Harp Bar reunion
featuring - Stage B, The Outcasts, The Androids, Henry Cluney, Protex, Shock Treatment 21, Brian Young, Terri Hooley @ the Black Box, Belfast, 08/09/2012
The ex punks!! were out in force ,fat, fifty plus and back on the sacred cobbles where the legendary 'Harp Bar' once stood.
Many of the baldy nappered ,wrinkly faces are now virtually unrecognisable as the spikey topped teens with attitude who in very dangerous times lived an alternative lifestyle and created a scene that still reverberates over 35 years later.
Hypocritically, the modern day local government establishment who didn't want anything to do with these undesireable yobs back in the day now want to erect one of those blue historical location plaques on the spot (or as close to) where the real 'Harp Bar' once stood.
They may-be doing a spot of band wagon jumping years too late by finally recognising and dedicating it to the very deserving recipient 'Terri Hooley' and 'Good Vibrations' which will sweeten the pill for them. But if justice is to be done the Belfast punks who were there in those early dark days and beyond will also get a much deserved mention on that circular piece of tin along with the self professed old hippy anarchist.
The Black box was surprisingly crammed with a lot of the old 'Harp'regulars who were there when it mattered, plus a film crew and a lot of unknown punters who probably never actually set foot in the place during its hey-day, unless it was possibly to eat the manky pickled eggs festering in a jar on the bar or to get their rocks off watching the much less than exotic / erotic lunchtime strippers.
Shock Treatment , The Androids , Henry Cluney , Protex, The Outcasts , Stage B all made it a night to remember, sadly for one band I love due to techno circumstances well beyond their control it was a night they'll certainly want to forget.
(Not really a) surprise guest 'Brian Young' rounded the night off in fine style with a six song acoustic set of 'Rudi' classics, which during the final number 'Big Time' kicked off a stage invasion instigated by Joe Zero / Moody from 'The Androids' (my fav reformed band on the bill , got their setlist pre-gig from the wall in the Oh Yeah centre as $$ was rehearsing the same room) he was also joined by Dowey Sinc , Terri Hooley and Liam Killan (Sabrejets) on backing vocals. The crowd erupted into a mass 'singalongayoungsy' , it was the perfect ending to a great night.
Well done to the organiser 'William Maxwell', who put in a lot of hard graft as always to make it happen, thanks from all of us man!.
In a review I did of the brilliant 'It Makes You Want Spit Book' launch at the 'Empire' back 2003 , I stated that after the event that it felt like a full stop had been put on the original punk scene and this was a fitting end to the story , how wrong was I ?
Like many others I've spoken to since last Saturdays gig I hope this doesn't become an anual event, this really should be the end of the line . Lets go out on a high , don't be tempted to spoil the memory by ripping the arse out of it and dragging the carcass out one more time even if next year is the 35th anniversary of the 'Harp Bar' opening, theres really no need for a second installment.
There was a few members from some of the new breed of teenage bands in attendence tonight checking out their glorious heritage, many VX badges and a few VX tshirts were on display. We've had our well documented time in the spotlight , lets move on and give the youth their moment to shine.
Thanks to all 40 of the band members,ex original punks and everyone else connected to the glory days who signed the 'David Worth' Harp Bar print on the night . if I missed anyone out at the gig then sorry, but I couldn't see a thing as the venue was so dark. When I get it all spruced up and framed etc which will take a while, I will post a message and pic online with details as to what the next step will be .The entire proceeds raised from the sale will be going to charity, so any legitimate and sensible offers will be welcome for this very rare piece of signed art and social history. There will be a whole bunch of bonus 'Time to be Proud' cd releasess kindly donated by Mr Maxwell also included.
More info will follow very soon, watch this space.Please support a very worthy cause.
Cheers.
Our work is done, NI Punk RIP.
Joe Donnelly Belfast 13.9.12.
Scroll on down for my own view of the nights events, a link to Mully's review, and a choice selection of photo's by Joe.
