Ok, these guys are one of my favourites so there might be some gushing.
In the same way Motörhead (RIP Lemmy) used to roll into town every September like clockwork. Stiff Little Fingers playing Manchester each year in March and has become its own tradition. Normally I’d be across the Atlantic for Tampa Beer Week, but missing the Fingers? Not a chance this year.
I’ve seen them everywhere over the years. From the Ritz, to the Empress Ballroom, to accidentally wandering into a SLF themed pub in Chicago and being forced to drink Malört yuck (don’t try it). That alone deserves some kind of gig-going medal. So seeing them level up into a bigger room here feels like a well-earned upgrade for The Fingers.
And the thing is… they’re still exactly as great as they’ve always been.
They came out swinging with “Tin Soldier”, straight into “Nobody’s Hero”, barely giving anyone time to get their bearings before sliding into “Roots, Radics, Rockers, Reggae.” For a split second it felt like I’d stumbled into a Rancidcover before remembering it’s actually a tribute to Bunny Wailer. Then a warm “Hello Manchester!” and we were properly off.
From there the band rattled through “Raise Your Heart,” “Back to Front,” and “State of Emergency,” the kind of run that reminds you why these songs have stuck around for decades. “Walkin’ Dynamite” and “Silver Lining” followed, the latter coming with a story about wasting time and the kind of blunt wisdom that apparently runs in the family. A tale about his dad and royalties from back in the day had the crowd chuckling.
Mid-set kept the momentum going with “At the Edge” and “Bits of Kids,” before landing on “Listen.” I’ll say it now: they’re all bangers, but that one really hits. Possibly advice I should’ve taken years ago. Don’t worry… working on it.
A quick check-in with the crowd and they were straight into “Doesn’t Make It Alright.” The The Specials cover was nailed as always. Looking around the room, I briefly considered making a joke about the sea of silver hair and shining scalps… but honestly, the younger crowd just don’t realise what they’re missing.
Then came “Just Fade Away” and “Wasted Life.” The phones came up for that one. Classic moment. Delivered with the same fire it’s always had.
“Gotta Gettaway” kept the pace up before “Suspect Device” arrived and that was it for me. Earplugs out, notebook away, full attention on the stage.
Encore time, and the band still had plenty left in the tank. “Johnny Was,” the Bob Marley & The Wailers cover, maybe wasn’t flawless but it was played with enough punch to carry the moment. Then came the inevitable closer, “Alternative Ulster.” Absolutely nailed.
Afterwards I got chatting to fellow gig-goers Jo and Ian Smith. Jo’s the punk in the household, Ian leans more toward Sabbath and metal, but both were loving it. Ian reckoned their Belfast shows still edge it (home turf is home turf after all), but even he admitted the band had mixed up the format tonight and it worked brilliantly. “Best I’ve seen them,” And honestly? Hard to argue with that! Although I missed Barbwire Love.
If anyone ever asks for a Punk 101 crash course, the answer’s simple, spend a day with Stiff Little Fingers. Turn it up loud.
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PHOTO CREDIT – HELS MILLINGTON
