Buzzcocks + HITS + White Dog - 11 March 2016

The Buzzcocks + HITS + White Dog

The Factory Theatre, Sydney

Friday 11 March 2016

Upon walking in we caught the second half of the set of Sydney's White Dog. Their tunes were like an amalgam  of early Black Flag and OFF. They were controlled chaos. I'd look forward to catching them again. The drummer and singer were the necessary unhinged components of this group whilst the buttoned shirted guitarist and bassist Stodden their stoic ground.

HITS from BrisVegas (Brisbane) were the filthy dose of rock the night needed. It upped the ante with swagger, and some filthy attitude - in a good way of course.  The five piece have been around for a few years but this is only my second encounter and I was excited for it. They're kind of like an 80's scuzzy rock. The singer is a great frontman, a good dude who'll offer you a kiss if in range, while chat about Bunnings. The two women well n truly kick out the jams, and the drummer and guitarist give what for too. Bitter and Twisted, and Take yer Pills were amongst HITS tunes tonight

The tension was building rapidly for the Buzzcocks. Due on in 15 minutes, they took 40 minutes. Later it was found out they had equipment difficulties. Not rockstar-itis as some at the time Boredom kicked off their set tonight. All their pop punk hits were here for this sold out crowd on the bands 40th Anniversary tour - Autonomy, How Could You Ever, Noise Annoys, Ever Fallen In Love... And of course Orgasm Addict!! The band were 'tight as'  tonight! ...Apart from Steve Diggle's - resplendent (sic) in coloured jeans and pastel top - amp malfunctioning about four tunes from the end. He was loving the crowd, 'surfing' his guitar, and doing Pete Townshend windmills whenever he could, and Pete Shelleys laconic wit was as dry as ever per his songs.  On What Do I Get, ironically, you could hear him in his northern dry wit and Manc accent mumble 'not a bloody amp for sure'.

It was a great night. All bands fitted the bill well together and were on their A-game. The crowd left the Factory happily buzzing tonight.