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The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Sex Pistols and Stranglers draw Glasgow's pensioner punks
"I've been enjoying seeing all the old punks in town," the driver laughs. "They've got all the gear... well, everything except the hair." Yes, it's probably worth noting at this stage that it is not, in fact, 1978 and both on stage and in the crowd the passage of time is evident. The line-up offers the first clue: Skids (without Stuart Adamson, deceased), Buzzcocks (without Pete Shelley, deceased), The Undertones (without Feargal Sharkey, campaigning for clean rivers), The Stranglers (without Hugh Cornwell, estranged, also without Dave Greenfield and Jet Black, deceased), Sex Pistols (without Johnny Rotten, legal troubles). Read More: The second clue is the number of camping chairs deployed for the occasion, something you probably didn't get in the Bungalow Bar back in the day. At this point it would be easy to just start riffing on pensioner punks: age against against the machine. Granarchy in the UK. No future? You ain't kidding. It's clear though that there's a real sense of community here. Fans at Bellahouston Park for the punk all-dayer (Image: Newsquest) At the bar, someone catches another punter's Belfast accent and strikes up a conversation. "I'm William," the Irishman says. "... or Liam depending on your point of view!". The two men laugh and offer hearty backslaps. Punk is famously prone to gatekeeping but there's little of that on display at Bellahouston Park, where just about every punk or punk-adjacent band is represented in t-shirt form, from The Stooges and Television all the way through to Green Day and Rancid. One man, sporting a Bauhaus 'Bela Lugosi is Dead' t-shirt, has overcome follicular challenges by gluing a mohawk to a swimming cap which bears the legend 'Glasgow punk all-dayer 2025' in sharpie on either side. You'd be hard-pushed to detect revolution in the air. This is, after all, an outdoor mega-gig where a pint will set you back £7.30 and a t-shirt £35: I am an antichrist/please buy our merchandise, to borrow a quip. Quibbles aside there are lovely moments wherever you look. A girl who can be no older than 12 at the barrier with her parents, all three in matching Sex Pistols t-shirts, a young woman with pink and green hair helping her father, who is traversing Bellahouston on a crutch, to the bar. As Buzzcocks take the stage a man to my right lights up a frankly ridiculous Cuban cigar. His t-shirt, an homage to the two buses promotional poster for 'Pretty Vacant' reads "punk's not dead but I'm not far away". As the band launch into opener 'What Do I Get?' two of his companions begin dancing enthusiastically and, despite the heat, they keep it up all the way to the one-two closing punch of 'Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've?)' and 'Harmony In My Head'. Between acts the screens alternate some punk favourites with adverts for TRNSMT, which it's probably fair to say is a different demographic altogether even if I do spot a grey-haired woman in a 'Free Mo Chara' Kneecap t-shirt. The Undertones are next up, and in the front circle someone even indulges in a spot of crowd surfing for 'Teenage Kicks'. "You should know better," guitarist Damian O'Neill chuckles. The Derry group are known for two-minute pop-punk tunes and singer Paul McLoone admits they've miscalculated how many it'll take to fill an hour - they play an extra three which weren't on the setlist - and perhaps it wasn't a joke when they declared, two songs in, that they'd just do 'Jimmy Jimmy' twice. Fans at Bellahouston Park for the punk all-dayer (Image: Newsquest) After a half hour break The Stranglers take the stage to the strains of 'Waltzinblack'. Before their entrance I speak to some punters in 'Rattus Norvegicus' shirts, some have seen the band more than 50 times while one, Tom, has never had the pleasure at the age of 47. Some use the break to visit the facilities, one man declaiming: "See at ma age, if ye want a pish you need to plan it 20 minutes in advance - then ye get there and ye don't even need wan anyway." Bassist JJ Burnel is the only original Strangler left but singer and guitarist Baz Warne has been playing with them for 25 years at this point and they sound tight. Their set is mostly built on their early output - 'Duchess' is an early highlight - but Warne gives a knowing smile as they run through 2006's 'Relentless' and he delivers the line: "I saw my love today/she's looking old but so am I". They finish, of course, with 'No More Heroes' and then it's time for the Frank Carter fronted Sex Pistols. The former Gallows man does a pretty good Johnny Rotten, and the band make enough noise I'm reliably informed it could be heard as far away as Bearsden. They may be, as Steve Diggle noted earlier in the day, "all the pensioners" but it turns out these bands can still create an almighty racket. Fill in your own hearing aid jokes...
