Black Flag / O2 Academy 2 / Sheffield

Jan 29

Jan 29 Black Flag / O2 Academy 2 / Sheffield

This is one I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. Back in the day, I was into my punk, but more the US punk of bands like The Ramones, Bad Religion, The Dead Kennedy’s and of course Black Flag. There was something about their grittiness and rawness I loved. Black Flag are one of those bands I never got round to seeing in their heyday, and I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity now.

Up at 05:30 for a long-ass day by train to Birmingham for work. Returning to Nottingham, a quick change in the station toilets and then train up to Sheffield and the short walk to the O2 Academy. The show was being held on the second, smaller stage upstairs. Dark, claustrophobic…. It was perfect !

In support and up on stage first were Californian punks Total Chaos formed in the late 1980’s and fronted by vocalist Rob Chaos (who co-owns SOS Records). Known for their old school hardcore punk shows full of energy, they hit it off with War is a Racket. Immediately you’re hit by the fast drums, heavy distorted guitars and pounding bass. Robs vocals screamed out, full of anger and attitude.

The songs, full to the brim with anger at the world order, cover subjects such as war, working class injustice, anti-fascism and revolting against the establishment. The performance is manic and wild and the audience are so in to it. Although we had no surfers in the small venue, the middle of the crowd was bashing round into each other.

With plenty of interaction with the audience, it’s clear their message is one of community and inclusivity, as bass player Geordy Justify takes to the mic to remind everyone that in here, tonight, we are one. We look after each other and we enjoy ourselves.

The sound is fast, intense and heavy and they have an aggressive, intensity on stage that delivers a memorable performance. The crowd are loving it, and it’s the perfect starter to the night.

Set List

War Is a Racket

Babylon

Squatters Song

Pledge of Defiance

Punk No Die

Running With the Youth

Conspiracy

Complete Control

Police Rat

Punk Invasion

Nation of War

Street Punx

Horror Visions

What You Gonna Do

Toxic Fallout

Riot City

Black Flag were formed in 1976 in California and originally were known as Panic. The band has seen many line up changes including spells with Henry Rollins (Rollins Band) on vocals and Dez Cadena (The Misfits) on guitar. There is no doubting the influence Black Flag had on many many bands from The Misfits, to Dave Grohl and Nirvana and even Bring Me the Horizon. Their 1981 album “Damaged” remains one of my all-time favourite punk albums of all time. Their material is full of anti-authoritarian and resistance against the machine of ‘the system’ punctuated with social isolation, poverty, and paranoia. The line-up today consists of Greg Ginn, the only remaining founding member on guitar, with Mike Vallely on vocals, Harley Duggan on bass, and Charles Wiley on drums.

A short break as the stage is readied for Black Flag, and for the crowd to get their breathe back and grab a fresh beer. The band members remain on stage after sound check and the lights dim and they deliver an extended version of Can't Decide.

Right from the off, the power and energy coming from the stage is immense, especially from singer Mike Vallely, who’s muscles are tight, clenching every fibre of his being as be angrily spits out the lyrics. Greg Ginn’s guitar playing has lost none of its power and edge, his clear glass/acrylic guitar delivering intense distorted tones. There is a real sense of anarchy and angst coming from the stage as they drip with sweat from the effort.

The set list is a non-stop hit list as they deliver all their best-known tracks. Real highlights of the night for me were brilliant performances of Gimme Gimme Gimme which the crowd were shouting along to, Six Pack, Black Coffee and TV Party about sitting round with your buddies watching crap TV with a beer or three.

As the set came to an end, there was of course Rise Above perhaps their best known song, and a savage, powerful punk anthem, as good today live as it has always been. The crowd are bouncing now, crashing into each other, beer everywhere.

Just wow ! I’d waited a long time to see Black Flag, and it didn’t disappoint – their live performances are still to this day a must-see forone who likes punk. Their energy and aggressive delivery, full of anarchy and rebellion makes for something special.

Along with Total Chaos who were outstanding as well, this was a memorable night of old school US punk at it’s best. Packed with raw energy and political rebellion, soaked up by an eager crowd, this is a band who will go down in history as one of the best punk bands of all time and tonight, they made this old punk at heart…. Very very happy.

Set List

Can't Decide

Nervous Breakdown

No Values

I've Had It

Annihilate This Week

Fix Me

Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie

Loose Nut

Six Pack

Depression

Slip It In