NI punk films, documentaries and TV Shows
A selection of films, documentaries and TV shows that are about NI punk, or feature NI punk bands.
The A Centre or The Lost Tribe Of Long Lane
An edited 30 minute version of The Anarchy Centre Movie (produced by NVTV). Watch it online on Vimeo
The Anarchy Centre Movie
YEAR: 1981 / DIRECTOR: Dave Hyndman / STARRING: Johnny Hero, Greg Cowan, Petesy Burns and others.
The Anarchy Centre was a short lived venue and meeting place for all the punks, gays, anarchists and hippies in Belfast in the early 80’s. The Anarchy Centre Movie is basically a home movie shot by local anarchist Dave Hyndman who went on to record under the name Hit Parade for Crass Records. The film features interviews with the venues patrons as well as members of local bands such as Stalag 17, Ten Past Seven, and The Outcasts. Stalag 17 is also shown playing live in the venue. Never officially released on video or DVD.
The Anarchy Centre was a short lived venue and meeting place for all the punks, gays, anarchists and hippies in Belfast in the early 80’s. The Anarchy Centre Movie is basically a home movie shot by local anarchist Dave Hyndman who went on to record under the name Hit Parade for Crass Records. The film features interviews with the venues patrons as well as members of local bands such as Stalag 17, Ten Past Seven, and The Outcasts. Stalag 17 is also shown playing live in the venue. Never officially released on video or DVD.
Big Time
YEAR: 2002 / DIRECTOR: Roy Wallace / STARRING: Terri Hooley, Greg Cowan, Paddy Calvert and others.
A 27-minute documentary that takes an intimate look at self-styled godfather of Belfast punk and founder of the legendary Good Vibrations record label, Terri Hooley. Contains interviews with Terri and a host of musicians, friends and critics spliced with band footage from the films Shellshock Rock and the Anarchy Centre Movie. Big Time was filmed and directed by Roy Wallace, vocalist with Belfast anarcho-punk band Toxic Waste. The film premiered in Belfast, November 2002. Released on DVD by Belfast Records - DVD002.
http://www.myspace.com/toxicwasteofficial
A 27-minute documentary that takes an intimate look at self-styled godfather of Belfast punk and founder of the legendary Good Vibrations record label, Terri Hooley. Contains interviews with Terri and a host of musicians, friends and critics spliced with band footage from the films Shellshock Rock and the Anarchy Centre Movie. Big Time was filmed and directed by Roy Wallace, vocalist with Belfast anarcho-punk band Toxic Waste. The film premiered in Belfast, November 2002. Released on DVD by Belfast Records - DVD002.
http://www.myspace.com/toxicwasteofficial
Giro's
YEAR: 2010 / STARRING: Petesy Burns, Hilary Midgely, Gareth Gordon, Sheena Bleakney, Stuart Martin and others.
Insightful documentary from Northern Visions (NVTV). This is what the blog says: How a disparate group of young people got together in the time of Thatcher and urged others "don't accept your lot in life". Rediscover the A Centre, Giros, the Belfast Youth & Community Group, Warzine and the strands of the punk movement, which continued throughout the 1980s to build resources and non-sectarian space in Belfast city centre. The experiment lasted 17 years and contributed to building the foundations of the music industry in Northern Ireland. The soundtrack features Stalag 17, Toxic Waste, F.U.A.L, Asylum, Pink Turds In Space and Runnin Riot amongst others. Watch Giro's on Youtube
Insightful documentary from Northern Visions (NVTV). This is what the blog says: How a disparate group of young people got together in the time of Thatcher and urged others "don't accept your lot in life". Rediscover the A Centre, Giros, the Belfast Youth & Community Group, Warzine and the strands of the punk movement, which continued throughout the 1980s to build resources and non-sectarian space in Belfast city centre. The experiment lasted 17 years and contributed to building the foundations of the music industry in Northern Ireland. The soundtrack features Stalag 17, Toxic Waste, F.U.A.L, Asylum, Pink Turds In Space and Runnin Riot amongst others. Watch Giro's on Youtube
It Makes You Want To Spit! (TV)
YEAR: 1978 / STARRING: Henry Cluney, Dennis Forbes, George Doherty, and others.
The first ever documentary about the early punk scene in N. Ireland. Filmed in and around the Pound Club on the edge of Belfast city centre, Spit features clips of early live performances by Stiff Little Fingers, Pretty Boy Floyd & The Gems, and Victim. Members of those bands are also interviewed along with Protex and record producer George Doherty. Produced and broadcast by Ulster Television in early 1978.
The first ever documentary about the early punk scene in N. Ireland. Filmed in and around the Pound Club on the edge of Belfast city centre, Spit features clips of early live performances by Stiff Little Fingers, Pretty Boy Floyd & The Gems, and Victim. Members of those bands are also interviewed along with Protex and record producer George Doherty. Produced and broadcast by Ulster Television in early 1978.