Wales Online
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Sex Pistols' John Lydon gives the reason why he will never appear on Celebrity Big Brother
Sex Pistols' John Lydon gives the reason why he will never appear on Celebrity Big Brother The Pretty Vacant singer has vowed to never enter the CBB house He left the jungle just a few days into the competition (Image: ITV ) Former Sex Pistols singer John Lydon will never appear on Celebrity Big Brother because the programme is beneath him. The 69-year-old musician - who was known as Johnny Rotten during his time in the iconic punk band - gets offered opportunities to appear on television but is usually uninterested in the shows offered to him. The Pretty Vacant singer has vowed to never enter the CBB house because he doesn't want to be known as a celebrity. When asked if he would ever consider going on Celebrity Big Brother, he said: "That's too low for me, that's silly. "I'm not trying to be a celebrity. Whatever I am it's always been done in spite of that nonsense. I'm the accidental celebrity." John did appear on ITV reality show I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2004 and earned many new fans due to his non-nonsense approach to jungle life and his clashes with former glamour model Katie Price, who used the name Jordan for her photo shoots and work at that time. He famously branded Katie a "Page 3 blow-up balloon" during one bust-up. Article continues below Although Lydon quit after a few days, storming out of camp in the middle of the night after he wasn't voted off by the British public, the programme proved to be a significant moment in his later career and he appeared in a series of advertisements promoting Country Life butter afterwards. John - who is currently on tour with his band Public Image Ltd - is grateful he got the chance to appear on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! because it allowed people to see who he really is as a man as opposed what they perceived him to be because of his Johnny Rotten persona. In an interview with website Contact Music, he said: "Things like I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! helped. "That gave people the chance to see me for how I really was 24/7 with a camera on me. "I'm practical in life. If it's cold I'll light a fire. You can't drink the water in the jungle so you boil it, common sense things. That's just how I am." John did not accept a fee for his time in Australia on the show, instead asking ITV to give money to several charities he supported. Article continues below He said: "My god, they bothered me for years, and I wouldn't do it, but they guaranteed they would pay certain charities that I was affectionate towards. So I did it for that."
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sex Pistols rocker John Lydon brands Donald Trump a ‘breath of fresh air'
Sex Pistols rocker John Lydon has branded Donald Trump a 'breath of fresh air'. The 69-year-old singer shocked fans when he started championing the widely-hated US president, and has now doubled down on his support for the former reality TV judge. He told when asked for his views on Trump: 'It might be hard for socialist Britain to understand but Donald Trump is like a breath of fresh air, because he's not a politician. That's it. 'I don't like the man, I don't care about the man, but he might create something interesting that as of up to now business as usual in politics has not done. Bring a wrecking ball, by all means, to it. 'A couple of years ago I was asked what I thought of him and I said I thought he was The Sex Pistols of politics. 'Then I tried to take it back and then I thought, 'No, actually Johnny, that sounds f****** right.' John also opened up about his support of the idea of UFC fighter Conor McGregor, 36, getting involved in politics. He said when asked if he agreed with Conor's recent statement the era of the politician is over: 'I'm in total agreement with Conor. 'He's the kind of fella I could sit and talk to for hours because he tells it as he sees it, so there's no (messing around) with him.' His remark comes after John admitted Conor is a 'little on the violent side'. The 'Pretty Vacant' singer appeared on 'The Michael Anthony Show' where he discussed his political views, grieving after the loss of his beloved wife Nora and his rocky childhood. Speaking about the issue of illegal immigrants living in the UK and Ireland, he said: 'Come on Conor' – referring to the Donald Trump-supporting fighter's rants on social media about Ireland's immigration laws. When host Michael asked him: 'Are you serious about the McGregor s***?,' John replied: 'I believe what he's saying when he says, 'The time for politicians has ended'. 'This is a nice slogan, but I'm not quite sure I'd like to follow him into the next situation, because he's a little on the violent side.' The rocker is still grief-stricken over the loss of his wife Nora Foster, who died in April 2023 aged 80, five years after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He said about his last days with her: 'She died so painfully. Gasping. 'They call it the death whistle.' John's band Public Image Ltd are on tour until August and tickets are on sale now, available from all venues and Ticketmaster.
Perth Now
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Sex Pistols rocker John Lydon brands Donald Trump a ‘breath of fresh air'
Sex Pistols rocker John Lydon has branded Donald Trump a 'breath of fresh air'. The 69-year-old singer shocked fans when he started championing the widely-hated US president, and has now doubled down on his support for the former reality TV judge. He told when asked for his views on Trump: 'It might be hard for socialist Britain to understand but Donald Trump is like a breath of fresh air, because he's not a politician. That's it. 'I don't like the man, I don't care about the man, but he might create something interesting that as of up to now business as usual in politics has not done. Bring a wrecking ball, by all means, to it. 'A couple of years ago I was asked what I thought of him and I said I thought he was The Sex Pistols of politics. 'Then I tried to take it back and then I thought, 'No, actually Johnny, that sounds f****** right.' John also opened up about his support of the idea of UFC fighter Conor McGregor, 36, getting involved in politics. He said when asked if he agreed with Conor's recent statement the era of the politician is over: 'I'm in total agreement with Conor. 'He's the kind of fella I could sit and talk to for hours because he tells it as he sees it, so there's no (messing around) with him.' His remark comes after John admitted Conor is a 'little on the violent side'. The 'Pretty Vacant' singer appeared on 'The Michael Anthony Show' where he discussed his political views, grieving after the loss of his beloved wife Nora and his rocky childhood. Speaking about the issue of illegal immigrants living in the UK and Ireland, he said: 'Come on Conor' – referring to the Donald Trump-supporting fighter's rants on social media about Ireland's immigration laws. When host Michael asked him: 'Are you serious about the McGregor s***?,' John replied: 'I believe what he's saying when he says, 'The time for politicians has ended'. 'This is a nice slogan, but I'm not quite sure I'd like to follow him into the next situation, because he's a little on the violent side.' The rocker is still grief-stricken over the loss of his wife Nora Foster, who died in April 2023 aged 80, five years after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He said about his last days with her: 'She died so painfully. Gasping. 'They call it the death whistle.' John's band Public Image Ltd are on tour until August and tickets are on sale now, available from all venues and Ticketmaster.
