Year Zero Punk In Ulster 1977 - A Documentary

A special thanks goes to this Mulley for this one. Ever keen to educate folk in the '70s punk scene in Belfast he sent me a handful of CDs that document just what was going on in Ulster at the time of the punk explosion. This BBC Radio Ulster documentary (originally broadcast on 21st July 2007) describes a vibrant scene against a backdrop of sectarian violence, a scene that was powerful enough to overcome the barriers that the Troubles erected. But hey, what do I know (coming from Sussex!). I'll let the main protagonists spell out just how it was in the 'Alternative Ulster' that they were a part of creating.

'Big Time' by Rudi

'You're A Disease' by The Outcasts

'Alternative Ulster' by SLF

'Here Comes The Summer' by The Undertones

Within the download are the radio documentary and a supplementary CD of interviews conducted with key figures in the history of punk in Northern Ireland.

FLAC: https://we.tl/t-8cNP3ONvPo

CD 1
BBC Radio Ulster documentary (broadcast date 21st July 2007)

CD 2
Interviews

PAUL BURGESS (RUEFREX)
Growing up in Belfast at the height of the Troubles
Engaging with politics
Recording The Wild Colonial Boy
Punk’s legacy

HENRY MCDONALD (JOURNALIST)
Punk and new friendships
Punk as a cross-community experience
The politics of punk

JOHN T DAVIS (FILMMAKER)
Shellshock Rock
How he made the film
The innocence of the film
Screening the film in Washington
The achievement of Shellshock Rock

GREG COWAN (THE OUTCASTS)
The impact of punk
The possibilities created by punk
Recording for Good Vibrations
N.I. as a centre of punk
Being at the centre of the scene

MARTIN MCCLOONE (PROFESSOR OF MEDIA STUDIES)
Development of punk in N.I.
Punks reclaim Belfast city centre
Writing about the Troubles

BRIAN YOUNG (RUDI)
Punk in Belfast
Teenage determination
Rudi’s image
Receiving first copies of Big Time
Punk values

COLIN MCLELLAND (SLF MANAGER)
Seeing SLF for the first time
The Rigid Digits label
Publicising Suspect Device
SLF writing about the Troubles
Difficulties getting a record label
The excitement of discovering punk rock

TERRI HOOLEY (GOOD VIBRATIONS BOSS)
Punk in ‘70s N.I.
Good Vibrations singles
Impact of punk in Belfast
Belfast as a centre of punk
The legacy of punk

ALI MCMORDIE (SLF)
The attraction of punk
The political climate of the period
Belfast then and now
John Peel and the Rough Trade label
The Inflammable Material album
Inter-band rivalry
Appearing on TOTP

GAVIN MARTIN (JOURNALIST)
The impact of punk on him
Punks in Belfast
His first ever interview (Mick Jones)
Joining the NME
Terri Hooley

GORDON OGILVIE (SLF CO-WRITER)
How he came to be living in Belfast
His love of music with attitude

JOHN O’NEILL (THE UNDERTONES)
His early songs
Early influences
Reputation of The Undertones in Derry
Reforming The Undertones

Rock School Gig At The Half Moon in Bishops Stortford 22nd December 2013

First and foremost, this has nothing to do with the fund raising songs that have been posted on this site. Initially, when I suggested that I would upload a song from this gig, Rudi said that 'Who is going to want to see someone dressed as a geography teacher playing awful songs'. It's a fair point, but I would like to point out that his choice of clothing is his.... how do you rebel against punky parents? Drape yourself in tweed and corduroy (elbow patches optional) that's what! It is true that due to a bout of pneumonia he missed lessons and therefore had no influence over the songs to be played.

Good to see that Rudi has really persevered with the bass and he now plays in a relaxed and confident manner, which is more than I could ever do!!

Super Duper Love by Joss Stone

(Rudi on bass)

Half Moon, Bishops Stortford 22nd December 2013

'Good Vibrations', Terry Hooley and the Extraordinary Belfast Punk Scene

This one is for the benefit of one Mully, official Belfast punk correspondent. I just caught this minor 5 minute article on that cornerstone of British art and culture 'The One Show'(!?).

Unfortunately, I don't think that this film will come anywhere near Bishops Stortford (it not being based upon a super hero or staring Tom Cruise!) so I'll have to settle for the DVD.

This clip features very short interviews with Terry Hooley himself, Billy Doherty of The Undertones and Brian Young of the rather splendidly named Rudi.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Good-Vibrations-The-Film/185645362307

Sorry, more charity based sibling caterwauling!

So, here we go again, the second instalment of my children's musical efforts, with the aim of sending the bigger one to the other side of the Earth for a month! The rationale for the trip is explained here.

Anyway, this song, a homage to footwear related violence, is a tribute to Nancy Sinatra, with something of a nod to the mighty Symarip. Here is then, 'These Boots Are Made For Walking'.

As before, should you feel inclined, there is a PayPal donation button.

Heartfelt thanks goes to those how have already 'sponsored' Rudi, it really is appreciated!