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  1. A review with 4 stars was added by bumblebee. about 1 month ago

    "I wouldn't class myself as a huge Punk fan, I was just about born when it hit its height and as such grew up on a diet of 80's pop instead. I will admit to being put off by its scene by the likes of The Sex Pistols whom after trying on several occasions to 'get them' never have. It lead me to believe that all punk was like that and was therefore no interest to me.
    I was then dragged along to see Stiff Little Fingers at The Forum, which I wholly enjoyed and realised then that maybe there was a side to this Punk scene I had missed. I like The Clash sure I mean its hard to find someone that doesn't but reading reviews now they were seen as ground breaking and different and thus not a representation on the Punk scene.
    Thing is last night I was yet again reminded that in the music industry the cream rarely rises to the top.
    The Disco Students I will be honest I thought they were crap, as soon as the cut out TV box went on his head my opinion was sealed, you can only get away with a gimmick if your band are brilliant or at the very least a bit kooky. They aren't either, the lyrics were to monotonous, I did however take the time to have a look around the apparently iconic venue. Friars has seen some amazing gigs from what I have been told and was the venue of choice for bands in the past to play their warm up shows before they hit the bright lights of London town. To look at it you wouldn't think so, its a civic hall and it more used to dealing with weddings and council meetings. The space looks like a council hall but the sound is clear and fills the room comfortably, you get the impression they know what they are doing, the staff are friendly, the room is a great size, neither too big or too small. I was a bit concerned at the shape as it looks quite wide but by the time SLF's were on this was forgotten and made for a good gig. There is a balcony all around which was set aside for VIP's only.
    Thankfully Disco Students disappeared quite quickly to be replaced with various punk songs between bands.
    Penetration were up next, I had only listened to their CD once and that very day so wasn't really sure what to expect. I was more than pleasantly surprised, in fact I want to see them again and soon. Pauline can sing and she held the crowd well, a small pit started to form halfway through their set which steadily grew. They had a few sound issues of squeaking mics and amps which they dealt with well enough although they did miss out their 'slow song' so put in another nearer the end. Lovers of Outrage was the only song I managed to recognise from the listen of the CD earlier and another which I have to find the title of because I loved it.
    Stiff Little Fingers were the nights headlines and at more than one point during Penetration I did wonder if I was seeing the best band first as I couldnt remember much from The Forum gig.
    I was wrong, as much as I enjoyed Penetration, Stiff Little Fingers commanded the show, and with a few listens of my recently purchased CD the gig was a much better experience than The Forum. It really helps knowing a few songs, they played a good collection of hits (if you can call them that, they aren't a band known for hitting the big time) and ended on Alternative Ulster.
    The crowd were brilliant, even though I was right at the back there was hardly anyone talking throughout the songs and spots of bouncing people could be seen throughout the audience. All in all a fantastic gig with great sound in a great venue with a great line up.
    I would love to go back and I am most definitely going to be checking out the bands properly."

  2. The Disco Students was added to the line-up. about 1 month ago
  3. This concert moved from Friar'S to Aylesbury Civic Centre (Friars). about 1 month ago
  4. Seatwave tickets were added. about 1 month ago
  5. bumblebee is going. about 1 month ago
  6. This concert moved from Aylesbury Civic Centre (Friars) to Friar'S. about 1 month ago
  7. Viagogo tickets were added. £69.99 - £110.00 about 1 month ago
  8. leigh.robinson is going. about 1 month ago
  9. bumblebee is no longer going. 2 months ago
  10. This concert moved from Friars Club to Friar'S. 2 months ago

Reviews

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  1. 20090603-110009-138248bumblebee (about 1 month ago)

    I wouldn't class myself as a huge Punk fan, I was just about born when it hit its height and as such grew up on a diet of 80's pop instead. I will admit to being put off by its scene by the likes of The Sex Pistols whom after trying on several occasions to 'get them' never have. It lead me to believe that all punk was like that and was therefore no interest to me.
    I was then dragged along to see Stiff Little Fingers at The Forum, which I wholly enjoyed and realised then that maybe there was a side to this Punk scene I had missed. I like The Clash sure I mean its hard to find someone that doesn't but reading reviews now they were seen as ground breaking and different and thus not a representation on the Punk scene.
    Thing is last night I was yet again reminded that in the music industry the cream rarely rises to the top.
    The Disco Students I will be honest I thought they were crap, as soon as the cut out TV box went on his head my opinion was sealed, you can only get away with a gimmick if your band are brilliant or at the very least a bit kooky. They aren't either, the lyrics were to monotonous, I did however take the time to have a look around the apparently iconic venue. Friars has seen some amazing gigs from what I have been told and was the venue of choice for bands in the past to play their warm up shows before they hit the bright lights of London town. To look at it you wouldn't think so, its a civic hall and it more used to dealing with weddings and council meetings. The space looks like a council hall but the sound is clear and fills the room comfortably, you get the impression they know what they are doing, the staff are friendly, the room is a great size, neither too big or too small. I was a bit concerned at the shape as it looks quite wide but by the time SLF's were on this was forgotten and made for a good gig. There is a balcony all around which was set aside for VIP's only.
    Thankfully Disco Students disappeared quite quickly to be replaced with various punk songs between bands.
    Penetration were up next, I had only listened to their CD once and that very day so wasn't really sure what to expect. I was more than pleasantly surprised, in fact I want to see them again and soon. Pauline can sing and she held the crowd well, a small pit started to form halfway through their set which steadily grew. They had a few sound issues of squeaking mics and amps which they dealt with well enough although they did miss out their 'slow song' so put in another nearer the end. Lovers of Outrage was the only song I managed to recognise from the listen of the CD earlier and another which I have to find the title of because I loved it.
    Stiff Little Fingers were the nights headlines and at more than one point during Penetration I did wonder if I was seeing the best band first as I couldnt remember much from The Forum gig.
    I was wrong, as much as I enjoyed Penetration, Stiff Little Fingers commanded the show, and with a few listens of my recently purchased CD the gig was a much better experience than The Forum. It really helps knowing a few songs, they played a good collection of hits (if you can call them that, they aren't a band known for hitting the big time) and ended on Alternative Ulster.
    The crowd were brilliant, even though I was right at the back there was hardly anyone talking throughout the songs and spots of bouncing people could be seen throughout the audience. All in all a fantastic gig with great sound in a great venue with a great line up.
    I would love to go back and I am most definitely going to be checking out the bands properly.

    Reply