28/05/2026
What a fabulous night this was! Thanks To Have and To Hold Records for another great event.
Re PunK'd | Our Watson Hall Tewkesbury | 23/05/1977
The gathering outside the Watson Hall was a scene of colourful DIY art and physical, leather-jacketed intimidation. Suffocating, the humidity worsened still an air of imminent danger. Worried on-lookers hurried by as the folk-devils scowled, stared and defied those who dared to stop and survey the scene. The pavement outside was a mosaic of “Rorschach ink-blot” spittle. The hollow crump of DMs a soundtrack to the proceedings...
“Ever feel like you’ve been had?” John Lydon
Of course, the evening in reality was Amiable in the UK! Indeed, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the Watson at 8.35pm on the night. Audience members without bidding gravitated to the stage as the gang- members of RePunk’d gathered against a graffiti strewn backdrop. John Peel’s reassuring voice on the soundtrack was an inspired touch. Not for RePunk’d though, playing the wrong side of the single.
Pretty VaCANT instantly recognisable, had the dancers up instantly and on uncomfortable hips and unforgiving knees the battleground remained animated and lively for the gig. Special mention to the bespectacled chap in camo trousers and the lady with a bob, neon “Never Mind” T-shirt, and leopard- print skirt who were both determined to defy time and any disapproving looks from younger family members by making the dancefloor their own.
London Calling’s bass line rumbled through the speakers and the chorus triggered much head-jerking and arms aloft salutes. Teenage Kicks encouraged a collective and voluntary sing-along. Call Me proved beyond doubt that the Punk and New Wave DNA was also made up of XX chromosomes! What was your favourite song of the night?
The soundtrack of Margaret the Milk-Snatcher’s voice was another inspired choice as an oral backdrop to the night. The lead-singer and the band acting out “Saint” Bob Geldof’s performance on ToTPs did not go unnoticed either. You have to admire Re Punk’d’s eye for detail. What did you observe?
Alternative Ulster triggered a response that was unforeseen. Convinced the band speeded up due to the adrenaline inducing sentiments in the song. One of the original Theoc Punks threw himself into the lyrics; the Punk was then lost in the moment with his air-guitar and time-defying attitude. Even now, I can still see the DIY legend emblazoned on the back of his jacket as he made his way through Priors Park all those years ago: “Rebel With A Cause”.
The night was complimented by an appreciative and amiable atmosphere. The night was further complimented by the reassuring musicality of Re Punk’d who were tighter than Malcolm Maclaren’s purse strings. And you couldn’t help but marvel at the Punk attitude of the Saxophonist who was determined to play shoe-less in his multi-coloured socks. Surely, even Bill Grundy would have approved?
What were your abiding memories of the night? Please leave a comment below...
Kid Gonzo
Ps Special mention on the night goes to Re Punk’d’s drummer...as reliable as Greenwich Mean Time itself!
To Have and To Hold Records
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Paul Cutts Photography
