An explosive performance from Ruts DC and a nostalgic trip with The Undertones!
On a chilly night in the steel city of Sheffield, The Leadmill, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and rich musical heritage going back to 1980, played host to two punk bands of legendary status: The Undertones and Ruts DC.
First up were Ruts DC, formed way back on The Leadmill’s first birthday, with bassman ‘Segs’ Jennings belting out the vocals and Dave Ruffy, a powerhouse on the drums, ably supported by Leigh Heggarty on guitar and backing vocals. Known for their distinctive blend of Punk Rock, Reggae and Dub influences, the band launched into ‘Faces In The Sky‘, a gritty anthem that perfectly encapsulated their edgy style igniting an undeniable energy in the room. For the next hour, we were transported back to our youth in the 70’s and 80’s by powerful guitar riffs and thunderous percussion.
Personally, I love their distinctive sound, a fusion of raw aggressive Punk interwoven with laid back bass heavy Reggae giving a nod to their admiration of Jamaican music and culture. This was perfectly summed up when they finished their set with ‘Babylon’s Burning‘ a politically charged anthem that resonated deeply with the crowd. A stunning start to the evening.
As if that wasn’t enough, The Undertones took to the stage and immediately reignited the audience with ‘Jimmy, Jimmy‘ which had everyone singing along with its punchy hooks, driving beats and catchy chorus, setting the tone for the rest of the night.
My other personal standout moments were ‘My Perfect Cousin‘ with its tongue in cheek lyrics, but the song I’d been waiting for all evening, which just happened to be John Peel’s favourite record of all time, was ‘Teenage Kicks‘. A song which has become anthemic across generations turned The Leadmill into a sing-along paradise.
The band consisting of Damian O’Neil (Lead guitar/vocals), his elder brother John O’Neil (Rhythm guitar/vocals), Mickey Bradley (Bass/vocals), Billy Doherty (Drums) and Paul McLoone (Lead vocals), who replaced original singer Feargal Sharkey in 1999, showcased their longevity and reminded us why live performances are so special.
Main Photo Credit / All Photos: PHIL THORNS
Follow The Undertones on Their Socials:
Need more Punk In Your Life?
Six of the Best – 28th March 2025
New Single, EP and Album releases from The Red Bastards – ‘Life’s A Trap’, Supersonic Deuces – ‘Deuce On The Loose’, The Mary Tyler Whores
Griff and Michele are back with a Ska classic!
Follow-up single to their December hit ‘Christmas Smile’, Griff & Michele with one ‘L’ return with a cover of the 1968 Ska/Rocksteady/Reggae classic ‘54-46’, by
Crymwav to hit London on Friday!
West coast US rockers Crymwav (pronounced ‘Crimewave’) are crossing the pond to play a show at the famous Iron Maiden pub the Cart & Horses
Scarborough Punk Souvenir – are YOU in this fantastic photobook, by Phil Thorns?
Scarborough Punk Festival 2024 was an amazing event – top photographer Phil Thorns presents the best of the action! Published in a fabulous 72 page
Syama de Jong, ‘first lady’ of Dutch punk, passes away
Rest in Punk, Rest in Power, Saskia aka Sacha aka Syama de Jong! We shall never forget you. Herman de Tollenaere recounts her extraordinary legacy.
Peesh goes ‘Under the Radar’ in his new seasonal project!
Northumbrian punk singer-songwriter Peesh has just released a great new single, ‘Under the Radar’, to celebrate the first day of Spring – and to launch
Sheffield based photographer. Festival reviews/photos for Punkuation, Louder Than War, Exposed, Safety Pin Magazine, Derbyshire Times …
Did you know that we are 100% DIY? We run our own game. No one dictates to us, and no one drives what we can or cannot put on our pages – and this is how we plan to continue!
