Stiff Little Fingers
Classic punks at the Waterfront
Less than a year since their previous visit to Norwich Stiff Little Fingers are back in town playing to the same size audience as last time. Clearly this is a band who inspire real dedication amongst their hardcore fan base, and rightly so. After releasing their fan funded new album in 2014, their first in 11 years, they seem to be a band completely re-energised. They have been on the road almost constantly since their last visit, having completed their first ever world tour and taking the opportunity to play with some of the groups they have been a major influence on – Green Day & Offspring, I’m looking at you.
To start your set with three of your best known songs is a real statement of intent and ‘Nobody’s Hero’, ‘At The Edge’ and ‘Roots, Radicals, Rockers & Reggae’ did their job in getting the crowd suitably whipped into shape. Of course these older classics are always going to go down well but what must be most gratifying to the band is how at least two of their newer songs have already become classics in the eyes (ears?) of the fans. ‘Full Steam Backwards’ and ‘My Dark Places’ got a brilliant response and really did sound as good as anything else they played. The set was nicely mixed up from last year, covering some of their lesser known songs and even playing a song off their much maligned fourth album ‘Now Then’.
Obviously, though, there comes a time in a Stiff Little Fingers gig where what we are looking for is a run of their absolute classics, and that is pretty much what they delivered for the last third of their ninety minute set. Pop punk perfection. Jake Burns was especially animated, enjoying some banter with the crowd and telling stories about where the songs were written or what they were about. The main set ended with ‘Suspect Device’ before they returned for a run through of Nick Lowe’s ‘Peace, Love & Understanding’ which was good, but not essential I have to say. ‘Wasted Life’ and ‘Alternative Ulster’ brought the night to an end and during the latter I have to confess your reviewer threw caution to the wind and launched himself into the mosh pit – it was impossible to resist.
So, another year, another Stiff Little Fingers gig and easily as enjoyable as last year. I woke up the morning after smelling of other people’s spilt beer, my ears were ringing and my throat was torn to shreds. See you next year, guys.
Stuart Preston
