PUNK ROCKER GIG REVIEWS 2025 - Blackpool Rebellion

REBELLIOUS JUKEBOX JIVE

The Rebellion Festival in Blackpool is more than just a another music event. It is a really slick operation that has come on leaps and bounds since my first visit back in '96. Its a pilgrimage, a yearly gathering where the spirit of punk rock is not merely celebrated, but lived, drunk and obsessed about. As I step into the vibrant, salt-tinged air of Blackpool on the 7th August 2025 after catching the crowded shuttle train full of punks. You reacquaint yourself with its rundown décor, shutdown emporiums, the perpetual B and B maze and those gated crackhead alleyways. It has become just the right backdrop to enter a world where mohawks and leather jackets are the new gang in town. Alongside beer bellies, bald middle aged men in the regulation Exploited/UK Subs t-shirts, walking sticks, crazy coloured hair, and my pet hate in punk... beards! Yeah misfits one and all congregate and everything else in between. It's all here for 4 days a year and in abundance. The sound of the street ain't fair ground musicals or the buzz of candy floss no more, its distorted guitars as you wander the thoroughfares behind the Tower. This year's festival, is a chaotic and glorious 300 band blend of music, literature and style. And lets not forget preening on a mammoth scale on 7 stages of the massive 15,000 capacity Wintergardens complex. And that's just the bands. Plus if your that way inclined, you can hear some literary prose, acoustic renditions, sample some punk art and crafts, hear some story telling from miked up Robb the gob as he interviews once upon a time scene stealers and heart breakers like (Penelope Houston), or you can even peruse some art from all those ex art students. Its clean walkways reminds me of a shopping centre only this time its the numerous merch stalls selling everything gory and punk except George Cox creepers. You have to give its ultra smooth pop-up city organisation top marks, for all your needs are catered for. Proving once again that Rebellion is a unique beast, a testament to the enduring power of a punk scene that may be into a more PC orientated 21st century spectacle these days, but refuses to die, well at least for four days a year.

HITS 1996 Wristband (Punk Rocker archives)

Now if that wasn't enough for your annual punk fix, outside the Wintergardens we also have the unofficial street performances like Ronnie Rudes Punk and Judy taken to new limits where every corner held a different story. Take those hairy punk dogs (and I dont mean the women) which takes the 'dog on a rope' mantra to a whole new level. Of course the numerous pubs and venues featuring an array of DIY punk bands is like a giant punks picnic for 4 days running and has become a growing scene all on its own. You could even give the official 4-day Rebellion festival (at £250 a throw) a total side swerve and just watch bands in the numerous bars, some as big as a large living room like the Tavern which was a bit too intimate for my liking. While others holding a few hundred people like the popular Washington and all for FREE.

My initial SOBER quest was to see new bands line Split Breed, a couple of oldies. Hear some stories from the Punk celebritys, check out the fanzines and view some art. But alas I did practically neither which is a shame, just cant stay sober enough to get my act together these days! My modus operandi was jump on the tram fer £3 which conveniently stopped right outside my hotel situated up North of Blackpool, then hit the Counting House bar on the sea front by Central Pier to get my head together. A pub which had the best pint of Carling I sampled in all the pubs and venues I frequented. Their double burgers were great too, although the wait for food was bordering on tedious. Once your watered and fed your just a stones throw from all the action. Or maybe a stagger later on, as you tour from one shithole to another and peruse the sights on your way looking for fantastic visuals or just old weather beaten faces who were probably once upon a time spectacular creations like their younger breathren who can still pull it off. The pub circuit is now a crucial part of the festival's DNA, acting as a network of smaller stages and impromptu social hubs. My next port of call usually began in the Rose and Crown, which is a dive on any normal day of the week, but on Rebellion weekend became a favorite for its LOUD uncompromising jukebox blasting out old classics, guaranteeing a full house both inside and out. It was the only time in Blackpool I heard X-Ray Spex, the Pistols and Crass in one sitting, which was a near perfect soundtrack to the day’s impending mayhem and certainly put you in the vibe.

