STIFF LITTLE FINGERS
Cardiff The Point
14/10/2008
1979 The year Maggie Thatcher came to power,
Nottingham Forest won the European Cup, Buggles released Video
Killed the Radio Star and I saw Stiff Little Fingers for
the first time. It all seems such a long time ago, and as I approach
the venue I wonder if by now I should have matured and been at home
listening to Frank Sinatra, whilst reading the Daily Mail in front of
a roaring log fire. Then the Fingers take to the stage, and
the opening chords of Wasted Life blast from the speakers,
and I think Fuck No! - Ill never stop loving
punk rock!!
Judging by the full house in attendance tonight I am not the only one
who holds these Belfast boys (er.. middle aged men) in such high esteem.
Whilst
Jake Burns waistline has expanded somewhat with the passing
of time, no one can deny the fire and brimstone that remains in
his gravel-tainted voice and he still sings with passion and gusto songs
that were written nearly 30 years ago. Its difficult now to see
how relevant songs like Suspect Device, Barbed
Wire Love and Alternative Ulster were back in times
when
the mass slaughter of innocents was a daily occurrence in both
Northern Ireland and mainland UK. They gave a voice to the disenfranchised
youth at a time when the only other notable band from the Province
(The Undertones) were content to sing songs about chocolate and
girls.
The assembled masses had a nice age range and Im sure there was
more than one father and son combo in attendance. The sound was tight,
and note
perfect, as befits a band who tour relentlessly and pride themselves
on their live performances. The night's second song was also the
title of their second album Nobodys Heroes, and
it set the tone for the night in as much as whilst the odd newish track
was inserted, by and large the set list was culled from the first three
albums. 'Roots Radicals Rockers and Reggae' rounded off a
blistering opening, by which time Jake Burns was starting to sweat
profusely and send sprays of sweat arcing from his fevered brow every time
he changed direction mid skank.
It was also nice to see Ali McMordie return to the SLF fold after many
years absence, although it should be said that Bruce Foxton had
been a more than able replacement for the last 15 years.
Midriff-wise time had been kinder to Mr McMordie and in truth he
was positively svelt, although it appeared to come at the price
of losing his hair. However with his bass slung low he strode the
stage with a certain amount of brooding menace.
Roaring Boys Part 1 and 2 made an appearance from the Tinderbox
album, but then it was straight back to the oldies but goodies.
Silver Lining, At the Edge and Safe as
Houses followed in quick succession, and the band seemed
to be enjoying the night as much as the enthusiastic crowd. So it continued
with Doesnt Make it All Right, which they were quick
to acknowledge came courtesy of the Specials. Piccadilly
Circus and Barbed Wire Love were both cracking
and then a personal favourite in Strummerville which
was, as always, dedicated to the greatest frontman
that ever walked the planet (Joe RIP). Just Fade Away
rounded off the night, but you just knew that they would be back
for more.
A quick return to the stage prompted the encore beginning with their
1978 debut Suspect Device (can it be that long ago?), and
then Tin Soldiers. Finally a song that is their anthem and
should be held in as high esteem as Anarchy in the UK
just for the sheer impact that it had when released. The crowd
duly paid homage to Alternative Ulster and with it one of
the most
recognisable intros in punk rock history. The songs has truly
stood the test of time, and with the crowd and band united in bellowing
out one last Get an Alternative Ulster
gonna get it
now! they were gone into the night.
Will I be back to see them next time? Just try stopping
me !!
Bones
Set list
(courtesy of Cockney Bird who risked life, limb and her virginity to get
it off the bouncers!)
Wasted Life
Nobodys Heroes
Roots Radical Rockers and Reggae
Roaring Boys
Silver Lining
At the Edge
Safe as Houses
Guitar and Drum
Doesnt make it all Right
Piccadilly Circus
Cant Get Away With That
Barbed Wire Love
Strummerville
Fade Away
Suspect Device
Tin Soldiers
Alternative Ulster
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