Having been a member at the Harp Bar back in the 70's, I was looking forward to the Harp Bar reunion since it's announcement, especially as one of my favourite bands, Stage B, was reforming for the gig, something I thought I'd never see. When I heard that The Androids were reforming too - well, that was just the icing on the cake! The only thing that could've topped that would've been Rudi reforming!
As it stands, the Harp Bar reunion was the best gig and nights craic (for us oldies at least) since the launch gig for mine and Sean's book 'It Makes You Want To Spit!' back in 2003.
Shock Treatment 21 (lead by the dynamic Davy Treatment, a founding member of the original band) kicked of the nights entertainment in electrifying style with a supercharged punk reworking of 'On The Line' (which was far superior to the original)! The band played a short set of reworked Shock Treatment songs - but in some cases I would have prefered the original versions - 'Belfast Telegraph' (a bona fide NI punk classic) being a case in point. However, the set ended on a high with a punk-as-fuck version of 'Big Check Shirts' (the band's only single), which for me, was a highlight of the night.
Next up were The Androids, one of my favourite bands from the old Harp days, who only started rehearsing a few days before the gig and not having played together since 1978! It hardly showed as they put in a blistering performance, churning out old classics such as 'Lipstick Heroes', 'Terminal Breakout', 'Trademark World', and '9 to 5' plus a great version of the Dead Boys 'Sonic Reducer'! Back in the day The Androids were one of few bands who could give both Rudi and The Outcasts a run for their money, packing out the Harp Bar whenever they played. After this performance you can see why. Best band of the night!
The reformed Protex had a few shows under their belts before the reunion gig but last time I saw them (at the Good Vibrations: The Film premiere aftershow party) I was disappointed as the set was pretty lacklustre, a vital spark just seemed to be missing. No such worries for the reunion show as the band seemed to have found their mojo, kicked it up a gear and were much more like the old Protex we knew and loved, endearing us with an energetic set of pop-punk classics such as 'I Can Only Dream' and 'A Place In Your Heart.' And just like in the old days I found myself singing along, great stuff!
Mr SLF, Henry Cluney (accompanied by two able bodied assistants) was up next to deliver a short set of SLF renditions, the highlight, as always for me, being 'Wasted Life.' Unfortunately I missed most of Henry's set as I was in dire need of a smoke and so went outside and got caught up chatting to all and sundry. By the time I ventured back inside Henry was just leaving the stage. Sorry Henry.
The self-syled 'bad boys' of the NI punk scene The Outcasts, special guests on the bill, were next on stage. The band are well and truly back to their best and delivered another thunderous, self-assured set and really got the crowd buzzing. Hard to pick a favourite from so many classic punk songs, so I won't bother. So many great nights down the Harp Bar with the Outcasts, hard to believe it was over 30 years ago!
Then it was the turn of the night's headliners - Stage B. They were the main reason why I and a few others would never have missed this gig! Never ever thought they'd get back together albeit for only one gig. To see Charlie, Dessie, and Fletch (R.I.P. Owen) back onstage together for one last hurrah - well, words can't describe.... I seriously loved this fucking band, real innovators and one of the most original bands on the early scene. And a great bunch of lads to boot. But wouldn't you know, it all went kinda pear-shaped as they band were blighted by 'technical problems' for most of the set. Ah well, thats punk rock for ya, it was never meant to be perfect! haha
Back in the oul days me and Dutchie had to get the last bus home to Antrim at 10.30pm so nearly always missed the last half hour down the Harp. Some things never change - as I missed the last half hour of the reunion gig which was meant to be over at 12.45 but over ran and didn't end til around 01.30. Which meant I missed all of Youngsy's solo set of Rudi songs including the sing-a-long-a- 'Big Time' at the end, as the taxi was there at 01.00. Gutted!
All in all, a great nights craic, excellent bands, brilliant atmosphere, and Terri Hooley! Up the NI punks.
A big round of applause for William Maxwell and the Time To Be Proud team for putting on a fantastic show. Oh, by the way, the whole event was filmed by NvTv, so hopefully we'll get to see it again.
