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
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