Kicking Up A Racket

Nov

2009

Kicking Up A Racket

Based on a desire to read a book on his favourite band author, Ro Link, spent seven years researching a new biography of Stiff LIttle Fingers, along the way linking up with like-minded long time SLF fan, Ian Templeton. Ian spoke with Adam and Edge about the band's early records, their live performances and the influence they had.

Both recall seeing the band in 1978 at Moran's and McGonagles in Dublin.'I remember most definitely the first time I saw Stiff Little Fingers,' recalls Adam. 'The reason I recall the show was because it was so mind expanding. They were just so incredibly powerful, they were the equivalent, I guess, of an English person seeing the Clash at the 100 Club or something.'

'In Dublin, ' he adds. 'Certainly within our circle, those shows kick-started a hundred Irish bands across the city'.

Edge recalls the 'great punk anthem' that was 'Suspect Device'. 'It had everything really, it was an incredible three-and-a-half-minutes. So much venom in the lyrics and the sound was so messed up. It was perfect in its imperfection. These guys just really meant it. It meant everything. It was life or death, that's what I remember from the show.'

The title of the book is a nod to SLF guitarist, Henry Cluney, and Edge recalled his whirlwind style. 'I just remember being blown away by the intensity of the band's playing, particularly actually Henry. Just the way he would attack the guitar, he was gone, he was so lost in it. Just the total commitment to the playing, there was not a hint of holding back or posing.'

'Kicking Up A Racket The Story of Stiff Little Fingers 1977 - 1983' is published by Belfast-based Appletree Press and available from here.

(And if you're in or around Belfast tomorrow, Thursday 26th, there's a launch party at the John Hewitt Bar, 51 Donegall Street, Belfast, BT1 2FH

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zootvboy - 26 November, 2009

TIN SOLDIER

He signed away his name TIN SOLDIER No chance for cash or fame TIN SOLDIER Now he knows the truth TIN SOLDIER He signed away his youth....... Truly, one of the finest songs ever recorded.

bonovox4u2 - 26 November, 2009

SLF WERE (and are) THE DOGS B****X

I was a huge Slf fan and just getting in to U2 when I watched a bbc programme on both the bands as they were from each side of the border. I was instantly then a U2 fanatic, joining the fan club , number 1024 or there abouts.I still listen to the boys from Belfast and went to see them a coople of months ago in Edinburgh and they still Rock........ alternative ulster ..ahhhhh Anychance of anybody creating a link of that Bbc programme

Yogic - 26 November, 2009

Peace Sign Rocks

Love the Red Hot Peace Sign... : ). I'll flash back and look Stiff Little Fingers up...nice desrcription of intensity... I'll be like I know that one : )... Thanks for the SLF's tickler and the party invite at the John Hewitt Bar but you'll have to have one for me... My Turkey's Timer is ready to pop : )...

CNF - 26 November, 2009

Stiff Little Fingers in Amsterdam 1980

It was because of SLF that I have seen U2 the first time (on the BOY tour!) and the start of my love for Ireland.. SLF played in Amsterdam and I was there with some mates ( and a few beers aswel, I must admit) and as I remember it, it was a great night, one to be repeated. So when I saw this announcement a few weeks later that "another promising Irish band" was coming I didn't have to think very long.. This time however there was only ONE beer involved and the rest of the evening I stood in awe. (yes, even back then) So I guess a Big Thank YOU to SLF is in order, I can not even imagine after 29 years of being an U2 fan how my life would be without their music..

lassche - 25 November, 2009

DON`T PUT THEM ON THE MOON

PUT THEM ON EARTH, PEACE ON EARTH MISS YOU SUGAR, MISS YOU SUGAR: U2 AT THE GROLSCH-VESTE IN 2010, ENSCHEDE: WITH THE BIKE TO U2 AND AFTER THE SHOW A FEW GROLSCH BEERS, COLD BEERS AND AFTER THAT: DREAM OUT LOUD: SO THIS IS MY DREAM FOR 2010. LOVE AND LIGHT FROM OLDENZAAL, THE NETHERLANDS.

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