GT 16/09/12
Mully's report of the nights events here
photo slideshow below (all photos Joe Donnelly)
Many of the baldy nappered ,wrinkly faces are now virtually unrecognisable as the spikey topped teens with attitude who in very dangerous times lived an alternative lifestyle and created a scene that still reverberates over 35 years later.
Hypocritically, the modern day local government establishment who didn't want anything to do with these undesireable yobs back in the day now want to erect one of those blue historical location plaques on the spot (or as close to) where the real 'Harp Bar' once stood.
They may-be doing a spot of band wagon jumping years too late by finally recognising and dedicating it to the very deserving recipient 'Terri Hooley' and 'Good Vibrations' which will sweeten the pill for them. But if justice is to be done the Belfast punks who were there in those early dark days and beyond will also get a much deserved mention on that circular piece of tin along with the self professed old hippy anarchist.
The Black box was surprisingly crammed with a lot of the old 'Harp'regulars who were there when it mattered, plus a film crew and a lot of unknown punters who probably never actually set foot in the place during its hey-day, unless it was possibly to eat the manky pickled eggs festering in a jar on the bar or to get their rocks off watching the much less than exotic / erotic lunchtime strippers.
Shock Treatment , The Androids , Henry Cluney , Protex, The Outcasts , Stage B all made it a night to remember, sadly for one band I love due to techno circumstances well beyond their control it was a night they'll certainly want to forget.
(Not really a) surprise guest 'Brian Young' rounded the night off in fine style with a six song acoustic set of 'Rudi' classics, which during the final number 'Big Time' kicked off a stage invasion instigated by Joe Zero / Moody from 'The Androids' (my fav reformed band on the bill , got their setlist pre-gig from the wall in the Oh Yeah centre as $$ was rehearsing the same room) he was also joined by Dowey Sinc , Terri Hooley and Liam Killan (Sabrejets) on backing vocals. The crowd erupted into a mass 'singalongayoungsy' , it was the perfect ending to a great night.
Well done to the organiser 'William Maxwell', who put in a lot of hard graft as always to make it happen, thanks from all of us man!.
In a review I did of the brilliant 'It Makes You Want Spit Book' launch at the 'Empire' back 2003 , I stated that after the event that it felt like a full stop had been put on the original punk scene and this was a fitting end to the story , how wrong was I ?
Like many others I've spoken to since last Saturdays gig I hope this doesn't become an anual event, this really should be the end of the line . Lets go out on a high , don't be tempted to spoil the memory by ripping the arse out of it and dragging the carcass out one more time even if next year is the 35th anniversary of the 'Harp Bar' opening, theres really no need for a second installment.
There was a few members from some of the new breed of teenage bands in attendence tonight checking out their glorious heritage, many VX badges and a few VX tshirts were on display. We've had our well documented time in the spotlight , lets move on and give the youth their moment to shine.
Thanks to all 40 of the band members,ex original punks and everyone else connected to the glory days who signed the 'David Worth' Harp Bar print on the night . if I missed anyone out at the gig then sorry, but I couldn't see a thing as the venue was so dark. When I get it all spruced up and framed etc which will take a while, I will post a message and pic online with details as to what the next step will be .The entire proceeds raised from the sale will be going to charity, so any legitimate and sensible offers will be welcome for this very rare piece of signed art and social history. There will be a whole bunch of bonus 'Time to be Proud' cd releasess kindly donated by Mr Maxwell also included.
More info will follow very soon, watch this space.Please support a very worthy cause.
Cheers.
Our work is done, NI Punk RIP.
Joe Donnelly Belfast 13.9.12.
Scroll on down for my own view of the nights events, a link to Mully's review, and a choice selection of photo's by Joe.
Having been a member at the Harp Bar back in the 70's, I was looking forward to the Harp Bar reunion since it's announcement, especially as one of my favourite bands, Stage B, was reforming for the gig, something I thought I'd never see. When I heard that The Androids were reforming too - well, that was just the icing on the cake! The only thing that could've topped that would've been Rudi reforming!
