The Harp Bar - Belfast's Premier Punk Venue '78 - '82
The Harp Bar, Hill Street, Belfast was a dingy, heavily fortified pub in a dimly lit, narrow, cobblestone street in a run down, dilapidated part of the city. In April 1978, Victim, supported by The Androids, staged the first ever punk gig there, and from then on the Harp became THE No.1 punk venue in N. Ireland. It was Belfast's equivalent of London's Roxy Club and New York's CBGB's. Stiff Little Fingers, The Undertones, Rudi, The Outcasts, Protex, The Tearjerkers, Victim, The Androids, Ex-Producers, Shock Treatment, Pretty Boy Floyd & The Gems, The Defects, The Moondogs are just some of the many local bands who played there. A number of bands from mainland Britain and ROI also came to visit - The Mekons, Raped, Monochrome Set, V2, The Shapes, Revolver - to name just a few - as well as legendary DJ John Peel. However, all good things must come to an end and in 1982 the Harp Bar closed its doors on punk.
On 8th September 2012, a Harp Bar reunion gig took place at the Black Box, a newish venue just a few yards along Hill Street from where the Harp Bar once stood. Entertainment was provided by some of the Harp Bar's leading lights - Shock Treatment 21, Protex, The Androids, Henry Cluney (SLF), The Outcasts, Stage B, Brian Young (Rudi) and Terri Hooley. For a full review with photo's click here
For reviews by some old Harp Bar members click here
For the official Harp Bar, Belfast facebook page click here
Click on the link to watch NVTV's brilliant film of the event
http://vimeo.com/59243682
On 8th September 2012, a Harp Bar reunion gig took place at the Black Box, a newish venue just a few yards along Hill Street from where the Harp Bar once stood. Entertainment was provided by some of the Harp Bar's leading lights - Shock Treatment 21, Protex, The Androids, Henry Cluney (SLF), The Outcasts, Stage B, Brian Young (Rudi) and Terri Hooley. For a full review with photo's click here
For reviews by some old Harp Bar members click here
For the official Harp Bar, Belfast facebook page click here
Click on the link to watch NVTV's brilliant film of the event
http://vimeo.com/59243682