The UK Subs, Resistance 77, The Billy Hunts, Fergus.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 6th June 2009.

It's just about a year since Charlie Harper and the UK SUBS last visited Esquires. Tonight, as before, they are playing to a backdrop of a room filled with sweating bodies. Although Charlie may be close to, or actually has, OAP status, his boundless energy and determination to recreate the seventies punk scene shows no sign of decreasing. The appeal and lure of him and the Subs is just as strong, and not just with the older folks. I suppose one of the reasons is that he was, and continues to be, so accessible to the punters who turn up to the gigs and in effect pay his wages. Prior to his performance this evening, he is only too willing to have a chat with anyone, plus he keenly watches all the support bands. A total one-off. Once on stage, he continually swigs from his trusty can of lager at every given opportunity! Launching himself totally into every Subs anthem. A particular favourite "C.I.D" appears fairly early and brings back some good memories. Charlie knows that he's got everyone on his side and tells us an amusing, if somewhat depreciating incident. Recently, the band were appearing on a tour in Spain. The punks were supporting The Zombies (strange combination) and someone apparently came up to Charlie and said "You're a good band, but who are you?"!! Charlie creased up recalling this 'sting in the tail' story.

The atmosphere throughout is red hot, friendly and electric, but with an aggressiveness that naturally emanates from punk. Some people do, unfortunately, encroach on to the stage, but an 'amnesty' is allowed for "Warhead". Especially as it again includes promoter Mojo on backing vocals! "Stranglehold", "Teenage", "Tomorrow's girls" etc etc are all fired out with plenty of energetic enthusiasm during a seventy minute set that seems to leave everybody here totally sated. As Charlie's philosophy continues to be, it's all about 'putting on a show'.

Opening support slot is FERGUS from The Outlaws Of Tombstone. He performs a predominantly blues driven set. However, on the first song "Freedom to Breathe", this acoustic youngster brings us some slightly 'dub-reggae' sounds. "Father Devil" is all about "train robbers in the wild west"! At times, Fergus suffers from a few technical problems, which result in some unwelcome hissing sounds. The naturally ebullient lad makes light of it as he queries the sound guys with a cheeky comment of "Are you sure it ain't distortion!".

Largely covers dominated quartet The BILLY HUNTS well and truly get the party atmosphere started. A smattering of Pistols, Clash, Damned et al, songs are played. However, an interesting choice is "Shot by both sides". Magazine are not usually a band who get a look in. Humorous between songs as well, The Billy Hunts bring us one of their own compositions called "Looking in or looking out". "It's one minute and forty seconds worth" the vocalist shouts out, wryly adding "it's only three chords"!

RESISTANCE 77 are certainly not backward in coming forward about their love and affection of first wave punk. Dressed to a tee, plenty of snarls, all delivered with the mandatory 'terrace-chant' choruses. Snappy guitar licks galore, their front man adopts plenty of de rigeur 'tough guy stances'. However, I am always perplexed by the unifying shouts of "oi, oi, oi!" that always accompany this sort of band. I think it's called 'man-core posturing', perhaps! Naturally, a song called "Punk and oi will never die" is cheered loudly, as is a rather derogatory composition about the police force!