Chris Converse of Punkfest in Brisbane shares some incredible moments in Brisbane punk rock history plus gives us the lowdown on the amazing run of shows coming up in Australia’s current punk rock capital. From beers being flung at John Lydon and Motorhead to Razar selling four times the tickets to up-close pub shows with the Ramones, Brissie has had a colourful history (dating back to Brisbane natives and punk rock pioneers The Saints). Chris gives us a glimpse through the sweaty, beer-stained curtain.
How did you get into punk music?
I suppose just through being curious, listening to (Brisbane community radio station) 4zzz and hearing about it from schools friends were into it and still are into it to this day.
What was your first exposure to Australian punk music?
Brisbane has a fine array of legendary punk bands like Razar and The Saints so these were definitely some of the first aussie punk bands I listened to.
What were the first shows you went to?
My first gigs were local shows with Crucified Truth, D.P.O., Mystery of Sixes, N.T.T.
What was unique about the shows back then?
A lot of them were in suburban halls, people’s backyards or seedy dive bars in the Valley, perfect for punk rock.
What were the first records you bought, local and otherwise?
A lot of the ’77 English punk rock. Locally, anything you could lay your hands on.
What was the Brisbane scene like in the early days of you going out to shows?
It was a hell of a lot of fun. New friends made every gig with friendships still lasting to this day. Plenty of beers. A lot of police presence and people generally trying to shut down gigs or throw the nearest object at you for the way you looked. We learnt to duck and weave pretty well.
How does it compare to what it’s like now?
I still find gigs have the same excitement now, we just have more venues willing to put punk/alternative bands on.
Can you please share some photos from shows back then?
Bad Ronald @ Alliance Hotel, Spring Hill (1989).
One of my favourite Brisbane shows ever. This was their last gig – 21st October, 1989.
Henry Rollins @ Dooleys Hotel, Brisbane (1990).
“I remember that night well. The biggest skinhead in the room thought a guy touched his girlfriend’s ass. He proceeded to punch him out the front doors in front of the bouncers and on to the next level. Ted and I were on the footpath. I ran up the stairs tried to move him off you. He turned around and punched he back down the stairs smashing my teeth. Was a great night. Got to meet Henry.” -Darrin Worsely.
“I think I was the ‘bouncer.’ I roadied that tour (with the Splatterheads as support). I remember trying to keep that space free so Henry could do push-ups, stretch, etc. In what is possibly the longest break between event and apology, sorry, I was just trying to protect the talent. In no way would I have intended that to be an aggressive act, although I’m kinda happy it felt that way.” – Russell Yule.
Motorhead @ The Playroom, Gold Coast (1991).
The infamous Playroom gig down the Gold Coast where Motorhead walked off after 5 songs due to excessive beer cans being thrown at them. 21st June, 1991.
Iggy Pop @ Easts Leagues Club, Brisbane (1989).
This gig was all kinds of insanity and craziness. Everyone was just so f**ked up, including Iggy, shit was going everywhere. I still managed to get front and centre for this photo.
The Pogues @ Easts Leagues Club (1988).
The Pogues had the Aboriginal flag upside down (which was quickly rectified). Another night of madness. Thank god I have photos to remember this night.
The Cramps @ Easts Leagues Club (1990).
Lux says it all with this stynning leather g-string and high heels.
Razar @ Brisbane (1989).
Razar reunited for one night only and a Wednesday night to top it off. They expected 200 people and 800 turned up, f**ken batshit crazy gig. February 1st, 1989.
The Ramones @ The Playroom Gold Coast, 1991.
It was unbelievable to see The Ramones so close. January 22nd, 1991.
P.I.L.@ Easts Leagues Club (1989).
The place was packed to the sh*thouse and John Lydon said if one more beer can gets thrown at him or the band they are walking off and yep you guessed it, one second later a beer can hits him in the middle of the forehead. They did come back on 10 minutes later, no more cans were thrown. August 18th, 1989.
Fishbone @ Metropolis nightclub, Brisbane city (1992).
What a Valentines Day this was. The Band went nuts with their brass instruments bouncing off the ceiling and lead singer Angelo constantly crowd surfing February 14th, 1992.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen at a punk show?
There has been a lot of crazy shit go down. I was at Easts Leagues club when John Lydon got hit in the head with a beer can, I was also at the infamous Motorhead gig down the Gold Coast when they walked off due to excessive beer can throwing. People stage-diving off speaker stacks [including myself], random nudity by both band members and crowd members, bouncers coming at us with baseball bats. F**k, I could go on for ever. I will put a book out one day.
How did you get involved with Punkfest? What do you guys aim to do with your shows?
I got involved with Punkfest when I started stalking/dating Cathy (who ran Punkfest) about 8 years ago. We always aim to put on great shows with mixed genre bills with our great local talent and also with interstate and international bands.
What are the most exciting bands out there in Brisbane right now?
Fat, Flangipanis, Crooked Face, Mouthguard, HITS … that is just a few. Brisbane has the best alternative music scene in Australia in my opinion.
What are the three best things about Brisbane shows?
Great bands, great music, great venues and most of all awesome people.
What gigs do you have coming up?
Feb 12: X from Melbourne with Dr Bombay and Heavy Roller at the Beetle Bar. Event page
Feb 13: A celebration of Beast Records from France with SixFt Hick, Vegas Kings, Dan Brodie, Gentle Ben & HSS, Bertie Page Clinic, The Fred Band plus loads more at The Beetle Bar. Event page
Feb 19th: Dan Potthast (USA), Kingston Stompers and Alla Spina.
Feb 20th: The Mis-Made(SYD), Black Breaks (SYD), The Wrath, 1.1.1. and Goatzilla at the Beetle Bar.
March 4th: Australian Kingswood Factory (MELB), The Wrath, Crooked Face, Goon on the Rocks, Kill the Apprentice at the Beetle Bar.
March 12th: I Am Duckeye (MELB), Warhawk (SYD), Pegbucket (MELB) and Palliative Care at the Beetle Bar.
April 9th: Punkfest Birthday Bash/ Cathys 50th with The Go Set (MELB), Vicious (legendary Gold Coast ugly punx, their first Brisbane gig in 6 years), Topnovil, The Clap and Crooked Face at the Beetle Bar.
Punkfest is also involved with the promotion of the upcoming Stiff Little Fingers (Belfast) gig at The Triffid on April 2nd as well as The Supersuckers (USA) at the Crowbar April 29th.
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