SPIZZENERGI, Guitar Gangsters and The Phobics: LIVE

SPIZZENERGI – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

SPIZZENERGI, Guitar Gangsters and The Phobics: LIVE
The Prince Albert Brighton: 8 December 2024.

An Alternative Gathering did it again! Three great live bands, no more lazing on a Sunday Afternoon!

From the moment I stepped inside the venue, I could feel the energy of the crowd. Everyone was buzzing with excitement, eager to see these three bands take the stage, The Phobics, Guitar Gangsters and headliners SPIZZENERGI. The atmosphere on a rather chilly Sunday afternoon was electric with anticipation, and I knew this was going to be an afternoon to remember.

SPIZZENERGI

SPIZZENERGI – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The venue was full of people, it was a SOLD OUT show! People, all eagerly waiting for theSPIZZENERGI show to begin. The sound of chatter and laughter filled the air as fans shared their excitement with one another. The lights went up as Spizz made his way to the stage and the crowd cheered with excitement. The stage was set, and the anticipation was high.

SPIZZENERGI – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

No messing about we were straight into Airships and then a sizzling cover of Hang On To Yourself! That’s how to do it! Damn that was fun. Spizz and the guys were all looking great and sounding sharp. The was the last gig of the First Farewell Tour 2024. The energy was infectious and it was impossible not to get swept up in the excitement. The band members, dressed in their rock attire, looked out at the crowd with big smiles on their faces. There was evidence of much guy liner on display, and the heavy make up was on for Phil Ross tonight.

The lead singer, Spizz, greeted the crowd and thanked them for coming out to see them play. The audience responded with even louder cheers, and it was clear that Spizz and the band always have a special connection with their fans.

SPIZZENERGI:

Spizz – vocals, Luca – guitars and vocals, Phil – Guitars and vocals, Alan on the sticks and vocals, and today John was thumping his bass guitar.

For many in the audience, seeing SPIZZENERGI live is a trip down memory lane. The band played most of their classics hits, transporting us back in time. That being said we were given a couple of newer songs, Christmas In Denmark Street and a newer song The Death Of The Free Man.

The set list for this show was jam packed with our favourites. As the night went on, SPIZZENERGI delivered hit after hit, after that storming opening, we were treated to Mega City 3,Soldier Soldier, European Hero and a newer track Shallow End. Each song was a reminder of why Spizz and his bands were such an important part of the music landscape in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

SPIZZENERGI – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Also getting a rare live outing was Bowies Valentines Day. Spizz informed us that Tony Visconti had produced the original and also the SPIZZENERGI version. “This next one may get me killed” said Spizz as he unfurled a flag of Trump. It was dropped to the floor and then Spizz proceeded to stamp all over it!

SPIZZENERGI – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

In addition to their classic hits, SPIZZENERGI surprised the crowd with some lesser-known deep cuts and rarities that left us all pleasantly surprised. Red and Black highlighted the band’s ability to experiment with different sounds and styles, while Christmas in Denmark Street is a stunning, thought provoking and atmospheric ballad that showed a softer side of the band. Luca laying down some superb fret work for that one. Denmark Street was quite heavy this afternoon, I would love to see Luca strap on an acoustic for that one and hear it done almost unplugged.

SPIZZENERGI – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

They played a few more songs, including City Of Eyes, and the crowd on their feet for the entire time did not stop dancing, singing and fist pumping the air. Lets not forget Here Come The Machines!

It was clear that the members of SPIZZENERGI have a strong bond and a deep appreciation for one another’s talents. Their chemistry was palpable, and it added an extra element of excitement to an already incredible show.

SPIZZENERGI – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

SPIZZENERGI’s lead singer, Spizz, has an incredible stage presence that keeps the audience engaged from the moment he stepped on stage in his red dotted face. He encouraged audience interaction throughout the show, often prompting us to sing along, Virginia Plain for example. Spizz with many restarts of the chorus he was not going to progress the song until he was satisfied that we all joined in with “what’s your name…..VIRGINIA PLAIN!”. The energy in the room was electric as everyone joined in, creating a sense of unity and community that only live music can provide.

As the set drew to a close, SPIZZENERGI closed the set with a rousing rendition of Clocks Are Big/Where’s Captain Kirk/Spocks Missing. The crowd sang along with every word, and as the final notes rang out, we were all left with a sense of nostalgia and a renewed appreciation for this legendary performer and his band. Time for one more? The Prince Albert crowd wasn’t ready to say goodbye just yet, as an encore, I fought The Law fired up. Stunning!

SPIZZ ENERGI – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Catch Spizz and SPIZZENERGI if they play near you. It’s fun and always unpredictable. SPIZZENERGI are always a truly exciting band to go and see live and I can only recommend that you get to see them as soon as you can!

SPIZZENERGI – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

SPIZZENERGI are on the WWW here!

GUITAR GANGSTERS

Guitar Gangsters: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

They have played live in 28 countries including the USA, Brazil and Malta! They have toured England with Stiff Little Fingers and toured Europe with The Lurkers, 999 and TV Smith. Guitar Gangsters have been at almost every punk festival in Europe and continue to play with the poignancy and attitude that drove them to hang their guitars around in 1987. They still play like they have to save their own ass, or at least the future of rock ‘n’ roll as we know it!

Guitar Gangsters: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Unique – what better way to describe Guitar Gangsters than by using that one word? If you have not already heard of this band, you have been deprived for far too long (or you have not been keeping up with local gig guides). The Gangsters incorporate several different styles into their sound. They’ve got a really modern tone with punk, some trashy blues rock and roll and some traditional heavier sections thrown in for good measure.

