I was a fan of Stiff Little Fingers but I didn’t always give them good reviews. This one mentions “their last visit to Liverpool” which was at Eric’s and which, it seems, I didn’t enjoy as much.
I’ve also noticed a recurring theme in my old articles: fretting about what had happened to punk. Not wanting to be nostalgic, but knowing the glory days were over and not liking what had taken their place.
This review features another great appearance by the Melody Maker sub-editors, who transferred the gig from the Mountford Hall in Liverpool University’s students’ union to New Mountford Hall, Leicester. This doesn’t exist: the Leicester venue is the De Montford Hall. Although, to be fair, Stiff Little Fingers have played there.
If you’re interested in the band’s background, check out a new book, Wild Colonial Boys by Thomas Paul Burgess of Ruefrex. This gives some great insights into the Northern Ireland punk scene and where Stiff Little Fingers fitted in. You can read my review of the book on Louder Than War.
STIFF LITTLE FINGERS
New Mountford Hall, Leicester Mountford Hall, Liverpool
MELODY MAKER, March 22, 1980
SO have Stiff Little Fingers sold out? Far from it. They played with much more conviction than on their last visit to Liverpool, although in a larger and less sympathetic environment. And they proved themselves able to conquer the exam-hall atmosphere of the Mountford.
If it wasn't something of a millstone by now, Stiff Little Fingers could be the "last real punk band". Forget the cult bands and the boot-boy sects. Here we've got good music, both accessible and unpatronising, with an inbuilt vitality which recalls the excitement of '77 without ever falling into stagnant nostalgia.
They avoid the trap of the past. There are just enough old songs to please, but the emphasis is obviously on the new album — and it says something for the group that interest doesn't flag even when the material is unfamiliar. The old and new blend unobtrusively (a bit like the Ramones). "Wait And See" comes over very strong, and "On The Edge" gets better all the time, the perfect showcase for Jake Burns's voice (sadly not as strong as on record).
Chrysalis haven't tamed Stiff Little Fingers yet. And I don't think they will.
Back in the 21st century
Stiff Little Finger are on tour again. And, as they proudly state on their website: "2024 celebrates the 45th anniversary of the release of Stiff Little Fingers' debut album, Inflammable Material, generally considered one of the greatest punk albums of all time."
Can’t argue with that.
Listen to At the Edge
Still powerful (and yes, I got the title wrong in my review).
My first ever gig, at the age of 14, was SLF at the 1979 Eric's matinee. Support from The Starjets. Magic!