Old-school Aussie punks CONVICT CLASS hit the UK for a bunch of dates at the end of the month, including a much-anticipated second appearance at Rebellion.
We caught up with the lads from Warrnambool to find out what they're planning for the trip...
What on earth made you Aussie convicts want to go the other way and head back to England??
We like to think we have changed our ways and promise to behave this time. We also love to rub it in that we were also sent to the greatest country on earth. Seriously though, we love the UK and have so many great friends that we love to share our music with and the good times that follow. On another note, Ben is hoping we can gift our drummer back and leave him behind.
You are here for three weeks. Who are you looking forward to playing with?
Our good friends Tear Up, Chaotic Dischord, Criminal Damage, Thrown Away and Unrivalled. Fellow countrymen and top mates the Kombi Killers. That said, we are excited to meet and play with everyone on each date of our tour. At Rebellion Festival there is too many to mention with so many great bands and friends, but if I had to pick one it would be Special Duties.
And you are at Rebellion festival for the second time. That must be a blast?
Yeah, it is our second time playing at Rebellion. There wouldn’t be too many independent festivals in the world that have lasted 30 years. I’m sure like most years this will be huge but being the 30th Anniversary it will be extra special. As mentioned, we have so many great friends that we look forward to meeting up with in Blackpool. We cannot wait to create so many special memories within the walls of Winter Gardens and the local pubs this year. We are truly honoured and privileged to be a part of this festival and promise to give you a show you won’t forget.
What do you eat when you come the U.K?
Sten Gun: Butter Chicken and Haggis, Ben: Cornish pasties, Al: Chips & Curry Sauce, Shane: Smoked Kippers.
And what’s your favourite drink on tour?
Sten Gun: Thatchers Gold, Ben: Jack Daniels, Al: Iron Bru, Shane: Yorkshire Tea
Name your top 5 punk albums please?
Sten Gun: Sex Pistols: Never Mind the Bollocks, Ben: The Damned Damned Damned Damned, Al: The Specials The Specials, Shane: The Saints Eternally Yours, Convict Class: Special Duties 77 in 82.
Finally - how would you describe your new album Not The Enemy?
We are so proud of this album and being a part of the Randale Records family. One of the things we love about this album is that fact that we all have different songs that are our favourites. We have found that this has been the case with the people that have reviewed the album and all the reviews so far have all been extremely positive. There really is something for everyone on this album. Our tongue-in-cheek humour shines through on songs like 'Only Fans' and 'Anger Management', our serious side on 'Not The Enemy' and 'Maximum Impact' and our singalong songs 'Down on the Docks' and 'Old School Punk' don’t disappoint. So decide for yourself what’s your favourite and get your copy now through Randale Records.
Catch Convict Class on the road at...
31 July - London: The Water Rats
1 Aug - Bristol: The Chelsea Inn
2 Aug - Newport: The Cab
4 Aug - Northwich: The Salty Dog
5 Aug - Blackpool: The Washington
9 Aug - Blackpool: Rebellion Festival
13 Aug - Edinburgh: Bannerman’s
14 Aug - Glasgow: Ivory Blacks
15 Aug - Gateshead: The Black Bull
Check out more Convict Class in our Rock'n'Roll Outlaws feature in last month's Vive Le Rock!, still available here.