From Both sides of the Stage at Punk and Disorderly Skegness
Intro by dick slaughter
Lorraine Carter from Post Mortem reached out to me about covering a festival weekend called Punk and Disorderly Skegness. Her band was set to reunite after 30 years and open the show, which promised to be a special moment. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend, but that got me thinking: why not have Lorraine write the review herself?
We decided she could give her unique take on what it’s like to be in the band after all those years, reflecting on the experience from a personal and emotional standpoint. With some help tracking down photos, the result was a beautifully raw and deeply personal account—something that only someone in her shoes could have delivered.
I love that I am able to blend fan and artist voices into In Spite Magazine. Sometimes the best stories come from the heart of the pit or the band on stage, not just from the press room.
Lorraine Carter of Post Mortem - Photo courtesy of Adrian Lea
After a fabulous first year, Punk and Disorderly Skegness has been eagerly anticipated. A really great range of bands came from far and wide to the perfect venue The Courthouse Skegness in Lincolnshire, UK, with great sound and a friendly staff—what else is there to say? The weekend started off on the Friday afternoon; the bar was open and the punkers were arriving; the atmosphere was relaxed and expectant.
Post Mortem — Photo courtesy of Adrian Lea
I was so nervous and hadn’t really eaten anything for a couple of days, as we were going to be playing and it was our first gig in over 30 years. (GULP) We were first up on the stage; my mind went blank and I had a feeling of pure panic, but muscle memory kicked in, and amazingly, the words all came back to me. It feels a bit awkward to be reviewing us, so all I will say is: it was our first gig after reforming the band, and it was bloody brilliant, well for us anyway.
We had a good crowd, got a great reception, and had a few up dancing. Apart from when Fletch broke a string and had to disappear for a few minutes, leaving me telling some awful jokes to pass the time.
Rise up - Photo courtesy of Lorraine Carter.
After Us, next up was Rise Up, who sounded great, though, to be honest, I was in the process of having a few swift ones after the stress of doing my first gig in a very long time.
I was back in the game for the amazing Face UP, who played an exuberantly energetic set, with their singer, who was using a remote microphone, jumping down off the stage to perform on the dancefloor. This band formed in 2016 and comes from the West Midlands. Releasing their debut album in 2019, called The World Is Ours, with songs like Rise Now and Stand Together, they had the crowd baying for more.
Face Up - Photo courtesy of Phil Thorns
The long-standing Guitar Gangsters, who originally formed 35 years ago, headlined the Friday night. This band has released 11 albums and play an infectious combination of melodic punk anthems. Pete Ley, on vocals and guitar, gave a punchy performance, leaving the Courthouse crowd wanting more. Though we would all have to wait for the following day, it was time to stumble back to my little hotel room. I use the term hotel very loosely.
Guitar Gangsters - Photo courtesy of Peter McDonnell.
The Guitar Gangsters - Photo courtesy of Peter McDonnell.
Saturday started for me with a bit of a hangover and a walk on the beach in the sun, treating myself to a coffee and an ice cream. Later on, I moved from the bleak little room I had been housed in to my friend’s place, much nearer the venue, so an added bonus.
Under the Cosh.- Photo courtesy of Ben Eurich
Under the Cosh, from Grantham, started off the proceedings on the Saturday, and I was on the rum, so good all round. Under the Cosh are a 5-piece punk/oi band who got together in 2011 and then reformed in 2019. The singer Ben, who is a recent addition to the band, has a powerful guttural voice and prowles the stage like a caged beast. Brilliant band; go and see them if you get the chance; they are really nice people too, which helps.
Skip Rat. - Photo courtesy of Bev Ong
I met with friends old and new, chatting, drinking, and generally having a good time. Next up for me was the 5-piece, West Yorkshire-based Skip Rat, who play a brilliant combination of hardcore punk mixed with ska and reggae; they have been on the scene for 15 years. This band has an excellent drummer, who was blasting out an amazing super fast off beat on their punk tracks. Good one.
After last year’s all-male line-up, it was good to see some women taking the stage, including myself. And with that in mind, let’s talk about the North East-based band Slalom D.
Slalom D - Photo courtesy of Johnny LIndstedt
Slalom D, who had traveled all the way down from Sunderland, in their van, turning up about an hour before they were to take to the stage. Fronted by Fiona Duncan, the blond powerhouse, who takes no prisoners and sings from the heart. One of my favourite bands and definitely the highlight of the weekend for me and the other members of Post Mortem.
Slalom D, who formed in 2018, is named after a very strong lager that now no. longer exists. Their songs are a combination of raw power, with melodies and their keyboard filling out the sound. Many, if not all, of their lyrics are motivated by contemporary social and political issues. Medusa, The Final Girl, and Jerusalem are perhaps some of their most well-known tracks, all played with passion and power. They filled the Arena stage at Rebellion this year and are always gigging. These guys are all so down to earth and friendly, sticking around to have a few drinks with the crowd before they went back to the flat they had rented for the night, just up the road. I can’t wait to see them again.
The Glory - Photo courtesy of Kimmen Ahlund.
Later in the evening, after more rounds of drinks had been acquired, it was time to hear the Leicester-based punk/oi band, The Glory, playing a roaring set with some of their best-known songs, “We are What We Are,” particularly standing out. Their old-school sound had everyone cheering.
Dirt Box Disco at Rebellion - Photo courtesy of ©dickslaughter.com
The night’s entertainment was rounded off by the formidable Dirt Box Disco, formed in 2010 in Nottingham. After releasing 8 albums, this lot are prolific when it comes to bringing out new material and touring, supporting bands such as the Misfits and the Wildhearts. They played The Great Alternative Music Weekend at Butlins, which is now sadly cancelled forever. They have played Rebellion Festival every year since 2012, which in itself is no mean feat. They don’t take themselves seriously for one minute, their tracks are energetic and catchy, and they always dress up in gimp masks and costumes, its cabaret punk style. The room was moving with everyone up and dancing, singing along.
So its been another resounding success of a weekend for the Punk and Disorderly organizers; the crowd all left smiling, only wishing it could have been a 3-day event… Maybe next year? it certainly puts Skegness on the map, as far as punk events go. Keep on supporting small venues and lesser-known bands; lets all keep the faith.