However the most entertaining pub was undoubtedly Churchills. It's karaoke was a spectacle of epic proportions, with a range of performers that included “Elvis crooners to skinheads apeing Jimmy Pursey to out of tune punks. All were dispatched with a neat smattering of punk tunes in between. I've never enjoyed karaoke bars before. But you have to take your hat off for the sheer audacity and variety of these performances, often met with cheers and jeers in equal measure, making it an essential stop over. The service in here was bang on too. It was also the place where my 'dangerously close' 'Anarchy' shirt was frowned upon for including a swastika by one punk. Oh well some things never change! Talking of danger. Churchills also held a darker reputation for me, as the most dangerous place to exit. Those steps at the back of the pub are treacherous. I slipped down twice on different days due to innebriation or my creepers losing grip and now have the bruises as a reminder. But those sexy punkettes from Rotherham who I gave my studded belt as a trophy were worth the danger, hope it fits! In these venues it was a constant ritual of go to the bar (seat taken), go to the toilet (seat taken). I couldn't be arsed arguing the toss on my return. So I quickly learnt your best bet was to have a pint or a slash then move on in constant rotation. And just down the street was the dark rambling Washington which was easily the best place to watch bands pub wise. The Washington provided an exceptional, free alternative to the Wintergardens. With it's spacious layout that was big enough to accomodate the punks both inside and out. While the band roster wasn't quite as organised as Rebellion and definitely hit or miss, some of the fuckers never even turned up? For a FREE event, you simply can't complain. It was a great example of the punk hub as the pavements were crowded outside all these venues that defines the festival. A place where the music flowed freely and the punks could gather inside and out without the need for a ticket or any hassle off the old Bill. There was even a chippy across the road if you fancied some snap.

I thought Friday seemed the busiest day of the 4 all over Blackpool for crowds. Musically what stood out if my brain cells serve me correct was Scotlands BULLITZ 23 who played an extra afternoon gig at The Washington for Mayhem Pinky-Punk Promotions. They were a clear highlight for me, their set was a short masterclass in blistering, unapologetic catchy punk rock. Loved the use of accordian too and were proffesional enough with the in house borrowed gear to make it sound so good. Their performance was a shot of pure adrenaline, a stark contrast to some of the more established acts poncing about in the Wintergardens. They owned a furious energy, and a mix some of the punk rock legends could do with checking out and reminding themselves why they got into punk in the first place. I felt guilty not buying a copy of their latest Red vinyl seven inch from the sweat drenched Ex singer from Ex-Cathedra who was diligently flogging a handful of singles round the bar after the set. If he had trouble selling them (which I doubt) it was only because most of the cunts like me would've gladly brought one off him if I had a bag, but with a night of booze to follow knew I'd lose the fucker within hours, so sorry about that mate.

BULLITZ 23 - The Washington. August 2025

“Punk blew my mind and showed me an alternative to the norm in the 70’s which was by and large religious bigotry, casual racism and territorial violence which seemed to pervade life in Glasgow at the time”, lead singer Alex explains. “I was 14 in 1977 and I think the sound of this new, exciting music, the onset of adolescent hormones and the desire to breakaway from Little Britain attitudes made for a wild ride.” (Singer ALEX 2017)

I managed to survive till Sunday but was getting harder to maintain my energy levels. I was almost dead on my feet when the rowdiest band I witnessed Rotunda from Brum hit the floor. I've never been a big fan of em before, and the last time I heard em on record was back in '97. But there was a strong Brummy contingent in town today to watch em in the Washington on Sunday afternoon. Didn't even know they were playing, like every other day you just walk in and see whats happening.

Before hand I heard my name called as I brought a pint. I turned round and it was Jock from GBH. Ain't seen him fer a few years so we had a catch up by the bar as we reminisced about our youthful incarceration in a Nottingham Detention centre (pre GBH) many moons ago. He was soon besieged by a bevy of adoring females wanting his attention. So I quietly melted into the background as you do when your a 'non entity' ... fame eh!
Meanwhile as it turned out Rotunda were just tuning up on this sunny afternoon. They seem to have garnered a loyal boisterous following and generated a stand out performance, which seemed less skate punk than I recall and more in your face. I may heard wrong but they include a song slagging off the Pistols or pop stars can't recall? But it sounded pretty good.