It Makes You Want To Spit: Punk In Ulster
YEAR: 2010 / Director: Dave Hyndman / STARRING: Guy Trelford, Sean O'Neill, Stuart Bailie, Petesy Burns, William Maxwell, Henry McDonald, Terri Hooley and The Defects.
Another documentary from Northern Visions (NVTV) originally recorded in 2003. The blog: Recorded at the book launch of 'IT MAKES YOU WANT TO SPIT' in the Empire, Belfast, authors Sean O'Neill and Guy Trelford tell of their labour of love in compiling this difinitive history of punk in Northern Ireland. Henry McDonald, Stuart Bailey, Terri Hooley, Petesy Burns, William Maxwell also talk about what first attracted them to punk music and the positive influence it had on their lives. The Defects, one of the original 80's Belfast punk bands, give a live energetic performance...and the indomitable Terri Hooley chips in with party piece 'Laugh at Me'. Watch it on Vimeo.
Another documentary from Northern Visions (NVTV) originally recorded in 2003. The blog: Recorded at the book launch of 'IT MAKES YOU WANT TO SPIT' in the Empire, Belfast, authors Sean O'Neill and Guy Trelford tell of their labour of love in compiling this difinitive history of punk in Northern Ireland. Henry McDonald, Stuart Bailey, Terri Hooley, Petesy Burns, William Maxwell also talk about what first attracted them to punk music and the positive influence it had on their lives. The Defects, one of the original 80's Belfast punk bands, give a live energetic performance...and the indomitable Terri Hooley chips in with party piece 'Laugh at Me'. Watch it on Vimeo.
The Outcasts - Live In Dublin
Year: 2012 / Director: Kate McCarroll / Starring: Greg Cowan, Martin Cowan, Raymond Falls, Petesy Burns.
On February 4th 2012 Belfast punk legends The Outcasts took to the stage at the Button Factory, Dublin. This was the bands first gig in Dublin since 1984 when they supported the Clash. Paul McCarroll (producer) and his daughter Kate (director) were there to capture the Outcasts live performance for the bands first ever DVD! On the DVD we are treated to The Outcasts performing 16 choice tracks from their extensive back catalogue, covering every aspect of the band, from the naive snotty charm of the early songs such as Frustration, Just Another Teenage Rebel, Love You For Never etc, to the more aggression fuelled stuff like Mania, Gangland Warfare, Magnum Force, through to the cyber punk of Programme Love and Clinical Love, the psychobilly tinged Seven Deadly Sins, and the obligatory cover - Ruby. Its all there, and more!
Buy the DVD here http://loudfastloud.com/
On February 4th 2012 Belfast punk legends The Outcasts took to the stage at the Button Factory, Dublin. This was the bands first gig in Dublin since 1984 when they supported the Clash. Paul McCarroll (producer) and his daughter Kate (director) were there to capture the Outcasts live performance for the bands first ever DVD! On the DVD we are treated to The Outcasts performing 16 choice tracks from their extensive back catalogue, covering every aspect of the band, from the naive snotty charm of the early songs such as Frustration, Just Another Teenage Rebel, Love You For Never etc, to the more aggression fuelled stuff like Mania, Gangland Warfare, Magnum Force, through to the cyber punk of Programme Love and Clinical Love, the psychobilly tinged Seven Deadly Sins, and the obligatory cover - Ruby. Its all there, and more!
Buy the DVD here http://loudfastloud.com/
Protex - Hurrah (aka Sham Rock)
YEAR: 1980 / DIRECTOR: John T. Davis / STARRING: Protex
Second in the trilogy of Northern Irish punk films by local filmmaker John T. Davis. Belfast band Protex had embarked on a US tour in 1980 and Davis caught up with them in New York on St. Patrick’s Day. This 15-minute film captured the band in playful mood as they mingled with the crowds during the St. Patrick’s Day parade, and at their pop-punk best later that evening when Davis filmed the band performing live at New York’s Hurrah Club. Again, this fim has never been officially released on video or DVD.
Second in the trilogy of Northern Irish punk films by local filmmaker John T. Davis. Belfast band Protex had embarked on a US tour in 1980 and Davis caught up with them in New York on St. Patrick’s Day. This 15-minute film captured the band in playful mood as they mingled with the crowds during the St. Patrick’s Day parade, and at their pop-punk best later that evening when Davis filmed the band performing live at New York’s Hurrah Club. Again, this fim has never been officially released on video or DVD.
