Scottish Punk - The Ginger Quiff

The Zips – IOU

September 14, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

The Zips , arguably the finest Scottish punk band to emerge from the first wave of punk, and definitely, and defiantly, the most vital and valid to this day, just listen to Hear Hear from Down With The Zips, a more perfect analogy for the debacle that is Westminster you will never hear. Jonzip is a prophet.

Another prophetic announcement arrived this week in the form of the artwork for The Zips new album due later in the year. The artwork is a collaboration of Strummer/Clash fans, the band and local talented artists Stephen Scott. Stephen has produced a number of paintings of The Clash over the years (a print of one of these takes pride of place on my living room wall).… Read the rest

Punk Fests – Old v New – Scotland Calling & Dammit-Fest 2019

April 22, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

Scotland Calling

This weekend sees the return of Glasgow’s annual festival of punk, Scotland Calling. Into its 6th year now, I’ve been to them all so far and it has always been a good day out and an opportunity to catch up with friends.

Like every festival, there are bands that suit our tastes and others that give us an opportunity to take a break. Head out for a drink or something to eat in the many hostelries and eating establishments on and around Sauchiehall Street.

We have joked every year about the line-up, with some bands making several appearances.… Read the rest

The Red Eyes – Man and Boy – Alan Bishop

January 14, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Alan Bishop – The Red Eyes

2017 was a big year for The Red Eyes. They released their 4^th album – the masterpiece that is “Man and Boy” and marked their 20^th anniversary with a tremendous gig in Audio playing 2 sets – one with original 90’s line up and their headline “Man and Boy” set. The Red Eyes were joined on the night backed up by Fudgie McFadden’s “Strung Out Nights” and Heavy Drapes, who are due to release their debut album in 2018.

I caught up with Alan Bishop to find out a bit more about his thoughts and experiences of the last 20 years.… Read the rest

Crimedesk and Thirteen – Album/EP reviews

September 11, 2017 By neilho27@sky.com

It’s a bit of a coincidence that I received Crimedesk’s album and Thirteen’s EP within a few days of each other.

I say this, as I’ve recently featured Drunk Gods and earlier this year I saw all 3 bands in Ivory Blacks. It was a great nights entertainment. 3 very different bands in sound but all enjoyed by a small but enthusiastic crowd.

In another coincidence, the gig should also have featured Heavy Drapes. I also wrote about recently, unfortunately they had to pull out at the last-minute.

Crimedesk – Louder…..FASTER

Crimedesk have been around and about since ’79 and are a hard-gigging 3 piece punk band from Fife featuring the 2 Alan(n)s on guitar and bass & vocals and John on drums.… Read the rest