So many acts, so little time and record numbers through the Literary Stage doors. The atmosphere out front is one of laid-back chat, quips and laughter, but behind the scenes, it can be one of late arrivals, missing passes, and finding Charlie Harper a Pilsner.
The Literary Stage was a hive of activity this year, and while everyone who graced the famous old green sofa added something extraordinary to the four days, I'll run through a few highlights: MIKE BATT singing ‘Bright Eyes’, CHARLIE HARPER telling us some “it’s in the book” pre-Subs tales, ED TUDOR POLE doing stand up, PAUL RAGGITY & the Monster Munch story & NEVILLE STAPLE and the DNA tests… ANARCHO PUNK DISCUSSION 3 and CHUMBAWAMBA invading the Green Room, talking loudly to GIRLSCHOOL (pictured), ANIMAL from ANTI- NOWHERE LEAGUE’s glass attack, CHERRY B’S filthy poems, FIONA DUNCAN being Fiona Duncan, DAVE BARBAROSSA and the Antz plus IRVINE WELSH’s wide, wide eyes and amazing mind, the formidable HR from Bad Brains and a mass toast for COLIN JERWOOD (RIP) from CONFLICT.
An island of calm in a sea of madness, punks and noise, The Literary Stage looks forward to welcoming you all in 2026.
Guy Shankland
Read the full lowdown on Rebellion 2025 in the new edition of Vive Le Rock!