There are some bands that exist purely in the annals of music history, and then there are bands like Stiff Little Fingers, who prove that the fire of punk rock never truly fades. Their recent show at The Academy in Dublin was a masterclass in how to stay relevant and powerful, proving that while the calendar pages may have turned, the band’s fury and passion remain as potent as ever.
The energy in the room was palpable from the moment the house lights went down. The crowd, a mix of dedicated lifers and a surprisingly youthful contingent, erupted as the band, led by the indefatigable Jake Burns, launched into their set. From the opening chords, it was clear that the band’s sound—a blend of raw punk intensity and melodic, socio-political storytelling—is as sharp as it was in 1977.
The setlist was a triumphant mix of the old and the new. Classics like “Suspect Device,” “Alternative Ulster,” and “Gotta Getaway” were delivered with a ferocious energy that had the floor bouncing and the audience singing every word. But it wasn’t just a nostalgia trip. The band seamlessly wove in newer material, which stands shoulder to shoulder with their seminal work. The lyrics, tackling themes of mental health and social commentary, resonated with a modern audience just as powerfully as their initial protest anthems did decades ago.
What truly sets a Stiff Little Fingers gig apart is Jake Burns’s stage presence. He is a commanding frontman, but also a storyteller. In between songs, he shared anecdotes and poignant monologues, his candidness on topics like his struggles with depression creating a powerful and intimate connection with the crowd. It’s this authenticity that makes their performance more than just a concert; it’s a shared experience.
The band’s performance was tight and professional, a testament to their years on the road. The rhythm section, with Ali McMordie’s driving bass and Steve Grantley’s thunderous drums, provided the perfect foundation for Burns’s signature guitar work. The sound was full and aggressive, filling the venue with a sound that was both a throwback and a contemporary roar.
For an hour and a half, Stiff Little Fingers reminded everyone in The Academy why they are legends of punk. They aren’t just playing old songs; they are performing a living history, with every note and every lyric still burning with the same conviction. It was a gig that proved that while some things change, the power of a well-crafted punk song and the spirit behind it can last a lifetime.
Stiff Little Fingers Photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Roots, Radics, Rockers, Reggae (Bunny Wailer cover)
At the Edge
Wasted Life
Won’t Be Told
Strummerville
Mary’s Boy Child
Straw Dogs
Piccadilly Circus
Just Fade Away
Each Dollar a Bullet
Harp
My Dark Places
Nobody’s Hero
Tin Soldiers
Suspect Device
Gotta Gettaway
Encore:
Barbed Wire Love
Alternative Ulster
Photos & words – David McEneaney @experimentzero