If anyone had concerns that punk rock is fading in popularity, then a trip down to King Tut’s on this Sunday night would have left you with considerable peace of mind and a warm feeling of inner satisfaction from knowing that the talent is still out there
An enthusiastic and knowledgeable crowd pack the venue to see Los Angeles based hardcore punks OFF!, currently on a European tour supported by the somewhat absurdly named New Yorkers Cerebral Ballzy.
While admittedly many in the crowd, adorned with official OFF! hats and t-shirts, are there to see their favourites perform, nobody is about to be disappointed by the support who are currently promoting their new album Jaded & Faded.
Cerebral Ballzy have received praise for their debut single ‘Insufficient Fare’ and their energetic live performances and tonight they storm through a number of short, sharp numbers, including ‘Puke Song’ ‘Another Day’ and ‘Cutting Class’ with frontman Honor Titus working the crowd at every opportunity, including giving the mic to an enthusiastic fan to blast the chorus of one track.
All in all they go down well with the Glasgow audience who show their appreciation, an ideal warm up for what is to follow.
The crowd go wild when OFF! frontman Keith Morris takes to the stage looking every bit like a wee angry Glasgow man, creased face, dreadlocks and full of pent up energy, ready to rock.
No time for introductions, straight into ‘Void You Out’ the first of a fast paced set of some 23 tracks, which include ‘I Got News 4 You’, ‘Now I’m Pissed’ ‘Rat Trap’ and ‘Wiped Out’.
The diehards are bouncing and beer flys as they pogo the night away.
At 59 years of age Morris bemoans the various ailments and medical conditions he has to cope with while on tour, suffice to say his energy levels and performance throughout do nothing to suggest that he is being hampered in any way.
Words/photos: Sandy Gibson
