As the current incarnation of Rebellion Festival turns 10 this year (having been around under other names since 1996), Punktastic takes a look at the annual Blackpool beano and tells you about why this year is going to be the best ever.
Taking place over four days between August 3rd to August 6th the annual Punk Rock gathering brings bigger and better lineups with every passing year. Here are 5 acts that you should be checking out over the weekend.
BOOZE & GLORY – Casbah Stage, Sunday 8.20pm
Do you like Punk Rock? Do you like songs about drinking? Booze & Glory are for you. Their new record, ‘Chapter IV’, perfectly encompasses an ideal mixture of singalong anthems and heartfelt lyrics. The ultimate festival band and they are sure to make beer, sweat and other bodily fluids drip from the ceiling (make of that what you will). You can catch them at the Casbah stage at 8.20pm, bring beer. London’s Punk legends are well worth spending your Sunday night having a boogie to.
FRANK CARTER & THE RATTLESNAKES – Empress Ballroom, Friday 9.20pm
It feels that with every show Carter & The Rattlesnakes plays their fanbase gets bigger and bigger. Having laid waste to festivals all over the world already this year, they make their way to the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool to blast their “Modern Ruin”. The legendary live show is not overstated and no amount of hype around this set can make it a let down, it really is a feast for the eyes. Stomping Punk Rock anthems that echo the early years of Carter’s musical career while bringing a delicate nature that can be found on the Pure Love record, this will be one of the highlights of the weekend. Do not miss it.
PEARS – Empress Ballroom, Thursday 4.35pm
The US Hardcore Punk 4 piece released ‘Green Star’ during 2016, their first release on Fat Wreck Records which has allowed them to travel back to the UK to follow up on their set at Rebellion in 2016. This year they grace the Empress Ballroom and with them they bring the might of quick, unrelentless Hardcore. There is something incredibly raw about their sound and the DIY ethic they take to writing records is admirable. They are sure to go down a storm, make sure you’re there to witness it.
SLAVES – Empress Ballroom, Friday 11.45pm
Despite their mainstream popularity there is something so raw about Slaves tinitus raising rhythms that makes them an ideal late night bedlam bringer at Rebellion Festival. Their latest record, ‘Take Control’ saw them grace bigger stages all over Europe, making a name for themselves wherever they step foot. Still early in their career trajectory it’s shows like this that will cement Slaves presence as more than a band that will fall into the abyss, they’re here for the long run.
RICHIE RAMONE – Empress Ballroom, Sunday, 10.00pm
Why not use your Sunday evening to check out a real life living legend? With his career spanning 35 years it will be hard to find a spot in the Empress Ballroom come 10.00pm that night. Releasing his second solo record last year, the former Ramones drummer will be bringing his band to Blackpool to play classic Ramones anthems as well as his own back catalogue. It promises to be a real festival closing party, don’t miss this. It’s shaping up to be a lot of fun.
Rebellion Festival takes place 3rd-6th August. Remaining tickets can be found here –Â http://www.rebellionfestivals.com/tickets
WILLIAM SCOTT