This gig appeared on the radar late, but it had to be done. Three separate acts that I have been seeing for 36 years (Mark Thomas) to 39 years (Attila and the Neurotics). What these people did and said had a big hand in shaping my political views and here they were together just two weeks after the Neurotics' battle cry of 'Kick Out The Tories' had been realised. Better still this was an afternoon gig that would be done and dusted by six giving ample time to get back home for the inevitable viewing discomfort of an England Euros final game against Spain, undoubtedly the best team in the tournament!... Spain that is.
Like a slow residency, these Attila compared gigs have been occurring for some time now, every quarter if I recall correctly. Attila is nothing if not prolific, you do not get a greatest hits, dredging up 40 plus year old material from 'Ranting At The Nation', well perhaps one or two, but most of the material is bang up to date, 'Farageland' being an example, a commentary on the opinions of the odious politician set to the rhythm of The Clash's 'Garageland'. Importantly, Attila's newer material is sometimes very personal and intimate (biologically) as he candidly details the trials and tribulations faced by his knob during treatment of bladder cancer... important because talking about male health in such a way may just save someone down the line.
The first of the two full acts of the afternoon comes from comedian and activist, Mark Thomas. I saw Mark just a few weeks ago in Bishops Stortford. His show then was uncompromising, but here today, playing to an appreciative audience of like minded people he was in his element, hammering his points home in a vicious but hilarious manner (Sunak with hammer did feature in his set!). Hard to believe but Mark Thomas in full flow makes Jonathan Pie come across as laid back!
After a short interval, in which people either went to the main bar for beer or checked the screens in the pub to get the latest progress of the Men's Wimbledon Singles final which was then under way, and a couple more poems from Attila and it was time for the Newtown Neurotics.
Unusually, they kicked off proceedings 'Living With Unemployment' more often as not one of the songs that close the band's set. 'The Mess' followed, a tragic tale that shouts about the importance of education from the rooftops. Next up were a volley of songs that go back to the Neurotics' year zero with 'Fools', 'Hypocrite' and 'When The Oil Runs Out'.
A sure fire highlight of the set was a rendition of the classic 'This Fragile Life', a deeply poignant and horrifyingly still relevant song that stems from Steve's observation in the early 1980's of an elderly resident of the Potter Street area of Harlow who succumbed to hypothermia, alone at home in winter in front of an empty grate. Steve added to the on going relevance of the song with reference to his age. The message is clear, we will all (hopefully) grow old and the hardships of a life in later years lived in poverty is the reality for millions.... unless we as a nation address the inequalities that lead to poverty in the 2000's.
Late set included two songs from the 'new' album 'Cognitive Dissidents', 'Climate Emergency' and a new challenge to the far right in the form of 'Stand With You'.
For the finale, of course it could only be 'Kick Out The Tories'. Here the set list got it right, stating 'We've Kicked Out The Tories'.
I filmed it, but I think that this version may have a couple of glitches.
So here too is the video for the recent revamped version of the track.
I always leave a Neurotics gig uplifted. At times when it seems that everyone is out for themselves, to be in a hall in the company of other pissed off but positive people is a tonic.... unlike the football that followed... next time eh!
