Steve Ignorant, founder member of influential anarcho-punk band Crass, performed to a sell-out crowd at Nottingham’s The Old Cold Store, proving that punk is most definitely not dead...
The venue was filling up nicely as local punk duo SUNK took to the stage. The original support band, Eryx London had dropped out due to illness, and so up stepped SUNK to perform their first ever live gig. Following in the style of bands such as Royal Blood and Soft Play, SUNK are a duo with Matt on drums and Fred on guitar. The lads are clearly a bit nervous, but put on a great performance.
It was great to see headliner Steve Ignorant in the crowd watching SUNK perform and cheering them on. A man who performed his first gig 47 years ago, and wrote a song called Punk is Dead, was clearly delighted that the next generation are embracing the punk spirit. Steve said of SUNK: “With their raw energy and punchy lyrics, they capture the spirit of a generation navigating the highs and lows of modern life”.
SUNK went down very well with the crowd especially Foreman’s Sitta, their first single, and Bed Bound From The City, a song based on a real life experience of being beaten up. They leave the stage to greatly deserved cheering and applause. A very successful first gig by any measure.
Next up is Interrobang. Possibly the only band to be named after a punctuation mark? They are a three piece ‘post punk’ group lead by Dunstan Bruce, of Chumbawamba fame and Stephen Griffin of electronica/rock group, Regular Fries.
Interrobang maintain the punk spirt of rebellion and protest, and Crass were a massive influence on Dunstan, but it’s now coming from the perspective of a man in his 50’s, so it’s not all about loud, fast and shouted vocals. It is much more considered with a speech style quality to the singing, with witty and intelligent lyrics that at times feels more like poetry than music. However, it is still edgy and bursting with energy at times and Dunstan and Stephen are clearly enjoying performing.
The sound is very different to Chumbawamba but continues with the idea that protest songs don’t have to be angry fast and loud. The message can be delivered in many creative ways. Interrobang put on a great performance and go down very well with the crowd tonight.
With the venue now at full capacity Steve Ignorant takes to the stage to tremendous applause, and wastes no time as he goes straight into Do They Owe Us A Living? with the crowd instantly shouting back the response, “’course they f****** do!”. It’s an explosive start to an energetic set that covers everything a Crass fan could ask for and more.
Steve has continued with his own music since Crass, including the acoustic project ‘Slice of Life’, but tonight is 100% Crass and crowd favourites Punk is Dead, Big Man, You’ve Got Big Hands, Fight War Not Wars, Big A Little A and Securicor are all included in the set and go down a storm. The mosh pit gets lively at times with both young, and those who are old enough to know better joining in on the fun.
The band Steve has assembled is really tight with skilled performances from all members of the band who work together as a tight unit. A special mention must go to Carol Hodge, who as well as playing keyboard and backing vocals, takes on the lead vocals for songs originally performed by Joy De Vivre and Eve Libertine back in the day. Carol has a unique voice, and gives an almost theatrical performance which balances nicely with Steve’s more gruff delivery. Carol also shows her true punk nature by joining in the mosh pit during the set. As well as collaborating with Steve, she is also singer songwriter with four studio albums to her name.
The set finishes with Banned from the Roxy and it’s clear that everyone has had a great time at the Old Cold Store tonight. It’s fantastic to hear Crass songs live and loud with the bonus of experiencing some new names to look out for in the future.
Steve Ignorant performed at The Old Cold Store on 14th November 2024.
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