7 December 2018, now there’s a date not to forget! Four bands, yep FOUR bands assembled in Brighton at Brighton Electric for a one off special gig. A warm up for Christmas and a special event organised for friends of everyone there – Debbie and Carl.
After a very successful event at the Electric in March, here we are again. Wavestate Promotions had lined up a truly cracking line up, an amazing Punk Rock night! They had re-organised the layout at the Brighton Electric, looks great and hope they get the lights working soon! It was dark in there. Anyway… Change Persona started the night off with full on power and energy, and then the melodic, forceful energy from the post punk Stone Heroes. If that wasn’t enough, rock royalty Duncan Reid And The Big Heads were on. To finish off the night for those still standing were the infectious Plague UK, now there is a band that puts the rock in Punk Rock. Driving melodies,and raw power guaranteed. This was going to be some night.
Four great bands so I am using the running order of the night – make sure you scroll through the page so you don’t miss anyone!
PLAGUE UK
PLAGUE UK, Marc. Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
These are the power Punk Rockers that are the Plague UK, the band was originally from way back in 1976. Punk band The Plague, known to have played the Roxy Club more times than any other, released a single in 78 called ‘In Love’ which charted and was played on Radio. The band disbanded back in 1981, and they decided to reform in 2005, and in 2015 put out an album called ‘What Do You Expect’ but again the band went their separate ways in 2016. Now they are storming across the UK infecting everyone that goes to see them, a cracking EP “Suck It Up” is available and chatting with the guys really excited to learn an album is in the works!
The Band: In slides…
Marc Jefferies – Guitar / Vocals
Simon Godfrey – Guitar / Vocals
Martin Taylor – Bass / Backing Vocals
Lee Morrell – Drums / Backing Vocals
Make no mistake, these guys are all accomplished, talented musicians. They have come together from various other sources to bring Plague UK to life. I had met all of the guys before at various gigs and it was great to spend time with them. We were promised an in your face, teeth rattling set. A catalogue of material had been finely crafted and ready for presentation. Marc, the original from Plague, took center stage. He looked great tonight with his SG slung round his neck. Lee settled behind his kit, no neon tonight, we could have done with it – it was so dark in the venue! Simon climbed onto the stage with his guitar. The other side of the stage Martin plugged in his bass. Ready! A full on set ensued a terrific blend of old material and of course new material shook the building.
I seriously love these guys – and their EP will burn you up. The track Dont Worry off the EP is a finely crafted slice of safety pin infused riffs, and is one of my favourite tracks of the year, is even better live! Red Button is another storming track delivered live. Great to see Simon share the vocal work – fabulous stuff. This was an exciting set, pure rock and roll, the sound generated with buzzed up guitars, was an almost back to basics sound and it was that sound, and attitude, which helped create a generation of music.
It really doesn’t get much better than this. Plague UK are an infectious outfit, go see them as they hit the UK.
PLAGUE UK are on Facebook
Duncan Reid and The Big Heads
Duncan Reid: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
There are only two people in the entire world who can claim to have played with the Ramones while not actually being tagged with the ‘Ramone’ nom-de-plume. Duncan ‘Kid’ Reid is one of those people. As singer and bass player of Joey Ramone’s favourite band, The Boys, Duncan rode on the crest of a wave during punk’s original late 1970s heyday as part of a wider collective of friends and peers that included Sex Pistols, The Clash, Generation X and a host of other power-chord pioneers.
The Band: In Slides…
Bass guitar, keyboards and lead vocals: Duncan Reid
Drums: Karen Jones,
Guitar/keys: Sophie Powers,
Guitar and vocals: Nick Hughes.
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- Duncan
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- Sophie
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- Nick
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- Karen
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- The Big Heads
These guys give you a great set of live music. The set was cut a little short as Duncan had spent some time chatting with us. The 45 minute slot just flew past. They are all great musicians and they utilise every inch of the stage to deliver the Duncan Reid and The Big Heads experience! Damn they are tricky to photograph and in almost pitch black conditions it was a challenge! Some new songs made the set, including the radio friendly Motherfu**er. Duncan revealed a new album is on the way for 2019. Can’t wait for that, as I have the set already. Duncan thanked the Stone Roses for their set, hilarious out take – Stone Heroes he quickly corrected. C’est la Vie, Bombs Away and more crammed into the set and finishing with a sped up version of First Time. The guys are set to be busy next year as gigs are being booked and also Rebellion.
A Duncan Reid song isn’t just for an hour or so – its for life! Great to see Nick deliver some vocal work and his usual high standard of playing during the set. Sophie would hit the keyboards from time to time, playing her well worn white Les Paul Junior with her hair flying! Boy, she plays that guitar hard! Karen at the back powering through on the drums. Its got to be hard trying to keep that lot in line – well played! It was great to share some time, and a couple of shots after the set. You guys are special.
They are a great band live, make no mistake. Once seen, never forgotten and you just have to go see them again.
Duncan Reid and The Big Heads are on Facebook
Stone Heroes
Stone Heroes: Janine. Pic by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Female fronted ‘Post punk pop rockers’ Stone Heroes formed in 2012 and have been gigging clubs, pubs and festivals ever since. They have released 3 critically welcomed EP’s and are in the process of writing and recording new songs for their first album, due to be completed in 2019. Currently working with their strongest ever line up the band will always throw up a few surprises with their varied mix of original songs. An intriguing combination of Janine’s powerful voice, melodic guitars and powerhouse drums and bass with influences ranging from Penetration to Patti Smith, the Doors to the Damned.
The Band: In slides…
Louize King
Fleagle
Dave Leak
Martin Taylor
Lee Morrell
CHANGE PERSONA
Change Persona: pic by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
The band recorded their Debut EP – “It’s Only Natural!” at TFS Studios a while ago now. A new album is being worked on and if the live set is anything to go by – this release could be a cracker!
Change persona, these guys get it and they have got it! Change Persona are an energetic punk band from Wallington, Surrey. They have played in Brighton before. They frequently headline local gigs and festivals and have a growing fan base. These guys list Green Day, Rise Against, NOFX, Sum 41 as their major influences, and I can assure those influences can be felt and seen. These guys capture the essence of the genre and a look and feel of those bands. At times you may have thought you were listening to an early Green Day track.
The Band: In slides…
Cj Fulcher – Lead Vocals/Lead Guitar
George Mann – Rhythm Guitar/Backing Vocals
Luke Destery Parker – Bass Guitar/Backing Vocals
Gabriella – Drums
These guys were on first, the ice breaking Change Persona. They were up first, they were among some great established bands. Did it phase them – nope! They cracked on with a stunning, but short set. No covers tonight and as the name suggests – a change in drummer since we last met, and Owyn was on holiday so Luke had stepped in. These guys blew me away – TOTALLY, when we last met. And damn it – they did it again. A young bad, loaded with talent, loaded with great tunes and not afraid to unleash both to a crowd! Their presence and confidence has grown and cant wait to see a full set from these guys.
Change Persona are on Facebook
What a night! Some much great live music with so many friends. It was special. I hope Debbie and Carl enjoyed their night. Brighton Electric need to get their lights working – it was so dark, thanks to all the bands for letting me use flash to ensure I could capture the night. Cant wait to see you all again in 2019!
Wavestate Promotions are on Facebook
Please note all original images / video are copyright, please do not copy. If any of the featured artists/promoters/venues want copies of the images – or more if available – please just get in touch.
All original pictures / video – copyright to IANB/MEDIA WORKS/ SCENE SUSSEX – Ian “The Lens” Bourn 2018.
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