Review by Catherine McCauley for MPM
Strangers with Guns
This three piece from Dublin, sporting Hawaiian shirts with large google eye stickers on the bass drum, reminded me of seeing mates play upstairs in the Gweedore bar as a teenager. They possess a no fuck attitude with punky delivery.
The band knocked out catchy songs such as “Cants”, “I am Henry Rollins” “Too tired to Sleep….but I’m ok to drive” and brought their set to a close with “Sabotage – (Beastie Boys cover). The lads played with vigour and enthusiasm warming up the crowd with vivacity.
Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons
The Welsh Flag hung proudly to the right hand side of the stage. The sold out venue began to fill with eager fans adorned in Motorhead t-shirts and battle jackets. It was definitely a night for the older crowd with a few younger fans sporadically scattered throughout the Limelight 2. Fantastic to see a sold out crowd on an Easter Sunday Night in Belfast.
Phil Campbell hailing from Pontypridd Wales, an original member of Motorhead since 1984, was playing guitar from the age of ten. He met the legend that was Lemmy Kilmister at the young age of twelve after a gig. Campbell eleven years later, auditioned alongside Wurzel which resulted in his induction to Motorhead. Campbell remained a member of Motorhead until the unfortunate demise of Lemmy in 2015. The Headliners were here to play a Motorhead set in honour of the 50th Anniversary of the band.
Phil founded PCATBS in 2016. The boys are certainly not ‘Bastards’ much to their poor Mum and Phil’s wife Gaynor’s displeasure of the band’s name. Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons released their debut album The Age Of Absurdity on 26 January 2018, followed by We’re the Bastards in 2020 produced by Todd, then Kings of the Asylum in 2023. They’ve also a number of live albums under their belt. The current line up comprises of Phil Campbell – guitar, Todd Campbell – guitar and harmonica, Dane Campbell – drums Tyla Campbell – bass and Joel Peters – Vocals.
As Rocking all over the world by Status Quo began blaring through the speakers, the now fervent packed venue became animated. The lads took to the stage, ‘Iron Fist’ erupted with the deep rumblings of Tyla’s bass guitar, Tyla’s bass plate proudly displays the bands skull logo. The crowd were all too eager to chant along with Peters to the Chorus of “You know me, evil eye, You know me, prepare to die”. Phil’s dexterity was unparalleled, yet he plays with a carefree attitude. Todd, Dane and Tyla are certainly their father’s sons, their musicianship is undoubtedly on display from the get go. The band are unapologetically heavy and have the crowd bouncing along whilst being impressive to watch.
The groovy ‘Damage Case’ was next, they kept the crowd captivated. Phil’s blistering solo was perfectly accompanied by the lads. This is clearly a group of lads determined to do Lemmy and the Motorhead Legacy proud. They were tight and note perfect. ‘Going to Brazil’ blasted and kept the energetic crowd thrilled. Peters continued to do an amazing job of emulating the vocals of the legend that was Lemmy. The band are outstanding, true professionals whilst having a laugh and enjoying playing the songs as much as we are hearing them.
Dane’s thundering drums introduced ‘Ogasmatron’, a cracking tune who’s lyrics are still very relevant in today’s society. The lads deliver a heavy rendition with Peter’s growling vocals a perfect accompaniment. Todd’s scorching solo was a sight to behold. ‘Rock Out’ begins with Tyla’s thundering bass – he unquestionably does the big man proud throughout the set.
The Limelight is bouncing and it’s hot as hell. The lads are enjoying a can of Guinness in between songs and engaging the crowd. The middle finger is in frequent use throughout the gig. Phil himself introduced ‘Metropolis’ as the song Motorhead played at “Every Fucking Gig”. Tyla, Todd and Phil play in unison leading into rocking guitar solos by father and son. The band deliver one anthemic track after another.
‘Born to Raise Hell’ saw Peters encouraging the crowd to raise their devils horns which we were happy to provide. Standing on a platform Peters had everyone chanting along to “Born to Raise Hell” and boy do these lads do it well!! ‘Smiling Like A Killer’ opened by Todd and Dane saw Phil deliver another stunning solo the man is a legend in his right. ‘(We are) the road crew’ dedicated to the bands crew and each and every one of the fans who turn up to support live music. The fans provided rapturous applause and sang along to the chorus with pleasure. Todd provided a heavy solo mid song whilst perched on a platform. Not to be outdone by his son, Phil then powers through yet another beautifully executed solo.
‘Lost Woman Blues’ beautifully evidences Motorhead’s version of the blues, slowing the set down somewhat giving the crowd a chance to catch their breath. Not for long though as ‘R.A.M.O.N.E.S.’ has the Limelight bouncing again. Motorhead recorded this song as a Tribute on 1916 to their friends The Ramones. ‘The Chase is better than the catch’ kept the temp fast and dare I say a tad sleazy – as I’m sure Lemmy would approve. The crowd lapped up Tyla’s delivery of the infamous bass intro as ‘Ace of Spades’ exploded ramping up the energy by yet another notch. The crowd was euphoric as they chanted along to “You know I’m born to lose, And gambling’s for fools, But that’s the way I Like it, Baby”. Todd brought the song to an end with yet another blazing solo.
‘Killed by Death’ had Peters telling the crowd that there were two songs left. The crowd begged for more. Peters in response to one eager concert goers request, replied “fucking five, you cheeky fucker” had the crowd in stitches. The crowd sang along as Peters sang “If you squeeze my lizard, I’ll put my snake on you “whilst revealing a cheeky crotch grab. Introduced by Phil as one of the last songs ever recorded by Motorhead the band launched into Heroes (Bowie Cover – shout out to my mate Darren who loves this song). This track gives the lads a chance to show their harmonising chops. An acoustic version of ‘Whorehouse Blues’ see’s Phil and Tyla, playing the track with Todd on Harmonica.
Along with the notorious siren, the lads ripped into ‘Bomber’. Phil shreds the guitar intro and the crowd shouts along to the fast paced vocals of Peters. “Motorhead” (initially written by Lemmy while he was a member of Hawkwind – then later recorded by Motorhead) opened with Tyla’s thumping bass line. The blistering ‘Overkill’ brought tonight’s proceedings to an end. Peters dedicated the song to “all five of you who cheered for a really fast one” in jest. Dane pounded on the double bass drums alongside Tyla on the bass. The crowd song along ferociously enjoying the extended version. Phil introduced the band telling Belfast how much they enjoyed playing there and that it was their first ever gig in the city. Hopefully it will not be their last. Peters charged everyone with giving Tyla the middle finger and then got a photo of the crowd extending their middle fingers.
Phil Campbell and the bastard sons are a force to be reckoned with and definitely a band to catch this year if you get the chance. It was a genuine pleasure to witness a legend and proud father support his talented sons carry on a legacy. The ecstatic audience spill out into the street sweaty and with a lasting ringing in our ears. Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons certainly did Lemmy and the 50yrs of Motorhead legacy proud. What a way to spend an Easter Sunday in Belfast.
Photography by Darren McVeigh for MPM
