The show ended up being held at the
Union Transfer and there also was a second show added as this one sold out in about an hour.
This was the first time I had the pleasure of seeing
Cock Sparrer. Not for the lack of desire, just lack of opportunity. This was one of those shows where the anticipation ends up being a high in itself.
This was my first trip to the
Union Transfer, which is a fantastic venue. It is a great room. Lots of space for bands to sell their merch, great sound, snacks (including ice cream) are available, parking nearby and the balcony and set up of the room provides for a spectacular show experience.
Inside the Union Transfer
I also want to give a thumbs up to the
Llama Tooth, a restaurant and garden grill that is located across the street from the Union Transfer. If you have some time before the show (like an hour) stop in and get your fuel! I had the K-Rock Burger (8oz Angus, BBQ pulled pork, grilled onion, provolone, fried cilantro) which was one of the best burgers I've had in awhile! Bix had the Mojo Cuban (citrus garlic pulled pork, country ham, bacon, pepper-jack cheese, pickle on baguette)! We sat outside which gave us the opportunity to check out the murals on the wall and chat with some others (two had made the trip from Cleveland Ohio) waiting to go see the show.
Llama Tooth
Cock Sparrer's first song was "Riot Squad". Damn! What a way to start off the show! This is one of my favorite Cock Sparrer songs and probably the song I most enjoy playing on guitar in my punk covers band Nostalgia Crisis (probably tied with "Sonic Reducer" by the Dead Boys). All of the pre-concert anticipation could have left room for a potential let down. Cock Sparrer exceeded my expectations!!!
Cock Sparrer
Cock Sparrer members may be old, even compared to my 45 years, but I sure hope I have the kind of energy they do when I get to be their age. Cock Sparrer are strong, energetic and put on a tremendous show. They truly looked like they were getting the same thrill we were in the crowd.
Cock Sparrer
Cock Sparrer
Cock Sparrer played many favorites! "A.U.", "Because You're Young", "Running Riot", "Chip On My Shoulder", "I Got Your Number", "Tough Guys", "Argy Bargy" and "Working". I've been waiting decades to see Cock Sparrer and would have watched them play every song from their discography!!!
Crowd shot at Cock Sparrer gig.
Cock Sparrer gave the crowd a heartfelt appreciation, proclaiming the Philadelphia crowd sang along the loudest they have ever witnessed. Sure enough, "Take Em All" and "England Belongs To Me" had the feeling that the entire place was functioning as one. I've been to shows where bands try to get the crowd to sing along. Hell no, Cock Sparrer fans want (need) to shout and sing along as loud as possible. Truly unbelievable to be a part of this show.
Cock Sparrer
Cock Sparrer
Cock Sparrer
A.U. Lyrics
A U Come outside
I'm fed up with you looking
Like the cat who got the cooking
I said A U
You and me outside
You've got the kind of face
The face of a git
And I really want to hit it
I said A U
You and me outside
Coz I've been watching you
Chatting up all the girls
And I'm fed up with you
And I've drunk enough
[Chorus]
Someone's gonna get a slap tonight
Someone's gonna get whacked tonight
Someone's gonna get a smack tonight
From me
And it's gonna be you
A U You look like a poof
How loud do I shout it ?
Tell me what you're gonna do about it ?
A U You and me outside
You're a bloke who's heading for one
A real fist magnet if ever I saw one
A U You and me outside
I saw you kiss that girl
Over in the corner
It's not jealousy
It's just you and me
[Chorus]
You've got too much dosh, you're everything I hate
You talk all posh, you make me so irate
You're so cock sure, you're a liability
I told you before, it's not jealousy
It's not jealously
It's just you and me
Cock Sparrer
Cock Sparrer
Cock Sparrer
The bouncers/security really have their act together at the Union Transfer. They brought the crowd surfers (including one wheelchair bound bloke) across the barrier with no attitude and got them to where they needed to be with zero incident. The Union Transfer is professional.
The Cro Mags played before Cock Sparrer, which was great for me. Much like Cock Sparrer, the Cro Mags hold a special place in my heart. The Cro Mags LP "Age of Quarrel" is one of those life changing records.
Cro Mags
Cro Mags
Cro Mags
John Joseph (vocalist and author of "Meat Is For Pussies" and "The Evolution of a Cro Magnon") and the rest of the Cro Mags ran through most of "Age of Quarrel" and two Bad Brains covers with vital energy. "We Gotta Know", "Life on my Own", "Show You No Mercy", "Street Justice" and "Hard Times" all killed.
Cro Mags
Cro Mags
Cro Mags
Cro Mags
Cro Mags
Wisdom in Chains
Wisdom in Chains and the Night Birds opened the show. Wisdom in Chains expressed their gratitude and honor to be playing on a bill with both the Cro Mags and Cock Sparrer.
This show will go down in history as one of my favorite punk shows ever attended. I've got 30 years under my belt and hope that I will get to see at least another 30 years of great shows. Seeing Cock Sparrer in Philly was a life affirming, positive and inspirational event that I will treasure forever!
Limited to 125 screened poster that is now on my office wall.
Cheers!
Frank FOE