A true act of punk rock defiance considering they were the singers inspiration to form if ever there was one. On a side note I did hear through the grapevine PIL were weak the previous Saturday night in Rebellion. So maybe their second city bile was justified. Rotunda gained the attention of the crowd immediately which suddenly swelled, the sheer kinetic energy of the violent mosh pit, was there to behold. I was half expecting stools to be thrown in this raucous atmosphere which reminded me of Stench back in the 80's. Dangerous and unpredictable but performed with long hair and ponytails. Maybe that's why I never rated them? The festival’s ability to attract such a diverse range of talent, is a nod to the long and tested history of the genre that was being celebrated all around me just check out their video footage to see if I'm bullshitting..

Another highlight was a set by THE PEST who are up-and-coming noise merchants. I found em highly entertaining again in the Washington. The Pest are a power duo of guitars and drums in overalls from Watford. They like wearing masks too. Which gives em a different aura, but today they had them extricated and are still distinct enough from the regular punk bands who play these side shows which guaranteed a fresh experience. Both of em are into it big style, you can see by their intence performance as they power chorded their way through a set that blew the cobwebs out the drum kit. They blew most of the punk by numbers bands I seen later off the stage. So go check em out fer yerself they're touring.

Back in Rebellion on Saturday night by pure fluke I managed to catch SLOPPY SECONDS. I had previously missed them in Wolves when they played a warm up on the same night I arrived in Blackpool. But by a strange coincidence managed to cop them in a drunken haze as I staggered around the Wintergardens on Saturday night. Distinct vocals in punk are very few and far between these days so even I couldn't mistake B.A.'s nasal delivery which I heard floating out the entrance door of Club Casbah as I walked past. Sloppy Seconds visually may not be the most exciting band to watch. But they're definitely interesting which is a different description. And that gold bling round BA's neckputs Wattie Buchans into the shade. Musically however they hit the mark with perfection. They own a set of anthems like 'Come Back Traci', 'Running From The CIA' and 'Blackmail' to name just a few hit the mark whatever your taste in music. They have a unique ability to cover some hilarious situations. But THE anthem 'I Dont Wanna Be A Homosexual' was finally unleashed to a healthy happy crowd and not a boo or hiss was registered by the punk police. It was great to finally hear this band live and on stage after all these years of admiring their output. They pretty much filled the room and It's a testament to the unpredictable nature of live music; some bands just connect immediately, others leave you cold! Sloppy Seconds connect on every level.

Navigating Blackpool during Rebellion is an adventure in itself, with its own unique challenges and thrills. The most terrifying moment of the weekend, however, had nothing to do with punk rock or the trawl through the straight bars and rowdy stags. There was an Air Show on in town but It was the sudden, raw power of a Typhoon jet flyover, as I sat outside the Rose And Crown that will never be forgotten. The ungodly roar and power of the engines was easily the scariest moment of my entire life that sent a shiver down my spine.Imagine that fucker attacking you. The noise they create was so terryfying you couldnt help but feel so vulnerable and insignicent to such a dangerous beast of a weapon, a stark reminder of the world beyond the festival gates, even in the midst of a punk rock reverie.

The real heart of the festival and soul of the scene, was found in the unexpected encounters and colorful characters that populated the streets and pubs. The most eyecatching punks seemed to congregate outside the church most days, after all we are all children of god or so we are led to believe and punks are the biggest worshipping poseurs going! They love to pose, adore the glare of the Sun but scatter inside as the rain starts which luckily for them it was abscent most of the time. Punk also relish the bemused tourists who wanna take their pic or touch those spikes. Punks just basically love checking out each other too. I would walk past them daily on my way to Churchills and see them, a vibrant display of colour, individuality and defiance that perfectly encapsulated the punk ethos.

My funniest moment came from two separate but equally hilarious meetings on the same day: seeing Paddy The Punk in his blue tartan and pink hair was a blast from the past. He's now living in Blackpool and off the drink due to health reasons which was a shame as I was itching fer another pint with him. But It was good to catch up on his life after Wolves and Brum and Belfast. He's now 67 and got a pension and loving life.

