Sham 69

With most original punk bands that are still active relegated to playing scruffy pub venues, it was a surprise to find Sham 69 not only playing, but selling out Concorde 2.

It was the 1977 line-up (minus drummer Mark Cain) that took to the stage where Pursey sprayed the crowd with water as they launched into a blistering ‘What Have We Got’, followed by ‘I Don’t Wanna’ and ‘Ulster’ from their debut John Cale-produced EP. The Hersham herberts had all aged well, as had the string of punk rock classics still delivered with passion. Few words were spoken between songs but ‘Rip Off’ was dedicated to the Olympics and ‘Borstal Breakout’, introduced as a folk song, saw the already hectic mosh pit absolutely explode. This and ‘Angels With Dirty Faces’ exemplified the Sham sound created by Pursey and guitarist Dave Parsons – catchy hooks, chugging guitar and anthemic lyrics; fanfares for the common man, perfectly crafted for disenfranchised teenagers and football terrace troublemakers alike. The constant shouts of “Jimmy, Jimmy” showed the front man remained an inspiration to the, now shirtless, forty-somethings except for the solitary heckler who was put in his place with a choice Anglo-Saxon response from Pursey.

The only new song, ‘Stockwell’, covered the de Menezes murder, showing the band’s social conscience remained intact, and ‘If The Kids Are United’ was still a call to arms. The thrilling fifty minute set ended triumphantly with ‘Hurry Up Harry’, leaving us sweaty, beer-sodden and extremely happy. Welcome back boys.

Concorde 2, 13 July 2012

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