Punk As Fuck
YEAR: 1997 / DIRECTOR: Roy Wallace / STARRING: Bill Guiney, jim Gilmore, Petesy Burns, Chris Black, Glynn Crust
Low budget video documentation of the 1997 Toxic Waste / Jobbykrust European tour and the ill-fated Bleeding Rectum / Brawl ‘Daniel O’Donnell Must Die’ tour. Also included is a brief look at the then Belfast punk scene shot mainly in the city’s Limelight venue. Other bands appearing in the film include – MDC, Chaos UK, Citizen Fish, Dirt, Bad Influence, the Real Michael Jackson, and Zene Geva. Released on DVD by Belfast Records - DVD001
http://www.myspace.com/toxicwastebelfast
Low budget video documentation of the 1997 Toxic Waste / Jobbykrust European tour and the ill-fated Bleeding Rectum / Brawl ‘Daniel O’Donnell Must Die’ tour. Also included is a brief look at the then Belfast punk scene shot mainly in the city’s Limelight venue. Other bands appearing in the film include – MDC, Chaos UK, Citizen Fish, Dirt, Bad Influence, the Real Michael Jackson, and Zene Geva. Released on DVD by Belfast Records - DVD001
http://www.myspace.com/toxicwastebelfast
Self Conscious Over You
YEAR: 1980 / DIRECTOR: John T. Davis / STARRING: The Outcasts, Terri Hooley
Third (and last) in the series of films documenting the early Northern Irish punk scene, by acclaimed local filmmaker John T. Davis. The intro features footage of daily life in Belfast city centre and then moves along to Bedford Street to witness the antics of young punk kids gathering for an Outcasts gig in the Ulster Hall. A haunting instrumental version of the Ruefrex song The Perfect Crime accompanies these opening scenes. The cameras then move into the venue to give the viewer an intimate backstage glimpse of The Outcasts and their young fans before moving stage front to witness an incredible live performance by this hugely popular Belfast punk band. Never officially released on video or DVD.
Third (and last) in the series of films documenting the early Northern Irish punk scene, by acclaimed local filmmaker John T. Davis. The intro features footage of daily life in Belfast city centre and then moves along to Bedford Street to witness the antics of young punk kids gathering for an Outcasts gig in the Ulster Hall. A haunting instrumental version of the Ruefrex song The Perfect Crime accompanies these opening scenes. The cameras then move into the venue to give the viewer an intimate backstage glimpse of The Outcasts and their young fans before moving stage front to witness an incredible live performance by this hugely popular Belfast punk band. Never officially released on video or DVD.
Shell Shock Rock
YEAR: 1979 / DIRECTOR: John T. Davis / STARRING: Rudi, Outcasts, SLF, Undertones, Victim, Idiots, and others.
This award winning film by John T. Davis is the first in his trilogy of documentaries on the early days of punk rock in Northern Ireland. Shot at various venues and locations around the province in 1978 and early 1979 Shell Shock Rock captures the excitement and energy created by the bands and fans of the time. Contains live footage and interviews with a whole host of bands – Rudi, The Outcasts, Victim, The Undertones, The Idiots, Rhesus Negative, The Parasites, SLF and Protex – as well as interviews with the fans and the man / woman in the street. After initially being banned, the film finally premiered at the Cork Film Festival in mid 1979. Plans to release a soundtrack album on the Good Vibrations label were shelved due to lack of funding. The film has never been officially released on video or DVD but that may change in the future as Davis shot some updated footage at a Shame Academy / Ex Producers gig as well as filming new interviews in the last couple of years. The full story of Shell Shock Rock can be found in the book 'It Makes You want to Spit!'
John T. Davis on Facebook
This award winning film by John T. Davis is the first in his trilogy of documentaries on the early days of punk rock in Northern Ireland. Shot at various venues and locations around the province in 1978 and early 1979 Shell Shock Rock captures the excitement and energy created by the bands and fans of the time. Contains live footage and interviews with a whole host of bands – Rudi, The Outcasts, Victim, The Undertones, The Idiots, Rhesus Negative, The Parasites, SLF and Protex – as well as interviews with the fans and the man / woman in the street. After initially being banned, the film finally premiered at the Cork Film Festival in mid 1979. Plans to release a soundtrack album on the Good Vibrations label were shelved due to lack of funding. The film has never been officially released on video or DVD but that may change in the future as Davis shot some updated footage at a Shame Academy / Ex Producers gig as well as filming new interviews in the last couple of years. The full story of Shell Shock Rock can be found in the book 'It Makes You want to Spit!'
John T. Davis on Facebook
Teenage Kicks: The Story Of The Undertones
YEAR:2003 / DIRECTOR: Tom Collins / STARRING: The Undertones, Terri Hooley, Seymour Stein, John Peel, Ramones, Ash
This documentary about the seminal Northern Irish pop-punk band the Undertones is narrated / presented by legendary UK DJ John Peel who cites the band’s ‘Teenage Kicks’ as his favourite song ever! The film was the brainchild of filmmaker Vinny Cunnigham, a long time fan and friend of the band, as well as being a fellow Derry man. The film features interviews with the band on their home turf, archive footage, promo videos, and clips of Ash and The Ramones. Released on DVD by Sanctuary - SVEM0044.
This documentary about the seminal Northern Irish pop-punk band the Undertones is narrated / presented by legendary UK DJ John Peel who cites the band’s ‘Teenage Kicks’ as his favourite song ever! The film was the brainchild of filmmaker Vinny Cunnigham, a long time fan and friend of the band, as well as being a fellow Derry man. The film features interviews with the band on their home turf, archive footage, promo videos, and clips of Ash and The Ramones. Released on DVD by Sanctuary - SVEM0044.