As it stands, the Harp Bar reunion was the best gig and nights craic (for us oldies at least) since the launch gig for mine and Sean's book 'It Makes You Want To Spit!' back in 2003.
Shock Treatment 21 (lead by the dynamic Davy Treatment, a founding member of the original band) kicked of the nights entertainment in electrifying style with a supercharged punk reworking of 'On The Line' (which was far superior to the original)! The band played a short set of reworked Shock Treatment songs - but in some cases I would have prefered the original versions - 'Belfast Telegraph' (a bona fide NI punk classic) being a case in point. However, the set ended on a high with a punk-as-fuck version of 'Big Check Shirts' (the band's only single), which for me, was a highlight of the night.
Next up were The Androids, one of my favourite bands from the old Harp days, who only started rehearsing a few days before the gig and not having played together since 1978! It hardly showed as they put in a blistering performance, churning out old classics such as 'Lipstick Heroes', 'Terminal Breakout', 'Trademark World', and '9 to 5' plus a great version of the Dead Boys 'Sonic Reducer'! Back in the day The Androids were one of few bands who could give both Rudi and The Outcasts a run for their money, packing out the Harp Bar whenever they played. After this performance you can see why. Best band of the night!
The reformed Protex had a few shows under their belts before the reunion gig but last time I saw them (at the Good Vibrations: The Film premiere aftershow party) I was disappointed as the set was pretty lacklustre, a vital spark just seemed to be missing. No such worries for the reunion show as the band seemed to have found their mojo, kicked it up a gear and were much more like the old Protex we knew and loved, endearing us with an energetic set of pop-punk classics such as 'I Can Only Dream' and 'A Place In Your Heart.' And just like in the old days I found myself singing along, great stuff!
Mr SLF, Henry Cluney (accompanied by two able bodied assistants) was up next to deliver a short set of SLF renditions, the highlight, as always for me, being 'Wasted Life.' Unfortunately I missed most of Henry's set as I was in dire need of a smoke and so went outside and got caught up chatting to all and sundry. By the time I ventured back inside Henry was just leaving the stage. Sorry Henry.
The self-syled 'bad boys' of the NI punk scene The Outcasts, special guests on the bill, were next on stage. The band are well and truly back to their best and delivered another thunderous, self-assured set and really got the crowd buzzing. Hard to pick a favourite from so many classic punk songs, so I won't bother. So many great nights down the Harp Bar with the Outcasts, hard to believe it was over 30 years ago!
Then it was the turn of the night's headliners - Stage B. They were the main reason why I and a few others would never have missed this gig! Never ever thought they'd get back together albeit for only one gig. To see Charlie, Dessie, and Fletch (R.I.P. Owen) back onstage together for one last hurrah - well, words can't describe.... I seriously loved this fucking band, real innovators and one of the most original bands on the early scene. And a great bunch of lads to boot. But wouldn't you know, it all went kinda pear-shaped as they band were blighted by 'technical problems' for most of the set. Ah well, thats punk rock for ya, it was never meant to be perfect! haha
Back in the oul days me and Dutchie had to get the last bus home to Antrim at 10.30pm so nearly always missed the last half hour down the Harp. Some things never change - as I missed the last half hour of the reunion gig which was meant to be over at 12.45 but over ran and didn't end til around 01.30. Which meant I missed all of Youngsy's solo set of Rudi songs including the sing-a-long-a- 'Big Time' at the end, as the taxi was there at 01.00. Gutted!
All in all, a great nights craic, excellent bands, brilliant atmosphere, and Terri Hooley! Up the NI punks.
A big round of applause for William Maxwell and the Time To Be Proud team for putting on a fantastic show. Oh, by the way, the whole event was filmed by NvTv, so hopefully we'll get to see it again.
GT 16/09/12
Mully's report of the nights events here
photo slideshow below (all photos Joe Donnelly)