Wanna Survive Rebellion Festivals? Just trust in the guy with a Mohawk
There is a tall, handsome, and charming man from Northumberland who I meet and greet with excitement every year at Rebellion Festivals in the UK. More often than not, I also ask to take his photo. I consider this man one of my many Rebellion Muses, and when the idea of the Rebellion Spotlight articles was bought up, my first thought was not of Steve Ignorant or Henry Rollins – they were of this man. He is a Rebellioneer, a family man, and a real punk-rocker. I give you: Steve Stanners.
What is your name, age, and where are you from?
Steve Stanners, 57 years old. I am from Seaton Delaval (near Whitley Bay) Northumberland.
How many times have you been to Rebellion?
17 times. The first time was in 2006. That was the last Wasted Festival. I have never missed one since.
Do you attend the festival with friends or family?
Generally, I go with my son, David, but I have also taken along my other son Peter and my daughter Leanne. We also meet up with friends who I’ve met at Rebellion, who I now call family: May, Kev, Lee, Caroline, and loads more.
What should people do in Blackpool besides Rebellion?
Soak up the sun, get hammered and enjoy the atmosphere.
What is your favorite venue inside the Winter Gardens?
The Pavilion. Great sound and loads of merch sellers on the outside and if you’re lucky, there be a seat.
Are you in a band, and if so have you played Rebellion?
I am not in a band, but I sell merch for Zero Tolerance. It’s too much hard work being in a band—I'll stick to causing trouble. Haha. And I love meeting punks.
Do you have any tips on things to avoid at Rebellion or in Blackpool?
Make sure your boots are comfy. By Day 3, your feet are sore - but by Day 4, your feet are just dead. And so be warned: don’t fall asleep on the beach, as the tide comes right up and you end up soggy.
Do you feel it is worth the time and expense to come from a faraway country to attend Rebellion?
Where else would you meet, mingle, and have a laugh with punks and skins who traveled from afar to see a band that you’ve never seen? But be careful. Once you’re bitten by Rebellion bug, it’s hard to shake it off.
Is there anything you think people should do or see in Blackpool outside of Rebellion?
Plenty to do in Blackpool. Tower, piers, shops (records), drinking, and them scary bloody rides.
Blackpool Tower. All photos ©dickslaughter.com
Tell our readers why they should attend the Rebellion Festivals
Rebellion, for me, is where I meet up with family and really good mates that live all over the country and some overseas to have a laugh and watch some fantastic bands, knowing that it’s one of the safest festivals in the country. Everyone that attends has the same feeling, plus not getting hassled by the coppers.
Is Rebellion your favorite big fest? If so, why? If not, why not - and which one is?
Rebellion is my favorite festival. So many bands, so many friends, and great to see new bands that come from all over the world. But a close second fest is Morecambe punk fest in November. Both are so friendly and never any trouble.
What makes Rebellion different from other festivals?
Rebellion is always friendly. Even the security. You meet up with new people that become close friends, and there is always something for everyone. Plenty of stages. Not happy about one band? There are another four stages you can pick from.
Who is the band or performer you want to see most this year?
That is easy—Zero Tolerance on Friday at Club Casbah at 13:30. They are one fantastic band live. Meteors, Lost Cherrees, Evil Blizzard, Steve Ignorant, the Subhumans and so many more
Do you have a favorite Rebellion memory that you can share?
Taking my son to the festival for the first time, watching him and watching bands together - the smile on his face, and seeing him turn from mainly metal to punk. Watching Zero Tolerance last year for the first time at the After Dark stage. They filled the room and blew the roof off it.
All photos courtesy of dickslaughter,com
Do you enjoy Buckfast? Do you have a good or funny Buckfast story?
Nah I’m a cider man. I don’t need Buckfast to get hammered. Can quite easily do it with cider.
Who put on the best performance of all time?
I can honestly say one of the best performances I’ve ever seen at Rebellion was Funeral Dress. They are so energetic and never stop bouncing on stage. I never miss them when they are at Rebellion. I hope they’re back next year. l also love Lower Class Brats. The first time I saw these guys, they didn’t disappoint, and I would love to see them back.
Who put on the best performance last year?
For me it was the Subhumans, ANWL, GBH the CRASS set, the Exploited, Conflict, Sick on the Bus, and the Test Tubes. But the very best ones were 4 smaller bands: Surgery Without Research, The Sentence, Zero Tolerance, and the American band Bad Ass All Class. Sometimes the little bands play out of their skin as they so much want to be there.
How much do you think it cost for you to attend Rebellion in total with tickets, hotel, food, beer, and everything included?
Hard to say. This year’s tickets were £200 ,then there is 5 days of drinking money. Yep - 5 days. Wednesday wristband for the day, food, and hotel could be up to £1000. Gotta stop drinking and eating so much. Haha. No chance of that, though.
Do you have a favorite Pub in Blackpool outside the Winter Gardens?
I do like Hogarths. It is a nice pint and cheaper. Churchills is another good pub that has a good pint as well. My favorite pub is the Waterloo, but it’s a canny distance from town centre.
Are there any good places to eat in Blackpool? Vegetarian or perhaps just something not fired in grease.
Apart from Greggs, Pound Bakery for vegan or veggie pastries, and gingerbread men, most pubs have a veggie menu. Some are quite expensive, so be careful if on a budget.
I hope you enjoyed the first of our Rebellion Festivals Spotlight interviews. As we inch closer to August 3rd, we will release more. We have Steve Ignorant, Paranoid Visions, and Henry Rollins in the queue - and we are still waiting on a couple of surprises. We noticed that Steve seemed to have a favorite band that he wants to make sure got into his article. He was ever so subtle about it, but we got the message. This is for you, Steve. See you in Blackpool.
Sorry Steve, I don’t see Zero Talence on the lineup this year. But check the lineup; I think you will find one you like.
1234 of August get tickets at
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