TV SMITH
There’s something about trying to put on a punk festival in Portsmouth. They’re almost destined not to run smoothly. However unlike Punk by the Sea several years ago, Southsea Punk Fest by all accounts fell apart due to the owners of the venue. Not the organisers.
In fact, the organisers were able to resurrect the festival with Punkfest 2.0 and a new location at the Dockyard Club, Southsea. Although a number of bands down, it was to be TV Smith followed the Members that would go on to take the headliner spots.
Acid Attack, the Smokin’ Prophets and the Gloria’s
Before the 2 bigger names on the bill were 3 local bands, starting with Acid Attack. They were around in the early 80’s before going on a 32-year hiatus. Like many punk bands, the line-up may have changed, but the original angst is still there. Good start to the night.
Next up were another band who split up for a while, only they’re not old enough for it to have been anywhere near as long. The Smokin’ Prophets may have put things on hold briefly, but they’re back with a bang. Sound quality during their set wasn’t at its best, however the rock n roll influence of Johnny Thunders still clearly shone through.
Another band hindered by issues were the Gloria’s. This was after all a punk rock gig, so who expects things to go smoothly? With a last-minute replacement behind the drum kit, the Gloria’s played a gig they clearly weren’t happy with. However, overall I’m pretty sure things weren’t quite as bad as they thought. As for on record, keep an eye out for a review of “Life’ll Get Ya” coming soon-ish on Mr Teeth Reviews.
ACID ATTACK
TV Smith and the Members
He’s made an appearance in Portsmouth a few times over the years now. It’s easy to see why too, for TV Smith armed with just his acoustic guitar draws in the crowds. Once the founding member of punk band the Adverts, TV Smith these days is more your acoustic protest singer.
He has, after all, got plenty to protest about. “It’s expensive being poor” lyrically continues to ring true. Even when Smith played a track “for the other side” it was obvious where his pollical opinions fall. There was also the obligatory airing of the Adverts hit single “Gary Gilmore’s Eyes” and the fact the PA appeared to cut out, didn’t seem to bother anyone.
The Members ended up headlining Punkfest 2.0 and by this point, the crowd were starting to get into it. Up until that point, the audience had remained fairly static but tracks such as “Offshore Monkey Business” got the punks up dancing.
Another band that has gone through numerous line-up changes, the Members these days have an element of dad rock about them. Singer JC Carroll made a few jokes that fell on deaf ears, but musically they were spot on. The cover of Kraftwerk’s “the Model” being an unexpected highlight.
Then as the Members called it a night with their own hit single “Sounds of the Suburbs” it was an emotional job well done for the organisers. Punk rock in Portsmouth, you can try and bring it down, but it will always come back fighting.
THE MEMBERS
