1234-REBELLION
Rebellion fan on the rail-All photos by ©dickslaughter.com
This year’s Rebellion, (1234 of August) as always, looks great with a host of veterans leading the lineup, such as The Stranglers, Cock Sparrer, Gogol Bordello, Stiff Little Fingers, Sham 69, Cockney Rejects, a Steve Ignorant CRASS set, GBH, the SUBHUMANS, UK SUBS, Bar Stool Preachers John Moped, and so much more.
GOGOL BORDELLO - 22:00-Fri - EMPRESS BALLROOM-All Photos by ©dickslaughter.com
Rebellion, England's largest punk music festival, has been thriving since 1996. Originally known as Holidays in the Sun and later the Wasted Festival, this colossal event occurs at the Winter Gardens entertainment complex in Blackpool, England. It is renowned for its extensive lineup of legendary acts as well as emerging talent in a vibrant, fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
COCK SPARRER : 23:15, EMPRESS BALLROOM-All Photos by ©dickslaughter.com
STIFF LITTLE FINGERS, 22:45, Sun, EMPRESS BALLROOM-All Photos by ©dickslaughter.com
Rebellion takes over the seaside resort town of Blackpool, much to the delight of the local business and town folk. I’ve talked to many Blackpoolians about Rebellion and the feedback has always been very positive. Frank Collins, who owns a small hotel, said, ‘I very much look forward to punks over bachelor parties, there’s far less fighting, and the punks have the ability to hold their drink.”
SHAM 69 , 23:30, Thu, EMPRESS BALLROOM-All Photos by ©dickslaughter.com
The SUBHUMANS: 19:10, Thu, EMPRESS BALLROOM-All Photos by ©dickslaughter.com
COCKNEY REJECTS: 21:15, Sun, EMPRESS BALLROOM-All Photos by ©dickslaughter.com
With 6 stages and over 300 bands, it can be overwhelming. My advice is to prioritize a few bands each day and then let the rest just happen. Make sure to take in the art show and literary stage. You will be glad you did.
Artist Martin Gössi with his work- All photos by ©dickslaughter.com
Rebellion is much more than just another festival; it is a reunion point for punk friends and family from around the world. For many, it serves as an annual pilgrimage where they can reconnect with old friends and make new ones. There is an incredible sense of community and camaraderie that permeates every corner of the event. It's a place where generations of punks, come together to celebrate the music, the ethos, and the lifestyle that binds us all together.
At Rebellion, many groups perform more than once, often in different incarnations or settings. You might catch a full blown rock concert-style performance one day, complete with a pit and a thousand or so fans, and then see the same band do a more intimate acoustic set the next day. Some bands also participate in interviews on the literary stage, offering insights into their music and history. This variety allows attendees to tailor their experience to their mood, whether they're ready for the chaos of a big show or prefer a more relaxed, sit-down session to catch their breath.
BAR STOOL PREACHERS: 22:10, Thu, EMPRESS BALLROOM - ACOUSTIC: 18:55, Fri, OPERA HOUSE- All photos by ©dickslaughter.com
G.B.H. : 21:55, Sat, CLUB CASBAH-All photos by ©dickslaughter.com
Rebellion Festivals boast so many must-see acts that it’s almost impossible not to get your money's worth. If you haven’t seen Steve Ignorant perform the songs of CRASS with Carol Hodge or Dick Lucas with the SUBHUMANS, let me assure you that just these two acts alone are worth traveling from any point on the planet. But they only scratch the surface of what Rebellion offers. Stiff Little Fingers is an incredible live show, and Blag and The Dwarfs can make you question your very existence. The festival also features the last living member of SWEET, the DEAD BOYS, Handsome Dick Manitoba, The Anti-Nowhere League, CONFLICT, The Queers, RUTS DC, and the list goes on and on. It’s a lineup that guarantees unforgettable performances and an experience you will never forget.
RUTS D.C. , 23:15, Sat, OPERA HOUSE, 14:40, Sun, ACOUSTIC STAGE-All photos by ©dickslaughter.com
STEVE IGNORANT, 19:15 Thu, LITERARY STAGE, CRASS SET, 23:15 Fri, CLUB CASBAH-All photos by ©dickslaughter.com
Carol Hodge's solo set is not to be missed. 19:45 Thu, ALMOST ACOUSTIC STAGE-CRASS SET, 23:15 Fri, CLUB CASBAH-All photos by ©dickslaughter.com
THE DWARVES, 22:55, Thu, CLUB CASBAH-All photos by ©dickslaughter.com
One of the best things about Rebellion for me is discovering bands I haven't yet heard of. The list of bands I've discovered through or at Rebellion is very long, but here are a few I feel are worth recommending. Let's start with my brothers in Black and Green, the Knuckleheadz from the mean streets of Whittier, CA. Since meeting the lads on the train on the way to Rebellion last year, I have gotten to know these gentlemen well. The Knuckleheadz are much more than a band; their Punk Rock Fight Club has helped countless at-risk youth by giving them a purpose and a family structure that is so desperately needed. Their music is raw and sometimes funny, but always passionate, and their commitment to the community is inspiring. Their shows are complete hardcore chaos. Read KnuckleHeadz to the Rescue to get a look inside the Knucklehead Martial Arts Studio and see what the PRFC is really up to.