Guitar Gangsters: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

There’s no shortage of chunky and speedy riffs here as the guys dig back through their album catalogue. We were played a good few tracks of an extraordinary albums Fortune Favours The Brave and also an earlier album Sex and Money. Love this outfit and I have both albums, err, and a Tshirt!

Guitar Gangsters: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Pete Ley is the lead singer/guitarist for the Gangsters along with Ed Sonsino is also is responsible for the powerful guitar sound. Phil Ley plucks at the bass and pulls off some classic bass player rock stances, and Chris Benton beats the hell out of the skins. All of the playing during this set was top notch, it really was a loud and faultless set.

Pete Ley on guitars and vocals, Phil Ley on bass and vocals, Ed Sonsino on guitars and vocals and Chris Benton on the kit.

Guitar Gangsters are really of particular interest because they manage to be quite heavy at times while still having the ability bounce around with an almost early Green Day/Ramones/Pistols punk sound to touch your soul on some of their songs.

You’re in for an exciting and interesting listening experience if you see them play live. The set opened with Turn The Tables, Radio Shakedown into the brilliant Fifty Dangerous Things, and another back catalogue classic , Class of ‘76.

The wonderful Pat Collier, who sadly passed away in July 2024, had a hand in a good number of the Gangsters tracks. Pure class.

Guitar Gangsters: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

It’s an intense and uncompromising 30 minute performance that really slaps you in the face with soaring guitars, blistering bass and a solid wall of percussion. The songs are fast paced, the drum patterns and bass fills combine to give a heavy thrilling ride that won’t disappoint. All of the songs are a pleasure to listen to. There are no subpar outings in this set and every song stands out for its very own reason. I just wish they had squeezed in their cover of The Sound Of Silence!

They play a great set that perfectly fits in with the day with plenty of catchy, entertaining songs and some fine worthy lyrics. Many of the songs played just cant be bettered. The set closed with Fortune Favours The Brave, the superb Shut Up and Get Me A Drink and finally Undefeated.

Guitar Gangsters: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Do you want to be blown away? Go and see Guitar Gangsters and they will answer your prayers!

Guitar Gangsters can be found on Facebook – here!

THE PHOBICS

The PHOBICS: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

THE PHOBICS Formed in Deptford a few years back by punk survivors and misfits with a love of raw rock n roll LAMF! The Phobics are in no way shrinking violets! They hit you full on as soon as they hit the floor. It’s a beautiful thing!  These guys have combined energetic vocals with punk fuelled melodies, hitting you with finely crafted pure, raw rock n roll, and embedded are those crafted sentiments, observations and stories the song lyrics portray and deliver. It is a special thing.

The Phobics took to the stage to warm-up proceedings and they really did do a great job.

The Band:

Paul Mathie – guitars / Tony Moynihan – bass / Tom Crossley – vocals / Charlie Gurney – drums / Jeffrey Wallace – guitars

The bass at times was played like a lead guitar by Tony, with some hot guitar playing from stage left and right. Some very cool drumming from the man at the back. They all pulled off some damn admirable playing during their set. Five unique band members, a cool lead vocalist and put them together and you have The Phobics.

The PHOBICS: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

They were back in Brighton to give us a polished show, they put on a real performance that us punk lovers could lose ourselves within. These guys are passionate and it shows from the get go. When I last spoke to Tom C, I said I really hope you are planning more gigs on the South Coast! Two years later here they are. They have some cracking new material following the sublime album Burnt Rubber. A new album Gimme Cyanide is about to drop…

The PHOBICS: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

A celebration of all that is great about punk and rock’n’roll was about to be unleashed, My Best Friend, Hang 10 and then that new title track Gimme Cyanide. What an opening salvo. Damn that was good! A chat from Tom introducing the next one Brand New Jag.

They play super catchy pop-punk rock that sits somewhere between Heartbreakers, Buzzcocks and New York Dolls. The tunes are off the charts and we were treated to tracks from the soon to be released new album. There is barely a second’s pause between each song. It’s as if the five-piece – with splayed legs and guitars raised aloft. In the middle of the PHOBICS mayhem is the cool, calm and collected front man Tom, who continued to deliver the songs and engage with some fine humour and chat.

The PHOBICS: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Dreamworld, Give It A Go were in the set and we were treated to the brilliant Nearly Man and Burnt Rubber to close.

The Phobics have a great sense of humour, never forgetting that music is supposed to be fun!

If you haven’t already done so, you really need to see this fine outfit live or, if that’s not possible, at least give their albums a good listen… you’ll be in for a treat!

The Phobics have consistently proved themselves to be a great band and I can only hope that they find time to come back soon.

The PHOBICS: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Good to have a quick catch-up, Great job yet again Phobics.

The Phobics are on Facebook – here!

And Finally…

I can tell you – Rock n’ Roll will not die or fade away! Well, not as long as the SPIZZENERGI, GUITAR GANGSTERS and The PHOBICS are around doing what they do! Quite a few folk were in attendance for this Sold Out An Alternative Gathering show

And, when it was all over, the Albert crowd looked good and satisfied. We had been entertained, and thoroughly rocked by three great outfits. It was cool for me to see the these bands again, its been a while!  This was a good, positive afternoon of top notch punk and rock and roll music, from the beginning to the end. A great line up from Brighton promoter Andy Cavendish and his Alternative Gathering team. The sound quality and production was excellent tonight. A great afternoon out, and indeed worth every penny! Every band deserve their own headline slot.

Thanks to:
SPIZZENERGI
GUITAR GANGSTERS
THE PHOBICS
And Andy

A Huuuge shout out to Andy C and An Alternative Gathering

Words and photos by Ian Bourn.

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