Wales Online
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Noel Gallagher has revealed the one song he wouldn't be without and it's so different to Oasis
Noel Gallagher has revealed the one song he wouldn't be without and it's so different to Oasis Noel Gallagher will be back on stage with his brother Liam this summer, performing songs from their time in Oasis, but the rock legend has spoken about a song that's a far cry from their Britpop sound It turns out Oasis's Noel has an extensive taste in different musical genres (Image: Getty ) Noel Gallagher has previously revealed eight of his most treasured songs of all time, with one surprising top choice that diverges sharply from the sound of Oasis. The rock icon is set to reunite with his brother Liam for an epic return to the stage this summer, beginning in Cardiff's Principality Stadium, marking their first joint appearance since 2009. Noel is synonymous with the definitive sound of Oasis, but it appears one tune he would not be without hails from a band entirely unlike them. During an episode of the BBC's Desert Island Discs, Noel shared the eight tracks he'd choose to have if he found himself isolated on an island. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here He kicked off with 'Pretty Vacant' by the Sex Pistols, praising it as a "great pop album that changed everything and it was the rebirth of youth culture that was pretty much dead". His last choice, taking eighth spot, was 'Ticket to Ride' by The Beatles, with Noel proclaiming the Liverpool legends as "the greatest band of all time" and commenting: "I can't really go through this without mentioning The Beatles." However, the track he would rush to save if all his discs were being swept out to sea starkly contrasts with the vibes of Oasis – the classic 'Be My Baby' by The Ronettes. Article continues below Noel has attributed this selection to Sara MacDonald, whom he met in Ibiza in 2000 and went on to marry in 2011. In a discussion prior to their announced divorce in 2023, Noel spoke with the BBC about why he'd choose to preserve this particular song over the others. He remarked: "I am going to save Be My Baby by The Ronettes because it would make me smile and clench my fists at the same time and think... I still haven't forgiven her for that but I do love her." Noel was referring to an earlier part of the conversation where he shared that his then-wife, Sara, chose 'Be My Baby' for their first dance at their wedding. Even with a history of performing two consecutive nights at Knebworth to a crowd of 250,000, Noel found the prospect of dancing in front of friends and family heavy going. He described how he dreaded the forthcoming dance, saying: "I was dreading that moment coming up, like I have to dance like an adult, and I said just do me one favour, when we get on there, don't show off because I am clearly a northerner, and a man." Yet, when 'Be My Baby' started playing, Noel recounted that Sara became like "Olivia Newton-John". It was actually his daughter, Anais, noticing her father's unease, who orchestrated getting everyone up to dance, thereby easing Noel's discomfort. Preferring to pen tunes rather than jive to them, Noel provided insights into his songwriting process when asked if he could predict a hit. He shared his perspective on music creation, noting: "There is no golden rule but there are kind of little sign posts that you recognise," adding, "If a song comes quickly, it usually means it is good because it has just fallen out of the sky. "Don't Look Back in Anger took, you know, 15 minutes. If I had known that night that that song would live for so long, and become such a thing, I would never have finished it because it would never have been perfect enough to think, 'Oh in 25 years people are going to be playing this at their weddings.' It was just another song." He called Hand in Glove by The Smiths "one of the greatest songs ever" and heaped praise on U2's The Joshua Tree album, adding: "You listen to it now and it is easily one of the greatest batches of songs any band has ever written. "I love U2. I don't know, if you don't get it, you don't get it, and shame on you for not." Liam and Noel Gallagher (Image: Simon Emmett/Fear PR/PA Wire ) Oasis are set to perform an impressive 17 dates across the UK this summer, including seven shows at London's Wembley Stadium. The list also includes performances at Manchester's Heaton Park, and Cardiff's Principality Stadium, among others. So far the cheapest date we've found is July 25 at Wembley, with the lowest cost tickets at £230. Meanwhile, the cheapest price for Cardiff Principality Stadium is July 5, at £290. If you're keen to conduct your own research on these resale websites, here are the links you need: Viagogo and resale tickets Sites such as viagogo, Stubhub, and Vivid Seats allow fans to buy resale tickets from other fans. However, it is important to note that ticket conditions often prohibit resale after initial purchase. Those tickets may not be valid for admittance to gigs. Fans intending to buy tickets for live events through resale websites should check the ticket terms and conditions, to confirm whether resale is prohibited, before they buy. Ticket terms and conditions can be checked with the original seller, such as Ticketmaster or Live Nation. If resale is prohibited, tickets bought second-hand could be voided and admission to the event refused. Article continues below
