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Expecting that tonight's concert would have a younger audience, I entered the club just before half past eight to also see the Berlin band GRUBBY THINGS. I hadn't seen the band led by singer Elvan in a while and was looking forward to it.
The hall was surprisingly well filled. Perhaps 150-200 people were present when GRUBBY THINGS took the stage at 8:30 PM. The band only had half the stage available, as the UK SUBS' drum kit was already set up on a platform, which the Berliners did not use. They had to bring their own drums.
A slight rockstar attitude from the English, but we'll forgive them.
GRUBBY THINGS kicked off without much introduction with their gritty rock 'n' roll punk / '77 punk. The rough and hard-to-mix voice of the singer came across surprisingly clearly. Guitar, bass, and drums were also well balanced, allowing the Berliners to entertain the audience for half an hour with good sound. The band seized this opportunity, and after a few songs, the younger people in front of the stage timidly started to dance. The older generation, which was in the majority, watched the action on stage and applauded politely. The longer the concert lasted, the less clothing singer Elvan wore. By the end, she was on stage in hot pants and a sparkling bra, which was quite a sight. This appearance combined with the band's gritty sound created a unique, crackling eroticism.
The well-rehearsed band finished with a few really fast punk rock numbers, sending the audience off enthusiastically as they waved goodbye to the band backstage.
By now, S.O. 36 had become quite crowded. It was difficult to navigate through the hall, partly because the older generation is probably not as physically flexible when it comes to movement and has mostly forgotten what it's like to be at a punk concert. Trees are easier to maneuver around than this audience.
TV SMITH took the stage after a short changeover with his guitar and showed in his special, personal way what it means to play acoustically as a punk rocker. With full passion and heart, he played the songs. A lean man who lives 100% for his songs. This alone touches the heart, and combined with his socially critical, political songs, it leaves one speechless.
Songs like “Expensive Being Poor“, “Generation Y“ or “Only One Flavour“ resonate deeply and leave one speechless. In the end, there was a small all-time favorite set with “Pushed Again“ and the well-known song “Gary Gilmore's Eyes“. At 59, TV SMITH delivers his songs with such heart that it is simply impossible not to be captivated and moved. It is always an experience to see this man alone on stage with his guitar.
As TV SMITH left the stage, the hearts of the audience raced higher with every passing minute, as UK SUBS were about to take the stage. The tension was palpable. When Charlie Harper and his band stepped onto the stage, he was greeted with wild enthusiasm.
UK SUBS immediately kicked off, just as one would expect from old-school punk bands.
A perfect sound came from the speakers, a vigorous pogo began in front of the stage, and at least half the hall sang along with the songs. The joy of seeing the band live once more was evident on every face.
UK SUBS played fresh and with great energy. The perfect interplay, the light show, and a very cheerful Charlie Harper wearing a GRUBBY THINGS T-shirt made this band the absolute highlight of the evening.
At 70 years old, standing on stage for over an hour, knowing the lyrics, stable and active, that's something Charlie can be proud of. 70 years! Some people are already in need of care at that age.
Charlie Harper still has punk rock in his blood and is far from being a care case. Of course, his age was visible, but as vital and full of energy as he stood on stage that evening, it was as if the man were 20 years younger. Punk rock keeps you young!
It was a remarkable, sold-out concert and a very nice evening at S.O. 36, where I almost felt young again. The audience present, mostly over 40, celebrated their old heroes, and I too bow to Charlie Harper and UK SUBS as well as to TV SMITH. May they be granted many more good years.