Rebellion Top 5's

Rebellion Top 5's

Top 5 moments from Rebellion 2012

The anti-fascist sing songs from Los Fastidios, the Filaments and Hard Skin - whilst it may have been less prevalent than in recent years there is still a small number

of people who believe themselves to be superior due to the colour of their skin.  This year there was some great sing along moments and three stand outs are from bands

who actively proclaim themselves as anti-fascist.  It is with great irony that I stood amongst 1500 people proclaiming at the top of my straight edge voice the hard

skin anthem "We've still got beer"

Neville Staples looking after his daughter.  One thing about punk is the anti-hero sentiment prevalent in many songs.  Both SLF and Neville Staples proclaimed from the

stage "Everyone is SOmeone" and how true that is.  everyone is someones son or daughter and for many attending rebellion they also have duties as parents.  Whilst it

was heartening to see a large number of kids in attendance with their guardians it was great to see Neville looking out for his daughter in the crowd as near 2,000

people were skanking along to doesn't make it alright.  She was up the front having a great time - her first pun k gig.  Meanwhile Neville was slightly uneasy but n ot

letting it get to his performance

Literary Stage - it was great to hear the history of punk being spoke by people who were there in 77.  Slaughter and the Dogs gave a great insight into Manchester of

the day, Viv Albertine spoke educationally about London, John King spoke of the influence of punk rock his writings and Pete from the Lurkers spoke of their travels.

This really ought to be filmed and made available for all as John Robb asked just the right questions to tease out the stories from the history makers.

The MOB were haunting in the Pavillion.  It was a superb venue for them, maybe 400 capacity and their harrowing sound was perfect for it.  An amazing intense set that

belied their years and who could believe that album was over 20 years ago

The Acoustic Stage is a gem - many classics are unearthed every year.  This time around it was my introduction to Ginger Wildheart.  I was simply amazed to see so many

people singing along and having a great time, nowing every song, anticipating every move.

Top 5 t-shirts
We did a very scientific search on t-shirts n display - looked at them all and tried to remember which were most popular band by their merch

Resistance 77 - wierd that they fell the need to explain their patriotism but even wierder that england seems to be mentioned on all their shirts

Cock Sparrer - perennial Rebellion favourites, there was less on display than previously but still easily into the top 5

UK Subs, evergreen Charlie Hrper must have released a tshirt every year the band has been in existence, that alone would guarantee a fair amount but the subs must be

up there for the number 1 spot

Restarts - I was surprised at how many shirts siad restarts on them. increasing in number each year

Gimp Fist + SLF - i was tempted to go see them as their was so many oversize adults proclaiming their alleginace to the band.  Unfortunaltely I still don't know what they sound like but strangely feel acquainted witht h band as there was so much, SLF were equal in numbers and the stiff little fingers can make a nice gimp fist!!

Top 5 ways to improve Rebellion

I loved the festival this year, altough I'm a recent enojugh convert over the past 5 years this was my favourite one so far.  Lots of good diverse bands and with so

much to do.  I love that it's on in Blackpool as the tatty slightly decaying seaside town is such a perfect home for the punks.  As with everything there is room for

improvement, here's my suggestions

Liase with Blackpool Tourist Agency - it's nmot enough for the Blackpool Gazette to welcome the punks in their editorial more of the local restaurants and businesses

need to recognise the value of attracting 6,000 people into theire shops over the weekend.  I noticed one cafe doing a 15% discount for attendees, some more of that

would be very welcome.

More VEGGIE Food - It is obvious by the empty fridge section in the nearby Holland and barrett and the sparse salad shelves in M&S that a punk rocker likes thier vegetarian food.  unfortunately we're not all vegan but there is a large contingent of us that are.  In the Winter Gardens itself the catering on display isn't great for the veggies but it is all in house.  The nearby chippers (of which there are many) have greasy fare of fish and chips and battered sausages, many of us don't want this type of grub.  If some influence could be put on winter gardens to have a better selection for us animal rights championers that would be a winner

It's an independent music festival celebrating punk rock and its alternative culture.  There are many stalls selling items from punk rock key rings to coasters and clothes and some records.  Bands get a look in when they are on stage and set up pop up stalls along the way. How good would it be to have stalls dedicated to up and coming punk and indie labels.  Labels like Boss Tuneage http://www.bosstuneage.com/ who do a great job publicizing the old and the new.  It's not all about Captain Oi!!

Fanzines - It's not just where have all the bootboys gone you know? What happened to all the zines.  I know they are a bit sparse but no way have they all vanished. Are people allowed sell zines at it?  How great would it be to have a stall with zines, it could lead to a resurgence in this way of documenting our scene

Books - it is great to hear the interviews John Robb does on the literary stage, fabulous insight into the history and hopefully will be recorded some day.  Why is it only books from people speaking at these go on sale?  Let's push our counter culture, let rebrellion be the stage for those putting out their own books, their own records, their own zines.  Let it be a voice for creativity.