THE KNUCKLEHEADZ, 16:10-Fri, CLUB CASBAH-All photos by ©dickslaughter.com
LADY RAGE, 12:45 , Sat, EMPRESS BALLROOM-All photos by ©dickslaughter.com
I first saw Lady Rage at Rebellion a few years ago and have been a fan ever since. Frontwoman Siren Sycho was born to be a lead singer, with a unique style and commanding presence that captivates the audience. They are worth putting on your list. I was first exposed to DIRT BOX DISCO at Rebellion, and let's just say there's no turning back. Their shows are an explosion of fun, with a wild and crazy atmosphere that you can't help but get swept up in. If you're looking for a band that delivers an unforgettable performance, DIRT BOX DISCO is a must-see.
DIRT BOX DISCO, 18:30, Sun, EMPRESS BALLROOM-All photos by ©dickslaughter.com
Let’s talk about the SVETLANAS, formed in Moscow, Russia, and now based in Italy. They are a spectacle to behold. Olga Svetlanas, the fierce and formidable frontwoman, seems—and probably is—dangerous. Their no-holds-barred performances are raw, intense, and unforgettable. Last year, their set stood out as one of the highlights of the festival for me. If you haven't seen the SVETLANAS live, you're missing out on one of the best acts in the punk scene today.
The SVETLANAS, 20:45 Sun, CLUB CASBAH-All photos by ©dickslaughter.com
The Rumkicks are regulars at Rebellion, and this being their third year, they’ve become favorites among the younger punks with their fun, poppy punk mixed with hardcore. I always enjoy their sets. They’ve been catching some grief from the punk police for not being punk enough or some such nonsense. But let me just say this: shut up, these ladies are punk as hell. I’m no expert on Korean culture by any means, but I would imagine they catch a lot of shit for just being punk in Korea. I feel the Rumkicks bring a refreshing energy to the festival, and they deserve all the support and recognition they can get.
RUMKICKS, 16:05, Sun, EMPRESS BALLROOM-All photos by ©dickslaughter.com
Now, back to some living legends: Ireland's Pride and Joy, Paranoid Visions, have been favorites of mine for many years. I think they've played Rebellion around 20 times, and there's a very good reason for that—they never disappoint. Their performances are always spectacular, with the kind of raw punk spirit that keeps audiences coming back year after year. Paranoid Visions are a testament to the enduring power of punk rock in Ireland and beyond.
PARANOID VISIONS: 17:10-Sat, CLUB CASBAH-All photos by ©dickslaughter.com
PARANOID VISIONS: 17:10, Sat, CLUB CASBAH-All photos by ©dickslaughter.com
King Charlie Harper of the UK SUBS is a fixture at Rebellion. You can find him at shows, in the hall, at his merch booth, or, of course, on stage with the UK SUBS just killing it. One of the best parts of the festival is that you will run into Charlie, as well as Steve Igs, Dick Lucas, and countless other legends, enjoying the festivities. Everyone is very friendly and is usually willing to put up with our annoying fan antics. Rebellion fosters a unique atmosphere where punk icons mingle freely with fans, making it a truly special event.
UK SUBS, 20:40, Thu, EMPRESS BALLROOM, Charlie Solo, 18:45, ALMOST ACOUSTIC STAGE-All Photos by ©dickslaughter.com
Though this article seems plenty long, I promise you have barely touched on the amount of talent and diversity of music that Rebellion has to offer. Here are a few more acts I feel are worth checking out,
18 FEVERS, BABY TEETH, BINGO WITH MAX SPLODGE, BOGGY FORMBY, THE CASUALTIES, CHANNEL 3, CONVICT CLASS, CRASS: THE SOUND OF FREE SPEECH (FILM + Q&A), DUMMY TOYS, GRADE 2, HARD SKIN, JO JO AND THE TEETH, LENE LOVICH, LOS FASTIDIOS, LOWER CLASS BRATS, LYDIA LUNCH, THE MEFFS, PETE BENTHAM & THE DINNER LADIES, POLICE BASTARD, THE RAMONAS, YUR MUM, and so many more I wish I could mention, but there is just not enough room on the internet. be sure to look at the lineup yourself,
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