9/7/2010 Bermondsey Joyriders & The Duel @ the 100 Club

Subject	Bermondsey Joyriders & The Duel @ the 100 Club
PostedDate	7/9/2010
	The sweaty confines of the 100 Club are not one of the places I'd really like to be on a hot summer's evening - especially as the real ales at the bar are off. Again.  However, I end up glad I made the trip down to the west end. The club's air conditioning is actually reasonably effective, particularly if you find one of the 'cool' spots to stand. Punk veterans The Duel give a good account of themselves, although I have to miss at least half their set while waiting outside for someone to turn up and pick up a ticket from me. The Duel are a hardworking band who have toured Europe and also managed to pick up some prestigeous support slots - check 'em out if you get the chance. I hadn't seen the Bermondsey Joyriders before, and not being a great fan of the whole Oi/bootboy/football yob scene which ex-Cock Sparrer man Garry Lammin emerged from to (eventually) front this band I wasn't sure if I'd like them.  However, this is a punk/rock 'n' roll band unlike any other and they won me over very quickly as soon as they took to the stage. Apart from their 'look' with the matching tartan trews, one thing which sets them far apart from other punk bands is Lammin's guitar playing - slide guitar is virtually unknown in that scene. One of the band's songs 'Part Of My Problem' is a nice tribute to the late Johnny Thunders - a man who's influence is still felt in the rock 'n' roll world. The shouted football terrace style vocals are pure punk rock, but if you actually listen to the music realise this is a full on rock 'n' roll band - and a very good one to boot. For this one gig, the drum stool is occupied by ex-Damned drummer the legendary Rat Scabies, although to be honest I don't think he plays that well tonight.  However, I really enjoy this band's set - and even though it's the first time I've seen them I find myself singing along with the stupidly dumb but brilliantly effective chorus of 'Who Are Ya'. The songs are simple, but then so were the Ramones songs - it's the spirit they capture and the full on performance that make it something special. This isn't a band just playing hard and fast for the sake of it - anyone can do that (and they are usually crap) the Bermondsey Joyriders really know what they are doing. And they mean it. I leave this gig feeling really glad that I was persuaded to go, and knowing that I will definitely be going to see the Bermondsey Joyriders (and The Duel) again.