PLAGUE UK – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Plague UK – scroll down for video!
These guys steamed back into Brighton for a set at Brightons Prince Albert on Monday 30 December 2019. They were part of a New Years Eve Eve gig hosted by The Piranhas 4+.
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 national 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.
Well, now its time to let lose this monster of a the band. The band continuing to use the new name, and a settled collection of fine musicians, with the original Plague creator and front man Marc Jefferies. We were ready to see the guys return and bring it to Brighton and spread the sound and energy of Plague UK.
The Band:
Marc Jefferies – Guitar / Vocals
PLAGUE UK – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Simon Godfrey – Guitar / Vocals
PLAGUE UK – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Martin Taylor – Bass / Backing Vocals
PLAGUE UK – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Lee Morrell – Drums / Backing Vocals
PLAGUE UK – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Make no mistake, these guys are all accomplished, talented musicians. They have come together from various other sources to bring Plague UK to life. It was fabulous to spend some time with the guys pre gig and catch up since we last met. Their gig schedule has massively increased, and I have to say Plague UK are one of my top go to bands if they are playing. Simon had also explained how the sounds and influences had changed since last time. There was more punk, more rock, some MOD influences and he has taken over more vocal duties. They had released an EP and now have an album Vaccination. They are collaborating on a vinyl EP release in early 2020 working with Tony Smith of Sounds Of The Suburbs record store in London.
PLAGUE UK – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Getting Up And Making A Row…
I am a huge fan of these guys and I had been looking forward to this gig for months. To kick off a 40 minute set track one from the album was up Noise. Oh yes! Thanks guys – I needed this gig of live punk and rock and roll. The drums from Lee and then the bass from Martin sparked up with album track followed with Fake News. Simon on vox for this which at times provided you with a punk ska sound.
PLAGUE UK – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
The powerful Idiot Kid with some biting lyrics was next. Hell, the power these guys generate is unforgettable and Marc nails those vocals. This was turning out to be an exciting set, pure punk, 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 back in the day. This was followed up with Shit Happens.
PLAGUE UK – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
You have to be impressed with the way these four play, its fast and tight. Their catalogue of material was put into a brilliantly crafted set mixing EP tracks, album content and new material. They deliver this without any of their songs sounding similar or tired. Plague UK were not going to stop, we didn’t want them to. Hell, as their name implies they as infectious as the Plague!
PLAGUE UK – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
The set blistered along including a single release Red Button which is not on the album. The title track of their wonderful EP Dont Worry (’bout you and me) was in the mix. Another album track So We Stand is fired into our faces, again a strong anthem of a song. Martin was plagued with gremlins on his bass for a while. The band kept on as he tried to rectify the fault. A swift thump to the top of the amp sorted it! And his bass was most definitely back in the room!
PLAGUE UK – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Wasted…
The stand proceeded at breakneck speed and intensity, with another track from the fine album Wasted. There was a fine drumming selection from Lee, the man at the back on drums. His beat production prowess is beyond question. He is brilliant at what he does and is delightful to watch. Well done Lee for mentioning the lighting and getting it sorted.
Nickin’ In The Car Park and that song In Love ended a full throttle set. Marc and Simon compliment each other with their guitar skills and vocals. Martin and Lee working together gluing it all together with some strong bass and dums I bloody well enjoyed that guys – a top set nailed!
A VIDEO…
Nickin’ In The Car Park – LIVE!!
And Finally…
After successfully being voted as best act on the introducing stage, the band are performing on the main stage, 28 Feb The Great British Alternative Weekender, Minehead, United Kingdom
These guys were good, real good! It really doesn’t get much better than this.
Piranhas 4: Plague UK were part of a New Years Eve Eve gig hosted by The Piranhas 4+, catch up on the whole evening with sets from Piranhas 4 and Unorfadox – HERE.
Catch Plague UK on the WWW.
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All original pictures / video – copyright to IANB/MEDIA WORKS/ SCENE SUSSEX – Ian “The Lens” Bourn 2019.
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