Cocksparrer – The Boys – Penetration – UK Subs – The Exposed – at Hmv Forum – London, England

Where were you 18 years ago? That was the last time the mighty Cock Sparrer played in London. All things considered, this makes them pretty well past due. Rebellion Festivals to the rescue. This past weekend, the geniuses behind the world's biggest Punk festival staged the return of the kings of Oi to the Forum in Kentish Town, London. Supported by bands big enough to headline in their own right, it was the best night most of us could ever hope for.

As the clock ticked towards time for doors to open, the streets were full of eager punks and skins, and the pub next door was crammed to overflowing. The show opened with youngsters The Exposed. One fan on the floor excitedly told me they're from his hometown of Portsmouth. This band has a lot of enthusiasm, and play a mix of Punk and new ska. they powered through their 30 minutes of fame, then yielded the stage to the legendary UK Subs.

Charlie Harper may be one of the oldest (and nicest!) men still in Punk rock, but you can't prove it by his performances. the UK Subs are consistently one of the strongest bands on stage, even after all these years, and last night was no different. Time was short, but they still managed a quick tour of hits, including CID, Warhead, and Stranglehold. They were also awarded the distinction of being the first opener called back fro an encore, playing an additional two songs after their set was supposed to end.

The UK Subs were followed by Penetration, who reformed semi-recently in 2001. Their debut single "Don't Dictate" is firmly ensconced in the lists of legendary Punk songs, and Pauline Murray has lost none of her power over the years. Perhaps less well known than Siouxsie and the Banshees, Penetration rocks a similar unrelenting style with female vocals. Their set went over well, and it seemed too soon when they left the stage to The Boys.

There are a couple groups sharing the name, but obviously these were British Punk rockers The Boys. Fronted by Honest John Plain, and a favorite of German band Die Toten Hosen, The Boys are perhaps best known for the album "Alternative Chartbusters" for which they toured with the Ramones at the end of the '70s. They were back in force with this show, playing a selection of songs from throughout their discography. They too were called back for an encore by an enthusiastic crowd, finishing out about an hour long set before it was finally time.

I can only let you imagine the roar of sound as a nearly sold out Forum welcomed home the greatest Oi band (and arguably greatest rock band) ever recorded. Cock Sparrer hit the stage in force, obviously glad to be back in London, and the crowd was just as glad to see them. Even those of us not native to the great city (and there were a lot of us in attendance) were glad to be part of the historic occasion. Cock Sparrer played all the old favourites, as well as a few new songs off the "Here We Stand" album, which probably no longer qualifies as new, but is still the latest release by the band.

After an hour and a half of frenetic rock and roll, and a three song encore, the band said goodnight, and the streets were flooded with fans boozily singing refrains from "We're Coming Back"... which indeed they did.

 

 

Show Review by: -Jo Problems-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter

Photos by: -Dod M.-
Big Wheel Overseas Correspondent

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 
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