Rebellion Music Festival 2024
Show Review By: Lorraine Carter
The sun was shining for this year’s festival, and why not, there was so much positivity and togetherness, along with some magnificent sets from both well-known and unknown artists. It thronged with crowds all smiling and looking forward to watching the event in all its punk glory.
The weekend kicked off for me on the almost acoustic stage with the wonderful Aubrey Eels and the Baron, their first time but definitely not their last, this band tore the stage apart with songs like Universal Credit, and Gig Piss. With lyrics that could easily be compared to those of John Cooper Clark, and a heavy bass sound, similar to that of the Stranglers, this is a band you should make sure you see whenever you can.
Both Aubery and The Baron suffer from hearing loss and tinnitus; their song Decibels has been released on vinyl, sponsored by the British Tinnitus Association, it can be bought with the latest issue of Safety Pin Magazine.
Next up for me on the newly refigured Arena stage was the female-fronted Slalom D, from Sunderland, playing in extreme heat conditions this band was feisty, what a brilliant front person and vocalist. Final Girl, had the crowd singing. Fiona was keen to let everyone know that Rebellion is inclusive and that no matter what skin color, religion, or gender you were, you are safe here. Powerful words. The sound in the arena was amazing and it certainly benefited from the stage being moved.
Finishing Thursday in the Opera House was a wonderful intimate gig with the legend that is Tom Robinson and his band. One of those occasions when you think I won’t know many of these songs, and of course I was proven wrong; my voice was almost gone and it was only the first night. Back home to bed, to do it all again.
I meandered around Blackpool, taking in the sights and having a paddle, then off to the hotel bar for a couple of cheeky drinks to send me off to see the outrageously energetic and powerful band, The Baboon Show, from Sweden. I was told by a Swedish man in the crowd that they are the new Abba!
If you haven’t listened to them before I urge you to do so, musically tight, powerful vocals and an awesome stage show, I was up near the front row and Cecilia, the singer was crowd diving in a skin-tight red plastic catsuit. I never remember that from Abba.
I bought their album and had a wander around the stalls in the pavilion, then back up to the front to see The Anti Nowhere League. Who in my opinion never fail to please the crowd; there I was singing along with arms around strangers, all feeling like part of a big punk rock family, even if that sounds tacky then it wasn’t, it was like having a tribe, a place to belong, if only for a little while, until we are all returned to our normal daily existence. Isn’t that one of the main reasons we love punk festivals particularly Rebellion?
The Evening in the Empress Ballroom finished with the Stranglers, who perhaps played one of the best sets I have ever heard from them, an added bonus was the unexpected arrival of Lora Logic, a former X-Ray Spex band member who helped make it even more memorable.
Back to the hotel bar with my friends, and a spattering of punk celebrities, thrown in for good measure.
Saturday was the day of the expected trouble due to right-wing protests taking place in the town, around mid-afternoon the Winter Gardens went into lockdown, and those who were in stayed in, and those of us who were out, had to stay that way. I went back to my room and chilled for a while and missed it all, which I am pleased about. So my band viewing didn’t. start till the evening.
Millie Manders and the Shut Up, played a blinder, she got us all singing along to the choruses, the first time I had seen them was two years earlier at my very first rebellion. They are coming to my hometown of Lincoln in September which should be good.
Opting for a comfortable seat in the Opera house, the next band was the fabulous Ruts DC, who didn’t fail to please. Playing my all-time favorite Ruts song Babylons Burning, brings back so many memories.
I ended my Saturday night with a completely, new to me band; Jo Jo and the Teeth. This band came on after Cock Sparrow in the Empress Ballroom at 1 am, a hard nut to crack. Playing in a venue that was full of plastic glasses strewn across the floor and only a smattering of people, this band shocked me with the stage show and the astounding vocals. Boundless energy and massive heels with a voice to die for.
They are a London-based band and have been on the go since 2013, go and listen to them.
Before I knew where I was it was Sunday and I was standing in the front row, fueled by some cocktails, waiting for The Sweet to come on stage; Rebellion has excelled itself with choice and variety, there is something for everyone. The Ballroom was rammed, and nobody wanted to miss this iconic moment, we had been told it was the last gig, but I can’t say for certain.
I knew every song, even though I didn’t think I would, a splendid gig.
Next up, and I kept my place, were The Cockney Rejects, the first time I had seen the new lineup and they didn’t disappoint playing all the old faves.
Keeping my spot in the front row for three bands, without a loo or drink break, just goes to show how amazing the evening was.
I kept my place for the final band of the weekend, Stiff Little Fingers. What can I say, they blew us away, by the end of the night I was pretty much voiceless from singing along to every song.
If you haven’t been to Rebellion yet, then make it your mission to go, it’s truly hard to find anything negative to write about the festival. Friendly security, good disability access, and really good sound.
Thank you so much to the whole team who work very very hard so that we can have the time of our lives.
See you next year.