Every year, discussions arise around the "largest punk party in the world." This year, the focus is on the performances of The Exploited and Krawallbrüder, both of whom are said to have more or less open sympathies for the right-wing camp. The absence of a certain band is also not met with understanding everywhere. For instance, a performance by the recently reformed Slime is almost demanded by the Force Attack organizers.
Now, organizer Imre has spoken out and defends the band selection with a detailed statement:
Now, organizer Imre has spoken out and defends the band selection with a detailed statement:
I have received a few emails regarding these pictures and then did some research: An explanatory statement from the Exploited drummer about this ominous group photo:
“Yep, this picture was taken in Norway after a gig, some guys said let's go for a beer so we did. They wanted a picture, so when they took it, the guys behind us did the Nazi salute. You can see neither Wattie nor myself are Sieg Heiling as we didn't know that shit was going to happen. Also, I almost had a fight with one of the dudes who was there and we left shortly after that. Regards, Wullie”
On the Exploited homepage, the following statement can be found?
http://www.the-exploited.net/images/expstatement.jpg
That's a clear statement, right?
Regarding the other picture (allegedly with the guitarist from Screwdriver...):
Wattie must have been pretty drunk. He also looks quite dazed in the picture... Is it said that he knows the guy? In the new Punkerknacker, there is an interview with Wattie where he says that all sorts of people keep coming up to him wanting to take a picture... Maybe the wrong one slips through? Who knows... For me, the statement on the homepage is a usable statement!
Wattie now says he will NEVER again let himself be photographed with skinheads... He is definitely fed up with the misuse of his persona by these idiots... And he didn't look all that sober in those pictures either...........
On the topic of Krawallbrüder:
At Force Attack, there are definitely NO right-wing or right-leaning bands! And Oi! bands that have played at a festival where one or two questionable bands were also represented can be found on every corner; very few have a "clean slate." The same goes for musicians who had any contacts to the right scene or were part of that scene. But one must always consider each individual case closely and then decide whether a band is suitable for the festival or not at all. That in the OI! scene sometimes the statements of the bands are too irrelevant, as long as the music is good, I also find concerning. But counting peas doesn't help us here. I am, of course, not uncritical and not in every case, more for inclusion than exclusion, because by "excluding" you only drive such bands into the open arms of the right! That shouldn't be the goal, right? You just have to give some people a little time and dare to trust; I have done that, as have others in the Krawallbrüder's environment... They don't have to show up in "Antifascist Action" shirts right away, but this logo is already a clear statement to parts of "their" audience! (Note: The tour flyer states "Love Music, Hate Fascism" at the bottom left)
On the topic of Slime:
I have known about this topic for a long time (one/two years already...) and for me, it is settled. "Slime" will NOT play at Force Attack!
The following reasons:
The band (specifically guitarist Elf) or the booker Alex (former drummer of Hass, now with the Mimmis and also drumming for "Slime" instead of Stephan Mahler) demands fees of 20,000 to 30,000 euros for a one-hour concert; at the big commercial festivals, they want even more money. So the reason for this "reunion" is obvious. It is solely about cashing in again. However, since the ratio of the fee to the fees of all other bands is completely disproportionate and no one wants to raise ticket prices because of one band, "Slime" will not perform at Force Attack. All other justifications for this "reunion" are far-fetched. It is also unclear who, besides Dicken and Elf, will be part of the old lineup. Definitely not Stephan Mahler, and a return of bassist Eddi is still uncertain (tendonitis in his arm). I think it will be a more or less Mimmis lineup (without Fabsi), see the three-song performance with Dicken / Elf / Alex ("Slime" rehearsal??) at Force Attack 2009.
The remaining musicians who want to perform under the name "Slime" are definitely there to destroy their own legend for a quick profit. We do not want to participate in that!”