I also ran into Bungle (Ian Ashman) from the Bristol punk scene who was on the Stella outside the church trying to evade the sunshine in his hat. Its a brave move hitting the Stella this early in the day, but he was renouncing lesser known brands of lager as innefective as he swayed in the breeze. He was heading back to his hotel for a nap before hitting the pop again later lol. He has a new EP out called 'Shirley Shirley Shirley' he's flogging and had a shopping bag full of other goodies including his Compilation series 'Euthanasia' which he kindly chucked me a copy. It was a funny, serendipitous encounter that highlighted the deep-rooted connections within different scenes. I met a Wolvo contingent numerous times in Churchills/Washington and had a laff. Special thanks go out to Yvonne who shared some sad news with me.

Also a big cheers to Rob from Warwound (Walsall) who got me a pint, hats off to you son!. I even bumped into Billy Riot round by the Church whose looking well and the only zinester I recognised outta the 4 days there.He's now fronting Crackhead Control. I'm sure I also think I spotted Boz (Blackpools premier punk face) from the past who appeared in the Suffragette 9 (Blackpool Special) once upon a time. She was in the Rose And Crown and the Washington in a spectacular Dark outfit and hat with dreads, but may have been wrong? If I was she was a dead ringer. Not all encounters were so positive. I heard off one geezer Tenpole Tudor was a little snotty on his book signing stall, a small insignificent note of disappointment that felt out of place in such a friendly atmosphere. Y'know something I never seen one or detected any sign of aggro in all the 4 days I was there. Which is miraculous for so many punks inside all these cramped venues, but a nice feeling and change from Wolvo's local oppressive vibe.

Maybe something had to give. The absolute nadir of the weekend, luckily came on the last evening Sunday night. I was in Rebellion touring the bars for one last time which was great fun. They even have self service bar pulls which was novel, but if your pissed a nightmare to use. You could sit down with a pint and watch the punk world drift by. It was getting late by now couldn't find a taxi outside and was feeling particularly pissed, but having convinced myself that "my last £100 quid was still tucked safely away in my back pocket" I hit yet another bar inside for a quick one for the road. But when I went to pay, I discovered to my horror that I had nothing in my back pocket. Jurrasic, skint, and vacant which wasn't a pretty sight! This predicament suddenly brought my drunken evening to a premature close. I must've dropped my rail card holder which had along with my money, my credit/debit cards, driving licence and hotel key. The whole fucking lot was gone, and with only a few quids worth of change left in my sky rocket I was literally doooomed!!!

Faced with this looming disaster, I degectically tried to retrace my steps, desperately searching for the blue fucker. Somewhere but where? I knew I was never ever gonna find it as the crowds were moving constantly which was quite sobering, if not an outright miserable, experience. I eventually give up the ghost and made my way back to the hotel hoping they would still let me in? Staggering down the steps outta the venue it mustve took me about forty-minutes walk back to the Savoy that felt like an eternity.

Then I thought back to all the other times I've been in this predicament over the years. In a way, it was a perfect ending to 4 days of fun! Yeah chaotic, frustrating, and ultimately, real life...no simulation here I thought. You can't visit Rebellion without some kinda drama can you? The Blackpool Rebellion Festival is an unforgettable experience, a heady mix of music, mayhem, and camaraderie or all those other corny expressions. From the electrifying performances of bands like Bullitz23 and the Pest, right down to the raw energy of Rotunda, and the Indianapolis Destroyers of our universe Sloppy Seconds and of course the unique charm of the pub scene and the interesting sights n sounds. Every moment contributes to a grand, sprawling narrative. It is a place where you can find old friends, make new ones, and rediscover the defiant spirit of a subculture that has, against all odds, continued to thrive.

EPITAPH
I managed to get in my hotel and more importantly the room via the receptionist giving me a spare key. And was heading home the next morning on my phones train tickets. Hungry and thirsty. I got back cancelled my cards, got a ton off the bank for good measure, but have a guess what? Over a week later someone annonymously posted my rail card holder complete with lost cards and driving licence back to me yipppeee!!! (minus the £100 quid of course). So alls well that ends well, cheers whoever you are. Hope you enjoyed the drink!

Peter Don't Care - August 2025
(Pics from various sources)