Antrim punks reunited with special gig
by Neill Cobain
ANTRIM is set to rock to the thrashing sound of punk as a special reunion concert is being held on August 10.
Local punk expert Sean O’Neill is passionate about the rebellious movement that took place over 30 years ago, but while the clothes and hair may have been tidied since then the spirt lives on.
Now Sean believes this is the perfect time to get all the old faces together for a fantastic one-night only event with a lineup packed with punk heroes including the B Sides (an Antrim punk covers band), Shock Treatment 21 and The Defects.
“The time just seemed right I guess, what with recently transmitted BBC TV and Radio PuNk Britannia series and also the recent release of the Good Vibrations film,” Sean told the Times.
He added: “Both left a strong sent of nostalgia in the air, so there seemed like no better time really to try and get as many of the old Antrim punks back together in the same room.
“I do expect to see a lot of old faces who I haven’t seen in years on the night as there are quite a few people travelling from England and further afield to be at this event.
“Even the ex-Mayor of Antrim, Paul Michael - aka Brussellss, his old punk nickname - has indicated that he will be there.”
Sean lived the punk experience and put his knowledge and passion into a book back in 2003, along with Guy Telford.
“It Makes You Want To Spit” contained written contributions from Northern Ireland’s big players in the punk scene and some fantastic photographs that capture the spirit of the era.
“Punk in Antrim. like elsewhere in the province, certainly drew people together, cutting across divisions of class and religion, creating a real sense of camaraderie. It really did feel like us against the world,” Sean said.
He added: “Punk certainly inspired us to question everything, think for ourselves and go out and do our own thing. Antrim had several bands back then too and many lasting friendships were forged.”
The gig will be held in the Back Shed in Antrim on August 10 and a small number of tickets are still available from the Cova Inn.
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Weather for Antrim
Wednesday 19 June 2013
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Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
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