1. THE MUNKS and THE STALLERS @THE MOSH PIT, SYDNEY
Opening act The Stallers pumped out a high-energy set , a mix of obscure garage covers and originals. Loved it , good guys , great players led by head gunslinger DARREN FALCONSTEIN who plays in many other bands like BAHNE SUPER-FLEX. All the way from Ulladulla THE MUNKS pumped out the Raw ROCKNROLL, a sense of humour , showmanship and quality playing. Probably my favourite Semi - local band I've seen in a long time.
2. The JOHNNYS, @THE OLD BOATSHED, MANLY
I saw THE JOHNNYS many times in the ‘80s, one time at Selinas supporting the HOODOO GURUS and THE JOHNNYS blew them away. It's ow 2024 , 40 years later. SPENCER, unfortunately, isn't there but HOODY, SLIM and BILLY still blasting the stuff that hooked me as a teenager.
3. The DAMNED @ENMORE THEATRE, SYDNEY
Some bands get old and bitter, these guys don't. The more I listen to THE DAMNED the more I appreciate and love them. Punk, Goth, Pop - call them what you want, I call them awesome. RAT SCABIES was a highlight, I didn't realise how good a drummer he was.....possibly second only to CLEM BURKE.
4. NEW CHRISTS @HELLNATION
Hellnation is a mini festival at Newcastle. Hats off to the organisers. Hellnation looks after punters and bands. Two stages, each band gets 40 minutes to showcase their wares. An indoor and outdoor stage. After 10 or so bands you tend to get tired and emotional. Then, THE NEW CHRISTS started. “We Have Landed” was the opener and it kept getting better. These guys can play !!! They have a fine pedigree and it really showed. A highlight.
5. RUBBER NECKER @HELLNATION
Quirky. Intense. Throbbing. Funky. Wait, I don't even like funk, but it works. The lead singer is on another planet and no-one in the band looks or talks with each other on-stage but out of this comes this chaotic frenzy that works. BIRTHDAY PARTY, GANG OF FOUR .....but different. Couldn't take my eyes off them.
6. SPACE BOOZZIES @LINK AND PIN, WOY WOY
I didn't know what to expect but I was blown away by how good SPACE BOOZIES were. I believe AL CREED was a recent addition to the band and anything he gets involved with is quality. Blazing Rock, Punk, throw in a Sunday arvo in the sun at the Link and its a winner. The best venue, best staff and best fun, isn't that what it's about?
7. BUZZCOCKS @The METRO, SYDNEY
Always suspicious when bands have one original member, in this case after the passing of PETE SHELLEY, but STEVE DIGGLE was fantastic. A showman. You forget how many songs he did sing for BUZZCOCKS. Older stuff, new stuff, it all sounded great. I hate it when bands go through the motions, leaving loyal punters disappointed . Diggle and Co don't. They really love what they do and it shows.
8. VAN RUIN: “JAILS, DEATH and INSTITUTIONS”
The new recording from PHIL VAN ROOYEN, AL CREED and STU WILSON . I took a listen. I can hear HELLACOPTERS, BIRDMAN, RIFLES and a hint of SUNNYBOYS’ guitar tones. Great vocals, harmonies and playing that is second-to-none. If they've played in THE PANADOLLS, DR FRUITWORLD, NEW CHRISTS, THE CRISPS etc etc , they have to be good. Yeah, they are!
9. WESTS TIGERS 34-MANLY WARRINGAH 26 @LEICHHARDT OVAL.
My second wife is The Mighty Tigers, This was a full house. Definitely softens the pain of a third wooden spoon. Bring on 2025
10. THE SAINTS '73-'78 @THIRROUL
I haven't seen them yet but with a line-up that includes ED KUEPPER, IVOR HAY, MICK HARVEY, PETER OXLEY and MARK ARM it has to be great! “Eternally Yours” is my most played album, ever. I've seen the late CHRIS BAILEY’S various line ups of THE SAINTS, only to feel ripped off by his sarcasm and disrespect of the paying public. This will be different. I can't wait! Ed delivers.
Here DISGRACELand here.
