The Outcasts - live @ the Witchwood, Manchester, 06/05/12 (review & photo © Mo Lawrence)
The Outcasts landed in Manchester on Sunday 6th May to play at the 2 day Punk Festival in support of 'The Sophie Lancaster Foundation'. In 2007 Sophie was horrifically attacked along with her partner Rob because of their unique style and individual way of expressing themselves and there have been various gigs to support the foundation which was set up to create respect and understanding of sub cultures in the community. Good support was evident throughout the weekend with GBH filling the house the night before and The Outcasts along with One Way System to headline the gig on the Sunday night. Not one to miss out on an Outcasts gig, the die hard fans soon arrived at the venue early afternoon for the tasty BBQ, beer and cider! The Witchwood was an excellent venue, a dark intimate setting, great sound system, DJ, lively pub, BBQ and a courtyard of twinkling lights for the merchandise stalls, and meeting place to hook up with some old mates. The band had some photos taken to show their support for the foundation...then it was time for some drinks and a bit of criac in the pub before rolling out their now legendary set. Greg surprised the punk filled venue with 'Hello London' lol !!! followed by a speedy response from the hecklers... 'You're in Manchester you ***** lol !!! Always entertaining the set opened with the fantastic staccato like sound of 'Beating and Screamin' from the Blood & Thunder album which was a nice surprise for me as I haven't heard it in years, followed by my favorite track, the classic 'Frustration' and Martin's now adopted biographical song 'Don't wanna be no Adult' - both 'b' sides from their 1978 first single 'You're a Disease' (which the crowd shouted for after every song). Greg teased them again and again delaying the gratification of that and 'Cops' for the encore, and continued with their cover of 'Ruby' for Norm (from Didcot) to display his 'Strictly PuNK' moves (and even better to be caught on video)....A star is born, Norm!! Their set often includes a familiar cover like the old Stooges track '1969', 'Angel Face' (a tribute to Colin) and 'Stepping Stone' all of which sound better than any of the originals....tonight it was Ruby! The Outcasts played another awesome set and one I'll never tire off hearing. No matter where or when they play its always 1978 in The Harp Bar for me! They beat and screamed out all the classics, 'Teenage Rebel', 'Mania', Self Conscious Over You, until the encore of 'You're a Disease' and 'Cops' were received with cheers of enthusiasm. With Greg back on bass and Martin, Petesy & Fallsy sounding better than ever since reforming for Rebellion last year, The Witchwood is now in my opinion one of their best gigs to date! Another great night and I'm already looking forward to their next gig at the after show party on 31st May when Good Vibrations: The Film will be premiered at the Ulster Hall in Belfast. The weekend raised an amazing £1,540 for The Sophie Lancaster Foundation. See www.sophielancasterfoundation.com/ for further details.
Mo Lawrence x